52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Trip Advisor

Cape Henlopen State Park

Situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay sits Cape Henlopen State Park and its 6+ miles of coastline. The “Point” of Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, shaped the history of this landscape. For millennia, native people lived off the land’s abundant and rich resources and in the late 1600s, William Penn’s family granted the land and allowed citizens to harvest many of the same resources.

The area’s strategic position led to the construction of Fort Miles during World war II. Take a tour of Battery 519, and climb to the top of the Observation Tower to discover the roles the towers played in the operation of Fort Miles.

A diverse collection of habitats makes up the coastal ecosystem of Cape Henlopen State Park. Barrier dunes, coastal beaches, and maritime forests are home to many species of plants and animals. Experience the Point, a great place for viewing birds, dolphins, seals, and more. See both the East End Breakwater and the Harbor of Refuge lighthouses. Bike the Loop trail around the park to experience diverse ecosystems. It's a great way to experience the rich history of the park.

Visitors can visit the Seaside Nature Center to participate in an interpretive program or learn about the park’s native plants and animals. Learn about the park’s habitats and the creatures that live here. Gordon’s Pond Trail offers stunning views of the park’s dynamic coastal habitats, including dunes, forests, and wetlands. Hike or bike across the elevated boardwalk, and look for wildlife along the trail.

Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Cape Henlopen State Park

The miles of sand that protect Cape Henlopen are some of the biggest dunes on the East Coast.

Attraction Advice

The park is open daily from 8 AM until sunset. Admission for in-state vehicles is $5 daily and out-of-state vehicles are $10 daily. A designated swimming beach, accessible from the Lewes entrance to the park, provides lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at this location.



Trip Advisor

Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy everything from ocean swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking to clamming, paddle-boarding, and windsurfing.
Delaware State Parks

Tower 7, one of 11 World War II-era fire-control towers, now provides one of the best views in Delaware.
Trip Advisor

The park's premier trails offer hiking and biking exploration.
Trip Advisor

Visit the point overlook to see both the East End Breakwater and the Harbor of Refuge lighthouses.

Coming Soon: To do, see, stay, etc