My in-laws live in Fenwick, so we’ve been able to spend a lot of time on wheelchair accessible Delaware beaches. A beach trip with a wheelchair user requires an extra level of planning. Most accessible Delaware beaches require beach wheelchair reservations to be made in advance, which means you’re not just heading to the beach on a whim. In fact, we’ve had beach trips when we’ve never made it to the ocean because we didn’t book the beach wheelchair in time!
That said, Delaware has a lot of options for beach access. It’s also a very family-friendly beach state with a lot to offer for people of all ages. While each beach has its own vibe, they all share a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of activities and foodie treats to choose from. From sandy boardwalks to state parks, these wheelchair accessible Delaware beaches offer comfort, convenience, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
Whether you’re traveling with a child who uses a wheelchair or looking for smooth sand access yourself, these six beach towns make it easier to enjoy the coast as a family without the stress.
Here’s your full guide to the accessible beach amenities across Delaware!
Accessible Delaware Beaches at a Glance
Bethany
- Accessible Beach Access Points: Wellington Parkway and Ocean View Parkway
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: First come, first serve. 2 available. They can be checked out for use at the Lifeguard Station located at the top of Garfield Parkway at the ocean. A sign at the Lifeguard Station provides the telephone number (302-539-1000) to call to borrow a beach wheelchair. Those requesting use of the wheelchairs will be asked to provide identification.
- Accessible Restrooms: Comfort station located at the beach front on Garfield Parkway.
Dewey
- Accessible Beach Access Points: Direct access with beach wheelchair at any point
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: Must reserve online in advance here: By Clicking Here or call (302) 227-6365
- Accessible Restrooms: There are no bath houses on the beach, but there are public restroom facilities available on Dickinson Avenue next to the Lighthouse.
Fenwick
- Accessible Beach Access Points: Direct access with beach wheelchair at any point
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: Ask a lifeguard upon arrival or call for reservation: (302)462-6942
- Accessible Restrooms: none
**Fenwick also offers drop off and pick up for wheelchair users. Call (302)462-6942 or ask a lifeguard and they’ll get a Bobcat to deliver you and your gear.**
Henlopen State Park
- Accessible Beach Access Points:Ramp by bath house
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: First come, first serve. Call to reserve. Cape Henlopen Main Beach or Gordons Pond call 302-645-8983
for Towers Road Parking Lot, South Inlet Day Area, or Fenwick Island Lot call 302-227-2800 - Accessible Restrooms: All bath houses are accessible.
Lewes Beach
- Accessible Parking: Metered parking at Savannah Beach and Johnnie Walker Beach. Additional Parking information may be found here.Rehoboth Beach: A Classic with Thoughtful Access
- Accessible Beach Access Points: Johnnie Walker Beach, Savannah Beach
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: First come, first serve available at Savannah Beach
- Accessible Restrooms: Savannah Beach, Johnnie Walker Beach
Rehoboth
- Accessible Beach Access Points: Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street. Mobi-Mat locations are at Delaware Avenue and Maryland Avenue.
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: First come, first serve. Beach wheelchairs are available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. starting Memorial Day weekend. Please contact the Beach Wheelchair Supervisor at Beach Patrol Headquarters, 1 Baltimore Avenue, or at the storage sheds located on the beach at Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street, to accommodate your needs. Beach wheelchairs must remain within two blocks of the pick-up location and may not be used on the boardwalk. For more information please call 302-227-2280.
- Accessible Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at Delaware Avenue and the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Avenue and First Street, and Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk.
Accessibility Resources at Delaware’s Beaches
With intentional features like beach wheelchairs, Mobi-mat walkways, and ADA parking, these beaches ensure that everyone can enjoy the surf and sand without barriers. If you want to wander farther, check out the Wonders Within Reach U.S. beach guide highlighting accessible beaches and amenities around the nation.
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach wheelchairs are a game-changer for families wanting to enjoy the beach without limitations. In Delaware, many beaches offer these wheelchairs for free. For example, Rehoboth Beach provides beach wheelchairs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with easy access thanks to ramps at Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street. Similarly, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island offer free beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. These chairs with massive inflated tires are designed to roll smoothly over sand. The chairs are fairly easy to push, but they do require a companion. They cannot be independently operated.
Mobi-mat Walkways
Navigating sandy beaches can be tricky, but Mobi-mat walkways provide a stable and accessible path for wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone needing a firmer surface. These walkways are rolled out over the sand at key access points, such as Delaware Avenue and Maryland Avenue at Rehoboth Beach, ensuring everyone can reach the shore with ease. The mats vary in length. So, while they all get you over the dunes and to a view of the ocean, you will also want a beach wheelchair if you plan to get into the water.
ADA Parking
Beach parking can be stressful for everyone. Delaware’s commitment to accessibility includes ADA parking spaces at every beach access point. These spots are strategically located throughout beach towns, allowing easy access to the beach. Vehicles with ADA plates or permits are still required to pay at metered spaces, so plan accordingly. If you’re in the southern end of the state, it’s worth noting that if you cross the block into Maryland you can take advantage of free street parking with your valid placard.
Delaware’s accessible beaches make a great getaway, creating inclusive experiences for everyone. With resources like beach wheelchairs, Mobi-mat walkways, and ADA parking, these beaches have removed many of the barriers that keep us from enjoying the beach.
Top Six Accessible Beaches in Delaware
Bethany is known for its family vibe, Rehoboth for being more lively, and Fenwick and Henlopen as the more natural state park options, but all of them have something for everyone.
Bethany Beach: Family Fun and Easy Access
Bethany Beach is a relaxing and family-friendly spot with just the right pace for a day by the water. You can pick up a free beach wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lifeguard Station on Garfield Parkway. They can be checked out for use at the Lifeguard Station located at the top of Garfield Parkway at the ocean. A sign at the Lifeguard Station provides the telephone number to call to borrow a beach wheelchair (302) 539-1000.
Those requesting use of the wheelchairs will be asked to provide identification which will be logged, indicating who is using the wheelchair, date and time of checkout, and time of return. Users are requested not to take the wheelchair beyond the incorporated limits of Bethany Beach.
That same area includes accessible restrooms at the public comfort station, making it easy to plan a stress-free outing.
The boardwalk is flat, well-maintained, and stroller and wheelchair friendly—so everyone in the family can enjoy an oceanside stroll. It’s only about a half-mile long, but its peaceful vibe and access to local shops and cafés make it a lovely outing.
Families rave about the nearby Mango’s for its accessible patio and ocean views. For something sweet, Maureen’s Ice Cream serves up treats with a ramped entrance and friendly staff willing to assist.
Dewey Beach: Small Town, Big Accessibility
Beach wheelchairs are available for free, and, unlike Rehoboth, Dewey Beach allows for advance reservations. You can reserve a chair online or by calling the Lifesaving Station. This is great for families who like to plan ahead and make sure they have access to the beach wheelchair. Beach wheelchairs are available for reservation daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The hours of reservation are from 10:00am to 4:45pm. Wheelchairs are available for pickup at the lifeguard stand on your requested street by 10:00am each morning of your reservation.
The beach is easily accessible from Ramps to the beach are available at Maryland Avenue, Philadelphia Street, and the Boardwalk/Surf Avenue., and public restrooms on Dickinson Avenue are wheelchair accessible. Dewey is a smaller beach town, so once you’re parked at your hotel or beach house you can probably just leave the car behind.
For dining, check out The Starboard—a Dewey classic with a wheelchair-friendly entrance and spacious seating. Of course, there’s also a Grotto Pizza in town.
Fenwick Island – Wheelchair Delivery
Did you know Fenwick Island is a State Park? That means parking/admission fees apply. We’ve parked the next block down, in Maryland, to bypass the fees. Just make sure you consider where you’re leaving your personal chair if you’re borrowing a beach wheelchair from Delaware State Parks.
Fenwick Island is known for its quieter vibe and family appeal. The town offers free beach wheelchairs, and a standout feature here is the “bobcat” delivery service for transporting beach gear to your chosen spot. This thoughtful addition makes things easier for anyone traveling with a lot of equipment—or who simply wants to avoid struggling with beach bags in the sand. The Fenwick Island Beach Patrol Assistance offers a vehicle service for transporting individuals with disabilities onto the beach, available from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, June through September on Delaware.gov.
Beach wheelchairs can be reserved here.
Accessible restrooms are available. ADA parking options are available on the beach side of town on Bayard, Farmington, Georgetown, and King Streets, requiring a valid parking permit.
Families love Fishers Popcorn and the Fenwick Boardwalk (across the street from the beach area), which includes an arcade and snack stands that are accessible with ramp access. Harpoon Hannah’s is always a popular accessible dinner spot, but there are loads of local favorites throughout town.
Barrier-Free Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen offers the best of both worlds: beach days and state park beauty, all with accessibility in mind. Delaware’s State Parks are also the only places beach wheelchairs are available year round. The park provides beach wheelchairs at both the Main Beach area and Gordons Pond. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 a.m. to sunset. Calling 24 hours in advance can guarantee availability, and is necessary during the off season. 302-645-8983.
All bathhouses in the park are fully accessible, and there’s a dedicated ramp by the main bathhouse to ease your way to the shore. Mobi-mats are available at the main beach area.
Beyond the beach, the Cape Henlopen Bike Loop (3 miles) and the Junction and Breakwater Trail (5 miles) offer wheelchair users scenic views of dunes, forests, and the Delaware Bay.
Don’t miss The Seaside Nature Center. In addition to the small aquarium, there’s a wheelchair accessible touch tank with horseshoe crabs, and more. It’s a great place to learn about the creatures of the habitat you’re visiting.
Lewes Beach: Where History Meets Accessible Shorelines
Lewes is sometimes overlooked in beach roundups, but it’s a mistake to leave it off your list—especially when you’re looking for wheelchair access. This historic town offers a small, flat public beach.
Beach wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis at Savannah Beach. The paved parking lot is located just steps from the sand. There’s less hustle and bustle than some of Delaware’s other beach towns, which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a quiet day in the sun without sacrificing convenience.
If you’re exploring the town, stop by Agave for upscale, wheelchair-accessible dining or take a stroll along the Canalfront Park, for a paved path with views of passing boats and shaded benches.
Accessible Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is working to make beach access easy. You can find accessible parking at street ends near every boardwalk entrance. In addition, entrance to the boardwalk is ramped. Parking is free in the off-season. Meter fees apply between May 15th – September 15th.
Rehoboth Boardwalk runs along the ocean and is a mile long, stretching from Surf Avenue to Prospect Street. It’s kept smooth and even for easy accessibility. Rehoboth Avenue is a fun extension of the boardwalk, taking you into town through ice cream shops, candy stores, beach boutiques, and countless local flavors and fares. The sidewalks are smooth and wide and every pedestrian crossing has a curb cut.
There are mobi mats extending from the boardwalk to the beach entrance at Maryland Ave and Laurel St.
While not labeled as “accessible,” most beach entrances from the boardwalk have a mat to help get you over the dunes, but the incline may be steeper than the accessible entrances.
Free beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the beach shacks located at Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street.
Wheelchairs are available from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can contact the beach patrol at (302) 227-2280 for additional sign-out information.
If you’re visiting in the off-season, you can rent a chair from 227 Rent. They can deliver to your hotel, but you’ll need to be able to transport it back and forth to the beach.
Planning Tips for a Smoother Beach Day
- Call ahead: Especially if you’re hoping to reserve a beach wheelchair. Typically, it’s best to call at least three business days in advance.
- Pack light: With access routes and bobcat services, you don’t need to haul everything yourself, but pushing the beach wheelchair is going to be your main task. Try not to bring more than you can put on the chair.
- Go early: ADA parking and wheelchairs can go quickly during peak season/hours.
- Bring a sunshade: None of these beaches have shaded areas.
- Know the tides: On flatter beaches, high tide may bring the water’s edge much closer to the Mobi Mat.
- Explore beyond the beach: Many towns offer accessible museums, trails, or boat tours—perfect for rounding out your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheelchair Accessible Delaware Beaches
Which beach is handicap accessible?
Delaware offers several wheelchair accessible beaches. Rehoboth Beach is a popular choice, featuring ramps at Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street, making it easy for wheelchair users to access the sand. Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Lewes Beach, Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island all provide direct access with beach wheelchairs available for reservation.
How do wheelchair users go to the beach?
Wheelchair users have several options for accessing the beach. Many accessible Delaware beaches offer beach wheelchairs that are specifically designed to handle sand. These chairs are usually available for free and can be reserved in advance or on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For those who prefer a bit more independence, motorized chairs can also be a great option. They provide the ability to steer the beach without needing assistance, offering a sense of freedom and independence to the user. There is a track chair coming soon to Cape Henlopen, but at this point none of the wheelchair accessible Delaware beaches offer these.
Is Dewey Beach handicap accessible?
Absolutely! Dewey Beach is committed to accessibility. The town provides free beach wheelchairs that can be reserved online or by phone. These chairs are designed to make it easy to roll across the sand, allowing everyone to enjoy the beach. While there are no bathhouses directly on the beach, public restrooms are available nearby on Dickinson Avenue, ensuring visitors have access to necessary facilities. Dewey is one of the top six wheelchair accessible Delaware beaches.