If Fido is your ideal companion for a beach getaway, then look no further than booking your stay at Mansion Farm Inn. Southern Delaware is the ideal dog-friendly getaway. Not only do we offer pet-friendly lodging for your favorite canine companions, but we’re just minutes from 10 dog-friendly beaches in Delaware.
Keep in mind, there are even dog-friendly restaurants in the area. After a day at the beach, you’re going to be hungry, and so is Fido. Visit Southern Delaware offers a list of dog friendly restaurants (subject to change).
Here are 10 dog-friendly beaches in order of proximity to our inn.
#1 – Broadkill Beach
8 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Broadkill Beach offers visitors swimming, surf fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle-boarding, as well as food and drink counters. The beach is surrounded by the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge to the west, which puts you close to plenty of nature and wildlife.
Dog Policies: Dogs must be kept on a leash unless they’re well-trained to voice command, and you must clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly.
Tip: Be sure to arrive early to find parking.
#2 – Fowler Beach
Also located within the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Fowler Beach is a wonderful place to bring your dog as there’s no development, and you can walk your dog for hours. This natural and beautiful beach is backed by dunes, and the sloping coastline promotes nice waves too. Be sure to bring your binoculars. Horseshoe crabs spawn here in May and June, which is fun to watch. If you happen to see a crab on its back, please flip it over! Otherwise, look and don’t touch.
Dog Policies: Fowler Beach is closed to dogs and is only open to visitors from October 1st – February 28th. It is closed March 1st – September 30th for shorebird nesting.
Tip: Keep your distance from wildlife.
#3 – Lewes Beach
19 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Located next to Rehoboth Beach, this popular beach offers concessions, bathrooms, swimming, paddling, and plenty of parking. You’ll also find a dock that stretches from the beach to Rehoboth Beach where you enjoy views of the water and the boats.
Dog Policies: Dogs are allowed anytime between October 1 and April 30. However, between May 1 and September 30, dogs are only allowed on the beach strand before 8am and after 6:30pm.
Tip: Offers a great view of the iconic Delaware Breakwater East End Light and Harbor of Refuge Light.
#4 – Dewey Beach
21 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Dewey Beach is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay and offers a wide and sandy area, perfect for finding a place to plop. You’ll find many fun activities from spring to fall, and watch for dolphins!
Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year, however they’re only permitted on the beach before 9:30am or after 5:30pm during the busy season from May 15 – September 15. Dogs do not have to be leashed, but they must have a Dewey Beach dog license, which you can purchase at the Dewey Beach Town Hall or online here. Plastic bags are available by beach entrance
Tip: Parking is FREE between the 5pm-11pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – perfect for a sunset!
#5 – Rehoboth Beach
24 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Rehoboth Beach is a beautiful 1-½ mile stretch of sand, surf, and shops that is also well-protected by lifeguards from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through three weeks following Labor Day. Summer brings live music near the boardwalk, fun festivals, and other happening events, which are free to the public.
Dog Policies: Dogs are only allowed on the beach or boardwalk between October 1 and April 30. View Rehoboth Beach’s policies.
Tip: Bring change for the parking meters.
#6 – South Bethany Beach
31 from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: This ultimate, one-mile long stretch of clean and expansive beach offers sunning, swimming, and surfing, as well as 5 miles of connected canals for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The small town vibe just adds to the experience.
Dog Policies: Leashed pets are permitted from October 16 to April 14. View South Bethany Beach’s policies.
Tip: Parking permits (available at Town Hall on Evergreen Road) required daily from 10am to 5pm and 12am to 6am from May 15 to Sep 15.
#7 – Bethany Beach
35 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Beautiful Bethany Beach is a popular place to be during the summer with its wide sandy beach and boardwalk. Lie in the sun, stroll the boardwalk, or surf the waves. Lifeguards are on duty all year long, and the beach is surrounded by public attractions and amenities.
Dog Policies: Dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk areas from October 1 to May 14 only. View Bethany Beach’s policies.
Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter but fun location, then you’ll love Bethany Beach.
#8 – James Farm Ecological Preserve
37 from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: The James Farm Ecological Preserve is a great dog-friendly spot to stroll the beach, hike trails, and view wildlife. And it’s free!
Dog Policies: Dogs must be kept on a leash as this Preserve is a safe haven for wildlife.
Tip: Access to the beach is best via the Green/Orange Trails.
#9- Fenwick Island State Park
42 minutes from Mansion Farm Inn
The Beach: Fenwick Island State Park is dog-friendly (as are all state parks in Delaware), and offers three miles of white sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing. You’ll find a modern bath house with showers, a snack food concession, and lifeguards during the summer. Kayaking is a favorite pastime here. If needed, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and sailboats. Open daily from 8am to sunset all year long.
Dog Policies: Dogs must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccine, on a leash of 6’ or less, and never left unattended. You must clean up after pup using doggie disposal containers.
Tip: Keep your eyes out for ghost crabs along the water.
Dog-Friendly Lodging
We had so many inquiries from guests and future guests about offering dog-friendly accommodations, that we decided to renovate two guest rooms to accommodate your furbabies.
Our charming Doggie Suite and Coastal Suite are both available for two nights or more. They’re located in our recently renovated barn located behind the property, and offer all the amenities you need for your dog-friendly beach getaway, including:
- Separate bathroom with a shower
- King size bed
- Smart TV with premium channels
- Pull-out queen size sofa
- Washer and dryer
- Fully stocked kitchen and a dishwasher
Book your summer vacation online now to get your preferred dates, and don’t hesitate to contact us at (302) 664-2540 or info@mansionfarminn.com with any questions about your stay.
