Fenwick Island, Delaware – 2026
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If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway that isn’t quite as crowded as some of the bigger shore towns, Fenwick Island, Delaware is definitely worth adding to your list. Sitting right on the Delaware-Maryland line, Fenwick has that laid-back beach town feel where the pace slows down the moment you arrive. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days soaking up the sun, enjoying the ocean, and discovering some really great local restaurants along the way.
Of course, the biggest attraction is the beach itself. The wide, clean stretch of sand is perfect for spending the day relaxing by the water, taking a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or simply enjoying a long walk along the shoreline. Unlike some of the larger beach destinations, Fenwick feels peaceful without sacrificing everything that makes a beach vacation fun. Whether you’re an early riser catching the sunrise or someone who likes to stay until the evening breeze rolls in, it’s easy to see why so many people return here year after year.
Beyond the beach, there’s plenty to enjoy. Mini golf, local shops, ice cream stands, water activities, and nearby attractions in both Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland make it easy to fill your days. Since everything is so close together, you can spend the morning on the beach, grab lunch, explore the area, and still be back in time to watch the sunset over the water.
One thing that really surprised us was just how many good places there were to eat. For a smaller beach town, Fenwick has an impressive food scene, with everything from seafood shacks to breakfast spots and casual restaurants that are perfect after a day in the sun.
The Lobster Shanty – Fenwick Island, DE
The biggest highlight of the trip was definitely The Lobster Shanty. If you’re a lobster roll fan, this place is a must. The lobster was fresh, sweet, and piled generously into the perfectly toasted roll. Every bite tasted like summer at the beach. Paired with crispy fries, it was one of those simple meals that absolutely delivers. Sometimes you don’t need anything fancy when the ingredients are that good, and The Lobster Shanty proved exactly that.
Bahama’s Crabshack – Fenwick Island, DE
Another standout was Bahama’s Crabshack, and the seafood platter was honestly enough food for two people. It came loaded with a crab cake, fried shrimp, clam strips, fried oysters, fried flounder, fresh-cut fries, and a bowl of rich, creamy cream of crab soup. Every single item was cooked perfectly, from the crispy seafood to the flavorful crab cake. It’s the kind of meal where every time you think you’ve reached the bottom of the platter, there’s somehow even more food waiting underneath.
Surf Bagel – Fenwick Island, DE
Breakfast was an easy choice at Surf Bagel, and it was every bit as good as people say. I ordered a breakfast sandwich with scrapple on an onion bagel along with a cold orange juice, and it was the perfect way to start the day before heading to the beach. The bagel was fresh, chewy, and packed with flavor, and the scrapple was cooked just right. It’s easy to understand why Surf Bagel has such a loyal following.
House of Sauce – Fenwick Island, DE
When it came time for something a little different, House of Sauce delivered some of the best wings we’ve had in a long time. They offer around 30 different flavors, so there’s something for everyone, whether you like sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between. Even better than the sauces were the wings themselves. They were cooked perfectly with a crispy outside while staying incredibly juicy and tender inside. That’s exactly how great wings should be.
Vanderwende’s at Fenwick – Fenwick Island, DE
No beach vacation is complete without ice cream, and Vanderwende’s at Fenwick was the perfect stop to cool off. The ice cream was incredibly creamy and rich, and the mint chocolate chip hit the spot after a long day in the sun. It’s one of those classic vacation stops that somehow tastes even better after spending the day on the beach.
Lizzie’s Cafe & Bistro on 142nd Street – Ocean City, MD
Before heading home, we made one last stop just a few minutes away at Lizzie’s Cafe & Bistro on 142nd Street in Ocean City, Maryland. We ordered another lobster roll, served with chips, and it made for a great final meal before wrapping up the trip. Being so close to Fenwick makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring the area.
Fenwick Island is one of those places that reminds you a beach vacation doesn’t have to be packed with giant crowds and nonstop attractions to be memorable. Sometimes all you need is a beautiful beach, the sound of the ocean, great local restaurants, and a few days to slow down and enjoy yourself.
Between relaxing on the sand, exploring the area, eating some fantastic seafood, grabbing an amazing breakfast bagel, enjoying perfectly cooked wings, and finishing the nights with homemade ice cream, Fenwick Island gave us everything we were looking for in a beach getaway.
If you’re planning your next trip to the Delaware beaches, don’t overlook Fenwick Island. It has all the ingredients for a relaxing vacation, and after one visit, it’s easy to understand why so many people make it a yearly tradition.
Again, in 2025, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2025. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us. We would be thrilled if you voted for us again in 2026.
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