Cape Henlopen · Delaware · United States · Atlantic Ocean

Cape Henlopen

Cape Henlopen’s beach day usually means Cape Henlopen State Park’s Main Beach bathhouse corridor, Herring Point, or Gordons Pond — or City of Lewes Savannah / Johnnie Walker bay lots outside the park gate.

Main BeachHerring PointGordons PondLewes Beach

Choose your stretch

  • Main Beach — McBride Bathhouse / guarded swimming corridor · Cape Henlopen State Park gate
  • Herring Point — official DSP surf-fishing / multi-use stretch · park gate
  • Gordon's Pond Beach Area (official Gordons Pond) — south-end ocean / pond corridor · park gate
  • Lewes Beach — City Savannah / Johnnie Walker bay lots · no state-park gate

Full stretch cards

Parking at a glance

Cape Henlopen State Park (Main Beach / Herring Point / Gordons Pond by car): Ocean-park daily vehicle entrance $10 DE / $20 out-of-state, Mar 1–Nov 30; walk/bike free. Park open 8 a.m.–sunset. Phone (302) 645-8983. Address 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Annual pass $50 resident / $100 non-resident is a multi-park alternative on the same fees page.

Herring Point drive-on: valid 1- or 2-year surf-fishing permit; weekend/holiday reservations were required May 23–Labor Day Sep 7, 2026, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ($4 reservation fee). Walk-on does not require a reservation. The 2026 weekend/holiday drive-on reservation window ended Labor Day Sep 7.

Gordons Pond: Same park vehicle entrance. Pets page: beach access limited to the pedestrian dune crossing at the northern end of the parking lot.

City of Lewes — Savannah Beach / Johnnie Walker Beach: Metered lots $3.00/hr, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., 11-hour maximum, meters May 1–Sep 30 (ParkMobile / card / cash). No Delaware State Parks entrance booth.

Cape Henlopen State Park · DSP passes & fees · Surf-fishing permits · City of Lewes parking · City of Lewes beaches

Best stretches and who they’re for

Main Beach

The easiest ocean swim in Cape Henlopen State Park for a first visit, at the Senator David B. McBride Beach Bathhouse (Delaware State Parks calls it Cape Henlopen Main Beach). Park vehicle entrance $10/$20 Mar 1–Nov 30; walk/bike free. Guarded swimming Memorial Day Saturday–Labor Day Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (ended Sep 7, 2026).

Herring Point

Official DSP surf-fishing location “Cape Henlopen – Herring Point.” Same park vehicle entrance. Drive-on needs a valid surf-fishing permit; 2026 weekend/holiday reservation window ended Labor Day Sep 7. Walk-on: no reservation. Dogs on leash up to 6 ft in surf-fishing vehicle areas (DSP).

Gordons Pond

Official DSP/DNREC spelling Gordons Pond. Same park vehicle entrance. Pets: access limited to the signed pedestrian dune crossing at the northern end of the parking lot.

Notes before you pack

  • Dogs: On Cape Henlopen State Park beaches, pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet; pets are prohibited on all lifeguarded beaches May 1–September 30. Gordons Pond pet access is the signed north-lot pedestrian dune crossing; surf-fishing vehicle areas allow leashed dogs up to 6 ft. On City of Lewes beaches (Savannah / Johnnie Walker), dogs are not allowed 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. May 1–September 30 and must be leashed when allowed. DSP pets · Lewes beaches.
  • Flags / surf: Prefer NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly / marine products and on-site lifeguard or posted warnings.
  • Cape Henlopen State Park (Main Beach / Herring Point / Gordons Pond) is Delaware State Parks; Lewes Beach (Savannah / Johnnie Walker) is City of Lewes bay sand outside the park gate.
  • Tide: NOAA CO-OPS 8557380 Lewes, DE / Breakwater Harbor (primary). Alt south lat: 8557863 Rehoboth Beach, DE (Tide Predictions only).

FAQ

What is there to do near Cape Henlopen?

Near Cape Henlopen: dolphin and wildlife tours, sunset sails and cruises, and food tours. See Off the sand for tours and tickets.

Beach safety — who to trust