Delaware has three of “America’s Favorite 100 Secret Beaches,” according to Family Destinations Guide.
The website dedicated to family-friendly hotels, resorts and destinations surveyed 3,000 U.S. families “to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023.” Hawaiian beaches took three of the top five spots.
Delaware beaches took spots 83, 97 and 100.
Broadkill Beach
At No. 100 is Broadkill Beach, just north of Lewes on the Delaware Bay. Family Destinations Guide actually rates Broadkill the sixth-best beach in Delaware overall, as well.
“It’s a nice place to go on a stroll,” writes Tanner Wilkes.
Indeed, Broadkill is great for walking because it’s less crowded than the more popular beaches to the south. It’s less populated, as well, with Broadkill Beach being only a narrow strip of land between the bay and the marsh.
There’s limited parking available and, due to the steep dunes, you might have to do an awkward slide/walk down a dune to get to the beach. But the beachcombing is great; you’ll find plenty of horseshoe crabs, mermaid’s purses, whelk shells and other marine curiosities. Shorebirds, too.
More:What to know as Delaware’s surf-fishing reservation system launches ahead of Memorial Day
When you’re ready for a snack, the Broadkill Store — the only joint in town — has some killer cheesesteaks.
Pickering Beach
The 97th favorite “secret” beach in the U.S. is Pickering Beach in Kent County, off Route 9. It’s even smaller than Broadkill, with only about 40 beachfront homes. Many Delawareans themselves have never heard of it.
It’s rockier than the Atlantic Ocean beaches but just as enjoyable as the other Delaware Bay beaches. Beachcombing is prime here, as well, and this time of year, you’ll find stunning numbers of horseshoe crabs spawning on the beach. You might see some diamondback terrapins, too.
Parking is sparse, but Pickering being a “secret” beach, there are usually spots available.
Slaughter Beach
Delaware’s No. 1 “secret” beach, in the 83rd spot nationwide, is Slaughter Beach. Family Destination Guide also ranks it the eighth-best beach in Delaware.
Slaughter Beach is both a horseshoe crab sanctuary and a certified wildlife habitat community. Crustaceans and gastropods abound. Like Broadkill, it’s also a thin slice of land between the bay and the marsh, home to about 200 people year-round. You’ll have plenty of space between beach blankets.
Bonus: Slaughter Beach has public restrooms. Park at the fire department.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught
