How to Help Keep the Delaware Beaches Clean
We love the Delaware Beaches, so be sure to clean up after yourself while you’re here. When you visit, be sure to follow these guidelines to help keep the area’s beaches clean for everyone, including the ecosystem.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach has both leash and pooper scooper laws in place that are enforced. Dogs are prohibited from the beach and boardwalk from May 1–Sept. 30.
Outdoor smoking is regulated in public spaces through the Smoke Free Initiative. There are smoke-free areas throughout the city where smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco is prohibited.
Read more about Rehoboth Beach
Dewey Beach
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. from May 15–Sept. 15, but they must be licensed with the town.
Fines apply for not cleaning up after your dog, along with littering, year-round.
Smoking is prohibited on the beach/beach dunes and in town parks.
Read more about Dewey Beach
Bethany Beach
No dogs on the beach and boardwalk from May 15–Sept. 30.
No smoking or vaping unless in a designated smoking area.
Trash cans are available at all beach entrances on the beach and boardwalk.
Read more about Bethany Beach
Fenwick Island
No pets or other animals are permitted on the beach at any time between May 1–Sept. 30.
All dogs in Fenwick Island must be on a leash and their waste disposed of. Disposal bags are located along Bunting Avenue.
Smoking is prohibited on the beach, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other products or devices that contain tobacco, herbs, weeds and/or marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
Read more about Fenwick Island
Delaware State Parks
Delaware State Parks are pet friendly. Per Delaware State Law, dogs are prohibited from all swimming and sunbathing beaches from May 1–Sept. 30. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six
feet. Use the available “doggie dooleys” to dispose of dog waste.
In 1994, Delaware State Parks established the Carry In – Carry Out Trash-Free Parks Programs. Trash cans were removed from most areas and visitors must take their trash with them when they leave
to reduce the strain on the park’s limited resources.
Tobacco-Free Zones prohibit the use of smoking or other tobacco products in designated areas.
