Explore the natural beauty and historical significance of coastal Delaware at Cape Henlopen State Park. After a day of adventure, come back to the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel for a touch of timeless elegance. Our hotel, located on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, boasts charming Victorian-era decor and ocean views. Unwind in your comfortable accommodations or enjoy a drink and delicious meal at Victoria’s Restaurant. Our elegant and comfortable amenities ensure a restful evening after an active day exploring the Delaware Coast.
Top 4 Things to Do in Cape Henlopen State Park
Visit the Historic Fort Miles
The Delaware River was key during World War II due to its proximity to trade centers like Wilmington and Philadelphia. Fort Miles, located in Cape Henlopen State Park, was built to defend against potential German invasions along the Atlantic Seaboard, using powerful gun batteries as a strong barrier against the German navy. You can explore Battery 519 at Fort Miles for an immersive World War II coastal defense experience. The Fort Miles Museum offers exhibits, guided tours, art galleries, and historical armaments.
Check out the Seaside Nature Center
You can explore the newly renovated Seaside Nature Center, which includes a 495-gallon touch tank with stingrays and horseshoe crabs, as well as five 1,000-gallon tanks featuring local fish. Don’t miss the live Osprey cam (operational from April to August), and make sure to stop by the gift shop. Additionally, the center offers diverse weekly activities and guided programs such as bay seining and dolphin watching.
Explore the Cape Henlopen State Park Trails
Experience the beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park by exploring its scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of coastal habitats. Take advantage of the Borrow-A-Bike Program at the Seaside Nature Center, where you can borrow bikes for two hours free of charge, weather permitting. Remember to keep the bikes within the park and on the paved trail. This fantastic program, powered by volunteers and donations, allowed over 14,000 people in 2019 to immerse themselves in the park’s diverse ecosystems and fascinating history.
Hit the Ocean and Bay Beaches
Experience the endless possibilities at Cape Henlopen State Park beaches. There’s something for everyone, from ocean swimming and boating to fishing and kayaking. The designated swimming beach offers lifeguard patrols from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day for a worry-free beach day. Don’t miss out on the wild beauty of Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve, where you can explore dune and marsh habitats and witness horseshoe crab spawning and shorebird feeding in the spring. Its pedestrian-only trail and limited-access parking make it a nature lover’s paradise.
