The 'Gateway To The Beaches' Is A Scenic Delaware Town Full Of Sandy Shores And Coastal Charm

Delaware may be tiny — so tiny that you could drive from Wilmington in the north (home to the state's largest urban park, a fun, scenic spot perfect for families who want nature plus convenience), to Fenwick Island in the southern tip before your playlist finishes — but don't let its size fool you. The second smallest state in the U.S. is packed with surprises: cobblestone streets and colonial homes in New Castle, farmland and country roads in Kent County, and then, there is the southern coastline. A 25-mile stretch of golden shoreline dotted with picturesque towns like Bethany Beach (a beloved family-friendly, foodie heaven), Lewes, and Rehoboth Beach, which keeps the "Diamond State" firmly on the radar for anyone chasing sun, surf, and overall good vibes. But before many beachgoers can even shake the sand out of their flip-flops, there's one town they pass through first: Selbyville. 

This tiny Sussex County town, counting around 3,000 permanent residents, is perfectly positioned as the "Gateway to the Beaches," a threshold between the quiet inland of the Delmarva Peninsula and the bustle of the Atlantic coast. It is less than 20 minutes from Fenwick Island and just a quick 45-minute drive from Rehoboth Beach, which makes it the perfect launchpad for a coastal escape, whether you're sneaking over from nearby Maryland (about 5 minutes away) or cruising up from other Delaware towns. 

And if at first glance Selbyville seems like just another touristy pit stop on the way to the beaches, think again. Spend a few hours wandering its streets, and you'll find cozy cafés, family-run diners, and quirky boutiques that are anything but boring. At the same time, the town also sits conveniently close to scenic parks and natural areas that make it worth lingering at before (or after) hitting the coast.

Forget what you've heard about southern Delaware. Selbyville looks more like a lively community hotspot than a sleepy countryside town. With over 120 years under its belt, the Selbyville Public Library, housed inside the former home of Delaware statesman John G. Townsend, Jr., offers a weekly calendar packed with events for all ages — from story hours for toddlers to workshops and talks for adults.  A short drive down Lake View Drive leads to one of the town's most beloved spots: the Freeman Arts Pavilion. This 5-acre lakeside venue hosts over 70 events during the summer season, with picnic tables, food trucks, and a craft beer garden for guests to enjoy while soaking up the performances.

Food is part of the fun as well. Doyle's, a family-owned diner that's been in business for decades, wins praise for its crab cakes and no-frills breakfast plates, with a wide selection of eggs, omelets, and pancakes.  "Mangia bene. Vivi bene" ("Eat well. Live well") pretty much sums up the vision behind Mio Fratello (literally, "My brother") Italian Steakhouse on Fenwick Shoals Boulevard. The restaurant, rated with more than 900 4.4-star reviews, serves the best Italian classics in town. From pasta bowls to meat lasagna and stuffed eggplant, every dish truly feels like it was made with family in mind!

Selbyville also loves its festivals. Every June, the town shuts down Uptown Church Street for the Old Timers' Day Classic Car Show, showcasing over 100 vintage vehicles, including classic Chevys, Fords, and other cars dating from the 1910s through the early 2000s. The Christmas Parade has also been held annually since 1961. In 2024, it featured more than 100 participants – surely one of the best times to see the community at its most spirited.

Selbyville's biggest secret? Its access to nature feels unreal. Trap Pond State Park, just a few miles out of town, protects one of the most unique natural habitats on the East Coast. Spread over nearly 4,000 acres, the park centers around its namesake pond, a shimmering 90-acre waterway edged by a rare stand of majestic bald cypress trees; in fact, it's some of the farthest north you'll find bald cypress trees in the wild in the country. The 4.6-mile Bob Trail partly circles the pond, taking you past shady woods, hushed wetlands, and plenty of wildlife. Out on the water, you can rent a boat (or bring your own) to drift through almost 10 miles of still channels under the cypress canopy.

Just a short drive away from downtown, Holts Landing State Park offers a change of pace — smaller, but no less charming. This 205-acre park features a crabbing pier and even a boat ramp, open around the clock, letting visitors launch into the waters of Indian River Bay whenever they like. The Sea Hawk Trail, suitable also for strollers and wheelchair users, allows you to travel from sandy beaches to marshes and forested areas – all in just over a mile.

And then there's the ocean. Fenwick Island State Park, a little-known state park on the East Coast, boasts miles of uncrowded beaches. This narrow strip of sand runs between the Atlantic and Little Assawoman Bay. On the Atlantic-facing stretch of beach, you can try your hand at surf fishing, or catch waves on a board. On the calmer, bay-side of the park, the water lends itself to more traditional water sports, including paddling and boating. And if you didn't bring your own, there's no need to worry; floating equipment is available for rent on-site.