Fenwick Island Delaware’s Hidden Coastal Gem. Little Assawoman Bay is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Fenwick Island. It is part of the rapidly developing Delaware coastline, along with Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. It is situated in the southernmost part of the so-called “Quiet Resorts”.
This names the area a quiet place, but Fenwick Island is next to Ocean City. Ocean City is famous for its busy beachfront and its nightlife. But Fenwick Island still retains a quieter, more peaceful resort character.
This small island’s name originates from an English painter who bought it in 1692, but never lived there. Prior to this date the island was referred to as “Fisherman’s Harbor.” It is a boundary line established in 1750–1751. The Transpeninsular Line is the southern boundary of the island. This line crosses the famous Mason-Dixon Line which is a line that historically separates the northern and southern states of USA.
Boundary stones are placed at intervals of about 8 kilometers along both lines. Most of the stones remain in their original positions today. The boundary stone on Fenwick Island is said to be the oldest artificial structure between Indian River and Ocean City.
Fenwick Island is a very small island (about 1.5 square kilometers in area) separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. It contains one of the most beautiful beaches in South Delaware.
In 1953 the town of Fenwick Island annexed a portion of the coast line into its boundaries to keep Ocean City from moving north. The rest of the coast is in Sussex County. In the summer months the permanent population of the island is augmented by a temporary population of 25.000.
Visitors who come to fish and enjoy a nice sea vacation are invited to boat tours, to sunbathe, to swim, to build sandcastles and to watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the beach. If you are looking for a more active holiday you can windsurf, surf or go jet skiing.
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Brief Information About Fenwick Island
POPULATION: 410 (2026)
WHEN TO GO: All four seasons are suitable for visiting. Winter months will suit those who like rough seas and deserted beaches more.
GETTING THERE: Fenwick Island is reached by a bridge built in 1960. This is the fourth time a bridge has been built in this spot.
HIGHLIGHTS: Part of the larger Delaware Seashore State Park, Fenwick Island State Park features easily accessed beaches, dunes and views of the Atlantic. The Fenwick Lighthouse was completed in 1859, and is located on the Transpeninsular Line between the Delaware–Maryland state border.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Legend tells that pirates buried treasure on Cedar Island in Little Assawoman Bay. It is not known whether or not this was true, but it is accepted historically that pirates were hiding along the Delaware shores in the mid 17th century.
