If you’re visiting Beach View Hotel, a lighthouse excursion is a must. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the coastal heritage of Southern Delaware and enjoy a memorable day with loved ones.
Plan Your Lighthouse Adventure
Die-hard lighthouse enthusiasts can follow VisitSouthernDelaware.com’s suggestion and stretch their trip over three days to explore all ten lighthouse sites along the coast. But if you’re looking for a single afternoon outing, these nearby locations offer a perfect blend of history, scenery, and easy access from Rehoboth Beach.
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum
Just 15 minutes south of Rehoboth Beach, this beautifully restored 1876 station looks much as it did in 1905 when it served as a hub for daring coastal rescues. Operated by the United States Life-Saving Service — a precursor to today’s Coast Guard — the station was built in response to the many shipwrecks that plagued the Delaware coast.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the station offers daily self-guided tours and the enchanting Wednesday-night Lantern Tours (8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.), where you’ll experience the building by flickering lamplight. For more details and ticket information, call 302-227-6991 or visit here…
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
First lit on August 1, 1859, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse has stood guard at Delaware’s southern border for over 165 years. After being decommissioned in 1978, it was lovingly restored and re-lit thanks to community efforts and the “Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.”
Open seasonally from May through September, this lighthouse offers a glimpse into the past with the Atlantic Ocean as its stunning backdrop. Be sure to check for current tour hours before you go by visiting here…
Lightship Overfalls – Lewes
Not all lighthouses are on land. The Lightship Overfalls, docked in Lewes, is one of only 17 surviving lightships in the U.S. and among just seven open to the public. Commissioned to serve as a floating lighthouse, it once marked dangerous waters where a traditional lighthouse couldn’t be built.
From May to October, visitors can tour the ship and enjoy seasonal events, from maritime festivals to summer celebrations along the canalfront.
A few of the most popular nights can be found here…
Delaware Breakwater East End & Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Built in 1885, the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse is a striking cast-iron tower set offshore at Cape Henlopen State Park. The only way to visit? By boat. Several tour operators, departing from the Cape May–Lewes Ferry Terminal, offer seasonal trips that include a stop at the nearby Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse — another beacon with an equally fascinating history.
Tours typically run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during the summer. Reservations are recommended; call 302-644-7046 for the latest schedule.
From heroic rescues to steadfast service at sea, Southern Delaware’s lighthouses have illuminated the coast for generations. Now it’s your turn to explore their stories. During your next stay at Beach View Hotel, set aside time for a lighthouse day trip — and don’t forget to share your adventures with us. We can’t wait to hear what you discover!
Tips for Your Visit
Always check each site’s hours and tour availability before you go.
Bring your camera — the views are spectacular.
Consider pairing your visit with a stop at a nearby beach, park, or local seafood spot for a true coastal Delaware experience.
While the below Google map provides route reference and mileage, actual drive time between locations varies. The red pinpoint is Beach View Hotel.
