Towers Beach: A WWII Sentinel

Towers Beach, nestled within Delaware Seashore State Park, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The beach gets its name from the towering World War II observation towers that stand as silent sentinels along the coast. These cylindrical concrete structures, built in the early 1940s, served as artillery spotting locations, where soldiers monitored the coastline for enemy ships and submarines. Today, Towers Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The beach features convenient amenities such as bathrooms and outdoor showers. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe swimming environment. The beach is also ADA-accessible, with beach wheelchairs available for those with mobility needs. Visitors can explore the historic fire control tower, climb it, and imagine what it was like for the soldiers stationed there during the war. The Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation and the Fort Miles Historical Association have been working to preserve these towers, with the tower at Cape Henlopen State Park currently open to the public. Beyond the beach itself, Delaware Seashore State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and water sports. The park boasts six-and-a-half miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.