Fenwick Island Lighthouse: A Beacon on the Delaware-Maryland Line

4.3 (333)

Explore a historic lighthouse marking the Delaware-Maryland line, offering a glimpse into maritime history and coastal charm.

Home
Delaware
Delaware Seashore State Park
Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, standing on the Delaware/Maryland state line, has guided ships since 1859. Though not open for climbing, its grounds offer a glimpse into maritime history with a small museum and the Transpeninsular Stone marking the state line.

A brief summary to Fenwick Island Lighthouse

103 146th St, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, US
Click to display
Click to display

Thursday 9 am-12 pm
Friday 9 am-12 pm
Saturday 9 am-12 pm
Sunday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to avoid potential crowds.
Check the opening hours in advance, as the lighthouse grounds have limited hours of operation.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Fenwick Island State Park or the beaches of Ocean City for a full day of exploration.
Admission is free, but donations are welcomed and appreciated to help maintain the lighthouse.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Viking Golf & Go-Karts

Viking Golf & Go-Karts: Fenwick Island Family Fun

Fenwick Boardwalk

Fenwick Boardwalk: Family Fun on the Delaware Coast

Delaware beach

Delaware Beaches: Coastal Charm and History

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of Coastal Highway (Route 1) and 146th Street in Ocean City, head east on 146th Street for about 0.5 miles. The lighthouse will be on your right. This walk offers a chance to enjoy the coastal views. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Take the DART 208 Light Blue Line (Rehoboth Park and Ride to Ocean City, MD). Get off at the stop closest to 146th Street and Coastal Highway in Ocean City. From there, walk east on 146th Street for about 0.3 miles to the lighthouse. The seasonal bus service operates every 2 hours from 10 AM to 8 PM from Memorial Day weekend through the Sunday after Labor Day. A single fare is approximately $2-$3.
Car

From Coastal Highway (Route 1) in Ocean City, turn onto 146th Street and continue east for approximately 0.5 miles. The lighthouse will be on your right at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842. Parking is available on the street. Parking permits are required from May 15th through September 15th. Check for any local parking fees.

Discover more about Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, completed in 1858 and first lit in 1859, stands as a historic sentinel on the border between Delaware and Maryland. Built to protect ships from the treacherous Fenwick Shoals, this 87-foot tower has witnessed centuries of maritime activity. The lighthouse was authorized in 1856 at a cost of $23,748.96. Constructed of brick with a cast iron spiral staircase, the lighthouse originally burned whale oil before switching to kerosene and then electricity. In 1940, the light was automated. Deactivated in 1978, a public movement led to its restoration and relighting in 1982. Today, the lighthouse is owned by the State of Delaware and maintained by the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. Visitors can explore a small museum and gift shop at the base of the lighthouse. Although climbing to the top is not permitted, the grounds offer a chance to step back in time and learn about the lighthouse keepers and the challenges of navigating the coastal waters. The Transpeninsular Stone, marking the Delaware/Maryland boundary, is also located on the property. The surrounding area offers beaches and a charming coastal community.

Explore the best of what Fenwick Island Lighthouse has to offer

More about Delaware Seashore State Park

File:Indian River Inlet Bridge 2020c.jpg - Wikipedia

Discover Delaware Seashore State Park: A coastal oasis offering pristine beaches, historic sites, and diverse outdoor activities in the heart of Delaware.

Tell me more about Delaware Seashore State Park