Seaside Nature Center, The Delaware Bayshore Travel Guide

4.7 (208)

Discover Delaware's coastal ecosystems at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park: aquariums, touch tanks, and nature programs await!

The Seaside Nature Center, located within Cape Henlopen State Park, offers an immersive introduction to Delaware's coastal ecosystems. With interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs, it's a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about the park's diverse habitats and marine life.

A brief summary to Seaside Nature Center

15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Seaside Nature Center.

Check the center's schedule for guided programs and nature walks, as these offer deeper insights into the park's ecology.
Take advantage of the borrow-a-bike program to explore the park's extensive trail system.
Visit during the spring or fall for birdwatching opportunities, as Cape Henlopen is located on a major migratory bird route.
Be sure to explore other attractions within Cape Henlopen State Park, such as Fort Miles and the Point.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Nemours Estate

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bowers Beach Maritime Museum

Explore Seaside Nature Center on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Seaside Nature Center, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Cape Henlopen State Park entrance, follow Cape Henlopen Drive. The Seaside Nature Center is located approximately 1 mile east of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, past the Fort Miles Historical Area. Look for signs directing you to the nature center within the park. Note that there is a park entrance fee of $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for non-residents during the in-season (April-October).
Public Transport

The DART First State Route 204 bus stops at the DRBA Ferry Terminal. From there, it's approximately a 50-minute walk (2.5 miles) to the Seaside Nature Center within Cape Henlopen State Park. Alternatively, you can take the bus to the Lewes Transit Center and transfer to another route or use a ride-sharing service to reach the park entrance. Park entrance fee is $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for non-residents during the in-season (April-October).
Driving

From Lewes, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into Cape Henlopen State Park. The Seaside Nature Center is approximately 3 miles from the town center. Parking is available near the nature center. Be aware that parking lots can fill up quickly during peak season. The park entrance fee is $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for non-residents during the in-season (April-October). Parking is free once inside the park.

Discover more about Seaside Nature Center

Nestled in Cape Henlopen State Park, the Seaside Nature Center serves as a gateway to understanding Delaware's unique coastal environment. Once the former prison for Fort Miles, the center now teems with life, offering visitors a chance to connect with the natural world through interactive exhibits and engaging programs.The center's exhibits showcase the diverse ecosystems within the park, from salt marshes and dunes to tidal pools. Get up close with marine creatures in the aquariums, observing colorful fish, crabs, and sea stars. The centerpiece is a 300-gallon, two-level touch tank where you can gently interact with stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Other highlights include live reptiles such as snakes and turtles, and a live osprey-watch camera.Beyond the exhibits, the Seaside Nature Center offers guided nature walks, educational workshops, and birding trips. Knowledgeable park interpreters lead hikes through the park's habitats, sharing insights about local wildlife and conservation efforts. The center also operates a borrow-a-bike program, allowing visitors to explore the park's extensive bike trails.Whether you're interested in marine life, coastal ecology, or the history of Cape Henlopen, the Seaside Nature Center provides an enriching experience for the whole family.