When those temps climb into the 90s you may find yourself looking for places to swim in Delaware. Fortunately, The First State has some pretty good options for jumping in and cooling down. From natural swimming holes in Delaware to beaches, ponds, lakes and water parks, Delaware seems to have a little of everything in the way of swimming spots. Take a look at eight of the best swimming spots in Delaware that should help you to cool off on record-setting hot days – and help you have an epic summer.

1. Phillips Landing - Laurel, DE
SwimmingHoles.org
Phillips Landing Road, Phillips Landing Rd, Delaware 19956, USA
Foursquare/Danielle C
Breathtaking. Serene. You'll find this swimming spot located in the Phillips Landing Recreation area in Laurel, which is often revered as one of the most beautiful towns in Delaware. Not typically included among the best natural swimming holes in Delaware, this spot is used mostly for picnics and as a boat launch; however, people do swim here.
2. Cape Henlopen State Park - Lewes, DE
Flickr/Jukie Bot
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Flickr/Mike Mahaffle
Cape Henlopen State Park is touted as one of the best winter destinations in Delaware; however, it's a great summertime visit too. The beaches at Cape Henlopen are a perfect spot to swim and soak up some nice Delaware sun while cooling off in the surf. Lifeguards are on duty here from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
3. Jungle Jim's Waterpark - Rehoboth Beach, DE
Facebook/Jungle Jims Waterpark
36944 Country Club Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Yelp/Kristina B.
If you're looking for one of the best swimming holes in Delaware, where you can see the bottom and have a lifeguard for the kiddies, you can't go wrong at Jungle Jim's Waterpark, the best water park in Delaware. Fun, fun, fun!
4. Slaughter Beach - Milford, DE
357 Bay Ave, Milford, DE 19963, USA
Flickr/tjdatsrt
This interesting swimming hole is best avoided, at least for swimming, in the spring and early summer months. It's a popular hangout for horseshoe crabs during those times. In fact, that's how it may have gotten its name. As the tide washes the crabs into shore they often get flipped over and stranded on their backs and... die. Hence the name, Slaughter Beach. But don't let the crabs deter you. It's still an option outside of spring and early summer months. Plus, it's been named one of the best beaches in America.

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5. Lake Como - Smyrna, DE
Foursquare/Jennifer H.
South Main Street & U.S. 13, S Main St & US-13, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA
Foursquare/Sami W.
Head over to Smyrna and Lake Como for a quick (or not) dip in this cool lake. Tip: it's swim-at-your-own-risk here so bring a life preserver when visiting this secluded lake in Delaware.
6. Lewes Beach - Lewes, DE
Flickr/Mike Mahaffie
Bayview Avenue, Bayview Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Flickr/Mike Mahaffle
At low tide parts of Lewes can recede enough to create nice little sitting and wading pools. This great beach also has very small waves along the shore...a plus if you have little ones. Swimming is just one of the summertime activities you can enjoy in Lewes, though. It's one of the best towns in Delaware to visit when the weather is warm.
7. Alapocas Run State Park - Wilmington, DE
1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Flickr/TC Davis
There's a lot to do at this Delaware State Park. At Alapocas, the Brandywine offers a few nice spots to dip your toes in the water. And although swimming isn't one of the official activities listed on the the park's website, people still swim here.

Take a look at this video...

8. Fenwick Island State Park - Fenwick, DE
Flickr/Lee Cannon
Delaware 1, DE-1, Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA
Flickr/Lee Cannon
Hop over to Fenwick Island State Park and cool off in the big blue Atlantic or the waters of Assawoman Bay. Fenwick Island State Park is a favorite among visitors to Delaware's State Parks and one of the most peaceful places to swim in Delaware .

It’s nice when the weather warms up for the season, especially since there are so many places to swim in Delaware. And when it does, step outside of your normal routine and seek out some of the natural swimming holes in Delaware to cool off. So, have you visited any of these popular places to swim in Delaware? We’d love to know!

If you want to get outside but aren’t interested in visiting the best swimming holes in Delaware, try these short hikes in Delaware.

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More to Explore

Places To Swim In Delaware

Daniella DiRienzo | June 06, 2022

What are the best little known places to swim in Delaware?

There are lots of places to swim in Delaware - some tend to be more crowded than others. If you’re craving a beach day with minimal crowds, Broadkill Beach is a great choice. It’s under an hour away from the extremely popular Rehoboth Beach, yet it usually has far less visitors. Just because it’s not as crowded, don’t assume it’s lacking in amenities, though. Broadkill Beach boasts a snack shack and offers surf fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, and other water-related activities as well as access to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. There is one downfall; parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early.

What are the most well known parks in Delaware?

When it comes to the most well known parks in Delaware, Killens Pond State Park ranks pretty high up there. Located in Felton, the park is brimming with perks, including its namesake, the 66-acre Killens Pond. Park-goers can enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities – from watercraft rentals to hiking and beyond. In addition to typical park perks, Killens Pond State Park is home to one of the best swimming spots in Delaware – Killens Pond Waterpark. Offering the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, the waterpark features slides, a leisure pool, and more.

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