The Indian River Life-Saving Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The station was one of five original Life-Saving Service buildings constructed along the Delaware coast in 1876.
The inlet is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow deep-water access between the ocean and inland bays.
The park's maritime forest and dune systems provide habitat for rare coastal flora such as seaside goldenrod and beach heather.
The iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge, a cable-stayed design, serves as a high-visibility landmark spanning the waterway.
Delaware Seashore State Park sits on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. The park is home to the Indian River Life-Saving Station, an 1876 structure preserved to educate visitors on the history of the United States Life-Saving Service. This historic building functions as a museum featuring maritime artifacts and interactive exhibits documenting shipwreck rescues. Beyond the historical site, the park encompasses miles of ocean and bay beaches popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The Indian River Inlet acts as a major hub for recreational fishing and crabbing. Extensive boardwalks and trails allow access through coastal dunes and salt marshes. The park offers designated areas for camping and specialized outdoor recreation including sailboarding. The site serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds and coastal wildlife.
The north side of the Indian River Inlet Bridge at sunset for panoramic views of the water meeting the horizon.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better spot fish and marine life in the inlet waters.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as current strength in the inlet changes drastically throughout the day.
Pack a windbreaker, as coastal breezes remain strong even on sunny days.
Walking across the dunes outside of established walkways, which causes erosion and destroys native habitat.
Lifeguarded beaches operate only during the summer season; the Life-Saving Station museum maintains limited hours that fluctuate by season.
Stay on marked boardwalks to protect fragile dune vegetation; leashed pets are permitted in designated areas but restricted on lifeguarded swimming beaches during the peak season.
