Indian River Inlet and Bay, part of the Delaware State Park system, comprise one of the East Coast's most varied recreational playgrounds for -- camping, all kinds of fishing, clamming, crabbing, nature walks, scenic cruises, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing.

Indian River Inlet Photo Gallery


Views from the bridge ...

View of IR Inlet looking North

Indian River Inlet and Bay, part of the Delaware State Park system, comprise one of the East Coast's most varied recreational playgrounds. You can do just about anything along the 6 miles of ocean and bay shoreline -- camping, all kinds of fishing, clamming, crabbing, nature walks, scenic cruises, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing.

The inlet's popularity as a recreational destination was cemented in 1939 when the U.S. government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties that stabilized the pass to the ocean. Now, the 2,018-acre park welcomes millions of visitors a year.

These photos, all taken from atop the Indian River Inlet Bridge that takes Route 1 across the inlet, represent a few of those activities on a warm spring day in mid-May 1998.

South Side, Ocean View

View of IR Inlet looking North

The Delaware Seashore State Park system that lies between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach, Delaware, offers some of the best Atlantic Ocean bathing beaches on the East Coast. The ocean provides the backdrop to spectacular sightseeing, nature walks, treasure hunts and sunbathing and swimming activities. This view from the Indian River Inlet bridge shows the ocean just beyond the dunes. The building to the right is the state park bathhouse, which sells snacks and rents umbrellas, beach chairs and rafts.

North Side, Ocean View

View of IR Inlet looking North

Among the most spectacular features of Indian River Inlet are the two long jetties that extend along the north and south sides of the inlet out into the Atlantic Ocean. This picture of the north jetty demonstrates the myriad of activities available in a relatively small space as fishermen fish one side of the rocks just a few yards away from sunbathers on the other side as fishing boats head out to sea in the background.

Sunbathing at the Inlet

Sunbathing at I.R. Inlet

Sunbathing is a popular past-time on both sides of the inlet. This view shows sunbathers on the north side of the inlet, also a popular spot for surfers. Swimming is popular on the south side of the inlet, where lifeguards patrol from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Surf's Up

Surfing at I.R. Inlet

When the surf is really rolling in, Indian River Inlet becomes a magnet for local surfers. On those occasions, no matter the weather conditions, the north side of the inlet is dotted with surfers. Wet suits make scenes like this possible even in the coldest winter weather.

A Tent with a View

Camping at I.R. Inlet

The campgrounds at Indian River Inlet are part of the Delaware Seashore State Park and provide a unique camping experience. Situated right on the inlet on both sides, these campgrounds offer modern amenities and "waterfront accomodations". The grounds have more than 400 sites, including 145 with water, electric and sewer hookups. The campgrounds, on the bay side of the bridge, are just a short walk to the beach.

The Fleet

The Fleet at I.R. Inlet

The North Shore Marina at Indian River Inlet is home to many of the area's best charter boats and headboats, as well as the spectacular fishing boats of private individuals. From the marina's 295 slips, it's a quick jaunt into Indian River Bay or the inlet for Flounder, Bluefish, Stripers, etc. With more powerful boats like these, the inlet provides easy access to Atlantic Ocean wrecks and canyons for Tuna, Sharks, Marlin, Dolphin and more.

Out to Sea

Heading out to Sea

Of all of Indian River Inlet's attractions, fishing is probably the most popular. The creation of the inlet also created a deep sea fishing industry by allowing boats easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. From spring through fall, fishing boats buzz through the inlet's swirling waters on their way to offshore fishing grounds in search of Tuna, Marlin and other large gamefish.

A Rush

A Rush

Some of the spectacular sights from atop the bridge, whether on foot or just passing over by car, will almost give you chills.

Fishing the Rockpiles

Fishing the Rockpiles I

Fishing the rockpiles is a relaxing way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening. The rockpiles yield Stripers, Trout, Bluefish and Tautog on a variety of live, natural and artificial baits.

Fishing the Rockpiles II

On almost any day from spring through fall, anglers line up along the rocks to fish for their favorite species. Scenes like this are common no matter the weather when the fish are running. This side of the inlet, the north jetty, includes a fishing pier for handicapped access.


 

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