The boardwalk at Bethany Beach, Delaware is over 100 years old. The boardwalk was initially installed two years after the resort itself began. This small ‘quiet’ resort was started in 1901 by Disciples of Christ (Christian) church members who were seeking a quiet, scenic location for summer refreshment. They planned and built the first boardwalk in 1903. It must have been quite a strong or well-maintained structure, since it lasted for over half a century before it was rebuilt.

The current boardwalk was rebuilt in 1963 and 64 and is goes almost half of a mile in a straight line. Most of the boardwalk is about 15 feet wide, but the center section adjacent to Garfield Parkway is over 30 feet wide. Bethany Beach boardwalk starts at 2nd street at the North end and ends near to Parkwood Street in the South. Five other streets butt up to the boardwalk, including Garfield Parkway which has a circular drive at the end. Each street ending at the boardwalk has angle parking which allows numbers of visitors close access to the beach.

A number of hotels border the boardwalk. In 1984, Bethany Beach held its first Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. This year is the twenty fifth anniversary of that celebration. Bike riding is allowed on the Boardwalk, but only between the hours of six am and 9 am which allows for both exercise and pedestrian safety during business hours.