Cape Henlopen State Park.  Open daily 8a.m to sunset, this family friendly park attracts thousands of visitors each year.  Stop by the beach and you will see that showers, changing rooms, food concession, and umbrella rentals are conveniently located to make your sunbathing experience great.  Lifeguards are on patrol Memorial Day through Labor Day.  The Pineland Nature Trails stretch across six miles of beach and are perfect for bird watching.  You can also visit the Fort Miles Historical Area and climb the WWII observation tower, and take a educational tour of Fort Battery 519, and the Barracks Building.  With a 3 mile long paved biking trail, picnic pavilion , 18 hole disc golf course, and basketball courts, there is plenty of fun in the sun.  In season, there are also outdoor concerts, and other recreational programs.  Don’t forget to check out the Seaside Nature Center marine aquariums and gift shop.  Cape Henlopen State Park, 42 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, Delaware 19958, 302.645.2103, www.destateparks.com/chsp/chsp.htm

Delaware Seashore State Park.  This 2825 acre park is beautifully surrounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays.  There are two ocean swimming areas that are patrolled by lifeguards from 9a.m.-5p.m. daily, Memorial Day week to Labor Day.  On those beaches, you may rent umbrellas, chairs, and rafts for your day of fun. There are also a large variety of water related activities available.  You may surf fish on ocean beaches, and there is service for boaters at the Indian River marina.  On the bay you’ll find that windsurfing and sailing are popular pastimes.  Also, clamming and crabbing are permitted in some bay areas.  Vehicles are allowed on some portions of beach with permit.  Delaware Seashore State Park, 130 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971, 302.539.7202, http://www.destateparks.com/dssp/dssp.asp

Park your wagon at Frontier Town or Fort Whaley Campground, located just minutes from Ocean City, Maryland. You and ya'll kin can pitch a tent, rent a trailer or cabin, or ride in on an RV.  Yer stay includes unlimited use of Frontier Town's giant water park, featurin' a giant water slide, large activity pool, and lazy river!  While yer here, visit the on-site 75-slip marina, the 200 foot long fishing and crabbing pier, and the 18-hole mini-golf course.  Best of all, campers receive 20% off admission to Frontier Town's Western Theme Park.  Featuring stagecoach and steam train rides, rodeos, Native American ceremonies, can-can girls, bank robberies, shoot-outs, and much, much more.  C'Mon down folks!  Frontier Town, P.O. Box 691, Ocean City, Maryland 21843-0691, 410.641.0880, www.frontiertown.com

Assateague State Park.  It’s early morning and you can feel the salt air touch your face as the Atlantic waves are crashing down on the beach.  A warm sun is rising in the east as a herd of wild ponies roams freely through the sand.  Sounds like a dream…Assateague State Park, managed by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, provides visitors with unique sightseeing opportunities, beachside camping, and a paradise of outdoor recreation and amenities.  Among a spectacular array of birds and wildlife, the island is best known for being home to over 150 wild horses or “ponies.”  Spend the day bird watching, fishing, crabbing, hunting, or biking on the Chincoteague Bay.  Nearby attractions include the town of Ocean City, Maryland, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in the Virginia District.  Assateague State Park, 7307 Stehpen Decatur Highway, Berlin, Maryland 21811, 410.641.2120, website