Delaware beaches are some of the most beautiful places on the east coast, and there are several that you shouldn't miss this summer. If you're looking for your next day trip or weekend excursion, pick out one of the following beaches and you won't be disappointed in the scenery.

10. Slaughter Beach

Slaughter Beach is one of the nicest places to spend time on the Delaware Bay. Despite its name, it's a lovely place to take the family to play in the sand away from the crowds of the Atlantic beaches. You'll probably find a few horseshoe crabs, and the dunes host a lot of interesting wildlife that's easy to observe in a walk along the shore.

9. Rehoboth Beach

There's a reason Rehoboth Beach is so popular all summer - not only is it a bustling town with plenty of things to do for the whole family, but the beach is well-maintained and there is always room to lay out your towels and play in the water. The town itself is a reminder of old-time shore towns, with candy shops and ice cream parlors mixed amongst the bars and restaurants.

8. Lewes Beach

Just outside of the city of Lewes is a beautiful beach that's perfect for relaxing and watching the scenery. Watching wildlife, including birds, shellfish, and horseshoe crabs are part of the experience at Lewes Beach. Its location along the cape means you'll be able to watch beautiful sunsets all summer.

7. Broadkill Beach

Broadkill Beach is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy a quiet beach without a lot of people around. This smaller beach just outside of Milton is above the more crowded beaches of Lewes and Rehoboth in the Delaware Bay. There aren't many accommodations, so pack your own lunch and be prepared to wander off of the beach if you need to find a restroom.

6. Gordon's Pond

Gordon's Pond is technically a part of Cape Henlopen State Park, but it deserves its own mention because of its unique views that can't be found at other Delaware beaches. The pond itself is a 900 acre saltwater lagoon, and the trails are easy to walk while taking in the scenery from an often unexplored portion of the park.

5. Fenwick Island State Park

The Beaches at Fenwick Island - which isn't really even an island - are some of the best maintained and beautiful of the Delaware beaches. You'll pay a small fee to enter from the State Park parking lot, but beyond the entrance you'll be transported to a quiet beach away from the Summer Crowds. The Birdwatching is second to none, and the beautiful dunes set the scene for a relaxing Summer day.

4. Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is the place to be if you want an adventure - jet skis, parasailing, and windsurfing are common along Dewey Beach. It's definitely a young and hip town with a college "Spring Break" vibe even in the middle of the summer, but don't let that discourage you, or you may miss one of the best maintainted Delaware beaches. Dewey Beach is the place to be if you want to watch gorgeous sunsets fade into exciting nightlife.

3. Delaware Seashore State Park

If you're a surfer, put Delaware Seashore State Park on your summer bucket list. Just north of the Indian River inlet you'll find the best waves of any of the delaware beaches, and few crowds. If you're not looking for a place to surf, you can still find a great beach on the Bay side of the beach, where the water is quiet and families gather seashells and build sandcastles.

2. Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen might be the best of the best - if you walk along the beach, you'll take in sights you won't see elsewhere. World War II observation towers are visible, mixed in with lighthouses that guide ships around the Cape. You can choose whether you want to enjoy the calmer waters of the Delaware Bay, or travel to the other side of the park and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

1. Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is Delaware's family town - with less nightlife than Dewey Beach, and plenty of fun things to do like Rehoboth. Bethany is regularly ranked as one of the top Delaware beaches, and it deserves it! Walk along the water at sunrise and enjoy the wildlife you encounter, or stick around for Sunset over the dunes. Either way, you won't be disappointed!

So, take your pick - which of these beautiful Delaware beaches will you visit this summer?