Designated a Horseshoe Crab Community Sanctuary in 2003, Kitts Hummock is a charming beach community located east of Delaware’s capital, Dover.  You can witness spawning horseshoe crabs landing on the shoreline every year, May through June. Arriving with the crabs are migrating shorebirds, including the endangered red knot. Definitely a treat for those birdwatchers among you!

In geology, a hummock is a small knoll or mound above ground, but historians haven’t been able to uncover the origin of “Kitts” in the town’s name.  “There are legends that the original name was Kidds Hammock and that it was named for Captain Kidd. Kidd sailed between New York and the Caribbean in the late 1600s, and his ship stopped at Lewes. There are rumors that Captain Kidd buried treasure in Kitts Hummock…” [Delmarva Back Roads Blog]

In the 1800’s the town and its beach were popular weekend destinations for Dover residents. Today, it’s less crowded, but just as charming! Plan your visit around the tide. During low tide, you’ll have more beach to enjoy. Check tide charts here.

Parking: There are a few public parking spaces along Kitts Hummock Road near the public access to the beach. Residential street parking is for homeowners only.

Getting Here:
Address: Kitts Hummock Road
Kitts Hummock, DE 19901
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