A visit to Woodland Beach in Smyrna offers a place to find peace and quiet immersed in the natural world. Whether you want to soak in the sun with toes in the sand on the (unprotected) beach, cast a line in the waters, observe wildlife or hike on trails, this Discovery Zone offers it all. 

Woodland Beach itself is a quaint town, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world, providing refuge for residents and visitors.  Once upon a time it was busy with amusement rides, restaurants and bars, but the Hurricane of 1878 wiped away that version of Woodland.  You’ll enjoy walking through town today with the sound of shorebird cries and fisherman lines reeling.

The Anthony J. “Tony” Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area (WBWA) consists of over 6,000 acres of natural area containing tidal marsh, forest, and agricultural fields, all dedicated to wildlife management. The area is known for bird watching, crabbing, boating, hunting and fishing.  If you’re a birder you’ll appreciate the dated but functional viewing tower along Route 9, overlooking the marsh and the Taylors Gut impoundment.  If you’re interested in visiting locations along the Delaware Birding Trail, this wildlife area is one of them.

The Aquatic Resource Education Center * (AREC), located in the 6,300-acre Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, is a central gateway to the Byway.  You’ll find the AREC, which now includes a state-of-the-art visitor center,  off of Route 9 on Lighthouse Road.  Amenities for you to enjoy include ample parking, bathroom facilities, a pavilion with picnic tables; on-site catch and release fishing at three freshwater fishing ponds, a local culture and history trail, handicap accessible nature trails, and a boardwalk for nature study and education.  There is also a conference facility for environmental educators, wetland managers and the byway management organization.

*The Hours at the Aquatic Resources Education Center vary. Please visit the Center’s website at  for the most up to date information and hours of operation.

Make sure you visit this Discovery Zone again as there are planned improvements including a new, accessible canoe and kayak launch along Shoveler Pond, a shallow pond next to Route 9 near the AREC.

Getting Here:
Woodland Beach is located in Kent County Delaware.
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