It runs in a generally northeast–southwest direction from DE 404 in Scotts Corner east to Slaughter Beach, a town along the Delaware Bay.

The road runs through the northern portion of Sussex County, passing through rural areas along with Greenwood and Milford.

Past this intersection, DE 16/DE 36 leaves Greenwood and becomes Beach Highway, crossing the Nanticoke River.

[3][4] DE 36 leaves Milford and heads to the northeast on Cedar Beach Road, entering a mix of farmland, woodland, and homes.

The road turns to the east, running a short distance to the south of the Mispillion River as it comes to a diamond interchange with the DE 1 bypass of Milford.

DE 36 winds east through a mix of farmland and marshland and comes to a drawbridge over the Cedar Creek just outside the town of Slaughter Beach.

[7] The section leading into Milford was completed four years later, in addition to the segment of the road through Greenwood.