Fenwick Island is a coastal resort town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States.

Fenwick Island, however, is somewhat less "quiet" than "the Bethanies" because it is immediately across the state line from Ocean City, Maryland, which has a reputation as a lively vacation resort.

Contrary to popular belief, the town does not sit on a barrier island but on a narrow peninsula which resembles a barrier island (unless one considers a narrow man-made boat canal well inland that connects White Creek to Little Assawoman Bay).

[citation needed] Local legend states that Cedar Island in Little Assawoman Bay was a spot for pirates to bury treasure.

Regardless of the truth of the legend, the Delaware coastal area was well known as a place for pirates to hide from the law.

Local sentiment demanded incorporation to prevent the relentless high-rise development of Ocean City from creeping north into Fenwick Island.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Delaware Route 1 (Coastal Highway), which has its southern terminus at the Maryland border in Fenwick Island, serves as the main north–south road in the town, heading north along the coast toward Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach.

Delaware Route 54 (Lighthouse Road) begins at DE 1 in Fenwick Island a block north of the state line and heads west toward Selbyville to provide access from inland areas.

[10] Trash and recycling collection in Fenwick Island is provided under contract by Waste Industries.