Holts Landing State Park
An accessible marsh trail and crabbing pier reveal saltwater habitat away from the Atlantic beach crowds.
Artwork inspired by Ethel Pennewill Brown Leach
Holts Landing is a sheltered bay park, not a place to expect breakers or a guarded ocean beach. Its short shoreline borders Indian River Bay; salt marsh, intertidal flats, and maritime forest meet around the Seahawk Trail. Walk slowly and the changes in water and vegetation become the main attraction. The trail is designed to provide accessible passage through those different habitats.
The pier makes another kind of observation possible. Anglers and crabbers use it to reach the bay, while a boat ramp serves small craft. Watch for shorebirds without blocking access, and check fishing or crabbing rules before bringing gear. Summer events occur, but the unusual value here is a quiet close look at a Delaware inland bay.
- Water
- Indian River Bay
- Trail
- Accessible Seahawk Trail
- Activity
- Crabbing and fishing pier
Quick guide
- Take the Seahawk Trail
- Move between marsh and maritime forest on the accessible route.
- Watch the bay
- The pier gives a close view of tide and working shoreline.
Know before you go
- Compare habitats
- Notice how marsh vegetation changes toward the forest.
- Study the tide
- Exposed edge shifts through the day.
- Use pier etiquette
- Leave room for anglers and crabbers.
- Check licenses
- Fishing and crabbing rules are separate from park entry.
Good to know
This is a sheltered bay, not an ocean swimming beach. Fishing or crabbing may require a license or equipment rules; check the Delaware operator before a planned catch.
Notice these
- Seahawk Trail
- Indian River Bay pier
- Salt-marsh margin