10 Best Places to Visit in Delaware

Delaware may come across as unassuming, its humble size belying the riches within. Imagine pristine beaches brushing against the Atlantic, state parks offering an oasis of tranquility, and towns where the past lives in harmony with the present.

As you set your sights on this Mid-Atlantic gem, picture yourself wandering through rural landscapes, exploring urban vibrancy, and uncovering serene wildlife havens that form the state’s diverse tapestry.

Your curiosity will be rewarded with historical intrigue as you meander through Dover and Lewes, where museums guard the legacy of European settlers. Their streets are a gallery of architectural artistry, with colonial homes inviting you to step inside their storied walls.

Engage with Delaware’s multifaceted character, where the quiet beauty of its coast is matched only by the depth of its cultural heartbeat.

Coastal Charms to Explore in Delaware

Delaware’s shoreline invites you with open arms, revealing a trio of beachfront beauties—Bethany, Dewey, and Rehoboth.

Embrace the salty breezes on your face and the symphony of waves forging their own melody as you partake in the countless aquatic pursuits these sands have mastered in welcoming seafarers and land lovers alike.

• Bethany Beach: Sink your toes into the soothing sands or navigate the waves with a surfboard clutched underarm.
• Dewey Beach: A beacon for those craving spirited water sports, with windsurfing sails painting the horizon.
• Rehoboth Beach: Where boardwalks whisper tales of yesteryears and today beckons with the allure of dynamic beach life.

Discover why this sliver of the coast earns the moniker “The Small Wonder,” as each enclave unveils its own serene town charm.

1. Fenwick Island State Park

Fenwick Island State Park is a tranquil haven, a stone’s throw from Maryland‘s bustling Ocean City. Its shoreline, ripe for exploration, entices golden sands and the opportunity to bask under the sun’s embrace, swim in gentle waves, or ride the surf.

Key Highlights:

• Untouched Beauty: The park, safeguarded since 1966, features dunes and beaches reminiscent of pristine nature.
• Scenic Views: Located between Little Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the park offers views that captivate and soothe the soul.
• Recreational Activities: Whether coasting on a sailboat or engaging in numerous watersports, adventure awaits.

While you’re here, step away to discover Bethany Beach’s charm or the energetic life of Ocean City. The blend of picturesque tranquility and accessible excitement makes this park a can’t-miss destination.

2. Coastal Gem: Cape Henlopen State Park

As you set foot into the embrace of Cape Henlopen State Park, you’re treading on one of the earliest public domains in the nation, cherished since 1682.

Near Lewes, this park is a mosaic of pine forests, wetlands, and sandy bluffs. It’s a haven for the outdoor enthusiast, with meandering hiking paths, tranquil camping spots, and prime birdwatching locales.

Key Attractions:

• Beaches & Shoreline: Engage in the simple joys of sunbathing or immerse yourself in the salt-sprayed thrill of surf-fishing.
• Nature Center: The Seaside Nature Center beckons with educational exhibits, revealing the delicate ecosystem and its feathered denizens.
• Historic Tower: Embrace the panoramic splendor from a WWII observation tower, where sunrises and sunsets dance over the Atlantic’s horizon.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the park’s shorebirds flitting across the dunes, and be sure to dedicate a moment to marvel at its geography – a natural monument shaped by the hands of time and tides.

3. Wilmington

Discover Wilmington, where culture and corporate prowess coalesce amidst Delaware’s scenic river junction. Where the Christina meets the Brandywine, you find the beating heart of Delaware’s biggest city, echoing the vibrancy of arts and history.

• The Arts: Immerse yourself in the visual storytelling at the Delaware Art Museum.
• Historic Charm: Step back to 1638 amongst the landmarks of Wilmington’s Swedish origins.
• Dining and Shopping: Explore the bustling shops and savor flavors along the captivating riverfront.

While Wilmington’s moniker as the ‘Corporate Capital of the World’ might paint a picture of all work and no play, its downtown tells a different story—one of entrepreneurial spirit fueling a lively tapestry of eateries and boutiques.

Venture here for business and an enriching break along the river walk, perhaps punctuated by meals that are as much a feast for the soul as for the palate.

In your travels, let Wilmington’s allure invite you. Here, the embrace of history, the chorus of culture, and the proximity to the sublime Brandywine Valley combine, offering a retreat rich with experiences waiting to be unearthed.

4. Lewes

Lewes greets you with its tranquil seaside ambiance and a palpable sense of history. This coastal gem, tucked away along Delaware Bay, is steeped in heritage from its earliest European settlement roots, showcasing a rich architectural storybook of English and Dutch influences.

• Historic Landmarks: Wander through the Zwaanendael Museum to unravel the tale of Lewes’s past as a 17th-century Dutch whaling and trading hub.
• Beach Bliss: Enjoy the sun-soaked shores or venture to Cape Henlopen State Park for picturesque landscapes and beachside activities.
• Culinary Delights & Accommodations: Indulge in diverse eateries and find comfort in charming hotels that cater to a relaxing retreat.

Art and culture thrive in the galleries and boutiques dotting the quaint streets, while the thrill of bay cruises and fishing trips promise captivating panoramas. Whether seeking serene strolls or maritime adventures, Lewes invites you to embrace its coastal allure.

See Related: Best Water Parks in the USA

5. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Within a stone’s throw from Dover’s humming streets, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge holds dominion over one of the region’s largest expanses of untamed wetlands, a mosaic of tidal marshes and mudflats.

Key Features:

• Biodiversity: A vital stopover on the Atlantic Flyway, a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, including the majestic bald eagle.
• Trails: Network of trails and observation towers.
• Visitor Center: Rich educational resource on the refuge’s ecology.

Travel Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for bird migration spectacles.
• Exploration: Traverse on foot to embrace the serenity and scout for feathered travelers.
• Photography: Bring a camera; each moment offers the potential for an exquisite snapshot.

As you trace the winding paths, the whispering reeds and the symphony of birdsong immerse you in a world away from the commonplace. Here, the storied history whispers through the rustling grasses, and every visit becomes an entry in your personal annals of exploration.

6. Coastal Retreat: Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach emerges as a serene alternative to its bustling coastal neighbors. As you stroll along its generous stretch of sand, you’ll be greeted with gentle waves perfect for an afternoon swim or surf—sun worshipers find a perfect patch here for basking.

The boardwalk, lined with an inviting selection of shops and quaint eateries, adds to its small-town allure, offering everything from succulent seafood to cool, creamy ice cream treats.

Dotted with holiday homes, this town welcomes you with open arms, whether for a quiet weekend sanctum or a leisurely summer stay. Should the urge for adventure beckon, you’re just a short jaunt from the urban thrills of Dover and Ocean City.

Local accommodations range from cozy beach houses to homey holiday rentals, ensuring comfort is never more than a stone’s throw away.

Explore this town easily, knowing the tranquil Delaware Seashore State Park is always nearby, providing a natural escape from the everyday. With its kindhearted community and tranquil ambiance, Bethany Beach reflects a truly underrated slice of Delaware’s coastline charm.

7. Dewey Beach

Nestled between the open blue of the Atlantic and the tranquil Rehoboth Bay, Dewey Beach is your slice of watersports heaven. Here, sun-brushed sands beckon you to linger while ocean waves invite surfers and swimmers alike to delight in their embrace.

Activities to Enjoy:

• Wakeboarding & Skimboarding: Catch the perfect wave and glide along the shore.
• Jet Skiing: Zip across the bay, where dolphins play in your wake.
• Sailing: Hoist the sails on a catamaran for a breezy adventure.

Local Flavor:

• Dewey Beach transforms as the sun sets. Savor the taste of coastal cuisine at bustling eateries, or let the rhythms at local music venues move you.

In the summer, Dewey Beach pulses with energy. Its quaint cottages and condos fill with those eager to experience its renowned nightlife.

Yet, amidst the revelry, families enjoy the simple pleasures of a beach day or a serendipitous dolphin sighting. Come bask in the eclectic mix of relaxation and excitement that Dewey Beach uniquely offers.

See Related: Top Tourist Attractions in the USA

8. Dover

Nestled against the tranquil St. Jones River and a stone’s throw from the coastal delights of Delaware Bay, Dover invites you to wander its storied streets. Founded in the 17th century, this charming capital offers an intriguing journey through time.

Discoveries for the Curious:

• Historic Village: Step into the 1890s at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, where time seems to echo through the quaint buildings and cobblestone paths.
• Cultural Treasures: The Biggs Museum of American Arts captivates with an array of fine paintings, delicate ceramics, and intricate sculptures.

Vibrant Downtown Pulse:

• Boutique shops and local eateries invite indulgence while the thrill of the casino beckons to night owls.

Annual Festivities:

• Firefly Music Festival: An annual musical escapade that transforms the city into a bustling hub of melodies each June.
• NASCAR Thrills: Feel the adrenaline at Dover International Speedway, where speed and spectacle merge.

In Dover, every corner hums with activity, offering a slice of enjoyment for all who venture into its embrace.

9. Delaware’s Coastal Retreat

Nestled cozily between the vibrant Rehoboth Bay and the tranquil Indian River Bay, Delaware Seashore State Park is your seaside sanctuary.

Since its official preservation in 1965, the park has thrived as an idyllic slice of coastal serenity, where the harmonious hum of the Atlantic Ocean lulls you into relaxation.

Outdoor Excursions:

• Beach Activities: Embrace the warmth on the park’s sprawling beaches; swim in the shimmering waters or ride the waves with your surfboard at dawn.
• Watersports: The sheltered bays offer perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts, beckoning you to glide over their glassy surfaces.
• Fishing and Foraging: Try your hand at clamming or indulge in crabbing at designated spots.

Accommodations:

• Camping: Two welcoming campgrounds provide a cozy overnight haven for nature lovers.

Conveniently accessible and lying between the quaint towns of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, the park is more than just a passageway. It’s a destination where the land whispers stories of maritime charm.

Step onto the sands where the sun brands its kiss upon the dunes, and allow your senses to feast on the park’s natural splendor.

10. Rehoboth Beach

Stroll the storied sands where political powerhouses and families find solace from the sweltering city buzz.

Rehoboth Beach, a gem on Delaware’s coast, is enticed by its golden sands, which offer a serene retreat for sunbathing enthusiasts and a playground for surfers riding the Atlantic swells.

• Sandy Excursions: Embrace the sun’s warmth on the miles of sandy shores, perfect for relaxation.
• Boardwalk Adventures: Explore the eclectic boutiques and local eateries lining the historic wooden boardwalk.
• Funland: Delight in the old-fashioned amusement park, promising thrills for all ages.
• Cultural Dive: Discover the town’s European roots, dating back to the 1660s, amidst its modern, welcoming community.

Straddling the line between a languid beach haven and a bustling motor of summer tourism, Rehoboth Beach welcomes you with open arms, regardless of who you are – a testament to its family-oriented and inclusive vibe. Let this be your canvas for creating splendid summer stories.