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Introduction

Delaware is a small state on the east coast of the United States, but it is full of surprises and hidden gems. From the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. In this travel guide, we will explore the top things to see and do in Delaware, including historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, cultural immersion, and more.

Top Attractions

Wilmington Riverfront

The Wilmington Riverfront is a vibrant entertainment district on the Christina River, featuring restaurants, shops, theaters, and outdoor spaces. Visitors can take a stroll along the riverwalk, enjoy a concert or movie at the outdoor stage, or take a boat tour of the river. The Riverfront also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riverfront Blues Festival and the Riverfront Arts Festival.

Nemours Mansion and Gardens

The Nemours Mansion and Gardens is a 300-acre estate built by industrialist Alfred I. du Pont in the early 20th century. The mansion is a masterpiece of French-inspired architecture, with 105 rooms filled with art and antiques. The gardens are equally impressive, with fountains, sculptures, and winding paths. Guided tours of the mansion and gardens are available.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park is a 5,193-acre park on the Delaware Bay, featuring miles of pristine beaches, hiking and biking trails, and historic military installations. Visitors can swim, fish, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. The park also offers camping and cabin rentals.

Hidden Gems

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 16,000-acre preserve on the Delaware Bay, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, and foxes. Visitors can hike or bike the trails, go birdwatching, or take a guided tour of the refuge.

Fort Delaware State Park

Fort Delaware State Park is a Civil War-era fort on Pea Patch Island, accessible by ferry from Delaware City. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about its history, and watch reenactments of Civil War battles. The island also offers hiking trails and picnic areas.

Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library

The Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library is a 1,000-acre estate built by du Pont family members in the early 20th century. The estate features a museum with a collection of American decorative arts, a garden with more than 60 acres of naturalistic and formal gardens, and a research library with more than 87,000 volumes. Guided tours of the estate are available.

Food Scene

Delaware is known for its seafood, particularly crabs and oysters. Some of the best seafood restaurants in the state include Big Fish Grill, Harry’s Seafood Grill, and Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill. For a taste of local beer and pub fare, check out Dogfish Head Brewery & Eats in Rehoboth Beach or Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington. And for a sweet treat, don’t miss Dolle’s Candyland on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Many of Delaware’s top attractions are free or low-cost, such as the Wilmington Riverfront, Cape Henlopen State Park, and Fort Delaware State Park. Visitors can also save money by visiting in the off-season, when hotel rates and crowds are lower. And for a truly budget-friendly experience, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a day at one of Delaware’s many parks and beaches.

Outdoor Adventures

In addition to the beaches and parks mentioned above, Delaware offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike or bike the Junction and Breakwater Trail, a 6-mile trail that runs from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes. They can also go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Delaware Bay or the Brandywine River, or take a fishing charter out of the Indian River Inlet.

Historical Landmarks

Delaware played a significant role in the history of the United States, and there are many landmarks and museums that tell the story of the state’s past. Some of the top historical attractions include the Delaware Historical Society Museum in Wilmington, the Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, and the John Dickinson Plantation in Georgetown.

Family-Friendly Activities

Delaware is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions that kids will love. Some of the best family-friendly options include the Delaware Children’s Museum in Wilmington, the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, and Funland amusement park on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Families can also enjoy a day of mini-golf, go-karting, or laser tag at one of Delaware’s many family entertainment centers.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For visitors looking to get off the beaten path, Delaware has plenty of unique and unusual attractions. Some of the most interesting include the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, which celebrates Delaware’s Dutch heritage; the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, which features vintage aircraft; and the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of a 17th-century Dutch tall ship that offers sailing trips on the Delaware Bay.

Natural Wonders

Delaware is home to several natural wonders, including the Great Cypress Swamp, a 10,000-acre wetland that is home to a variety of plant and animal species; the Delaware Water Gap, a scenic gorge on the Delaware River; and the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,000-acre preserve on the Delaware Bay that is home to migratory birds and other wildlife.

Vibrant Nightlife

Delaware may be small, but it has a big nightlife scene. Some of the best places to go for a night out include the Trolley Square neighborhood in Wilmington, which features bars, restaurants, and live music venues; the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, which has numerous bars and nightclubs; and the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, which offers gambling, live entertainment, and dining options.

Local Markets

Delaware has several markets where visitors can find locally made products and fresh produce. Some of the best options include the Wilmington Farmers Market, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, and the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market. Visitors can also check out the Delaware Art Museum’s Artisans’ Marketplace, which features handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

Delaware is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast, including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach. But the state also has some surprising mountain scenery, particularly in the northern part of the state. Some of the best places to go for mountain views include Brandywine Creek State Park and White Clay Creek State Park.

Cultural Immersion

Delaware has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Dutch, English, and African American communities that have shaped the state’s history. Visitors can explore Delaware’s cultural heritage at museums and historic sites throughout the state, including the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Museum of Natural History, and the African American Heritage Center in Wilmington.

Art and Music Scene

Delaware has a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues throughout the state. Some of the top options include the Delaware Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of American art; the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, which hosts concerts and theater productions; and the Firefly Music Festival, a three-day music festival held each summer in Dover.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Delaware’s history and culture. Some of the best options include the Wilmington Art Loop, a monthly tour of art galleries and studios in downtown Wilmington; the Lewes Historical Society Walking Tour, which explores the history of this charming coastal town; and the Wilmington Riverwalk, which offers a scenic stroll along the Christina River.

Architectural Marvels

Delaware is home to many architectural marvels, from colonial-era buildings to modern masterpieces. Some of the most impressive include the Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, built in the 17th century; the Delaware State Capitol in Dover, designed in the Art Deco style; and the University of Delaware’s Mechanical Hall, a Gothic Revival building that dates back to 1898.

Historical Sites

Delaware’s history is rich and complex, encompassing the colonial era, the Civil War, and the struggle for civil rights. Visitors can explore this history at numerous sites throughout the state, including the Fort Christina National Historic Landmark in Wilmington, where the first Swedish settlement in North America was established; the Lewes Historical Society Complex, which includes several historic buildings; and the Old State House in Dover, where the Delaware Constitution was ratified