Delaware Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions
Known as The First State, Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with charming beach towns, historic landmarks, and scenic state parks. Whether you're looking for coastal getaways, colonial history, or outdoor adventures, this guide highlights the best places to visit in Delaware.
Where is Delaware?
📍 Location: Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
🌆 Major Cities: Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes
🌊 Bordering States: Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
🔗 Visit Delaware Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes
🌊 Bordering States: Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
🔗 Visit Delaware Tourism
Best Time to Visit Delaware
🌸 Spring (March-May): Perfect for mild weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor events.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for beach trips, boardwalks, and water activities.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for fall foliage, festivals, and historic tours.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday events and off-season beach relaxation
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for beach trips, boardwalks, and water activities.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for fall foliage, festivals, and historic tours.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday events and off-season beach relaxation
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Top Attractions & Destinations in Delaware
1. Rehoboth Beach – Delaware’s Premier Coastal Destination
Rehoboth Beach is the most popular beach town in Delaware, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and boardwalk.
🏖️ Must-See Attractions:
- Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – A classic oceanfront experience with shops, arcades, and restaurants.
- Cape Henlopen State Park – A scenic beach park with dunes, trails, and historic forts.
- Dogfish Head Brewery – A must-visit for craft beer lovers.
📍 Location: Southern Delaware
🔗 Visit Rehoboth Beach
🔗 Visit Rehoboth Beach
2. Wilmington – A Cultural & Historic Hub
Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city, offering a mix of history, arts, and scenic riverfront views.
🏛️ Top Attractions:
- Nemours Estate – A stunning French-style mansion and gardens.
- Delaware Art Museum – Home to an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art.
- Riverfront Wilmington – A lively area with restaurants, parks, and scenic riverwalks.
📍 Location: Northern Delaware
🔗 Visit Wilmington
🔗 Visit Wilmington
3. Dover – Delaware’s Capital & Historic Landmark
Dover is known for its rich colonial history and vibrant festivals.
🇺🇸 Best Things to Do:
- First State Heritage Park – A historical district with museums and guided tours.
- Dover International Speedway – Home to NASCAR races and major events.
- Air Mobility Command Museum – A military aviation museum with historic aircraft.
📍 Location: Central Delaware
🔗 Visit Dover
🔗 Visit Dover
4. Lewes – The First Town in the First State
Lewes is a charming coastal town with deep historic roots and beautiful scenery.
⚓ Things to Do in Lewes:
- Cape May-Lewes Ferry – A scenic ferry ride connecting Delaware to New Jersey.
- Zwaanendael Museum – A Dutch colonial history museum.
- Lewes Beach – A calm and relaxing beach perfect for families.
📍 Location: Southern Delaware
🔗 Visit Lewes
🔗 Visit Lewes
5. Delaware Seashore State Park – A Coastal Paradise
A beautiful state park with stunning beaches, dunes, and outdoor activities.
🌊 Top Activities:
- Swimming & Sunbathing – Enjoy the pristine Atlantic coastline.
- Fishing & Boating – A great spot for surf fishing and kayaking.
- Camping by the Beach – Stay at waterfront campsites.
📍 Location: Delaware’s Atlantic Coast
🔗 Visit Delaware Seashore State Park
🔗 Visit Delaware Seashore State Park
Best Outdoor Adventures in Delaware
🚴 Bike the Junction & Breakwater Trail – A scenic ride between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.
🌲 Trap Pond State Park – Home to one of the northernmost bald cypress swamps.
🐦 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge – A birdwatching paradise with salt marshes.
🏕️ Lums Pond State Park – Offers hiking, zip-lining, and kayaking.
🌲 Trap Pond State Park – Home to one of the northernmost bald cypress swamps.
🐦 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge – A birdwatching paradise with salt marshes.
🏕️ Lums Pond State Park – Offers hiking, zip-lining, and kayaking.
Where to Stay in Delaware
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Inns:
- The Bellmoor Inn & Spa (Rehoboth Beach) – A luxury coastal retreat.
- Hotel Du Pont (Wilmington) – A historic, elegant hotel in the city center.
🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Lodges:
- Cape Henlopen State Park Campground – Beachside camping with hiking trails.
- Trap Pond State Park Campground – Secluded camping near scenic wetlands.
Tips for Visiting Delaware
✅ Visit the Beaches Early in Summer – Delaware’s beaches get crowded on weekends.
✅ Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping – Delaware has no sales tax on purchases.
✅ Explore Small Towns – Places like Milford and Odessa offer hidden historic gems.
✅ Check the Ferry Schedule – The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a great way to explore both states.
✅ Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping – Delaware has no sales tax on purchases.
✅ Explore Small Towns – Places like Milford and Odessa offer hidden historic gems.
✅ Check the Ferry Schedule – The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a great way to explore both states.
Nearby Travel Destinations
If you’re visiting Delaware, consider exploring these nearby states:
- Maryland – Visit Ocean City’s boardwalk and Chesapeake Bay (1-hour drive from Rehoboth Beach).
- Pennsylvania – Explore Philadelphia’s historic sites (45-minute drive from Wilmington).
- New Jersey – Take the ferry to Cape May for Victorian charm (90-minute ferry ride from Lewes).
Final Thoughts
With its scenic coastline, historic towns, and outdoor adventures, Delaware is a perfect East Coast getaway. Whether you’re relaxing on Rehoboth Beach, exploring Wilmington’s cultural scene, or discovering colonial history in Dover, Delaware offers something for every traveler.
For more East Coast travel guides, check out our Maryland Travel Guide and New Jersey Travel Guide.