When planning a vacation, Delaware isn’t always at the forefront of most people’s minds. Even still, Delaware is a tiny US state dripping with history and things to do as one of the first colonies. Plenty of cities, coastal towns, and rural areas are worth seeing in Delaware.
15 of the Best Places to Visit in Delaware
Without further ado, here are 15 of Delaware’s best places to visit.
1. Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA, June 15, 2021 – Delaware beaches are open. With the decline COVID cases, people are flocking to Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach and it’s shops along the boardwalk. Penny Lane Mall/Foolish Productions/Shutterstock
Rehoboth Beach has been around since around 1650 when the Dutch and the English arrived to settle. It’s a quaint beach town that the locals love, Delaware residents rave about, and other people from around the world enjoy spending time in during the summer.
While it’s predominantly a summer destination, spring and fall are great months to visit. As a beach town, you’ll see people flocking to the stunning beach, enjoying the seaside restaurants, and shopping at local boutiques.
There are plenty of walking trails to enjoy, like walking the boardwalk, going to Jungle Jim’s waterpark, and more when you visit Rehoboth Beach.
2. Dover
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As the capital of Delaware, Dover has more than enough things to do to keep you occupied throughout your time there. It has a little bit of everything, including an Amish community and even NASCAR racing.
Many people visit to see the Dover International Speedway and catch a NASCAR race live. Other things you can do while you’re in Dover include touring the many museums they have there.
There’s the Biggs Museum with local art and history, the Delaware Agricultural Museum, and much more. Many nightclubs, unique restaurants, coffee shops, casinos, and other things make visiting Dover a great idea.
3. Bethany Beach
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If you want to visit a lesser-known beach town in Delaware, you must check out Bethany beach. Bethany Beach is a small beach town with a long beach that aligns with the coast and is the main attraction.
It has peaceful beaches and resorts that are the perfect place to stay while you’re in town. Most people go to Bethany Beach to sunbathe, build sandcastles, swim in the ocean, and do anything else that allows them to spend time in the sun.
The restaurants feature plenty of local seafood that is worth a shot. You’ll love walking along the beach boardwalk, buying souvenirs at the local shops, and taking in the salty air.
4. Wilmington
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Wilmington is on the border of New Jersey and is a popular city for those who love a city escape. When you visit Wilmington, there’s plenty of history to take in.
You’ll love going on the historic train rides, visiting the museums, and learning about the history behind the opera houses and casinos.
Some other popular things to do while you’re in Wilmington include walking along the Wilmington Riverwalk and touring the several wineries and breweries in the area. If you’re traveling with children, the Delaware Children’s Museum is an excellent option that’s not only fun but educational.
5. Delaware City
DELAWARE CITY, DE, USA – September 30, 2022: Exterior of The Old Canal Shops at 129 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706. Editorial use only/John Arehart/Shutterstock
A lesser-known city in Delaware is Delaware City. This small town has a population of fewer than 2,000 people, so if you’re looking for a charming small town to spend a day or two in, you can’t miss this town.
Even though it’s small, there are plenty of local attractions and delicious restaurants to try. While in Delaware City, you should venture to Fort DuPont State Park. It’s inside the city and used to be a military base from the Civil War through World War II.
Delaware City is a riverside town perfect for those who enjoy being outside. You’ll love walking along the river and feasting on locally caught crab and other seafood.
6. Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island, DE, USA – September 19, 2021: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is in Delaware at the Maryland and Delaware Border along the Atlantic Coast/George Sheldon/Shutterstock
You’ll find Fenwick Island on the southern border of the state near Ocean City, Maryland. Fenwick Island is a beach town on one of the finest beaches in the state.
It’s a popular summer destination for those in Delaware and the surrounding areas because the beach is beautiful and offers everything you could want in a summer getaway.
When you visit Fenwick Island, you can spend your days sunbathing, swimming, fishing, learning about marine life, bodyboarding, and more.
If you visit, you’ll want to stay on the island, as it’s the best way to take advantage of everything it offers. There are mini golfing, go-karting, water slides, and delicious ice cream shops and restaurants.
7. Lewes
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Lewes has been around since 1631, making for a great vacation to Delaware filled with history. It’s near the ocean and has plenty of oceanside attractions and things for people who don’t want to spend their days lounging on the beach.
The town is between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. You’ll find miles of hiking trails, sandy beaches and several opportunities for birdwatching in Lewes.
You can access almost everything in town on foot, so you’ll get all your steps in when you visit here. The locals are incredibly proud of Lewes and love sharing stories and history with visitors, so be sure to ask!
8. Fort Delaware State Park
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Most of the places on our list are cities to visit, but we have to throw Fort Delaware State Park in as its destination in Delaware to visit.
Americans originally built this historic fort to defend the Philadelphia and Wilmington ports during the Civil War and other conflicts throughout United States history. You can take a ferry from Delaware City, where you’ll land on Pea Patch Island.
Once you arrive, locals dressed in costumes of the period will greet you and help you experience the fort’s history in a fun and interactive way. If you visit this attraction, you can pack a picnic and enjoy it in the park’s grassy areas.
9. Milton
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Shipbuilding put Milton on the map thanks to the Civil War. Since the Civil War, the town has made a name for itself, and its niche is shipbuilding. Even though they’re no longer operational, you’ll find plenty of shipyards.
Outdoor activities are prevalent here, so if you love being outside, you’ll enjoy Milton. You can go kayaking, hit the walking trails, or enjoy a meal outside at one of the several excellent restaurants.
One thing that Milton is especially famous for being where Dogfish Head Brewery was founded. Locals encourage visitors to tour the brewery or at least pop in to try some of their excellent beer and enjoy something to eat.
10. Dewey Beach
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Dewey Beach is another excellent Delaware beach town that you should consider visiting during summer. The town comes alive in the summer with locals and visitors flocking to the beaches to soak up the sun, wakeboard, play beach volleyball, and more.
Many see dolphins swimming in the ocean, making for a lovely memory.
Like in other beach towns, you can walk along the boardwalk and feast on local seafood at locally-owned restaurants. There are plenty of beachside bars for the adults who enjoy drinking to visit and arcades for the kids and kids at heart.
11. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
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Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for nature lovers. The refuge was founded in 1937 by Native Americans with the name Canaresse. It means shaggy bushes, but it was the Dutch name that remained.
They named it Bompies Hoeck, which means little tree point. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a massive area where birds that migrate along the Atlantic coast breed and rest.
Some areas of the refuge aren’t allowed to visitors to protect the birds and allow for staff and researchers to conduct business. You’ll love the peaceful nature of the refuge and spending time walking through the trails and birdwatching.
12. New Castle
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It’s no secret that the entire state of Delaware is filled with history as the first state, but New Castle has to be one of the oldest towns in the state.
As one of the oldest lived-in towns, it’s the perfect getaway for those who appreciate history and ancient architecture. Most of the town’s buildings are preserved from their original building thanks to the town’s emphasis on preservation.
Some of the most exciting things to do while in New Castle are to take a historical walking tour, visit the New Castle Courthouse, and walk around the shopping district.
13. Milford
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Milford is another small town in Delaware, but something about this little town is how proud they are of its growing population. More people are moving to Milford and seeing a rise in tourists visiting the city.
When you visit Milford, you can walk through its quaint downtown area, taking in the beautiful buildings and shopping at local boutiques. The Mispillion Riverwalk highlights the town, where you can see plenty of green space and a waterfront.
14. Newark
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Newark is the home of the University of Delaware and is the third-largest city in Delaware. It’s the perfect destination if you want to visit Philadelphia and Baltimore since it’s within close proximity to both.
People in Newark enjoy touring the University of Delaware, checking out the hiking trails which go for 17 miles, and sampling the delicious cuisine. If you enjoy ballet, you can visit the Mid-Atlantic Ballet.
15. Georgetown
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Georgetown is the perfect spot to visit in Delaware if you want to hit other towns in the state, thanks to its central location. Much like other areas of the state, the history buff will love visiting Georgetown.
You can see carriages from different historical periods at the Marvel Carriage Museum, visit the Georgetown Speedway, and shop at the various country stores throughout the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are you planning a trip to Delaware? Here are a few things other travelers are asking about visiting Delaware:
What’s the most visited place in Delaware?
There are two most visited places in Delaware. Most people visit Dover, the capital, or Rehoboth Beach when they visit Delaware.
What’s the number one attraction in Delaware?
Besides specific cities, the number one tourist attraction in Delaware is Dover International Speedway.
How many people live in Delaware?
A little over one million people live in Delaware.
What is Delaware most famous for?
Delaware is most famous for being the first state in the United States and for its beautiful Atlantic beaches.
Does Delaware have any lovely beaches?
Yes! There are five beach towns in Delaware with more than 25 miles of sandy beaches for you to explore.
So, What Are the Best Places to Visit in Delaware?
Despite its small size, Delaware has plenty of things to do and see if you’re planning a vacation. From the capital city of Dover to beaches like Rehoboth Beach and everything in between, you’ll find someplace you’ll love in Delaware. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Delaware today!