12 x Best Places to Visit in Delaware

Last Updated On June 20, 2023

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in terms of square miles, but it's packed with attractions. If anything, Delaware's small size makes it easy to go from place to place. For history fans, there is no shortage of things to visit in Delaware, which was the first of the 13 original states to ratify the Constitution. But the First State is more than just Colonial architecture and artifacts.

Delaware Water Gap, View of the Delaware Water Gap from the top of Mt. Tammany

Photo by Mike Ralph on Unsplash

The beaches along Delaware's Atlantic coastline are ideal for family summer getaways. The state is also full of lovely towns that are great for weekend getaways. So, whether you're looking for a history lesson, a seaside vacation, or a pleasant, small-town getaway, keep reading to learn about some of Delaware's most outstanding locations.

1. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

2. Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach, located just north of Fenwick Isle, is a tranquil coastal town and one of the most excellent spots to visit in Delaware if you don't want to share your time at the beach with hordes of other tourists. Bethany Beach has a year-round population of fewer than 1,000 people. Still, the presence of vacation houses, the boardwalk, and various stores and restaurants have transformed the relatively peaceful town into an intriguing summer getaway.

3. Delaware Seashore State Park

4. Wilmington

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, but it's hardly some massive East Coast metropolis. The city has a population of somewhat more than 70,000 people. Brandywine Valley is the territory surrounding the city. It is located on the Delaware-Pennsylvania border and offers plenty to do in both states.

5. Lewes

Lewes is a lovely and historically significant city founded by the Dutch in the 1600s. It is a seaside hamlet surrounded by the marshes of Cape Henlopen State Park and the Great Marsh Preserve. Visit the Ryves Holt House and other historic structures in town. Ryves was constructed in 1665. There's a fantastic farmer's market nearby and restaurants and boutique shops.

6. Milford

7. Trap Pond State Park

8. Cape Henlopen State Park

9. Dover

Dover, Delaware's capital, is well worth a stop on any road trip across the state. This city is well-known for its NASCAR culture, casinos, and even a nearby Amish hamlet. Loockerman Street is studded with ancient buildings, shops, and restaurants, making it ideal for an afternoon of city exploring.

10. Fenwick Island State Park

Fenwick Island State Park, located on Delaware's southeast coast, is ideal for a summer vacation because it has an unspoiled natural environment and some of the state's most beautiful beaches. The park's breathtaking shoreline is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Fenwick Island State Park is the ultimate summer vacation if you're looking for an unspoiled, wild, distant region with intriguing natural sights.

11. Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is one of the most popular travel destinations in Delaware for residents of Washington, D.C., earning it the title of the Nation's Summer Capital. Rehoboth Beach's origins as a resort town may be traced back to the 1870s, envisioned as a Christian summer holiday destination. Today, the city attracts vacationers from all over the world due to its public beach, lively boardwalk, and emphasis on family-friendly leisure activities, making it one of Delaware's top attractions.

12. Brandywine Creek State Park