Looking for a laid-back getaway with beaches, history, and small-town charm? These top places to visit in Delaware offer a little something for every kind of traveler.
Highlights:
Unique Places to Visit in Delaware:
1. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Rehoboth Beach, DEHighlights:
With deep colonial roots and a sparkling Atlantic shoreline, Rehoboth Beach blends rich history with classic summer fun. It’s a sunny seaside escape beloved by beachgoers, couples, and history buffs alike.Recommended For:
Beach lovers, wedding planners, history enthusiasts, and families looking for a welcoming coastal town with charm and convenience.What I Love: ♥
Colonial history, golden sands, boutique-lined boardwalks, and wedding-ready coastal views all rolled into one scenic destination.- Step back in time—Rehoboth Beach traces its roots to 1650–1675 when English and Dutch settlers arrived, many of whom would later fight for American independence.
- Relax like generations before you—Rehoboth Beach has long welcomed summer visitors for its sunny beaches, shopping, and great local dining.
- Celebrate love in a town known for weddings—Rehoboth offers scenic venues, beautiful photography spots, and a cozy coastal atmosphere without sacrificing comfort or access.
2. Wilmington
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Location:
Wilmington, DEHighlights:
Whether you're after riverside strolls, vintage train rides, or family-friendly museums, Wilmington serves up big-city experiences with small-town warmth. It’s a perfect mix of fun, history, and charm on the banks of the Christina River.Recommended For:
Families, solo travelers, history buffs, culture seekers, and food-and-drink lovers looking for a fresh East Coast experience.What I Love: ♥
Riverfront walks at golden hour, hands-on exhibits at the children’s museum, countryside train tours, and a surprising arts-and-culture scene tucked into every corner.- Enjoy an incredible range of activities in Wilmington, from brewery and winery tours to casino visits, opera houses, and museums—fun for solo travelers and families alike.
- Stroll the scenic Wilmington Riverfront and soak up the changing views, seasons, and vibes throughout the day.
- Bring the kids to the Delaware Children’s Museum for a day of interactive learning and imaginative play that’s as fun as it is educational.
3. Bethany Beach
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Location:
Bethany Beach, DEHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of a quiet beach town with soft sand, gentle waves, and a friendly pace, Bethany Beach is your spot. It’s one of Delaware’s coastal gems—perfect for sun, surf, and stress-free days.Recommended For:
Couples, families, solo beachcombers, and anyone looking for a calm, scenic, and sunny escape.What I Love: ♥
Wide open beaches, low-key charm, a boardwalk full of tasty bites, and seafood so fresh it tastes like the ocean.- Discover why Bethany Beach is named for its beautiful coastline, where the beach is the heart of town.
- Escape the crowds—Bethany Beach is quieter and more peaceful than the region’s larger resort towns.
- Relax with a day of sunbathing, swimming, or surfing, or just soak up the company and the views.
- Stroll the boardwalk for casual shopping, snacks, and oceanside ambiance.
- Dine at local restaurants serving up fantastic seafood and laid-back beach town vibes.
4. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
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Location:
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, DEHighlights:
If you're looking for peace, bird calls, and a stretch of unspoiled salt marsh, Bombay Hook is a rare gem on the Atlantic flyway. It’s a haven for wildlife and a dream for photographers, birders, and anyone who needs a breath of quiet air.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hikers, and travelers seeking serene landscapes and coastal biodiversity.What I Love: ♥
Endless tidal marshes, graceful migrating birds, rich habitats, and the quiet thrill of spotting wildlife in one of the East Coast’s best-kept nature preserves.- Explore the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest remaining tidal salt marshes in the Atlantic region.
- Learn about its founding in 1937 as part of a broader network of protected wildlife refuges stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Witness a critical stopover habitat for migrating birds—it’s a vital part of the Atlantic Flyway and supports countless species.
- Visit most of the refuge’s marshes, boardwalks, and trails—while some areas are protected for conservation, there's still so much to see and explore for the public.
5. Delaware Bay
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Location:
Delaware Bay, DEHighlights:
Each spring, Delaware Bay becomes one of nature’s most astonishing pit stops—a vital feeding ground for shorebirds traveling thousands of miles from South America to the Arctic. It’s an unforgettable wildlife event that draws birders, conservationists, and nature lovers from around the world.Recommended For:
Bird watchers, wildlife photographers, families, and anyone fascinated by the rhythm of global migration and coastal ecology.What I Love: ♥
Thousands of birds refueling side by side, ancient horseshoe crabs spawning in the sand, and the sense of witnessing something wild, rare, and truly vital.- Discover why Delaware Bay is a critical rest stop on the 10,000-mile journey from South America to the Arctic for migrating shorebirds.
- Watch thousands of birds arrive thin and tired, then feast for up to ten days on the protein-rich eggs of spawning horseshoe crabs.
- Learn how this unique crab-and-bird relationship is essential to helping shorebirds reach their Arctic breeding grounds.
- Visit during the peak migration season in May and June for the best chance to see this natural phenomenon unfold along Delaware’s bay beaches.
Romantic Places to Visit in Delaware:
6. Delaware City
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Location:
Delaware City, DEHighlights:
Looking for a small town with big history and local flavor? Delaware City offers riverside charm, regional cuisine, and a fascinating Civil War-era fort turned state park—all perfect for a weekend of exploration and relaxation.Recommended For:
History lovers, foodies, day-trippers, and travelers seeking a lesser-known gem with a rich past and casual, scenic vibes.What I Love: ♥
Historic military ruins, waterfront strolls, hidden foodie spots, and that peaceful blend of nature and legacy.- Visit Delaware City for a mix of regional cuisine, small-town hospitality, and unique attractions.
- Step into history at Fort DuPont State Park, where you can explore a former military base dating back to the Civil War.
- Learn how Fort DuPont served through World War II as part of a strategic tri-base defense system along the Delaware River.
- Enjoy today’s Fort DuPont as a serene state park, where history, recreation, and nature meet.
7. Delaware Seashore State Park
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Location:
Delaware Seashore State Park, DEHighlights:
If your idea of the perfect beach day includes soft sand, ocean waves, and room to roam, Delaware Seashore State Park is a must. With miles of beach, scenic trails, and coastal charm, it’s one of the state’s top destinations for outdoor lovers.Recommended For:
Campers, swimmers, boaters, surf fishers, families, and anyone looking to escape the crowds and stretch out along Delaware’s shoreline.What I Love: ♥
Over six miles of open beachfront, lifeguard-protected swimming, drive-on surf fishing access, and quiet trails with plenty of fresh sea air.- Explore Delaware Seashore State Park, a 2,825-acre coastal preserve with some of the region’s best sands and most swim-friendly waters.
- Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and boating across six miles of waterfront beaches designed for recreation and relaxation.
- Fish from the shore with limited vehicle access zones ideal for surf fishing enthusiasts who like to set up close to the waves.
- Swim safely in lifeguard-patrolled areas and cool off in clear Atlantic waters, all while avoiding the hustle of more crowded beach towns.
8. Dewey Beach
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Location:
Dewey Beach, DEHighlights:
Looking for a beach town that brings the fun? Dewey Beach is a local favorite for its high-energy vibe, endless water sports, and beachside bars—just a quick trip from D.C. but a world away in spirit.Recommended For:
Adventurous beachgoers, groups of friends, water sports fans, and anyone chasing sun, surf, and social energy.What I Love: ♥
Wakeboarding by day, tropical cocktails by night, and the chance to spot dolphins while toes are in the sand.- Make a splash at Dewey Beach, a hotspot for wakeboarding, parasailing, and windsurfing just outside the D.C. metro area.
- Play on soft sand ideal for beach volleyball or take a break at nearby restaurants and bars for refreshments and ocean views.
- Keep an eye out for dolphins—they’re known to visit the area depending on the time of year.
- Unwind after a day in the sun with dinner and drinks at the lively Nalu Hawaiian Bar and Grille or other fun local spots.
Family-friendly Places to Visit in Delaware:
9. Dover
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Location:
Dover, DEHighlights:
Dover blends Americana charm with unexpected thrills—from Amish farmland and art museums to aircraft hangars and NASCAR races. Whether you’re here for history or horsepower, you’ll find something to love.Recommended For:
History buffs, aviation fans, race-goers, art lovers, and travelers looking for a well-rounded escape in a lesser-known capital city.What I Love: ♥
Browsing vintage aircraft at the AMC Museum, catching a NASCAR weekend, then winding down with coffee and local art downtown.- Explore Dover, a small capital city that offers a surprising mix of Amish culture, motorsports, and museums.
- Visit the Air Mobility Command Museum to dive into aviation history with a wide collection of aircraft and flight artifacts.
- Discover 200 years of artistry at the Biggs Museum or explore the evolution of farming at the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
- Enjoy casinos, nightclubs, museums, and cafés—Dover delivers a surprisingly rich menu of entertainment and culture for a coastal capital.
10. Fenwick Island
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Location:
Fenwick Island, DEHighlights:
If you’re planning a beach trip with the kids, Fenwick Island delivers the perfect blend of sun, surf, and family-friendly fun. Located just north of Ocean City, this small town packs in big adventures without the big crowds.Recommended For:
Families, nature lovers, beachgoers, and anyone looking for a relaxed, activity-packed seaside escape.What I Love: ♥
Mini golf and go-karts in town, sunbathing and windsurfing at the state park, and themed restaurants that are just as fun as the rides.- Find Fenwick Island on Delaware’s southern coast, just north of Ocean City, Maryland.
- Relax in one of Delaware’s top family beach destinations, loved for its peaceful vibe and kid-friendly attractions.
- Explore the outdoors at Fenwick Island State Park—perfect for hiking, fishing, windsurfing, and marine life discovery.
- Have a blast in town with mini golf, go-karts, water slides, and stops at local ice cream shops.
- Dine out at a wide range of family-themed restaurants to wrap up a day full of fun and sandy smiles.
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