Need a relaxing small-town escape with historic charm and craft brews? Head to Milton, DE! Located along the Broadkill River and just inland from the Delaware coast, Milton offers a mix of 19th-century architecture, riverfront parks, and local flavor. Whether you're touring a brewery, kayaking quiet waters, or shopping downtown, Milton is a laid-back gem on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Milton, DE Highlights:
- Tour Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Go behind the scenes at this nationally known brewery and enjoy a tasting at the source.
- Stroll historic downtown Milton: Explore antique shops, cafés, and Colonial and Victorian architecture along brick-lined streets.
- Relax at Milton Memorial Park: Picnic or launch a kayak into the Broadkill River from this riverside green space.
- Explore Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Birdwatch, hike, or photograph wildlife in this nearby coastal refuge.
- Catch a performance at Milton Theatre: Enjoy concerts, comedy, and community theater in a restored 1910 building.
Best Time to Visit Milton, DE
The best time to visit Milton is in spring through early fall (April–October), when mild weather makes it ideal for kayaking, brewery tours, outdoor markets, and coastal exploration. Summers are lively with events and warm breezes from the nearby Delaware Bay.
How to Get to Milton, DE
- If you are traveling by car: Milton is located off DE-1, about 30 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach and 2 hours from Philadelphia or Baltimore.
- By Air: Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) is about 1 hour away, or fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for a longer scenic drive.
- By Bus: DART First State buses connect nearby towns like Rehoboth and Lewes, with regional access by car or shuttle.
Where to Stay in Milton, DE
- The Inn at Canal Square (in nearby Lewes) – Elegant waterfront lodging with easy access to Milton and the beaches.
- Heritage Inn & Suites – Comfortable, pet-friendly option in nearby Rehoboth with quick access to Route 1.
- Airbnbs & Cottage Rentals – Milton offers charming riverfront cottages and countryside guesthouses perfect for couples or small families.
Best Things to Do in Milton, DE
⮕ Tour, Taste, and Experience Bold Brews at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
© Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
You can’t visit Milton and not stop by the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. More than just a brewery, Dogfish Head has a tasting room, brewery tours, a fish finder, a distillery, fantastic restaurants and even its own inn.
With so much to do in just one place, it is actually a great idea to make the brewery your base of operations during your vacation by booking a room at their hospitable and comforting inn.
If you’re just stopping by, make sure to take a brewery tour, which is led by a knowledgeable guide, and to spend some time sampling their craft brews in their tasting room.
6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968, Phone: 888-364-3474
⮕ Hike, Birdwatch, and Explore Nature at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
© kwasny221/stock.adobe.com
Known for being an incredible refuge for migratory birds, the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge features over 10,000 acres of jaw dropping nature and is the perfect place for people looking for some recreational fun. The refuge sits along Delaware Bay’s west shore and features a variety of habitats such as salt marshes, freshwater marshes, impoundments, ponds, upland grasslands, forest and even wooded swamps. Thanks to this rich environment, visitors are likely to catch a glimpse of hundreds of animal species that thrive in this diverse wildlife refuge. To be exact, explorers can see up to 308 different species of birds, 45 kinds of reptiles and amphibians as well as 37 species of mammals. That’s not to mention the different kinds of fish, insects nad plants that call the area home.
11978 Turkle Pond Road, Milton, DE 19968
⮕ Wander Through Fragrant Fields and Relax at Lavender Fields Farm
© Nailia Schwarz/stock.adobe.com
Experience ultimate relaxation and soak up beautiful purple fields at the historic Lavender Fields Farm. With a whopping five acres dedicated to lavender farming, the Lavender Fields are situated just a few miles away from the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach at the Warrington Manor. Visitors at the farm are encouraged to stroll through the fields and take tours of their many gardens. There’s even a labyrinth for people to explore if they’re looking for a challenge. On the other side of the spectrum, guests looking for a lazy day in the farm can simply relax under the shade of the tree while gazing at the beauty of the lavender plants. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the shop which has a variety of lavender products, culinary items, soaps, and more to take home to your nearest and dearest.
18864 Cool Spring Road, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-684-1514
⮕ Sip Ancient-Style Meads and Discover Unique Flavors at Brimming Horn Meadery
© The Brimming Horn Meadery
Founded, run and led by Jon Talkington, The Brimming Horn Meadery is the fruit of this one man’s 20-year labor and dream. Combining his passion and knowledge for brewing beverages, the Brimming Horn Meadery produces unusual, compelling and absolutely delicious drinks that are beyond belief. With dozens of awards between Jon and his second-in-command, JR, the meadery is known for producing outstanding mead products, all of which visitors are welcome to sample and try at their base of operations. Try variations like their 2018 Tej, which is made with pure honey, woody hops and orange zest, or the 2019 Last Breath which has a sweet and tart cherry mead that is aged in a heavy smoked single malt whisky barrel.
28615 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-664-1188
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Step Into Milton’s Past at the Milton Historical Society
© Milton Historical Society
Despite being a small non-profit cultural and educational organization, the Milton Historical Society is a force and a mainstay in Southern Delaware. The historical society is dedicated to promoting the local history of Milton while also acting as a hub for the community to engage with each other. At the museum, visitors are welcome to see artifacts, documents, and preserves that are related to Milton and the Broadkill Hundred. They’ll also get the chance to hear stories and partake in engaging experiences that will build a deeper appreciation for the study of history and preservation of heritage as a whole.
210 Union Street, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-684-1010
⮕ Play a Relaxed Round Surrounded by Scenic Greens at Rookery Golf Club
© Eventimages21/stock.adobe.com
A local favorite golf course in the Delmarva peninsula, the Rookery Golf Club’s South course features swellings mounds on the west end and a challenging rookery on the east end of its stand-out championship 18-hole course. Promising an exciting playing experience for golfers of all levels, the course was designed by Pete Oakley, the 2004 Senior British Open Champion, and Chris Adkins, the Golf Course Superintendent. The golf club also features a north course, which is an 18-hole course and country club that is open to the general public. No matter which course you decide to play on, the Rookery Golf Club will definitely give all visitors the challenge they’re searching for.
27052 Broadkill Road, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-684-3000
⮕ If You Love Vintage Finds and Instruments, Explore Frantic Frets
© Frantic Frets Music Store and Antiques Shop
An institution in the neighborhood, the Frantic Frets Music Store and Antiques Shop is a must visit for all people traveling through Milton. The shop is run by Al Frantic, a self-taught musician with a passion for all kinds of musical instruments and decades of experience to back that passion up. Most people visit store to meet Al and talk music with him in addition to checking out all of the well-kept second-hand musical instruments that hang on the stores’ walls. Apart from shopping and meeting other music-loving individuals, Frantic Frets Music Store and Antiques Shop also offers guitar lessons, repairs, basic instrument set-ups as well as instrument trading.
26374 Broadkill Road, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-402-3055
⮕ Savor Pub Favorites and Waterfront Views at Irish Eyes
© Irish Eyes
With over 30 years in the pub and hospitality industry, you can be sure that Irish Eyes does its drink and food right. Featuring a menu packed with traditional Irish food, local Milton favorites and more, visitors to the pub can rest assured that they’re going to get a good ol’ Irish experience without ever having to step out of the country. Drop by during happy hour to enjoy unbeatable deals and specials, or swing by during the evening to enjoy live music, entertainment and more. Best sellers to try at Irish Eyes include the fried pickles, the portabella fries, the Bangers and Mash and the Beef and Guinness Stew. Pair your dishes with your choice of draft beer and you’re all set to have a uniquely Irish experience.
105 Union Street, Milton, Delaware 19968, Phone: 302-684-8889
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Treat Yourself to Classic Flavors at King’s Homemade Ice Cream
© King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops
Serving up homemade ice cream since 1972, King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops is home to some of the eastern shore’s finest ice cream. Their historic shop is located in a former general store in Milton, and it’s from this shop that they continue to work on perfecting their ice cream recipes. With award-winning ice cream, frozen yogurts and even water ices, King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops is a must-visit, especially on a warm summer day. The shop offers classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and Dutch chocolate, and also offers flavors like chocolate almond, banana, butter brickle, funfetti and oh cookie. Guests are also encouraged to sample featured flavors like pistachio, peanut butter, galaxy, smores and black cherry.
302 Union Street, Milton, Delaware, Phone: 302-684-8900
⮕ Walk Serene Trails and Connect With Nature at Edward H. McCabe Preserve
© puppy fancy EyeEm/stock.adobe.com
Arguably one of the most visited preserves in Delaware, the Edward H. McCabe Preserve is one of the best places to see and experience a large variety of the state's ecosystems. The 143-acre preserve was originally under the ownership of Constance McCabe until she donated it to The Nature Conservancy in 1993. Today, visitors can come by the preserve from dawn to dusk to go hiking, bird watching, or sail down the Broadkill River via canoe or kayak. At the Edward H. McCabe Preserve, there can be found a diverse range of habitats, but also a great number of animals that call a small portion of the Delmarva Peninsula home.
8588 Road 257, Milton, DE 19968, Phone: 302-644-4707
Where to Eat in Milton, DE
- The Dough Bar – Cozy café known for breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and a strong cup of coffee.
- Miltonian Pizza & Wing House – Local favorite for pizza, subs, and casual family meals.
- Po' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch – Southern-inspired seafood dishes in a laid-back spot just outside of town.
- Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant (in Lewes) – Casual spot on the water with burgers, seafood, and good vibes.
If you are interested in local events:
- Milton Farmers Market (Spring–Fall) – Local produce, live music, and artisan goods in downtown Milton.
- Milton Zombie Fest (October) – Quirky annual tradition with costumes, vendors, and spooky entertainment.
- Milton Holly Festival (December) – Holiday celebration featuring crafts, food, and historic walking tours.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Milton, Delaware:
- Rehoboth Beach (25–30 min) – Classic boardwalk, boutique shopping, and oceanfront fun.
- Lewes (20–25 min) – Delaware’s first town with museums, great seafood, and access to Cape Henlopen State Park.
- Cape Henlopen State Park (25–30 min) – Hike or bike the trails, climb the WWII observation towers, or enjoy a quiet beach.
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (15 min) – Beautiful wetlands and peaceful trails for wildlife watching and photography.
- Milford (20–25 min) – Explore art galleries, a riverwalk, and great dining in this growing historic town.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Milton located?
Answer: Milton is one of the liveliest little towns within a 7-mile radius of the Delaware Bay and is part of Sussex County.
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Question: What is one popular attraction in Milton?
Answer: Milton is beloved for the Dogfish Head Brewery, a popular tourist hotspot.
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Question: What gives Milton its laid-back vibe?
Answer: Milton’s proximity to Delaware’s gorgeous beaches contributes to its laid-back vibe and cultural characteristics.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. |
The Brick Hotel on the Circle – A charming, historic inn with modern amenities and a central location. |
Explore the Milton Historical Society and Museum – Learn about the town’s rich history and heritage. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and nearby beaches. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lewes – A convenient option just a short drive from Milton and local attractions. |
Visit the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge – Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, and fewer tourists. |
Serendipity Bed and Breakfast – A cozy and relaxing bed and breakfast with a warm atmosphere. |
Take a scenic drive along the Delaware Bay – Enjoy the fall colors and picturesque views of the coast. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, great for cozy indoor activities and holiday events. |
Days Inn by Wyndham Seaford – A budget-friendly stay with a convenient location for winter visits to Milton. |
Visit the Milton Theatre – Enjoy local performances, films, and live entertainment during the winter months. |
Plan Your Trip