Best Places to Visit in Delaware
Searching for the most beautiful places to visit in Delaware on vacation? Well, you are in the right place! From sandy beaches and peaceful gardens to exciting cities with museums and award-winning restaurants, this state has given me many exceptional memories. Here are the places that stole my heart that I hope you'll enjoy them too.
1. Rehoboth Beach
This was my favorite Delaware beach town to visit when we first moved to the East Coast. The first time we visited Rehoboth Beach, I was immediately struck by its classic East Coast beach-town vibe (easygoing, welcoming, and full of simple pleasures) while still offering plenty to do. I learned that it was founded in 1873.
You can spend the morning at the beach, grab lunch at a local seafood spot, browse boutique shops in the afternoon, and end the day with ice cream or caramel corn on the boardwalk. It’s also incredibly walkable, so once you arrive, getting around is easy and stress-free.
Getting to Rehoboth Beach is fairly simple, especially if you’re driving. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Washington, DC, Baltimore, or Philadelphia, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Traffic can be heavy during peak summer weekends, so leaving early in the morning or later in the evening makes a big difference. Once you’re there, parking is available throughout town, though it fills up quickly in high season.
I loved staying at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel (from $114/night) for two days - I adored the Victorian seaside elegance, the ocean-view balcony, and the morning breakfast of blue crab omelet and locally roasted coffee on the terrace as the waves rolled in.
I enjoyed strolling along the mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, people-watching from a bench near the Bandstand, browsing Sea Shell Shop, and savoring homemade saltwater taffy and caramel corn at Dolle's Candyland. I also visited the Rehoboth Beach Museum to get a sense of the town’s early history, biked through Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, and even joined a local dolphin-watching cruise.
Another great way to experience Rehoboth Beach is by exploring beyond the boardwalk. Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park offers beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and historic sites, while neighboring towns like Dewey Beach and Lewes add even more variety. These nearby spots are easy to reach and give you a fuller picture of what the area has to offer.
What I loved best:
My favorite experiences included the sunrise over the Atlantic, and fresh seafood at Henlopen City Oyster House in the evening.
2. Bethany Beach
Chris and I both absolutely love Bethany Beach, and have been many times. This charming coastal escape in Southeastern Delaware wowed me with its wide, family-friendly beaches, windswept dunes, and classic boardwalk charm, perfect for a weekend getaway.
After a quick 2.5-hour drive east from Washington, D.C., I reached Bethany Beach, which struck me as peaceful, refreshing, and unhurried compared to its busier neighbors. I spent seven stress-free days at 3-star Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn biking along the shoreline, strolling along the wooden boardwalk, visiting the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, and unwinding on the powder-soft sands.
At the heart of town is the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, a quieter alternative to nearby resort towns. Here you’ll find local shops, ice cream stands, casual restaurants, and benches perfect for watching the waves roll in. During the summer months, the bandstand hosts free concerts and events, which we enjoyed as a family.
Beyond the beach, outdoor lovers will appreciate the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park and Fresh Pond Trail, where you can enjoy biking, kayaking, fishing, and nature walks. And if you’re traveling with kids, Bethany’s calm atmosphere and lifeguarded beaches make it a stress-free choice for families.
Getting to Bethany Beach is straightforward by car, and while summer weekends can get busy, the town remains far more relaxed than its neighbors. Street and lot parking is available throughout town, with fees varying by season (expect to pay during peak summer months!). For the best experience, arrive early in the day or visit in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was seeing all the wildlife: horseshoe crabs, osprey, ghost crabs, and dolphins in the distance.
3. Dagsboro, DE
This is one of my favorite small towns to visit in Delaware because it offers that peaceful atmosphere while still being close to Delaware’s beaches. We love discovering small towns that fly under the radar, and Dagsboro, Delaware is one of those hidden gems.
A scenic 20-minute drive inland from Rehoboth Beach, I planned our day trip to Dagsboro to visit the Delaware Botanic Gardens which were amazing.
In addition, we enjoyed visiting the Prince George’s Chapel, explored nearby Clayton Theatre, walked along the tree-lined streets, restored 18th-century homes, and inviting local cafés. Lunch was at Porto Pizza & Grill, a friendly local spot with hearty portions and small-town warmth.
In the afternoon, head to Holts Landing State Park, a waterfront park along the Indian River that’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, crabbing, picnicking, and sunset views
While Dagsboro itself is peaceful and uncrowded, you’re never far from the action. In less than 15 minutes, you can be on the sand in Bethany Beach, enjoying the boardwalk, restaurants, and ocean waves—then retreat back to Dagsboro for a calmer evening away from the crowds.
Founded in 1747, this is one of Delaware’s oldest towns, feeling that sense of deep-rooted heritage as you explore its historic core was my favorite highlight.
4. Newark, DE
What I love most about Newark is the balance between lively downtown energy and quiet, leafy corners just steps away. Many hotels and campus-adjacent stays offer great views of the treetops or Main Street below, especially pretty during golden hour. Whether I'm unwinding after a day outdoors or heading out for dinner, the town feels warm, walkable, and welcoming.
Getting to Newark is simple by car or train, with Amtrak and SEPTA service stopping right in town. We drove about 20 minutes west from Wilmington to Newark (population around 31,000). Home to the University of Delaware (founded 1743), I think that the town has a lively mix of colonial history and college culture.
We strolled along Main Street, lined with shops and cafés in 19th-century brick buildings, toured the Newark History Museum (inside a 1877 Pennsylvania Railroad station, free admission), and peeked into the UD campus green, with its Georgian architecture.
One thing to keep it mind, Newark shifts with the year, where it's bustling during the academic calendar, mellow in summer, and absolutely glowing in autumn when the surounding woods burst into fiery color, so when you visit will set the tone for your vacation here.
What I loved best:
Dinner at The Greenhouse Gastropub where we had amazing sliders with lots of flavor was my personal highlight.
5. Milton
I absolutely adored this charming riverside town surrounded by serene natural beauty, from marshlands to sandy beaches just a short drive away. Milton had a warm, small-town feel with historic brick buildings, cozy shops, and craft breweries, all set against the backdrop of the Broadkill River and nearby Delaware Bay.
We drove about 45 minutes southeast from Dover to Milton (population around 3,200), founded in 1807 and named for English poet John Milton, with a shipbuilding and button-making history.
We started at the Milton Historical Society & Lydia B. Cannon Museum (free admission, housed in a former 1857 Methodist church), and afterwards admired the Victorian homes lining Union Street. Overnight we stayed at The Mansion Farm Inn, a boutique B&B in a restored farmhouse just outside town ($155).
Outdoor lovers will enjoy time along the Broadkill River, where kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are popular activities. The riverfront area is peaceful and scenic, especially in the early morning or at sunset. Nearby nature preserves and back roads also make Milton a great spot for biking and birdwatching.
One of Milton’s biggest draws is the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, which started here and remains a must-visit. The brewery offers tours, tastings, and a lively atmosphere that has helped put Milton on the map for craft beer fans from all over the country.
What I loved best:
Walking along the Broadkill River waterfront was a standout!
6. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Spread across the tidal salt marshes of Delaware Bay, this is a fantastic place where land, water, and sky seem to blend into one vast, living panorama. I thought it's the best place to visit in the USA for bird enthusiasts, just an hour’s drive from Philadelphia.
We drove about one hour south from Wilmington to reach Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (15,978 acres of tidal salt marsh, freshwater pools, and woodlands) and we started at the visitor center (free entry, $4 vehicle fee), then drove along the 12-mile wildlife loop, spotting snow geese, herons, and bald eagles.
What I loved best:
Climbing the observation tower at Shearness Pool for sweeping marsh views was my personal highlight!
7. Lewes
Ready for a peaceful, history-rich coastal retreat? Check out Lewes, a real standout! Founded in 1631 by Dutch settlers, this place proudly calls itself “The First Town in the First State,” and from the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into a living postcard. I loved the cobblestone streets, colorful clapboard houses, and the salty tang of the nearby bay drifting through the air.
I thought that Lewes is one of the best weekend getaways in Delaware. Why? First of, you can walk nearly everywhere in Lewes which I love on vacation. Secondly, there are many things to see and do for such a small town which I thought was very cool.
I spent two days wandering around the Historic District, visiting the Zwaanendael Museum, and strolling through Canalfront Park. The Gordons Pond Trail, connecting Lewes to Rehoboth Beach, was my personal highlight, a scenic, bird-filled route perfect for biking or walking.
Evenings here were magical and my personal highlight. I loved watching the sky blush pink over the marina, browsing local shops along Second Street, and dining at Heirloom, an elegant yet cozy farm-to-table restaurant housed in a historic home, and I also enjoyed a casual lunch at Nectar Café, where the garden patio and seasonal ingredients made for a perfect midday pause.
8. Wilmington, DE
Set along the Christina and Brandywine Rivers, this is one of the most surprisingly beautiful urban areas I’ve visited in the Mid-Atlantic and I think it’s one of the best places to visit in the Northeast. Why? First off, Wilmington offers many green parks and peaceful waterfront paths which we've enjoyed on our weekends. In addition, I loved Wilmington's arts scene, which ads to the experience.
We drove 3 hours from NYC when I moved to the East Coast and I spent the afternoon exploring Market Street’s boutiques, admired the Delaware Art Museum’s Pre-Raphaelite collection ($14), enjoyed a memorable dinner at the James Beard–nominated Bardea for my birthday, and strolled along the scenic Riverwalk.
What I loved best:
I loved staying two relaxing nights at the grand Hotel du Pont, with its gilded ceilings and elegant old-world flair. This hotel has won the AAA Four Diamond award so you can look forward to outstanding service
A downside? Prices at the higher-end hotels and restaurants were closer to a big-city level than a small-town getaway.
Local tip: If you live in Manhattan, you can take Amtrak here because it's fast and more relaxing than driving.
9. Delaware Bay
I found this to be one of the East Coast’s most serene and underrated coastal treasures! I love visiting the quiet beaches, tidal flats, and fishing villages that blend into a landscape that feels both wild and is also deeply historic.
We drove about 40 minutes south from Bombay Hook (25 miles via DE-1) on a day trip to Bowers Beach (population about 350), one of Delaware Bay’s oldest fishing towns, with a history as a 17th-century shipping port.
We visited the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum (Memorial Day through Labor Day, 2:00 pm until 4:00pm, free admission), and wandered to see the working docks.
What I loved best:
Strolling along the quiet sandy bay beach was my personal highlight!
10. Delaware City
Ready for a peaceful, history-rich waterfront getaway? Check out Delaware City, a real standout! I loved spending my days walking along the canal and catching the ferry to Fort Delaware.
In addition, I loved how this place has an easygoing rhythm — part fishing village, part heritage port, and part peaceful escape from the faster pace of the nearby cities, perfect for a weekend reset!
After about a 1.5-hour drive north from our previous stop in Rehoboth Beach, I arrived to the sight of boats drifting past the Delaware City Marina and locals chatting along the canal promenade.
My personal highlights were visiting Fort Delaware State Park (Union Civil War fort on Pea Patch Island, $13 ferry ride across the Delaware River), strolling through the historic district lined with 19th-century brick homes, and browsing the Delaware City Hotel Museum.
What I loved best:
For the night, we checked into Pleasant Hill Motel in nearby Middletown, DE just 20 minutes away. Pick up amazing cupcakes from Sweet Melissa Bakery & Coffee Shop was my personal highlight.
11. Winterthur
I found this to be one of Delaware’s most enchanting destinations, just an easy 30-minute drive north from Wilmington.
I spent most of my day trip exploring: touring the Winterthur Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of American decorative arts (over 90,000 objects, from Shaker furniture to exquisite porcelain); strolling through the 58-acre naturalistic garden designed by du Pont himself; and pausing in serene spots like the Reflecting Pool and Enchanted Woods, a whimsical children’s garden inspired by fairy tales.
The Winterthur museum tour was my personal highlight — room after room revealing layers of artistry, taste, and history, each curated to reflect a different moment in American design.
Afterward, I visited the Winterthur Store, full of garden-inspired gifts and local crafts, and took a short tram ride around the vast estate to soak in the sweeping pastoral vistas.
What I loved best:
Lunch at the Garden Café was my favorite highlight, a light meal of seasonal salad and herbal iced tea enjoyed with views over the meadows.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
