Looking for a quick coastal escape with beaches, trails, and wildlife? In this post, I’ll share the coastal dunes, historic forts, and woodland trails in Delaware’s state and national parks—where Atlantic breezes and rich heritage offer a uniquely scenic escape. These Delaware parks offer family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, and peaceful getaways by the water or in the woods.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Delaware Parks
1. Alapocas Run State Park - 10-minute drive from Downtown Wilmington
© Rinitka/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Wilmington, DEHighlights:
If you’re looking for inclusive fun, unique history, and outdoor adventure, Alapocas Run State Park has it all. From rock climbing to a boundless playground to a folk art museum, it’s an unexpected gem tucked into Wilmington’s greenery.Recommended For:
Families, climbers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking accessible outdoor recreation.What I Love: ♥
The expansive Can-Do Playground, top-rope climbing and rappelling spots, and the Delaware Folk Art Collection housed in the beautifully restored Blue Ball Barn.- Play at Delaware’s first Boundless Playground™, designed for kids of all abilities across 27,000 square feet.
- Climb the park’s natural rock walls with opportunities for both rappelling and top-rope climbing.
- Explore climbing programs and seasonal camps for all skill levels.
- Visit the Blue Ball Barn to discover the Delaware Folk Art Collection and event spaces.
Cost:
$4 for Delaware residents; $8 for non-residentsDistance from Downtown Wilmington:
About a 10-minute drive northwest, near Route 202.How to Get to Alapocas Run State Park:
From downtown Wilmington, take I-95 N to Exit 8, then follow signs for W Park Dr and the park entrance.Address:
1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803Phone: 302-577-1164
2. Auburn Valley State Park - 30-minute drive from Wilmington
© Auburn Valley State Park
Location:
Yorklyn, DEHighlights:
Love old mansions, vintage steam cars, and scenic valley trails? Auburn Valley State Park blends Delaware’s industrial past with beautifully restored landscapes, making it a fascinating place to walk, ride, and explore.Recommended For:
History lovers, train and steam car enthusiasts, hikers, families, and anyone interested in early American industry and architecture.What I Love: ♥
The Marshall Steam Museum’s incredible collection, the grandeur of the Marshall Mansion, and the picturesque Red Clay Valley trails right outside the door.- Tour the Historic Marshall Mansion, built in 1897, for a window into turn-of-the-century life.
- Visit the Marshall Steam Museum to see the world’s largest collection of operating steam cars.
- Walk or bike paved trails through the scenic Red Clay Valley, once the center of Yorklyn’s mill-based industry.
- Ride the Auburn Valley railroad for a charming glimpse into Delaware’s transportation past.
Cost:
$4 for Delaware residents; $8 for non-residentsDistance from Wilmington:
Roughly a 30-minute drive west of downtown Wilmington, DE.How to Get to Auburn Valley State Park:
From Wilmington, take DE-48 W to DE-82 N. Turn left onto Benge Road and follow signs to the main visitor area and mansion grounds.Address:
630 Benge Rd, Yorklyn, DE 19736Phone: 302-729-4278
3. Bellevue State Park - 15-minute drive from Wilmington
© Alexander Borisenko/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Wilmington, DEHighlights:
Want a mix of elegance, history, and outdoor fun? Bellevue State Park is a former du Pont estate where you can walk garden paths, hit the tennis courts, and relax by a pond—all in a single visit.Recommended For:
Garden lovers, history fans, recreational athletes, families, and anyone looking for a scenic escape just minutes from downtown Wilmington.What I Love: ♥
The peaceful pond loop, historic charm of the estate grounds, and top-notch clay tennis courts surrounded by old-growth trees and river views.- Stroll the mile-long track that circles a serene pond perfect for catch-and-release fishing.
- Play at the Bellevue Tennis Center, which features eight clay courts and year-round programming for all skill levels.
- Explore trails that meander through woodlands, pastures, and equestrian fields once shaped by William du Pont, Jr.
- Admire the gardens and historic structures that remain as a tribute to the estate's refined past.
Cost:
$4 for Delaware residents; $8 for non-residentsDistance from Downtown Wilmington:
About a 15-minute drive north via I-95 or Carr Rd.How to Get to Bellevue State Park:
From Wilmington, take I-95 N to Exit 8 and follow Carr Road north to the park entrance. Look for signs directing to parking and trailheads.Address:
800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809Phone: 302-761-6963
Romantic Delaware Parks
4. Brandywine Creek State Park
© Rosemarie/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Wilmington, DEHighlights:
Looking for a place where history, forests, and freshwater fun come together? Brandywine Creek State Park is a beautiful mix of scenic trails, nature preserves, and peaceful creekside activities—perfect for year-round exploration.Recommended For:
Hikers, anglers, bird watchers, paddlers, history lovers, and families looking for a nature-rich day trip.What I Love: ♥
The historic stone walls, preserved woodlands, and the variety of water activities like tubing, fishing, and kayaking.- Explore three unique nature preserves, including Delaware’s first—Freshwater Marsh—and the serene Tulip Tree Woods.
- Fish in Brandywine Creek for crappie, smallmouth bass, and bluegill.
- Paddle the gentle creek by kayak, canoe, or tube during warmer months.
- Wander through trails bordered by 19th-century stone walls from the old du Pont dairy farm.
- Enjoy winter activities like cross-country skiing and sledding when the snow falls.
Cost:
$4 for Delaware residents; $8 for non-residentsDistance from Downtown Wilmington:
About a 15-minute drive north via DE-92 W.How to Get to Brandywine Creek State Park:
From Wilmington, head north on DE-202, then west on DE-92. Turn onto Adams Dam Road and follow signs to the park entrance and main lot.Address:
41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DEPhone: 302-577-3534
5. Brandywine Park
© Zhi/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Wilmington, DEHighlights:
Looking for a classic city park that has it all? Brandywine Park is Wilmington’s riverside gem—perfect for a scenic walk, picnic, family day, or even a visit to the zoo.Recommended For:
Families, joggers, dog owners, sports fans, zoo-goers, and anyone looking for urban green space with character and charm.What I Love: ♥
The riverside trails, beautiful gardens, the Josephine Fountain, and how easy it is to jump from a quiet stroll to a lively stadium or a fun zoo visit.- Stroll along the Brandywine River or relax near monuments and formal gardens in the heart of Wilmington.
- Play on athletic fields or at the playground, or let your pup run free in the off-leash area.
- Visit the Brandywine Zoo for a compact, kid-friendly wildlife experience with food concessions available.
- Catch live sports at Baynard Stadium, home to soccer, football, and track events.
- Picnic in one of the designated areas equipped with grills, pavilions, and restrooms.
Cost:
Park access is free; zoo admission and stadium event fees varyDistance from Downtown Wilmington:
Less than a 10-minute drive or a short walk from central Wilmington.How to Get to Brandywine Park:
Located along N. Park Drive, the park is easily accessed from downtown Wilmington via Washington Street or Van Buren Street bridges. Plenty of nearby parking and pedestrian paths.Address:
1080 N. Park Dr., Wilmington, DE 19802Phone: 302-577-7020
Top Delaware Parks with Beaches
6. Cape Henlopen
© Navalaney/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Lewes, DEHighlights:
Looking for a beach with a bit of history and a lot of ways to play? Cape Henlopen blends scenic coastal fun with a fascinating military and maritime past—perfect for everything from sunbathing to exploring bunkers.Recommended For:
Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, families, cyclists, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers.What I Love: ♥
The mix of guarded beaches and forested trails, plus clamming, paddleboarding, and echoes of American history at every turn.- Swim at lifeguarded beaches during the summer or try paddleboarding, kayaking, clamming, and boating in calm waters.
- Bike or hike the park’s scenic multi-use trail, winding past dunes, forests, and historic military bunkers.
- Learn about Cape Henlopen’s military role and shipping history through interpretive signs and restored observation towers.
- Fish off the popular pier or cast from shore—Cape Henlopen is a local favorite for anglers.
Cost:
$5 for Delaware vehicles; $10 for out-of-state vehiclesDistance from Rehoboth Beach:
About a 15-minute drive north via Cape Henlopen Drive from Rehoboth Beach, DE.How to Get to Cape Henlopen:
From Rehoboth, follow DE-1 N to DE-9 E into Lewes, then turn onto Cape Henlopen Drive. Follow signs to the park entrance.Address:
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DEPhone: 302-645-8983
7. Delaware Seashore State Park
© George Sheldon/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Rehoboth Beach, DEHighlights:
Looking for a beach day with all the essentials—plus campsites right by the water? Delaware Seashore State Park is perfect for swimmers, campers, and families who want convenience and coastal beauty in one stop.Recommended For:
Beachgoers, RV travelers, tent campers, accessibility-conscious visitors, and families on summer break.What I Love: ♥
The lifeguarded beaches, beach-accessible Mobi-Mats, modern facilities, and dual campgrounds near the Indian River Inlet.- Swim in two designated oceanfront areas, staffed with lifeguards from 9am to 5pm during summer season.
- Access the beach with ease using Mobi-Mats at South Inlet and Towers Ocean locations—ideal for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Camp in well-equipped sites for both tents and RVs on either side of the Indian River Inlet.
- Refuel at concession stands and clean up in bathhouses with showers and changing areas.
Cost:
$5 for Delaware residents; $10 for non-residents; camping fees vary by site and seasonDistance from Bethany Beach:
About a 15-minute drive north along Coastal Highway (Route 1).How to Get to Delaware Seashore State Park:
From Bethany Beach, head north on Route 1/Coastal Hwy for approximately 7 miles. Follow signs to the South Inlet Day Area or Towers Ocean parking lots.Address:
39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Phone: 302-227-2800
8. Fenwick Island State Park
© terryd210/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Fenwick Island, DEHighlights:
Craving a quiet beach day with the right mix of simplicity and comfort? Fenwick Island State Park offers sun-soaked sand, accessible amenities, and just enough history to make your visit even more memorable.Recommended For:
Beachgoers, families, surf fishers, accessibility-focused visitors, and those seeking a low-key coastal experience.What I Love: ♥
The clean beaches with lifeguards, wheelchair-accessible Mobi-Mats, snack stand convenience, and a World War II observation tower for a hint of history.- Swim in lifeguard-monitored waters or relax with rentable beach chairs and umbrellas available in summer.
- Fish from the surf at designated areas—Fenwick is a well-known local spot for shoreline angling.
- Access the beach with ease thanks to Mobi-Mat walkways for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Visit the historic WWII-era observation tower located at the park’s northern end for a unique photo op.
Cost:
$5 for Delaware residents; $10 for non-residentsDistance from Ocean City, MD:
About a 15-minute drive north along Route 1 from downtown Ocean City.How to Get to Fenwick Island State Park:
From Ocean City, head north on Coastal Hwy (Route 1). The park entrance is just past the DE/MD state line, with parking and beach access signage along the road.Address:
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DEPhone: 302-227-2800
Delaware Parks for Families with Kids
9. First State National Park
© NPS Photo
Location:
Multiple sites across Wilmington, Dover, Lewes, and New Castle, DEHighlights:
Interested in American roots and colonial history? First State National Park weaves together seven unique historic sites across Delaware where you can step into the stories that shaped the nation’s earliest days.Recommended For:
History lovers, families, road trippers, National Park Passport stamp collectors, and heritage trail explorers.What I Love: ♥
The variety of experiences across locations—from Old Swedes Church and Fort Christina to the Ryves Holt House and the John Dickinson Plantation—all telling Delaware’s founding story from different perspectives.- Visit Fort Christina and Old Swedes Church in Wilmington to explore early colonial settlements and Swedish-American heritage.
- Tour the New Castle Court House, a central piece of Delaware’s judicial and legislative history.
- Explore the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover to learn about early American agriculture and politics.
- Stop by welcome centers for programs, guided tours, and to get your National Park Passport stamped at each site.
Cost:
Admission is free at all First State National Park sitesDistance from Wilmington to New Castle Site:
About a 20-minute drive south via I-495 or DE-9.How to Get to First State National Park:
Each of the seven sites is located in a different city—Wilmington, Dover, Lewes, and New Castle. Visit the park website for directions and hours for each location. The New Castle Court House serves as a great central hub to begin your exploration.Address:
211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720Phone: 302-544-6363
10. Fort Delaware State Park
© cratervalley/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Delaware City, DEHighlights:
Looking for a day trip that blends Civil War history, immersive reenactments, and a touch of the paranormal? Fort Delaware transports you back to 1864 with costumed interpreters, cannon fire, and stories from its days as a Union prison camp.Recommended For:
History buffs, families, Civil War enthusiasts, ghost hunters, and anyone up for an island adventure packed with stories.What I Love: ♥
The ferry ride to Pea Patch Island, live demonstrations of 19th-century life, and spooky seasonal ghost tours that add a thrilling twist to this historic site.- Tour the fort with costumed interpreters guiding you through barracks, blacksmith shops, kitchens, and parade grounds as they appeared in 1864.
- Watch live cannon firings and hear tales of dramatic prisoner escapes from the Civil War era.
- Take a ferry ride across the Delaware River to reach Pea Patch Island, home to the fort.
- Join ghost tours in the fall if you're brave—Fort Delaware is known for its paranormal activity and chilling stories.
Cost:
Ferry and admission fees apply; pricing varies by age and tour typeDistance from Wilmington:
About a 30-minute drive south to Delaware City, where ferry service to the island begins.How to Get to Fort Delaware:
Drive to 45 Clinton St in Delaware City and catch the seasonal ferry to Pea Patch Island. Parking is available near the ferry dock.Address:
45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
What do Delaware's parks offer?
- The numerous parks throughout Delaware offer both visitors and residents opportunities to play outside, expand their mind, or try something new.
-
What makes Delaware's parks unique?
- Just like these park spaces, the possibilities are wide open. Every park offers its own experience, a different adventure, and unique views.
Best Time to Visit State & National Parks of Delaware
- May to June – Ideal weather for hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing before summer crowds arrive.
- July & August – Peak season with warm temps, busy beaches, and full access to park programs and amenities.
- September to October – Pleasant temps and colorful foliage—perfect for kayaking, camping, and scenic trails.
- November to April – Off-season with solitude, cool hikes, and chances to spot wintering wildlife.
- Early June – A sweet spot with sunny days, lush landscapes, and fewer visitors than midsummer.
Map:
Plan Your Trip