Best Places to Visit in Delaware
Delaware, the “First State,” may be small in size, but it’s overflowing with charm, history, and natural beauty. With just under 30 miles of Atlantic coastline and countless hidden gems tucked between beaches, forests, and historic towns, this Mid-Atlantic treasure always surprises me at every turn. When I lived on the East Coast, I spent a few weeks exploring Delaware each summer. I’ve rounded up the spots that truly left an impression on me. I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Rehoboth Beach
This lively coastal gem completely won me over with its golden sandy beaches, gentle Atlantic waves, bustling boardwalk, and quaint streets lined with colorful cottages and boutiques.
Just a few hours from Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia, Rehoboth feels like stepping into a breezy seaside escape that blends classic Americana charm with modern flair. Known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” Rehoboth Beach has been a seaside getaway since the late 1800s.
We spent three sun-soaked days here, strolling the mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk with its retro arcades and saltwater taffy shops, biking scenic Gordon’s Pond Trail through marshlands and dunes, savoring fresh blue crabs at a waterfront shack, and browsing the eclectic art galleries downtown. We booked a room at Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, a Victorian-inspired boutique right on the oceanfront.
Evenings were magical. We loved listening to live music at the Bandstand and watching the sky melt into pinks and oranges over the horizon. While it can be lively in midsummer with families and weekenders, the shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are perfect for a quieter, more relaxed vibe.
2. Wilmington, DE
I thought Wilmington was beautiful with its mix of Colonial- and Victorian-era architecture, cobblestone lanes, and a riverfront lined with old brick warehouses now glowing under strings of lights.
The Christina River glistened at sunset, while historic neighborhoods like Quaker Hill and Trolley Square felt full of character and old-world charm.
A quick 25-minute drive north along I-95 brought me into the Brandywine Valley, where rolling hills hide grand estates, gardens, and museums.
Back in the city, I spent the afternoon exploring Market Street’s boutiques and art galleries, admired the Delaware Art Museum’s Pre-Raphaelite collection ($14), enjoyed a memorable dinner at the James Beard–nominated Bardea for my birthday, strolled along the scenic Christina Riverwalk, and then stayed two nights at the grand Hotel du Pont, with its gilded ceilings and elegant old-world flair.
Wilmington felt both historic and vibrant, though prices at the higher-end hotels and restaurants were closer to a big-city level than a small-town getaway.
Local tip: When we lived in Manhattan, we often took the train to Wilmington, DE. It was fast and more relaxing than driving.
3. Bethany Beach
This charming coastal escape in Southeastern Delaware wowed me with its wide, family-friendly beaches, tucked-away bays perfect for kayaking, windswept dunes, classic boardwalk charm, and a laid-back small-town vibe that felt worlds away from the bustle of nearby cities. The Atlantic sparkled in the sun, and the salty breeze made it feel like the perfect Mid-Atlantic seaside getaway!
After a quick 2.5-hour drive east from Washington, D.C., I reached Bethany Beach, which struck me as peaceful, refreshing, and refreshingly unhurried compared to its busier neighbors. I spent two days biking along the shoreline, strolling the wooden boardwalk, visiting the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, and unwinding on the powder-soft sands that stretch endlessly along the coast.
My favorite part was seeing all the wildlife: horseshoe crabs, osprey, ghost crabs, and dolphins in the distance.
4. Delaware Bay
We drove about 40 minutes south from Bombay Hook (25 miles via DE-1) to Bowers Beach (population about 350), one of Delaware Bay’s oldest fishing towns. Once a 17th-century shipping port, today it’s still lined with charter boats and maritime history.
We visited the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum (free, donations welcome), wandered the working docks, and strolled the quiet sandy bay beach.
Stretching between Delaware and New Jersey, Delaware Bay is rimmed with quiet fishing towns, salt marshes, oyster beds, and long sandy beaches that feel far more peaceful than the bustle of nearby resorts.
5. Delaware City
We drove about 30 minutes south from Wilmington (15 miles via DE-9) to Delaware City (population around 1,900), a river town founded in 1826 at the eastern end of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.
We visited Fort Delaware State Park (Union Civil War fort on Pea Patch Island, $13 ferry ride across the Delaware River), strolled through the historic district lined with 19th-century brick homes, and browsed the Delaware City Hotel Museum (small local history exhibits).
6. Newark
We drove about 20 minutes west from Wilmington to Newark (population around 31,000). Home to the University of Delaware (founded 1743), 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. It's bustling during the academic calendar, mellow in summer, and absolutely glowing in autumn when the surrounding woods burst into fiery color.
7. Milton
We drove about 45 minutes southeast from Dover to Milton (population around 3,200). Founded in 1807 and named for English poet John Milton, it thrived on shipbuilding and button-making.
I absolutely adored this charming riverside town! It was surrounded by serene natural beauty, from lush marshlands and scenic waterways to sandy beaches just a short drive away. Milton had a warm, small-town feel with historic brick buildings, cozy shops, craft breweries, and a vibrant arts community—all set against the backdrop of the Broadkill River and nearby Delaware Bay.
We toured the Milton Historical Society & Lydia B. Cannon Museum (free admission, housed in a former 1857 Methodist church), admired the Victorian homes lining Union Street, and walked along the Broadkill River waterfront. Overnight we stayed at The Mansion Farm Inn, a boutique B&B in a restored farmhouse just outside town ($155).
8. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Spread across the tidal salt marshes of Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a place where land, water, and sky seem to blend into one vast, living panorama.
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). Established in 1937, it remains one of the East Coast’s premier birding sites.
We started at the visitor center (free entry, $4 vehicle fee), then drove the 12-mile wildlife loop, spotting snow geese, herons, and bald eagles. We climbed the observation tower at Shearness Pool for sweeping marsh views.
Instead of rocky cliffs or inland forests, the drama here comes from the endless expanses of wetlands shimmering under shifting light, punctuated by flocks of migratory birds that rise like clouds. Walking the quiet boardwalks and wildlife drives, I felt immersed in a world ruled more by tides and seasons than by people.
Bombay Hook is surprisingly accessible, just an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, yet it feels otherworldly once you’re inside the refuge. The stillness, broken only by the rustle of reeds or the honk of a snow goose, makes it feel timeless.
Conclusion
Delaware is one of my favorite destinations for a quick getaway because it blends history, charm, and coastal beauty in a way that feels truly special.
Delaware may be small, but my time there proved it’s full of meaningful moments, whether standing barefoot in the surf, sipping coffee by a quiet marsh, or exploring the layers of history in a canal town.
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.
