Looking for a mix of riverfront charm, history, and vibrant culture? Head to Wilmington, Delaware! Delaware’s largest city is rich in museums, gardens, and dining, nestled along the Christina River. Whether you're visiting art galleries, strolling scenic parks, or exploring du Pont estates, Wilmington offers big experiences in a small, welcoming city.
Wilmington, DE Highlights:
- Riverfront Wilmington: Walk the scenic Riverwalk, dine along the water, or explore attractions like the Delaware Children’s Museum.
- Hagley Museum and Library: Tour the original du Pont gunpowder mills and historic home in a beautiful riverside setting.
- Nemours Estate: Step into Gilded Age elegance at this 300-acre French-style chateau and formal gardens.
- Delaware Art Museum: See Pre-Raphaelite works, American art, and a peaceful sculpture garden.
- Brandywine Zoo: Enjoy a compact, family-friendly zoo nestled in Brandywine Park along the river.
Best Time to Visit Wilmington, DE
The best time to visit Wilmington is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when gardens are in full bloom and the weather is perfect for walking tours and outdoor events. Summer is great for waterfront activities and concerts, while winter offers cozy museum visits and holiday displays.
How to Get to Wilmington, DE
- If you are traveling by car: Wilmington is located off I-95, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia and 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Train: Amtrak and SEPTA both serve the Wilmington Station, offering easy access from the Northeast Corridor.
- By Air: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest major airport, about 25–30 minutes away by car or train.
Where to Stay in Wilmington, DE
- Hotel Du Pont – Historic luxury hotel downtown with elegant rooms, fine dining, and art deco design.
- The Westin Wilmington – Modern hotel on the Riverfront with a pool, restaurant, and easy access to walking paths.
- Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown – Centrally located with business-friendly amenities and walkable to restaurants and museums.
Best Things to Do in Wilmington, DE
1. Delaware Museum of Natural History
The Delaware Museum of Natural History is the only museum of its kind in the state, and lets visitors learn about the natural world through discovery and exploration.
The museum hosts a variety of on site exhibits, including permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, birds, and Charles Darwin, among others. These exhibits are geared towards children and families , and they offer both interactive and interpretive activities to facilitate a fun learning environment. The Delaware Museum of Natural History is one of the top Wilmington attractions. The museum also provides various temporary and traveling exhibits throughout the year, including holiday displays, seasonal outdoor exhibits, and a variety of special events, all of which are posted on the museum’s website.
4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE, Phone: 302-658-9111, Map
2. Nemours Mansion and Gardens
Once the home of Wilmington’s renowned du Pont family, the Nemours Mansion and Gardens was modeled after a classic French Chateau and named for a town from which the du Pont’s descended. Today, the Nemours Foundation owns the home, and they restored its interior, exterior, and expansive grounds in order to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the elaborate style and luxury the family once enjoyed.
The home is open to the public, and guests are able to tour the establishment and admire the preserved furnishings and rare artwork, along with the romantic gardens, one of which is similar to a famous Versailles garden. The Nemours Mansion and Gardens is one of the best things to do in Wilmington, Delaware.
Nemours Mansion and Gardens, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE19803, Phone: 302-651-6912
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Delaware Art Museum
One of the largest art collections in the state, the Delaware Art Museum is home to more then 12,000 pieces of work. The Museum is known for its collection of American art and illustrations, especially those dated between the 19th and 21st centuries. The museum also boasts an outdoor Sculpture Park, which expands almost 10 acres across the property.
Throughout the year, the museum presents a variety of special exhibitions, ranging from well known traveling displays to local folk art by Wilmington based artists. Over 100 workshops, classes, and sessions are offered throughout the year, and they are available to children, families, and adults alike.
2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-571-9590, Map
4. Hagley Museum and Library
The Hagley Museum and Library is a 225-acre compound that contains historical sites, heritage buildings, and various authentic artifacts all belonging to the established and influential du Pont family. The grounds, which sit alongside the Brandywine Creek, contain the first family of the du Ponts, as well as a 19th century machine shop and several powder yards.
A Renaissance-revival garden complete with statuary and terraces sits below the house. The Museum and Library are housed within the complex, and they provide education and insight on original artifacts pertaining to the early years of the du Pont family and their significant contribution to both Wilmington and the United States.
Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-658-2400
5. Grand Opera House
A well-known building in downtown Wilmington, the Grand Opera House, also known simply as The Grand, is a commanding and elaborate structure. Built in 1871, the property was initially home to a Lodge of Masons. Later, it played host a variety of performances including operas, Victoria melodramas, vaudeville, burlesque, and symphonies during before becoming a movie theater run by Warner Brothers.
Today, the building is host to a variety of community events, and it provides a scenic backdrop for some of Wilmington’s most talented to display their craft. For a calendar of upcoming events and ticket purchasing options, visit the Grand Opera House website.
Grand Opera House, 818 N Market St, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-652-5577
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Brandywine Zoo
The Brandywine Zoo in downtown Wilmington is situated on a 12-acre land parcel. Home to over 150 species, the Zoo is divided into three sections: the main zoo, the exotic animal house, and a petting zoo.
Notable animal residents include red pandas, two toed sloths, and the largest known rodent, the capybara.
The museum also provides educational programs that provide informative and interactive features on a traveling rotation of species. A variety of events, including educational programs and seasonal features, take place on site throughout the year. The Brandywine Zoo’s website provides a calendar of upcoming exhibits and events.
1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-571-7747, Map
7. Wilmington and Western Railroad
In the 1870’s, the original Wilmington and Western Railroad route stretched through downtown Wilmington, and for decades the path way contributed to the economy and work force of the area.
In the 1960’s, the once active train transitioned into a tourist attraction, and for more then fifty years it has functioned as a relaxing and scenic way to tour the surrounding area. Today, visitors can ride the train and travel down the heritage tracks to learn more about the site’s impact on Wilmington’s economical development and historical contributions, all while taking in the scenic rural views.
Throughout the year, the train hosts seasonal events and exhibits, and is available for personal rides, parties, and gatherings.
2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-998-1930, Map
8. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
Downtown Wilmington is home to the Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge, a unique urban green space designed to act as an environmental preservation and visitor recreation center.
The preserve itself is located directly on Wilmington’s Riverfront, and it is one of the few urban wildlife zones in the country. The land now features a tranquil sanctuary that provides both fish and other wildlife habitats along the waterfront and throughout the surrounding wetland marsh.
Raised wooden walkways, trails, and viewing platforms allow guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the refuge.
Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge, 1400 Delmarva Lane, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-656-1490
9. Delaware Children's Museum
Open to children of all ages, the Delaware Children's Museum has a mission of inspiring exploration, discovery, and self-efficacy in the lives of children through the use of interactive learning and hands-on experiences.
With permanent exhibits and activity centers based on topics such as science, technology, arts, engineering, and math, the museum is geared towards facilitating fun learning opportunities with a range of engaging and interpretive-based activities.
Throughout the year, the Delaware Children's Museum also hosts a variety of temporary and traveling exhibits and seasonal events, all of which are outlined on their website.
550 Justison St, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-654-2340, Map
10. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts is the only contemporary art museum within the state. Established in 1979, the museum is host to a range of local and regional artists, and it is focused on establishing a community center that thrives on the celebration of creativity.
The museum is considered non-collecting, meaning its priority is exhibiting a variety of new artists and their artwork instead of acquiring permanent pieces. As a result, the museum is a vibrant and inspirational setting within Wilmington. The Center also hosts a variety of workshops, classes, and camps throughout the year for both artists and non-artists who wish to learn more or find outlets of expression.
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, Delaware, Phone: 302-656-6466
Where to Eat in Wilmington, DE
- La Fia Bistro – Intimate downtown spot known for its farm-to-table fare and fresh baked bread.
- Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront – Casual seafood dining with a lively atmosphere and views of the water.
- Wilma’s – Quirky eatery serving New Orleans-inspired dishes with an on-site duckpin bowling alley.
If you are interested in local events:
- Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (June) – One of the largest free jazz festivals on the East Coast, held downtown.
- Brandywine Festival of the Arts (September) – Annual arts and crafts fair in Brandywine Park with music and food.
- Wilmington Winter Wonder (December) – Holiday markets, light displays, and skating along the Riverfront.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Wilmington, Delaware:
- Longwood Gardens (25–30 min) – Tour one of the world’s most spectacular botanical gardens just across the border in Pennsylvania.
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (15 min) – Explore American decorative arts and lush grounds from another du Pont estate.
- New Castle (15–20 min) – Stroll cobblestone streets and admire colonial architecture along the Delaware River.
- Philadelphia (30 min) – Visit the Liberty Bell, art museums, or enjoy fine dining in Center City.
- White Clay Creek State Park (20–25 min) – Hike and picnic in rolling hills and forests on the Delaware-Pennsylvania border.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Question: What is Wilmington, Delaware known for?
Answer: Wilmington, the largest city in Delaware, is known for its great museums, beautiful gardens, and family-friendly attractions. -
Question: What are some historic and cultural attractions in Wilmington?
Answer: Visitors can explore the historic Nemours Mansion and its landscaped gardens, admire art at the Delaware Art Museum, and visit the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. -
Question: What are the best things to do in Wilmington with kids?
Answer: Top attractions for kids include the Delaware Children’s Museum, the Delaware Museum of Natural History, and the DuPont Environmental Education Center.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming gardens, perfect for outdoor exploration.
Hotel Du Pont – A historic and luxurious hotel in downtown Wilmington.
Visit Longwood Gardens – Explore stunning spring blooms and scenic walking trails.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for festivals, riverfront activities, and outdoor dining.
The Westin Wilmington – A modern stay near the Riverfront.
Explore the Wilmington Riverwalk – Enjoy waterfront dining, biking, and scenic views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage, great for scenic drives and historic sites.
Inn at Montchanin Village – A charming boutique inn with a historic touch.
Tour Nemours Estate – Visit this grand French-style mansion and its breathtaking gardens.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive, perfect for holiday markets and cultural attractions.
Hilton Wilmington/Christiana – A comfortable and cozy stay.
Visit the Delaware Art Museum – Enjoy world-class exhibits and American illustration art.
Map:
Plan Your Trip