Delaware may be small, but when it comes to romantic and restful escapes, it delivers in a big way. From historic hotels with ornate ballrooms to cozy bayside motels where the sunsets feel like private performances, these weekend getaways offered us moments that lingered long after checkout. Whether we were sipping wine on a rooftop in Lewes or reading quietly in a garden at the beach, each place gave us a different kind of pause — and reminded us that rest doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful.
Best Weekend Getaways in Delaware:
Seaside serenity at The Bellmoor Inn and Spa, Rehoboth Beach
From the moment we stepped through the ivy-covered entrance, The Bellmoor felt like an escape carved from a quieter time. The beach was just a few blocks away, but we hardly wanted to leave the inn — with its garden courtyards, soothing spa, and slow pace that made everything else fade. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of calm we forget to seek.”
What I Loved Most: Reading in the garden after breakfast, surrounded by blooms, hummingbirds flitting nearby, the morning still heavy with salt air and silence.
My highlights? After a long beach walk, we dined at The Blue Hen, a short stroll away. I had the pan-seared scallops over creamed corn with bacon lardons and a chilled white wine. The flavors were bright and briny, just like the day had been.
Plan your weekend getaway:
- Location: The Bellmoor, 6 Christian St, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Price: Starting at $250 per night
- Vibe: Coastal charm, elegant, relaxing
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for fewer crowds and warm weather
- Amenities: Spa, complimentary breakfast, adult-only garden rooms, short walk to beach
- Nearby Attractions: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, local boutiques, Gordons Pond Trail
Classic grandeur at Hotel Du Pont, Wilmington
Hotel Du Pont felt like walking into a gilded age — chandeliers, carved wood paneling, and the quiet hum of old-world elegance. The lobby itself was worth lingering in. But it wasn’t just the beauty of the place — it was how it made us feel. I remember thinking, “This is romance with a little bit of drama — the good kind.”
What I Loved Most: Sinking into velvet chairs in the Green Room, sipping cocktails, and pretending we had nowhere else in the world to be.
My highlights? Dinner at Le Cavalier, the hotel’s French brasserie. I had the duck breast with figs and a lavender glaze — rich, earthy, and decadent. Every bite felt like a celebration.
Plan your weekend getaway:
- Location: Hotel Du Pont, 42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Price: Starting at $310 per night
- Vibe: Historic, luxurious, artistic
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round — Wilmington’s arts and dining scene never sleeps
- Amenities: Fine dining, historic interiors, afternoon tea, walkable downtown location
- Nearby Attractions: Grand Opera House, Delaware Art Museum, Nemours Estate
Waterfront stillness at The Bay Resort Motel, Dewey Beach
At The Bay Resort Motel, life moved with the tide. Our balcony looked out over Rehoboth Bay, and each evening we sat together and watched the light slip into the water. The simplicity of it all — the quiet lapping of waves, the distant call of gulls — made everything feel softer. I remember thinking, “This is what vacation sounds like.”
What I Loved Most: Waking up to the sunrise spilling through the sliding doors, the smell of saltwater in the air, and coffee in hand before anyone else was awake.
My highlights? We walked to Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill for their famous crab cakes — golden, crispy, and loaded with lump crab — paired with hush puppies and a cold local beer. Laid-back and satisfying, just like the motel itself.
Plan your weekend getaway:
- Location: 135 Dagsworthy St, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
- Price: Starting at $180 per night (waterfront rooms recommended)
- Vibe: Casual, bayside, sunset-focused
- Best Time to Visit: Late May to early October for warm water and clear skies
- Amenities: Private balconies, bay views, fishing pier, kitchenettes
- Nearby Attractions: Rehoboth Boardwalk, Dewey Beach nightlife, kayaking on the bay
