Just south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to visit while travelling across the East Coast of the United States. And don’t be fooled by its relatively small size—Delaware packs a punch when it comes to exciting things to do and a stunning coastline to explore.
We always love visiting the gems across the East Coast; it’s an incredibly diverse region of the United States, and Delaware is a literal perfect example! Additionally, with its smaller size than states like Texas or Florida, it’s easy to drive around in a few days.
So, to help you maximise your trip, I’ve jotted down all the gems we love most. This way, you won’t miss any of the best places in Delaware when you visit. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us if you need further advice on your route through Delaware. Have the best time exploring the state!
1.) Cape Henlopen State Park
Right on the eastern shoreline of Delaware is Cape Henlopen State Park. Not only is this place gorgeous, it’s also really easy to visit if you’re already based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape May in New Jersey.
You can easily spend a long afternoon here, wandering around the historic WWII fort and following Gordon’s Pond Trail, which is so nice on a sunny day. In addition, you can easily visit North Shore Beach if you park in this parking lot (Google Maps pin). This way, you can spend time on the beach and then head over to the trails.
Alternatively, park here (Google Maps pin), which is again right on the beachfront and much more within Cape Henlopen State Park itself.
Getting peckish? Head over to Wheelhouse (in Lewes) for their calamari and seafood pot pie. They are both delicious.
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2.) Winterthur
Just outside of Wilmington, Winterthur is a small township that actually doesn’t get enough attention. We love it here, especially as it’s small, quaint and easy to explore in an hour or two. Best of all, it’s really easy to tack onto a Wilmington itinerary, especially if you’re leaving the city for a day trip.
Now, the key spot to really visit in Winterthur is the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. Book your tickets online before arriving and give yourself a fair few hours to stroll around the grounds. After all, there is over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature preserve that is so beautiful. Oh, and be sure to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll find everything from fine art to exhibits about the du Pont family. It’s worth a trip.
Finally, if you fancy a stroll, head over to nearby Brandywine Creek State Park. It might not be the biggest park, but it’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to follow when you arrive.
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3.) Lewes
Just shy of Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes is another gem of a place to visit in Delaware as you drive across the state. After arriving, head for some of the best Delaware tacos at Agave Mexican Restaurant.
That said, if it’s a cool cafe you’re after, head to The Station on Kings. These guys make some of the best deviled eggs in the region, and the cafe is stunning.
Finally, make sure to spend some time at Savannah Beach, which is really convenient to visit as there is a car park (Google Maps pin) close by. Plus, like I said previously, you can easily add Lewes to your visit to Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s so worth it.
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4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach is one of my favourite towns in Delaware. It’s within easy reach of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now, what makes Rehoboth Beach so special is its boardwalk and beach. We love it! The whole coastline here is stunning and stretches for ages. Whilst wandering the boardwalk, make sure to stop off at Funland. It’s a kitschy little place that’s so much fun if you’re visiting with the family. Inside, you’ve got small retro rides like the carousel, helicopters and number cars. It’s so retro and cute.
For a bite to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sunset for dinner. Their jumbo crab cakes are so tasty. Book a table in advance, as tables fill up fast at peak times.
Finally, make sure to grab some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We totally loved the peanut butter taffy. It’s all handmade and super yummy.
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5.) Wilmington
Although Wilmington isn’t one of the biggest cities in the United States, it certainly still packs a punch when finding things to do. You can easily spend a few days wandering the city and it’s a great place to stop if you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, make sure to stop by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry cost to enter this beautiful building, but it’s so worth it. Historically, this was initially the family home of du Pont, constructed way back in the early 1800s. We loved visiting, even seeing all the bits on gunpowder, which I never knew could be interesting!
Then, hit the road and get down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. This is absolutely incredible, and with over 75 rooms, it can’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best places in Delaware to see, if not the whole of the East Coast if you love history.
Now, to give you a bit of backstory, Alfred du Pont gifted the Nemours Mansion to his wife, Alicia, after its construction in the early 1900s. I mean, what a gift! The mansion is huge and built in an out-of-this-world French chateau and Renaissance style. Once at Nemours Mansion, you’ll explore the gardens and the wider estate. Oh, and don’t forget it closes on Monday.
If you stay in Wilmington for a few days, visit the Delaware Art Museum. It’s one of the best places in Delaware to visit, dedicated to showing the dominant artworks from the 19th century to the 21st century.
Once inside, you’ll glimpse the likes of the English Pre-Raphaelite art that existed around the middle of the 19th century. The museum is an excellent spot for works by the American artist Howard Pyle. Visits take around 60 minutes and are well worth visiting if you’re into your art history.
I know I’m rambling lots about Wilmington, but we had such a great time here, so I had to mention all the places you can’t miss. For instance, we also loved the Grand Opera House. There’s always something going on inside the restored 1871 Victorian theatre. For instance, you’ll find all sorts of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, variety shows, and operas.
If you fancy a ramble outside the city limits, head to Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands here are great to walk around on a sunny day, and the views are stunning. Just make sure to always stick to the defined boardwalk and not disturb the local ecosystem.
Finally, if you head to Rockford Park, then make sure you get a glimpse of Rockford Tower (Google Maps pin). It’s right on the trails and really easy to spot as you follow Tower Drive.
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6.) Bethany Beach
South, down the coast from Cape Henlopen State Park, is Bethany Beach – an iconic spot to visit in Delaware if you’re following Route 1 down the coast.
What makes Bethany Beach so special is its sandy shores and boardwalk, which are great to visit on a sunny day. The beach does get quite busy on the weekends in summer, but don’t let that put you off – there’s ample sand space for everyone along this long stretch of Delaware’s coastline.
Oh, and stop off at Sedona for their shrimp papadella. It’s so good.
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7.) Dover
Just shy of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Dover is another one of Delaware’s cities you can easily visit when driving around the state. It’s got heaps going on, and you can easily spend a night or two within the city limits before venturing further around Delaware.
After parking up, head over to the Air Mobility Command Museum. There’s a fee for entry, but this place is totally epic top visit if you’re something of an AV geek like me. The museum is dedicated to displaying vintage planes built as far back as 1941 and other artefacts for airlifting, and air refuelling (which I promise is cooler than it sounds).
Afterwards, head over to Delaware’s Old State House that dates all the way back to the 1700s. Today, you can visit the rooms and see the exhibits that document life in Delaware and the building’s long history. Plus, you’ve got the Biggs Museum of American Art right next door and it is well worth a visit on a lazy afternoon in the city.
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8.) Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Just northeastof Dover is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This place is stunning and one of the best places in Delaware to visit if you want to explore the great outdoors.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook a real cause for a visit is the birdlife that calls this area home. Depending on when you visit, you’ll get to see the likes of American Bald Eagles and so many shorebirds (which, if I’m being honest, I couldn’t identify… but they are birds – that bit I know!).
Visits can take as long or as little as you’d like, just make sure to plan your day accordingly if you’re looking for dinner, as there are limited options in the local area.
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9.) The Nanticoke Indian Museum
If you’re driving between Lewes and Millsboro, then make sure to stop off at the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Don’t expect colossal displays like in the Smithsonian, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in artefacts. From an international perspective, it was a great little stop on a Delaware road trip and allowed us to learn more about Native American culture, ways of life, and so much more.
Visits take around 25 minutes.
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