Explore the Coastline at Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park, where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, encompasses 5,000 acres of beaches, maritime forests, and natural habitats. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore bike paths,hiking trails,and beaches facing both the ocean and bay. The Gordons Pond Trail, a 5-mile loop, is a popular route, showcasing the saltwater lagoon, sand dunes, and remnants of a former World War II military base.

History buffs will appreciate fort Miles, a former WWII coastal defense site now serving as a museum. Visitors can view artillery batteries, barrack buildings, and a fire control tower offering sweeping views. For wildlife enthusiasts, the seaside Nature Centre features a 500-gallon touch tank, five 1,000-gallon exhibit tanks, and a live osprey camera feed.

Cyclists can take advantage of the borrow-a-bike scheme to navigate the park’s extensive trails, or go hiking among the dunes or bird spotting in the salt marshes.

Detour: Stop at Lewes Beach just outside the park entrance for a quieter stretch of sand with calm waters perfect for wading and kayaking. It’s one of Delaware’s best beaches for families.

Stroll the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach

Strolling the mile-long boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach is a favorite summer pastime. On warm days, visitors fill every inch of it, frequently enough with Thrasher’s French Fries or Kohr Bros Frozen Custard in hand.

Music from the bandstand fills the air at the end of Rehoboth Ave, with free live concerts running from mid-June through August. Riding the Haunted Mansion and trying your luck at skee-Ball at the seasonal funland amusement park is another rite of passage while on vacation here.

Browseabout Books hosts regular author signings, while Buddhas and Beads sells crystals, jewelry, and antiques. Venture along the storybook-like Penny Lane Mall to grab a sweet crepe or savory croissant from Cafe Papillon.

Planning tip: In summer, arrive early to grab a parking spot and plop your umbrella on the beach before sunbathers and swimmers swallow every available space. Things are slightly calmer in the cooler spring and fall seasons.

Walk through History at Downtown Dover, Dover Green

Downtown Dover’s tree-filled lawn – surrounded by historic buildings and known as the dover Green – holds most of the town’s treasures. This is the spot where suffragettes demanded the right to vote and legislators voted to ratify the US Constitution.

At First state Heritage Park, storytellers dressed in 18th-century garb share the stories of these pivotal moments in American history during popular walking tours starting at Dover Green. Visitors can also tour the former and current homes of the Delaware General Assembly.

Built in 1791, the Georgian-style Old State house features an exhibit on Samuel D Burris, a free Black man who was tried and convicted for helping enslaved people escape during the days of the Underground Railroad.

Planning tip: History buffs won’t want to miss the free walking tours that start from Dover Green, running daily from Wednesday to Saturday. For a taste of Kent County’s agricultural bounty, head to the many country stores dotted around Dover and surrounding townships.

Treasure Hunt for Bargains and Bites at Spence’s Flea Market

The Dover area is home to several Amish-run markets,but locals favor Spence’s Bazaar, Auction and Flea Market on south New St for the breadth of offerings here. Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this bustling market is fantastic for food lovers and bargain hunters.

There are two buildings, one containing stalls selling bakery treats and snacks, and the other hosting a big garage sale with multiple vendors. bring cash, and your best bargaining skills, to purchase purses, records, dishware, jewelry, and other items in the flea market, which spills outside when the weather is favorable.

Discover Art, Aviation, and Colonial History at Dover’s Museums

Hear the echoes of the Past at the Johnson Victrola Museum

In Dover, the Johnson Victrola Museum brings the history of recorded sound to life. The museum showcases antique phonographs from the early 20th century,crafted by the Victor Talking Machine Company,which was later acquired by RCA.These displays highlight the groundbreaking innovations in sound recording that transformed home entertainment.

Visitors can delve into the evolution of the company, founded by Dover native Eldridge Reeves Johnson.Tour guides offer insights and play records on early musical devices. The two-story collection features photos, artifacts, and images of Nipper, the fox-bull terrier mascot famous for the company’s “His Master’s Voice” slogan.

for those seeking a broader historical context,the Victor Talking Machine Company played a pivotal role in shaping the music industry. Its innovations not only revolutionized how music was consumed but also influenced the advancement of recording technology for decades to come.

Explore Boardwalks and Beer Gardens at Riverfront Wilmington

Wilmington’s Christina River, once a hub for shipbuilding, now serves as a prime recreational area. The revamped Riverfront Wilmington features an accessible boardwalk with restaurants, museums, and public parks. This area attracts both locals and visitors, especially on warm days.

The 1.3-mile Riverfront buzzes with activity. Joggers, rowers, and cyclists frequent the waterfront, while others enjoy cornhole at the seasonal beer garden or relax in Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. Key attractions include the DuPont Environmental Education Center, Frawley Stadium, the Delaware Children’s Museum, the Riverfront Market, and Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park.

The revitalization of Riverfront Wilmington underscores the city’s commitment to creating vibrant public spaces. Once an industrial area, it now offers a blend of recreational and cultural experiences, contributing considerably to Wilmington’s appeal.

Walk Through the Struggles and Triumphs of black History in Wilmington

the Delaware history Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage in Wilmington chronicle the state’s history, starting with the Lenni lenape Native american tribe and highlighting the fight for freedom for African American people.

Permanent exhibits are housed in an art deco building, formerly a Woolworth department store, connected to the brick-fronted Old Town Hall, Delaware’s first government building, completed in 1799.

The Town Hall building features temporary exhibits on the second floor, offering fresh perspectives on different periods of Delaware’s history. The museum provides a powerful look at Delaware’s past and its ongoing impact on the present through immersive displays.

Understanding Delaware’s history, especially the struggles and triumphs of its African American community, provides crucial context for the state’s cultural landscape. the museum serves as an important educational resource, fostering dialog and reflection.

Climb Aboard a Historic Ship at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard

The Kalmar nyckel Shipyard in Wilmington features a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel, a Dutch tall ship that brought Swedish and Finnish settlers to Wilmington in 1638, establishing the city’s shipbuilding industry.

The shipyard’s Copeland Maritime Center highlights the area’s first European settlement and explores the city’s maritime history with educational videos, artifacts, model ships, and a replica of a historic log cabin.

The Kalmar Nyckel represents a notable chapter in Delaware’s history, symbolizing the state’s early connections to Europe and its maritime heritage. the shipyard offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience this history firsthand.

Catch a Show in Wilmington

Wilmington’s arts scene includes Broadway-caliber performances and visual art. The Queen, a historic venue with two concert stages and a bar, keeps music alive in downtown Wilmington.

The ornate Grand Opera House, built in 1871, hosts Broadway-style shows, concerts, and opera across its two performance halls. the Playhouse on Rodney Square, operated by the Grand and housed within the Hotel du Pont, hosts plays and concerts in the city’s historic district.

The Delaware Theater Company, a riverfront Wilmington venue, hosts new and classic off-broadway shows and a traveling improv comedy team.

Wilmington’s commitment to the arts is evident in its diverse range of venues and performances. From historic opera houses to contemporary theatre companies, the city offers a rich cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.

Wander Along Milford’s Charming Riverfront

Milford, straddling Kent and Sussex Counties, offers old-fashioned Main St charm with attractive buildings and a scenic riverwalk. The waterfront path weaves through parks dotted with miniature painted boats, reminding visitors of the town’s shipbuilding history.

From spring through fall, downtown Milford attracts crowds with food trucks, live music on the first Friday of the month, and the North Pole Creamery. South Walnut St features art galleries, restaurants, a theater, the Farmacy Market, and WTF What to Ferment Meadery.

The Milford Museum highlights the town’s shipbuilding history and the fight to integrate its high school.

Milford’s riverfront embodies small-town America at its finest. the blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it a delightful destination for a leisurely stroll and a taste of local culture.

Dover’s Museums: A Journey Through History,Art,and Aviation

Dover’s museums offer a deep dive into history,art,and aviation,making essential stops for curious travelers. At the Biggs Museum of American Art, visitors can admire a decorative and fine art collection featuring paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the 1600s to the present day.

For those fascinated by military history, the air Mobility Command Museum showcases more than 30 aircraft and wartime airlift exhibits. Soberingly,dover Air Force Base is traditionally the first stop on native soil for the remains of American service members killed overseas.

Just south of the Dover Air Force Base, the John Dickinson plantation provides a glimpse into the life of a US Constitution signer who,after inheriting the estate in 1785,granted freedom to the enslaved people there.Alternatively, you can step into the past at Dover’s oldest wooden-frame building, the John Bell House, where Dover Green tours begin.

The Delaware Agricultural Museum brings rural history to life with a re-creation of an old-fashioned general store, farmhouse, and gristmill, and exhibits that highlight Delaware’s deep farming roots.

Explore the Opulent Estates of the Brandywine Valley

The Brandywine valley, often called “Chateau Country,” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the du Pont family. Their contributions have profoundly shaped Delaware’s industrial and philanthropic landscape. These sprawling, French-style estates offer visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and innovation.

nemours Estate: A glimpse into Gilded Age Grandeur

Located a mere 15-minute drive north of Wilmington, the Nemours Estate is a refined example of architectural splendor. The estate boasts an elaborate reception hall adorned with 18th- and 19th-century paintings,intricate wall tapestries,and captivating du Pont family portraits. Visitors can embark on regular 25-minute tours of the 200-acre garden,complete with statues,a tranquil pool,and a mesmerizing maze of evergreen trees.

Hagley Museum & Library: Where History Meets Explosive Innovation

On the northern outskirts of Wilmington, the Hagley museum & Library offers a unique indoor-outdoor experience. This museum complex features dozens of stone structures, impressive waterwheels, and a coal-fired steam engine. It delves into the history of Éleuthère Irénée du Pont’s 19th-century gunpowder factory, culminating in a booming demonstration of the explosive power of black powder.

Mt. Cuba Center and Winterthur Museum: Nature and Decorative Arts

Northwest of the city center,the Mt.Cuba Center boasts ADA-accessible garden paths, showcasing native plants and inviting hiking trails. Simultaneously occurring, the Winterthur Museum houses tens of thousands of pieces of furniture, porcelain, and other decorative objects, meticulously arranged throughout the former home of Henry Francis du pont.

Discover the Charm of Lewes and Coastal Delaware

Beyond the grand estates, Delaware’s coastal region offers its own unique attractions, from historic towns to serene gardens and vibrant culinary experiences.

Walk Through Centuries of History in Lewes’ Historic District

The picturesque town of Lewes packs five centuries of architecture into its historic district, which features a mishmash of styles from Colonial to Federal and Victorian. Dutch history takes center stage at the free-to-visit Zwaanendael Museum, whose striking red-and-white shutters were inspired by a town hall in the Netherlands.

Explore on a walking tour with Lewes Historical society. Engaging storytellers in period costumes take you past local landmarks, including the Ryves Holt House, Delaware’s oldest building and one of the many small museums the society operates.

Visitors can also explore a series of 18th- and 19th-century buildings at the association’s main campus on Shipcarpenter St, including a former school, doctor’s office, and a tavern that sells cocktails made to colonial-era recipes on the first Friday of each month.

Planning tip: Several boat operators run sightseeing cruises from Lewes, visiting Cape Henlopen and other scenic locations, including Cape Water Tours.

Stroll Through Native Meadows at Delaware Botanic Gardens

the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek were crafted by New York High Line-designer Piet Oudolf and filled with native plants that change throughout the year. Shaped like a figure eight, the meadow is centered on an elevated grassy knoll, which provides an ideal spot to survey the entirety of the garden.

A trail winding through 12.5-acres of gardens and woodland takes you past whimsical sculptures made from natural materials that serve a dual purpose as art installations and hotels for crawling and flying insects, bees and reptiles.

eat Your Way Through sussex County’s Best Restaurants

Sussex county’s richly varied dining scene offers everything from farm-to-table fare to globally inspired cuisine. In Lewes, Fish On Seafood Bar & Grill serves up seafood specials and a lively happy hour, while Raas blends conventional and modern Indian flavors inside a 125-year-old Victorian home.

In the far south of the state, Fenwick Island is worth a detour to eat at One Coastal, run by a James Beard–nominated chef, which focuses on locally sourced meat and seafood dishes (the dune-backed beaches here are also worth a peek).

In Rehoboth Beach, seafood lovers flock to the Henlopen City Oyster House,a no-reservations eatery known for its raw bar and fresh fish selections. Cafe Azafran brings Mediterranean flavors to the fore with dishes such as garlicky jumbo shrimp al Ajillo and ratatouille, alongside seasonal specials.

For classic chinese foods, Confucius Chinese Cuisine is a Rehoboth favorite for shareable Hunan-style dishes such as salt-and-pepper shrimp. Rounding out the lineup in Rehoboth is The Blue Hen,a female-owned hotel restaurant with a menu that changes daily and standout happy-hour deals.

See Delaware’s Most Gorgeous Nature Spots

Delaware’s coastal charm extends well beyond its beaches.At Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor, the fragrant lavender fields take center stage, but visitors shouldn’t miss the native-plant gardens and the shop selling lavender products.

For those drawn to the water, Delaware Seashore State Park has 6 miles of oceanfront and 20 miles of bay-facing shoreline, making it a prime spot for all kinds of water activities. Cyclists and pedestrians can explore the Georgetown–Lewes Trail, with its final leg due to open in fall 2025, completing a 17-mile multi-use route between Lewes and Georgetown.

For birdwatchers, the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge provides a migratory sanctuary where visitors might spot bald eagles, ospreys or waterfowl. Marshland boardwalks link prime birdwatching locations.

Planning tip: The Georgetown–Lewes Trail is fully paved and mostly flat,making it ideal for walkers and cyclists of all ages; hire bikes from Lewes Cycle Sports or Seagreen Bicycle.

Conclusion: Experience the Best of Delaware

From the historical grandeur of the Brandywine Valley to the coastal allure of Lewes and Sussex County, Delaware offers a diverse array of experiences. Whether you’re exploring opulent estates, strolling through picturesque towns, or indulging in culinary delights, Delaware promises a memorable journey filled with finding and charm. Plan your visit today and uncover the hidden gems of the First State.