Simply south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to go to whereas travelling throughout the East Coast of the US. And don’t be fooled by its comparatively small dimension—Delaware packs a punch in the case of thrilling issues to do and a surprising shoreline to discover.
We all the time love visiting the gems throughout the East Coast; it’s an extremely various area of the US, and Delaware is a literal good instance! Moreover, with its smaller dimension than states like Texas or Florida, it’s straightforward to drive round in a couple of days.
So, that can assist you maximise your journey, I’ve jotted down all of the gems we love most. This fashion, you gained’t miss any of the very best locations in Delaware whenever you go to. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us in the event you want additional recommendation in your route by way of Delaware. Have the very best time exploring the state!
1.) Cape Henlopen State Park
Proper on the jap shoreline of Delaware is Cape Henlopen State Park. Not solely is that this place beautiful, it’s additionally very easy to go to in the event you’re already based mostly in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Might in New Jersey.
You’ll be able to simply spend an extended afternoon right here, wandering across the historic WWII fort and following Gordon’s Pond Path, which is so good on a sunny day. As well as, you may simply go to North Shore Seashore in the event you park on this car parking zone (Google Maps pin). This fashion, you may spend time on the seashore after which head over to the paths.
Alternatively, park right here (Google Maps pin), which is once more proper on the beachfront and rather more inside Cape Henlopen State Park itself.
Getting peckish? Head over to Wheelhouse (in Lewes) for his or her calamari and seafood pot pie. They’re each scrumptious.
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2.) Winterthur
Simply outdoors of Wilmington, Winterthur is a small township that really doesn’t get sufficient consideration. We find it irresistible right here, particularly because it’s small, quaint and simple to discover in an hour or two. Better of all, it’s very easy to tack onto a Wilmington itinerary, particularly in the event you’re leaving town for a day journey.
Now, the important thing spot to essentially go to in Winterthur is the Winterthur Museum, Backyard and Library. E-book your tickets on-line earlier than arriving and provides your self a good few hours to walk across the grounds. In any case, there’s over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so stunning. Oh, and remember to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover all the pieces from high quality artwork to reveals in regards to the du Pont household. It’s value a visit.
Lastly, in the event you fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It won’t be the most important park, however it’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe whenever you arrive.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Philadelphia
3.) Lewes
Simply shy of Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes is one other gem of a spot to go to in Delaware as you drive throughout the state. After arriving, head for among the greatest Delaware tacos at Agave Mexican Restaurant.
That mentioned, if it’s a cool cafe you’re after, head to The Station on Kings. These guys make among the greatest deviled eggs within the area, and the cafe is beautiful.
Lastly, make certain to spend a while at Savannah Seashore, which is admittedly handy to go to as there’s a automobile park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I mentioned beforehand, you may simply add Lewes to your go to to Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s so value it.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Seashore is one in all my favorite cities in Delaware. It’s inside straightforward attain of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now, what makes Rehoboth Seashore so particular is its boardwalk and seashore. We find it irresistible! The entire shoreline right here is beautiful and stretches for ages. While wandering the boardwalk, make certain to cease off at Funland. It’s a kitschy little place that’s a lot enjoyable in the event you’re visiting with the household. Inside, you’ve bought small retro rides just like the carousel, helicopters and quantity automobiles. It’s so retro and cute.
For a chunk to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sundown for dinner. Their jumbo crab muffins are so tasty. E-book a desk prematurely, as tables refill quick at peak instances.
Lastly, make certain to seize some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We completely liked the peanut butter taffy. It’s all handmade and tremendous yummy.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Philadelphia
5.) Wilmington
Though Wilmington isn’t one of many greatest cities in the US, it definitely nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You’ll be able to simply spend a couple of days wandering town and it’s an ideal place to cease in the event you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, make certain to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry price to enter this stunning constructing, however it’s so value it. Traditionally, this was initially the household dwelling of du Pont, constructed approach again within the early 1800s. We liked visiting, even seeing all of the bits on gunpowder, which I by no means knew may very well be attention-grabbing!
Then, hit the street and get right down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unbelievable, and with over 75 rooms, it will probably’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In actual fact, I’d say it’s the most effective locations in Delaware to see, if not the entire of the East Coast in the event you love historical past.
Now, to offer you a little bit of backstory, Alfred du Pont gifted the Nemours Mansion to his spouse, Alicia, after its building within the early 1900s. I imply, what a present! The mansion is large and inbuilt an out-of-this-world French chateau and Renaissance model. As soon as at Nemours Mansion, you’ll discover the gardens and the broader property. Oh, and don’t overlook it closes on Monday.
In case you keep in Wilmington for a couple of days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s the most effective locations in Delaware to go to, devoted to exhibiting the dominant artworks from the nineteenth century to the twenty first century.
As soon as inside, you’ll glimpse the likes of the English Pre-Raphaelite artwork that existed across the center of the nineteenth century. The museum is a great spot for works by the American artist Howard Pyle. Visits take round 60 minutes and are properly value visiting in the event you’re into your artwork historical past.
I do know I’m rambling heaps about Wilmington, however we had such a good time right here, so I needed to point out all of the locations you may’t miss. For example, we additionally liked the Grand Opera Home. There’s all the time one thing happening contained in the restored 1871 Victorian theatre. For example, you’ll discover all types of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, selection exhibits, and operas.
In case you fancy a ramble outdoors town limits, head to Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands listed below are nice to stroll round on a sunny day, and the views are beautiful. Simply make certain to all the time follow the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, in the event you head to Rockford Park, then be sure to get a glimpse of Rockford Tower (Google Maps pin). It’s proper on the paths and very easy to identify as you observe Tower Drive.
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6.) Bethany Seashore
South, down the coast from Cape Henlopen State Park, is Bethany Seashore – an iconic spot to go to in Delaware in the event you’re following Route 1 down the coast.
What makes Bethany Seashore so particular is its sandy shores and boardwalk, that are nice to go to on a sunny day. The seashore does get fairly busy on the weekends in summer time, however don’t let that put you off – there’s ample sand area for everybody alongside this lengthy stretch of Delaware’s shoreline.
Oh, and cease off at Sedona for his or her shrimp papadella. It’s so good.
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7.) Dover
Simply shy of Bombay Hook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, Dover is one other one in all Delaware’s cities you may simply go to when driving across the state. It’s bought heaps happening, and you’ll simply spend an evening or two inside the metropolis limits earlier than venturing additional round Delaware.
After parking up, head over to the Air Mobility Command Museum. There’s a charge for entry, however this place is completely epic high go to in the event you’re one thing of an AV geek like me. The museum is devoted to displaying classic planes constructed way back to 1941 and different artefacts for airlifting, and air refuelling (which I promise is cooler than it sounds).
Afterwards, head over to Delaware’s Outdated State Home that dates all the way in which again to the 1700s. Right this moment, you may go to the rooms and see the reveals that doc life in Delaware and the constructing’s lengthy historical past. Plus, you’ve bought the Biggs Museum of American Artwork proper subsequent door and it’s properly value a go to on a lazy afternoon within the metropolis.
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8.) Bombay Hook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Simply northeastof Dover is Bombay Hook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This place is beautiful and the most effective locations in Delaware to go to if you wish to discover the good outside.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook an actual trigger for a go to is the birdlife that calls this space dwelling. Relying on whenever you go to, you’ll get to see the likes of American Bald Eagles and so many shorebirds (which, if I’m being sincere, I couldn’t determine… however they’re birds – that bit I do know!).
Visits can take as lengthy or as little as you’d like, simply make certain to plan your day accordingly in the event you’re on the lookout for dinner, as there are restricted choices within the native space.
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9.) The Nanticoke Indian Museum
In case you’re driving between Lewes and Millsboro, then make certain to cease off on the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Don’t count on colossal shows like within the Smithsonian, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in artefacts. From a global perspective, it was an ideal little cease on a Delaware street journey and allowed us to be taught extra about Native American tradition, methods of life, and a lot extra.
Visits take round 25 minutes.
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