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 measurement—Delaware packs a punch in relation to 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 excellent instance! Moreover, with its smaller measurement than states like Texas or Florida, it’s straightforward to drive round in just a few days.
So, that will help 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 while you go to. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us in case you want additional recommendation in your route via 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 attractive, it’s additionally very easy to go to in case you’re already primarily based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Might in New Jersey.
You possibly can simply spend a protracted 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 possibly can simply go to North Shore Seashore in case you park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This fashion, you possibly can 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 exterior of Wilmington, Winterthur is a small township that really doesn’t get sufficient consideration. We adore it right here, particularly because it’s small, quaint and straightforward to discover in an hour or two. Better of all, it’s very easy to tack onto a Wilmington itinerary, particularly in case you’re leaving the town for a day journey.
Now, the important thing spot to essentially go to in Winterthur is the Winterthur MuseumBackyard and Library. Guide your tickets on-line earlier than arriving and provides your self a good few hours to walk across the grounds. In any case, there may be over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so stunning. Oh, and make sure you hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover every little thing from nice artwork to reveals concerning the du Pont household. It’s price a visit.
Lastly, in case you fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It may not be the most important park, however it’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe while you arrive.
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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 a number of the finest 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 a number of the finest deviled eggs within the area, and the cafe is beautiful.
Lastly, ensure that to spend a while at Savannah Seashorewhich is de facto handy to go to as there’s a automobile park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I mentioned beforehand, you possibly can simply add Lewes to your go to to Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s so price it.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Seashore is one among 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 adore it! The entire shoreline right here is beautiful and stretches for ages. While wandering the boardwalk, ensure that to cease off at Funland. It’s a kitschy little place that’s a lot enjoyable in case you’re visiting with the household. Inside, you’ve received 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. Guide a desk upfront, as tables refill quick at peak instances.
Lastly, ensure that 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 actually nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You possibly can simply spend just a few days wandering the town and it’s a fantastic place to cease in case you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, ensure that to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry price to enter this stunning constructing, however it’s so price 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 fascinating!
Then, hit the street and get all the way down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unbelievable, and with over 75 rooms, it could’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In actual fact, I’d say it’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to see, if not the entire of the East Coast in case you love historical past.
Now, to present 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 just a few days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to go to, devoted to displaying 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 price visiting in case you’re into your artwork historical past.
I do know I’m rambling tons about Wilmington, however we had such a good time right here, so I needed to point out all of the locations you possibly can’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 reveals, and operas.
In case you fancy a ramble exterior the town limits, head to Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands listed here are nice to stroll round on a sunny day, and the views are beautiful. Simply ensure that to all the time keep on with the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, in case 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 case 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 season, 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 Sedon 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 among Delaware’s cities you possibly can simply go to when driving across the state. It’s received heaps happening, and you may simply spend an evening or two throughout 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 prime go to in case 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 Previous State Home that dates all the best way again to the 1700s. Right now, you possibly can go to the rooms and see the reveals that doc life in Delaware and the constructing’s lengthy historical past. Plus, you’ve received the Biggs Museum of American Artwork proper subsequent door and it’s properly price a go to on a lazy afternoon within the metropolis.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Washington D.C.
8.) Bombay Hook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Simply northeastof Dover is Bombay Hook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This place is beautiful and probably the greatest 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 while you go to, you’ll get to see the likes of American Bald Eagles and so many shorebirds (which, if I’m being trustworthy, I couldn’t establish… however they’re birds – that bit I do know!).
Visits can take as lengthy or as little as you’d like, simply ensure that to plan your day accordingly in case you’re in search of 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 ensure that to cease off on the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Don’t anticipate colossal shows like within the Smithsonian, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for in artefacts. From a world perspective, it was a fantastic 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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