Unearth Delaware’s allure, a hidden treasure as the second-smallest US state, brimming with captivating attractions. From pristine beaches and historic towns to lively taverns and serene preserves, this “Small Wonder” offers relaxation and excitement in tandem.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware
Nestled on the Delmarva Peninsula’s northern edge, Delaware is surrounded by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its eastern coastline embraces the Atlantic Ocean, the vast Delaware Bay, and charming beaches, islands, and lighthouses. Split by the C&D Canal, the state reveals a dual nature—it’s developed north near Philadelphia and its unspoiled south. Dive into our guide to the “Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware” and uncover the exceptional sites defining this unique state.
Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, with their wide stretches of beach, bustling boardwalks, and fantastic watersports, draw the lion’s share of tourists to the state. However, Bethany Beach, with its quieter atmosphere but equally stunning scenery, is also a popular destination. All three beaches offer great seafood restaurants and souvenir stores, as well as quaint cottages with arcades and ice cream parlors.
For those seeking natural beauty and adventure, the state parks of Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, and Fenwick Island are highly sought-after destinations for relaxation and recreation. They offer breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities.
Delaware also offers a rich history and culture. The ancient city of Dover, with its impressive monuments and museums, and the charming town of Lewes, with its picturesque wharves, canals, and historic residences, are both worth a visit. Wilmington, the major city, has a strong arts and cultural scene and gorgeous gardens, and the surrounding Wilmington, Delaware, area has some wonderful vineyards and countryside.
Although it is the second smallest state, Delaware’s beautiful beaches, stunning state parks, and charming historical villages more than makeup for its size. The state’s location in the US Mid-Atlantic region gives it a varied landscape, with both urban and industrialized parts and rural areas with protected animals.
In conclusion, Delaware, “The Small Wonder,” offers a wide variety of water activities, charming coastal communities, historic sites, and stunning state parks. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Delaware is a must-visit destination for all travelers.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware: Fenwick Island State Park
Scenic view of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in Delaware, USA. Image source: George Sheldon/Shutterstock.com
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Fenwick Island State Park provides easy access to the nearby Maryland resort town of Ocean City. The area is home to stunning beaches and pristine, undeveloped landscapes. It has a beautiful coastline perfect for lounging in the sun, swimming, and surfing.
The park’s charming dunes and sun-kissed beaches are located on a picturesque island that has been preserved as a park since 1966. In stark contrast to the crowded beach towns that flank it on either side, this area is untamed and unspoiled, making for breathtaking scenery and beautiful vistas.
The state park is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and its close proximity to Bethany Beach and Ocean City. You may sail along the shore or participate in other activities in addition to taking in the sights.
9. Cape Henlopen State Park
Beautiful view of Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, USA. Image source: Bruce Goerlitz Photo/Shutterstock.com
Cape Henlopen State Park is a beautiful place to visit because of its location at the mouth of Delaware Bay and its abundance of pine trees, marshes, and dunal cliffs. Located on Lewes’s eastern fringes, it’s a great spot for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, camping, and birding.
The cape’s stunning beaches and rocky shoreline were, remarkably, some of the earliest public areas designated in the United States. Since it was first designated a protected area, all the beautiful natural features have been conserved, and the area is home to several kinds of shorebirds.
In addition to the usual beachcombing, swimming, and surf-fishing, guests may also enjoy the park’s abundant flora and fauna at the Seaside Nature Center. If you have the opportunity, you should go to Cape Henlopen State Park and see the sun rise or set over the Atlantic from the reconstructed WWII observation tower.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware: Wilmington
: Stunning aerial view of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Image source: Real Window Creative/Shutterstock.com
Wilmington, the state capital and biggest city, may be found in the northeastern part of the state. At the confluence of the Christina and Brandywine Rivers, this city is home to a vibrant artistic community and several fascinating and stunning historical landmarks.
Due to the state’s favourable business climate, this city, despite its modest size, is known as the “Corporate Capital of the World,” and is home to the headquarters of several multinational corporations. This thriving industry has contributed to the proliferation of new businesses in the central business district. The flowing riverbank is beautiful both day and night.
Wilmington is home to fantastic museums and gardens, in addition to excellent dining options. The Delaware Art Museum is one of the highlights. Many of its historic landmarks may be traced back to its beginnings in 1638 as a Swedish town.
From the adjacent Brandywine Valley to the magnificent vineyards and attractive countryside, Wilmington offers plenty for everyone to enjoy.
7. Lewes
Scenic aerial view of a beach town in Delaware, USA. Image source: Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock.com
Lewes, Delaware, is a charming little town that sits along a beautiful section of Delaware Bay. It was the first place Europeans established in the state, so it has some lovely examples of English and Dutch architecture. Cape Henlopen State Park, with its beautiful beaches and scenic vistas, is conveniently located in close proximity.
It was established by the Dutch in 1631 as a whaling and trading town, and since then it has grown into a popular resort area with several high-end restaurants and hotels. The Zwaanendael Museum is a great place to learn about the area’s history. Historic mansions, wharves, and canals are all on display for tourists to admire.
Its charming streets are lined with a wide variety of unique shops and art galleries. Cruises and fishing tours around the bay provide breathtaking views from every vantage point.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Scenic view of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in fall, Delaware, USA. Image source: Bo Shen/Shutterstock.com
The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is conveniently located near Dover, Delaware, on the coast of Delaware Bay.
The refuge is a great place to go on a nature walk since it has some of the region’s biggest surviving wetlands, mudflats, and tidal salt marshes. Due to the high quality of its ecological preservation, millions of migrating birds stop there annually to mate and rest.
Since it was established in 1937, waterfowl travelling through the Atlantic Flyway have been able to spend the winter in its wild and isolated areas. Within its picturesque boundaries, you may see a wide variety of species, from ducks and geese to shorebirds, hawks, and bald eagles. Visitors interested in seeing birds flock to the area.
The refuge is home to a wide variety of bird species as well as beautiful hiking routes and many lookout towers for viewing them. The refuge’s history, ecosystem, and flora and fauna are all explained in the visitor centre.
5. Bethany Beach
A drone captures the beautiful shoreline of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Image source: Zach Chilelli/Shutterstock.com
Bethany Beach, a little beach village in the state’s southeastern corner, is a beautiful and tranquil spot. As a quieter alternative to other coastal destinations, it offers stunning shorelines without the throngs of tourists. Not far away is the beautiful Delaware Seashore State Park.
This picturesque coastal town got its name from the expansive beach that stretches out into the ocean, and it doesn’t disappoint with miles of sun-baked sands where you can relax and enjoy the water. The restaurants, stores, and ice cream stalls on the boardwalk are all top-notch. There are a large number of vacation homes and beach houses in the area.
A variety of great seafood restaurants and gift stores can be found in the downtown area. Bethany Beach is perfect for a relaxing weekend trip or a fun-filled summer vacation, and if you find yourself craving more action and excitement, you’ll find it only a short drive away in either Dover or Ocean City.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware: Dewey Beach
A beautiful view of a private beach in Dewey Beach, Delaware. Image source: Dex Sightseeing Photography/Shutterstock.com
Dewey Beach, a famous spot for watersports, is located on a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. Summertime brings a thriving nightlife and music scene to the little sandbar town.
The little town is known for its excellent skimboarding and wakeboarding as well as its beautiful, broad sand beaches where visitors may relax while swimming and surfing are available offshore. It is common for people to enjoy jet-skiing in the bay, and those who sail on catamarans may see dolphins.
Dewey Beach may be small, but it certainly doesn’t sleep during the summer. When this happens, the city’s restaurants and bars are bustling with patrons, and world-renowned musicians may be seen performing all around town. Partygoers drawn by the live music and families eager to take advantage of the wide beach and exciting watersports tend to fill the quaint cottages and condos at this time of year.
3. Dover
The Delaware State Capitol Building stands tall in the daylight. Image source: LightInThisWorld/Shutterstock.com
Dover is the state capital and the biggest city in Delaware, and it is also a popular tourist destination. Located in the heart of the state, it is inland from the coasts of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on the banks of the St. Jones River.
The little city was established in 1683, and its historical and cultural significance is reflected in the many grand structures and museums that can be found here. For example, the Delaware Agricultural Museum has a reconstruction of a community as it was in the 1890s for visitors to explore. You may also find some very remarkable works of art in the categories of painting, pottery, and sculpture at the Biggs Museum of American Art.
There are several fine establishments, including restaurants, a casino, and nightclubs, in the downtown area. Dover is home to the thrilling NASCAR races at the Dover International Speedway and the fantastic Firefly Music Festival in June. Dover’s diverse offerings guarantee that visitors will find something to their liking.
Amazing Places to Visit in Delaware: Delaware Seashore State Park
A breathtaking aerial view of Delaware Seashore State Park. Image source: Dex Sightseeing Photography/Shutterstock.com
Delaware Seashore State Park is one of the best locations to enjoy the outdoors and a stunning natural landscape. This tranquil and narrow stretch of beach is sheltered by the calm waters of Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The park’s charming dunes and windswept coastal beaches have been safeguarded and protected since 1965 and are a pleasure to see. Views of the ocean and surrounding bays are really breathtaking. Vacationers may swim, surf, or sunbathe on its gorgeous beaches. Sailing and windsurfing are particularly well suited to the bays due to their calm, sheltered seas.
Two pleasant campers are available, and there are also places to go clamming and crab hunting. The beautiful state park can be reached quickly and easily since it is situated between the two popular Delaware seaside resorts of Rehoboth and Bethany.
1. Rehoboth Beach
A beautiful summer afternoon at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Image source: Lauren Huddleston/Shutterstock.com
Rehoboth Beach, a prominent resort town in Delaware, is on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and bills itself as “The Nation’s Summer Capital.” Thousands of people come every year since it is the nearest beach to the nation’s capital. The states of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are close by, and they send many visitors.
Naturally, the expansive sandy beach in this sunny coastal town is its main draw. Offshore, there are excellent swimming and surfing opportunities, and the beach is perfect for relaxing. The magnificent Funland amusement park and other great eateries may be found along a long wooden boardwalk.
Since Europeans first arrived in the region in the 1660s, the tourist town has had a long and illustrious history that they may learn about. Rehoboth Beach is ideal for a summer vacation since it is both family and LGBT-friendly.
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