Discover the Best Things to Do in Delaware
Delaware has something for just about everyone. Whether you're drawn to Atlantic beaches, colonial history, scenic wildlife refuges, or a thriving food and arts scene, the First State delivers.
Discover the Best Things to Do in Delaware
Delaware holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. American democracy got its start right here, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It also just happens to be one of the most picturesque spots on the map. It's home to some of the most beautiful coastal and inland landscapes that America has to offer. Whether you’re into history, nature, people, food, or something else, Delaware is a fabulous place to explore.
Planning pays off no matter the destination. Delaware looks small on the map, but its reach is far when it comes to what it can offer travelers, from coast to city. If beaches and coastal life make you feel alive, base yourself in Lewes or Rehoboth Beach. If you could spend days inside museums, galleries, or window shopping in the city, Wilmington would make a good basecamp. Looking for something for everyone? Dover is a good central hub.
Top Beaches and State Parks for Outdoor Activities
Beaches aren’t the first thing that visitors think of when they think of Delaware, but locals who have the inside track know that Delaware’s beaches are something not to miss.
Rehoboth Beach is one of the most popular in the area. The boardwalk is always good for a fun walk, the beach is clean and well maintained, and there's no shortage of places to eat and people watch. Be sure not to miss Penny Lane Mall, full of fascinating boutiques!
Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are other beach options. With no boardwalk, crowds and noise are at a minimum. For a more contemplative experience, either one of these will do the trick.
Nature lovers flock to Cape Henlopen State Park for good reason. There are miles of shoreline, nature trails, a fishing pier, and a dedicated swim area. Whether you want to get your 10,000 steps in, catch dinner, or take a dip, it’s all there waiting for you. There’s also a lovely bicycle trail called the Junction and Breakwater Trail, and a bike rental place near the park, or you can bring your own ride.
If you’re looking for a little bit more adventure than that, Delaware Seashore State Park stretches between Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic. There, visitors enjoy surf fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. If you are interested in camping, be sure to book ahead, because it’s a popular camping area and sites fill up quickly.
Discovering Delaware's Hiking Trails and Camping Sites
Delaware's trail system covers an impressive range of terrain, from creek-side paths to forested loops and open meadows, studded with colorful flowers in season.
A few basics go a long way on any trail. Wear sunscreen, be prepared for biting insects, bring enough water, and wear comfy, supportive shoes. Download a trail map because you can’t be sure of cell coverage once you’re there.
White Clay Creek State Park in Newark is one of the most popular hiking spots in the state. Well-marked trails meander along the creek through woods and fields. As far as difficulty, they’re considered easy. The park also connects to trails across the Pennsylvania border if you’re finding it a bit too easy.
Lums Pond State Park is centered around Delaware's largest freshwater pond. The trails loop through wooded land around the water. You can camp on-site and spend the day with a kayak rental to work up your appetite before tucking into your tent or RV.
Brandywine Creek State Park near Wilmington has some of the prettiest walking in the state. Rolling hills, mature trees, and open fields come together in a way that's especially rewarding in the summer and fall.
Wildlife Watching and Scenic Drives in Delaware
For birdwatchers, Delaware is an especially great destination. Delaware's position on the Atlantic Flyway puts it right in the path of one of the major bird migration routes in North America. That means wildlife watching here is a genuinely exciting experience, especially in spring and fall.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge along the Delaware Bay is a premier birding destination. Herons, egrets, shorebirds, and large flocks of snow geese are common sights depending on the season. Walking paths and observation points give you good access without getting in the way of the wildlife.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest tidal salt marshes on the East Coast and home to an impressive range of waterfowl and wading birds. The driving loop through the refuge takes you through several different habitat types, and watching from your car is a perfectly good option. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the most active times for wildlife activity.
For scenic drives, Route 9 along the Delaware Bay is a standout. It passes through marshland, small towns, and farmland with bay views along the way. It's a slower, more scenic alternative to the highway and a nice way to see a side of Delaware that a lot of visitors miss.
Exploring Delaware's Museums and Historical Sites
Delaware's historical footprint is significant, and the museums and sites here do a great job of bringing that story to life.
Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library near Wilmington is a former du Pont estate with one of the finest collections of American decorative arts anywhere in the country. The house tours show how life looked for American families across several centuries, and the naturalistic garden is a destination on its own.
The Delaware History Museum in Wilmington traces the state's story from its Indigenous roots to the present day. It's a strong starting point for understanding the broader context before visiting other sites around the state.
In Dover, the First State Heritage Park connects a network of historic sites including the Old State House, where Delaware ratified the Constitution in 1787. That's a genuinely pivotal moment in American history and standing in that building makes it feel real in a way that reading about it doesn't.
Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island is accessible by ferry from Delaware City. The Civil War-era fort has been well preserved, and the island is also an active nesting ground for herons and egrets. The ferry ride itself often comes with wildlife sightings before you even arrive.
Art Galleries and Cultural Festivals in Delaware
Delaware has a thriving arts community, and Wilmington is at the center of it. The Delaware Art Museum holds an impressive permanent collection, including works from Howard Pyle and the Wyeth family along with one of the largest pre-Raphaelite collections outside the United Kingdom. It's a world-class museum in a very walkable city.
The Wilmington waterfront has developed into a lively hub for galleries, live music, and seasonal events. There's a lot going on throughout the year, and the area rewards just wandering around to see what you find.
Odessa is a smaller town in central Delaware with a well-preserved historic district and a local arts presence that includes galleries and cultural events throughout the year. Its scale makes it easy to explore on foot in an afternoon.
Down in the Rehoboth area, Clear Space Theatre Company runs productions year-round, and a number of galleries showcase local and regional artists. Summer brings arts festivals that draw visitors from across the region and give local artists a chance to connect directly with the public.
Delaware's Culinary Journey: Food and Drink
Food in Delaware leans into what's local and seasonal, and the results are worth seeking out. Blue crab is a staple along the coast, and crab cakes show up on menus from Wilmington all the way down to Lewes. Fresh seafood prepared simply is a theme you'll run into throughout the state.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth is one of the most well-known craft breweries in the country, and it started right here in Delaware. A visit there is worth adding to the itinerary if you enjoy craft beer and tasty food in the same stop.
Wilmington's dining scene covers a wide range. Trolley Square and Market Street both feature restaurants representing different cuisines and price points, and they're easy to navigate on foot. The Wilmington Riverfront area has been developing into a food and culture destination with spots that reflect the city's community roots.
Make Delaware Your Home
There’s a reason why Delaware is a destination for so many kinds of people. Families find plenty of activities that hold up across different ages. History buffs get access to the actual places that shaped our great nation. Nature lovers have beaches, refuges, trails, and parks spread across a state that's easy to navigate.
If Delaware starts to feel like more than just a visit, JS Homes is an excellent resource for making a move. Our new home communities in Delaware give you a real look at what's available across the state, and our pathway to home ownership makes it easy to get the keys to your very own Delaware home. Exploring the best things to do in Delaware often turns into something more lasting, and for many, it’s the first step toward calling it home.