Simply south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to go to whereas travelling throughout the East Coast of the USA. And don’t be fooled by its comparatively small measurement—Delaware packs a punch on the subject 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 numerous area of the USA, and Delaware is a literal good instance! Moreover, with its smaller measurement than states like Texas or Florida, it’s simple to drive round in a number of days.
So, that will help you maximise your journey, I’ve jotted down all of the gems we love most. This manner, 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 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 japanese 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 based mostly in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Might in New Jersey.
You may 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 Seaside in case you park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This manner, you may spend time on the seaside 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations on the East Coast USA to go to
2.) Winterthur
Simply exterior of Wilmington, Winterthur is a small township that truly doesn’t get sufficient consideration. We adore it 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 case you’re leaving town for a day journey.
Now, the important thing spot to actually go to in Winterthur is the Winterthur Museum, Backyard 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’s over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so lovely. Oh, and you should definitely hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover every part from tremendous artwork to displays concerning the du Pont household. It’s value a visit.
Lastly, in case you fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It may not be the largest park, but it surely’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 stated, 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 sure that to spend a while at Savannah Seaside, which is admittedly handy to go to as there’s a automotive park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I stated 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 Seaside is one in every of my favorite cities in Delaware. It’s inside simple attain of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now, what makes Rehoboth Seaside so particular is its boardwalk and seaside. We adore it! The entire shoreline right here is beautiful and stretches for ages. While wandering the boardwalk, make sure 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 chew to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sundown for dinner. Their jumbo crab muffins are so tasty. Guide a desk prematurely, as tables replenish quick at peak instances.
Lastly, make sure 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 largest cities in the USA, it actually nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You may simply spend a number of days wandering town and it’s a fantastic place to cease in case you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, make sure that to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry value to enter this lovely constructing, but it surely’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 could possibly be fascinating!
Then, hit the street and get all the way down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unimaginable, and with over 75 rooms, it will probably’t be missed when visiting Delaware. The truth is, I’d say it’s among the finest 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 big and inbuilt an out-of-this-world French chateau and Renaissance type. As soon as at Nemours Mansion, you’ll discover the gardens and the broader property. Oh, and don’t neglect it closes on Monday.
Should you keep in Wilmington for a number of days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s among the finest 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 nicely value visiting in case 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.
Should you fancy a ramble exterior 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 sure 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 Seaside
South, down the coast from Cape Henlopen State Park, is Bethany Seaside – an iconic spot to go to in Delaware in case you’re following Route 1 down the coast.
What makes Bethany Seaside so particular is its sandy shores and boardwalk, that are nice to go to on a sunny day. The seaside 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 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 every of Delaware’s cities you may simply go to when driving across the state. It’s received 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 payment for entry, however this place is completely epic high 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. As we speak, you may go to the rooms and see the displays 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 nicely value 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 among the finest locations in Delaware to go to if you wish to discover the nice 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 establish… however they’re birds – that bit I do know!).
Visits can take as lengthy or as little as you’d like, simply make sure that to plan your day accordingly in case 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
Should you’re driving between Lewes and Millsboro, then make sure 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 study extra about Native American tradition, methods of life, and a lot extra.
Visits take round 25 minutes.
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