Discover Delaware: Beaches, History & Hidden Gems

By the Backseat View

Why visit Delaware?

Delaware may be the second smallest state in the nation, but its role in American history is anything but minor. Known as The First State for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware offers a blend of colonial heritage, peaceful beaches, and small-town charm. With scenic waterways, preserved historic districts, and a relaxed coastal rhythm, Delaware is an inviting destination for travelers seeking history, nature, and simplicity.

While Delaware is only 100 miles long, it has over 29 million visitors annually.

Delaware is known for tax-free shopping. So head over to the Christina Mall to do some shopping damage. Let’s start with the best Things to do in Delaware.

Best Things to Do in Delaware

Iconic Attractions in Delaware

Rehoboth Beach

• Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – A classic seaside promenade filled with shops, food, and ocean views. Rated the BEST Thing to Do in Delaware by most visitors. Also known as the Nation’s Summer Capital.
  

Cape Henlopen State Park

• Cape Henlopen State Park – Wide beaches, dunes, and a historic WWII military fort. This place is phenomenal and is the Best Thing to Do in Delaware for nature. It’s close to Lewes, too, which is the best small town in Delaware for grabbing lunch. You can borrow bikes at the Seaside Nature Center to help see more of the park.
  

Historic New Castle

• Historic New Castle – Cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings along the Delaware River. New Castle feels like stepping into a colonial-era movie set. It’s much quieter and more authentic than the bigger towns.
• New Castle has a First State National Historic Park visitor center at 10 Market Street, with a cool photo wall that says Delaware is the first state, for those of us checking off the 50 states.

Winterthur Museum

• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library – A world-class estate (mansion) showcasing American decorative arts. Winterthur is a small, quaint town that’s easy to explore in an hour. The Museum tickets do sell out, so buy those in advance. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here strolling the grounds. After all, there are over 25 miles of trails, and the grounds are a nature preserve.

Wilmington

• Wilmington blends history, riverfront views, and cultural attractions. With museums, parks, and walkable neighborhoods, it serves as Delaware’s cultural and economic center. It used to be the place to visit in Delaware, but homelessness and crime have moved it down my list. Wilmington is near Nemours Mansion and Gardens, with over 75 incredible rooms. Another museum is the Delaware Art Museum, which is known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection and local cultural significance. It takes around an hour to visit and costs $18. There’s also a restored 1871 Victorian theatre, the Grand Opera House, with seasonal performances.
  

Hidden Gems in Delaware

• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge – A quiet refuge offering exceptional birdwatching and tidal marsh views. Honestly, I can’t recognize many birds, but there are a lot of them. Most people come to catch a glimpse of the bald eagles.
  
• Trap Pond State Park – Home to one of the northernmost natural bald cypress swamps in the country.
  
• Bellevue State Park – Rolling meadows and elegant landscapes just outside Wilmington.
  
• Fenwick Island State Park – A less crowded beach perfect for peaceful ocean days.
  

Bethany One Day Itinerary

Bethany Beach is part of the quiet resort, making it family-friendly, and is 13 miles from Rehoboth Beach. I love small towns, so let’s plan the perfect day at Bethany. Start your day with breakfast at Bethany Diner, which is followed by a stroll through downtown Bethany, Bethany Boardwalk, and the beach. Then, have lunch at Pomodoro Pizzeria with an afternoon hike through The Fresh Pond and James Farm trails. Personally, I’m headed over to the Coastal Wilds to pet a few kangaroos. Let’s finish the day with dinner at Off the Hook for amazing farm-to-table seafood.

Best Delaware Town to Visit

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is the classic coastal beach town with a lively boardwalk. It’s within easy reach of Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park, and Bethany. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The beaches are wide and clean, making them perfect for families. The coastline is stunning for miles. The boardwalk has Funland, with small retro rides and a cute atmosphere. After a day on the beach, make dinner reservations and head to Above the Dunes for a sunset view.

Best Small Town in Delaware

Lewes

Known as The First Town in the First State, Lewes offers historic architecture, quiet beaches, and a welcoming coastal charm. Its slower pace and scenic setting make it ideal for relaxation and exploration. Bay beaches have calmer water that’s perfect for small kids. It’s a great location for access to Cape Henlopen State Park. Lewes is where history meets the coast without the crowds.

Best Delaware Nature Experience

Cape Henlopen State Park

From ocean beaches to maritime forests and sand dunes, Cape Henlopen showcases Delaware’s natural beauty. Biking trails, coastal views, and seasonal wildlife sightings make it a standout outdoor destination. Then, there’s Breakwater Lighthouse for scenic photos.

Best Animal Encounters

You know I love animals, so let’s find the critters.

• Brandywine Zoo is home to red pandas, lemurs, capybaras, and eagles. The zoo is located near Wilmington.
  
• Coastal Wilds focuses on up-close animal encounters, including swimming with otters, meeting sloths, and petting kangaroos. It’s located 6 miles from Bethany Beach.
  

Unique Experiences in Delaware

• Watching horseshoe crabs gather along the Delaware Bay shoreline in late spring.
• Biking the Junction & Breakwater Trail between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
• Exploring colonial streets in Historic New Castle.
• Enjoying tax-free shopping, a unique Delaware perk.
• Sunrise walks on quiet Atlantic beaches.
  

Best Time to Visit Delaware

May to September is ideal for beach weather and coastal activities.
April and October offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor exploration.

Plan ahead for summer lodging with weekends being crowded.

Delaware Itinerary (4 Days)

There are so many ways to enter Delaware and include it with other destinations.

• We added it to our Washington, D.C. trip.
• Wilmington is next to Philadelphia.
• Take the Cape May-Lewes ferry from New Jersey that’s 85 minutes to travel the 17 miles. It’s a scenic cruise with lighthouses, picturesque harbors, and dolphins.

Since Wilmington is the largest city, let’s start there.

Day 1: Wilmington
Visit the Riverfront, parks, and shops, then grab a meal at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront. Next, explore the Delaware Art Museum or Nemours Mansion. I’m driving the 30 minutes and overnighting in New Castle.

Day 2: Historic New Castle & Winterthur
Tour colonial streets, the courthouse, and the First State National Historical Park, then explore the gardens and estate at Winterthur. Let’s grab a meal at Jessop’s Tavern & Colonial Restaurant and enjoy the 1724 building. It’s extremely popular, so make a reservation.

Let’s drive for 90 minutes and spend the next three nights at Rehoboth Beach or Bethany.

Day 3: Lewes & Cape Henlopen
Relax at Cape Henlopen Beach or bike the scenic trails. Lewes is our food stop for lunch or dinner with a little historic strolling. If you are looking for a fun place to eat, try Crooked Hammock Brewery.

Day 4: Rehoboth Beach
Walk the boardwalk, enjoy the ocean, and explore nearby shops. If I head 30 minutes down to visit Bethany Beach, I will stop in and pet the kangaroos at Coastal Wilds.

Later Delaware,

Delaware may be small on the map, but it leaves a lasting impression long after your visit ends. From the historic charm of its quiet towns to the breezy beauty of its coastline, the First State offers a refreshing mix of relaxation, culture, and discovery without the crowds of larger destinations. Whether you’re strolling cobblestone streets, enjoying tax-free shopping, or catching a sunset over the Atlantic, Delaware proves that sometimes the best travel experiences come in the most unexpected places.

If you are headed to the Northeast, I have a few more travel guides to help with your planning.

New York City

Pittsburgh