Top 30 Things To Do In Delaware

things to do in delaware
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 13 min read

Delaware is a mid-Atlantic state in the USA. On record, it is the second smallest state in all of America next to Rhode Island. It is also referred to as the “First State”. Delaware got its name from the Delaware River and Bay. Though it is small, it is not behind on marvelous tourist attractions, fascinating landmarks, and vibrant culture. While in Delaware, you might want to visit the charming historic estate of Winterthur. If you like beaches, the relaxing ambiance of the coastal area, and excellent seafood, you should head over Cape Henlopen State Park. Also, you cannot end your Delaware adventure without learning about the state’s culture and heritage at Delaware Seashore State Park near Dewey Beach. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Delaware, USA. Feel free to browse below.

1. Swim at Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach
Source: Photo by user Conn, Kit used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you like swimming in stunning beaches, you might like to visit Bethany Beach during your Delaware adventure. It is a stunning coastal town with a fantastic beach, excellent restaurants, and nearby attractions. It is known for fabulous beaches that stretch from Delaware Seashore State Park to the Atlantic Ocean. It is also popular for tourists who like water sports as it has excellent surfing sites. Also, while in Bethany Beach, be sure to try the restaurants at the boardwalk. You might also like to buy souvenir items before going home.

Bethany Beach

Address: Bethany Beach, DE

Website: Bethany Beach

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2. Go boating at Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park DE1
Source: Photo by user Acroterion used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another fantastic paradise in Delaware that you should visit during your adventure in the state is the Delaware Seashore State Park. It is popular with tourists who love swimming in the ocean. Not only that, but it is also the venue for some water sports competitions in the state. Plus, you can go camping here if you want to try a wonderful activity with your friends. Plus, it has lots of shops and restaurants that can provide you with everything you need during your visit, especially delightful food.

Delaware Seashore State Park

Address: 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

Website: Delaware Seashore State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

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3. Explore marine life at Fenwick Island


One of the charming towns in Delaware that you should see is Fenwick Island. It is filled with fantastic attractions and lots of exciting activities to try. While in Fenwick Island, be sure to take souvenir pictures of the iconic 1859 Fenwick Island Lighthouse. For swimming and sunbathing, head over the stunning Fenwick Island State Park. If you’re into museum visits, there’s one place in Fenwick Island that you should definitely not miss out on - Discoversea Shipwreck Museum. It has maritime artifacts and gold bar exhibits.

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4. Have a day out at Rehoboth Beach


Delaware is a beautiful state with lots of coastal areas that tourists who love the seas flock in. If you are one of these tourists, you might want to check out the waters in Rehoboth Beach. Imagine swimming in refreshing waters, basking in the warmth of the sun, and building sandcastles with your loved ones. Those are guaranteed recipe to a wonderful time. Plus, in front of the beach is a plethora of excellent restaurants and laid-back eateries. If you prefer activities that will not get you wet, you might like to go to Cape Henlopen State Park in the North.

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5. Get to know the history of the area at Fort Delaware State Park


Formerly a defense facility, Fort Delaware State Park is a heritage site in Delaware that was constructed in 1859. It used to house prisoners of war and once served as a venue for plotting strategic actions during the war era. At the present time, it showcases ruins of the structure and old facilities that are no longer functional. When you visit Fort Delaware State Park, be sure to bring your camera as you might like to take some souvenir pictures in this historic site.

Fort Delaware State Park

Address: 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA

Website: Fort Delaware State Park

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon - Tue)

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6. See the green spaces at Mispillion Riverwalk


One of the first recreational areas built in Delaware as a move of the state to create more avenues for people to relax and make memories with their loved ones is Mispillion Riverwalk. It was established in 1974 in an area surrounded by gorgeous lush greenery with a charming river. It is a mile-long (less than 2 km) park that leads straight to downtown. It has various recreational areas such as playgrounds, picnic spots, hiking trails, and others, It is considered the largest public park in Delaware.

Mispillion Riverwalk

Address: 103 S Washington St, Milford, DE 19963, USA

Website: Mispillion Riverwalk

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Check out the vintage artifacts at Air Mobility Command Museum


If you like learning about the culture and heritage of the places you visit, while in Delaware, you might want to check out Air Mobility Command Museum located in Dover AFB. It is a fascinating museum that is dedicated to the technology of aircraft and its history. It features some of the oldest and most complex airplanes in the United States. It also houses exhibits, galleries, and documents that help tourists better understand this specific technology. Plus, if you are into golfing, Air Mobility Command Museum holds golfing tournaments that are essential to their fundraising efforts.

Air Mobility Command Museum

Address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA

Website: Air Mobility Command Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free admission

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8. Admire the beautiful birds at Delaware Bay


Delaware indeed has lots of gorgeous natural wonders. One of them is the Delaware Bay which is an outlet of Delaware River. Its freshwater is combined with salt waters from the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding the Bay, aside from Delaware, are New Jersey, Cape Henlopen, and Cape May. When you visit Delaware Bay, you’ll notice that a huge fraction of its shore is mostly made up of mudflats and salt marshes. Aside from swimming, Delaware Bay is a fantastic spot to practice your photography skills as it has lots of beautiful scenes and creatures to practice on.

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9. Tour the exceptional Marvel Carriage Museum


Located in Georgetown, Marvel Carriage Museum is a fascinating attraction and historic site in Delaware. It features an 18th-century house which also served as a school in the past. Aside from that, it has two vast barns that serve as stock rooms for vintage carriages by the late Mr. Nutter Marvel. These carriages were his biggest collection. Some of his iconic carriages in the collection are a Disney carriage, a peddler’s wagon, and a carriage of the queen. Aside from the collection of carriages, Marvel Carriage Museum also has antique objects, photographs, old telephones, victrolas, and others.

Marvel Carriage Museum

Address: 510 S Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA

Website: Marvel Carriage Museum

Price: Free admission; tours from 5 USD

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10. Stroll along Wilmington Riverfront

things to do in delaware | stroll along wilmington riverfront
Source: instagram

Nesting on a charming river district, Wilmington Riverfront is a lovely area in Wilmington where tourists flock to breathe fresh air and gorge on excellent eats. It has a plethora of excellent restaurants that serve mouthwatering food. The nightlife in Wilmington Riverfront is vibrant and it seems like there’s always a celebration here. The views of the Cape Fear River add charm to the place. Aside from restaurants, the area is also filled with local stores, souvenir shops, rooftop bars, renovated hotels, and other business establishments and attractions. This area in Delaware exudes a balance of historic significance and modernism in one.

Wilmington Riverfront

Address: 815 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Website: Wilmington Riverfront

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

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11. Try the beer at Dogfish Head Brewery

Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, Delaware
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernt Rostad used under CC BY 2.0

If you are planning a delightful get-together with your friends, you might like to hold that lovely meeting at Dogfish Head Brewery. It is a fascinating brewery that lets people into their brewing world. Yes, you heard it right. They let people in to tour their premises and try some of their premium drinks. You can drink and chill in their tasting rooms, dine in their on-site restaurants, and even stay at their inn. They guarantee that through this experience you will learn about Delaware’s culture and get a glimpse of the offerings that you will have–something to experience only in Delaware.

Dogfish Head Brewery

Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968, USA

Website: Dogfish Head Brewery

Opening hours: (Tasting room) Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm

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12. Kayak at Broadkill River

Broadkill River
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user w:Malepheasant used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Located in the southern side of Delaware, Broadkill River is a river that flows towards Delaware Bay. If you are done with sunbathing and building sandcastles, you might enjoy kayaking at Broadkill River. Through the course, you will see scenic views and wildlife in their natural habitat. If you like kayaking, equipment is available for rent at Quest Kayak..

Quest Kayak

Address: 514 E Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Website: Quest Kayak

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: From 25 USD

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13. Relax at Fort DuPont State Park


If you have seen all the breathtaking beaches in Delaware and you might want to see other majestic wonders or try different water-related activities, why don’t you relax at Fort DuPont State Park? It is a lovely place bounded by the breathtaking Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. It is a fantastic site for tourists who like fishing. This place is also rich in history as it once housed Governor Bacon Health Center and a military base.

Fort DuPont State Park

Address: Wilmington Ave, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA

Website: Fort DuPont State Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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14. Learn about farming at Delaware Agricultural Museum

Harder than it looks
Source: Photo by Flickr user Delaware Agriculture used under CC BY 2.0

Delaware thrives on many industries. One of them is through agriculture. If you are interested in learning about the state’s culture and heritage, you will gather more information and learn facts when you visit the fascinating Delaware Agricultural Museum. Delaware Agricultural Museum is located in Dover and has been in operation for roughly 40 years now. It houses exhibits and galleries on agricultural methods. It also houses farming equipment and other tools that are relevant to the state’s agriculture industry.

Delaware Agricultural Museum

Address: 866 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Website: Delaware Agricultural Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 5 USD

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15. See wildlife at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge


If you like reconnecting with nature, enjoying the peace and quiet, or practicing your photography skills, there is a fantastic place in Delaware where you can do all those lovely things - the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Located on Delaware Bay, the eastern coast of Kent County, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise that serves as a shelter and breeding ground for migratory shorebirds. This beautiful natural park is teeming with life and is a definite must-visit for tourists.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA

Website: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm

Price: 2 USD

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16. Go parasailing at Dewey Beach


Do you crave some activities that will give you an adrenaline rush? Why not try parasailing? If you agree with the idea, you might be interested in booking a parasailing package with Fly Dewey at the breathtaking Dewey Beach. Its a fun and exciting activity you might want to try with your family or friends. Marvel at the beauty of the Dewey Beach as well as the surrounding as you glide on air.

FLY DEWEY - Dewey Beach Parasail

Address: 113 Dickinson St, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA

Website: FLY DEWEY - Dewey Beach Parasail

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 80 USD

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17. Spend your day leisurely at Cape Henlopen State Park


If you happen to pass by Lewes during your Delaware adventure, you might like to have a quick visit to the Cape Henlopen State Park. It is a charming and historic park in Delaware that was once an avenue of the state’s shipment of its military weaponry. At the present time, lots of tourists visit this lovely state park to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Also, it features excellent nature trails that tourists who like physical activities might want to try.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Website: Cape Henlopen State Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 12am; Sun: 6am - 10pm

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18. Explore the unique New Castle Courthouse Museum

things to do in delaware | explore the unique new castle courthouse museum
Source: instagram

The New Castle Courthouse Museum is a fascinating 17th-century museum that was once the state’s first-ever capitol and courthouse. It plays a significant part in Delaware’s heritage. Visiting New Castle Courthouse Museum is free to the public. This historic site accepts walk-in visits but if you are planning to visit in big groups, you might want to inform them ahead of time.

New Castle Courthouse Museum

Address: 211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720, USA

Website: New Castle Courthouse Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free admission

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19. Visit the historic Nemours Mansion

Nemours Mansion
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user A. Rasey used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nemours Mansion is a stunning classical French Mansion that is located in Wilmington. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. Every room, hall, and corner of this historic estate exudes elegance and sophistication. It has art pieces and vintage furniture that are world-class. In total, it has 77 well-preserved rooms including a billiards room and a bowling alley.

Nemours Mansion

Address: 850 Alapocas Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

Website: Nemours Mansion

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 17 USD

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20. Learn the process of making gun powder at Hagley Museum and Library


Another stunning museum located in Wilmington is Hagley Museum and Library. It features the majestic ancestral home of the Du Pont family, restored mills, gunpowder site, and more. It also has a gorgeous, vast garden where you can spend some afternoon having a picnic with your family. Plus, it has a fantastic library that has lots of business and educational books and learning materials.

Hagley Museum and Library

Address: 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Website: Hagley Museum and Library

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

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21. Admire nature at John Dickinson Plantation

John Dickinson Plantation, Dover
Source: Photo by user Max.vanbalgooy used under CC BY-SA 4.0

John Dickinson Plantation was the birthplace and home of the legendary John Dickson. He was known as one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. This farm nests in Dover. It is a paradise that reflects 18th-century America, featuring a vast plantation, his stunning boyhood home, and recreational areas. At present time, John Dickinson Plantation s owned by the Delaware government and serves as a public museum. It features exhibits and galleries that tell the history of the state and the whole of America.

John Dickinson Plantation

Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Website: John Dickinson Plantation

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

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22. Peruse the native artifacts at Nanticoke Indian Museum


Delaware indeed has a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. The fascinating museums throughout the state are testaments to that. If you like museum visits and learning about the cultures of the places you visit, you might like to include Nanticoke Indian Museum in your itinerary. This fascinating museum is the only museum in the state of America that features the culture of Native America. It features exhibits, galleries, and artifacts that were passed on from generations to generations of native Americans, in hopes of preserving their history.

Nanticoke Indian Museum

Address: 27073 John J Williams Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966, USA

Website: Nanticoke Indian Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 3 USD

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23. Check out the historic Odessa


Nesting in New Castle County, Odessa is a charming town in Delaware that features Colonial architecture. It got its name from a port city in Ukraine. It is a simple and peaceful town that is rich in heritage and history. While in town, you might want to check out Blackbird Creek and enjoy some old school fishing and bird watching. For a more exciting adventure, visit Frightland and spend a day trying out rides and other attractions it offers. If you want to learn about this town’s history, visit Corbit Sharp House.

Odessa

Address: New Castle County, Delaware

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24. Wander around in First State Heritage Park

Delaware State Capitol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

First State Heritage Park bills itself as the state’s first urban “park without boundaries”. Located in Dover, it showcases the town’s culture and history in one big heritage park. In First State Heritage Park, you’ll get to visit the 17th-century Woodburn and Hall House which was once the home of the state’s governor in 1965. Aside from that, you can also find there Biggs Museum of American Art, Delaware Public Archives, John Bell House, Johnson Victrola Museum, and other historic sites. Note that admission is free but some individual galleries may require small entrance fees.

First State Heritage Park

Address: 102 S State St, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Website: First State Heritage Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free admission

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25. Watch a game at Frawley Stadium

things to do in delaware | watch a game at frawley stadium
Source: instagram

If you are a big fan of baseball, you cannot end your Delaware escapade without watching a game at the Frawley Stadium. Located in Wilmington, Frawley Stadium is the venue of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team’s most anticipated matches. Built in 1993, it was once called the Legends Stadium. Check out their website for updates about upcoming matches. Cheer at the top of your lungs as you watch as your favorite team score at the Frawley Stadium.

Frawley Stadium

Address: 801 Shipyard Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

Website: Frawley Stadium

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26. Enjoy a fun-filled holiday at Ocean View

things to do in delaware | enjoy a fun-filled holiday at ocean view
Source: instagram

Nesting in Sussex County, Ocean View is a charming coastal town in Delaware that is a go-to destination for tourists who love the sea, exciting watersports, and mouthwatering seafood. It has lots of breathtaking pristine beaches that you should check out when you visit it. Here, you can spend some relaxing time in Bethany Beach Nature Center. For surfing escapades, Fenwick Island State Park has the best spots for you. If you want to go on some old school picnicking with your loved ones, you might set up at Holts Landing State Park.

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27. Cruise with Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Cape May Lewes Ferry
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mobilus In Mobili used under CC BY 2.0

One of the best experiences in life is riding a boat and treading breathtaking waters. If you agree with the idea, why don’t you book a fantastic cruise with Cape May-Lewes Ferry? The adventure lets marvel at breathtaking views, pass historic landmarks, and might even give you a glimpse of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Check out their website for upcoming events and destinations that you might be interested in. Purchase a ticket and enjoy an unforgettable adventure with Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Address: 43 Cape Henlopen Dr. Lewes, DE 19958

Website: Cape May-Lewes Ferry

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28. Visit the ancient Fenwick Island Lighthouse

FenwicklightApril08 (42) 2
Source: Photo by user Lionsatthegate37 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Found in Ocean City, Fenwick Island Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in the city. Its main purpose is to guard the coast but its relevance dates far back. At the present time, the lighthouse is maintained by Winnie Lewis, a granddaughter of a former keeper of the lighthouse. In the past, a group called Friends of Fenwick Island Lighthouse led by a certain Paul Pepper was in charge of maintaining and preserving it. Lots of tourists stop by the lighthouse to take souvenir pictures with it.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Address: 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA

Website: Fenwick Island Lighthouse

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29. Have fun at Brandywine Zoo


If you’re done with the museum visits and sightseeing and you have no clue where to bring your family next, especially the kids, why don’t you spend a fun day at the Brandywine Zoo? Located in Wilmington, Brandywine Zoo is a gorgeous park with lots of charming animals from species of birds to mammal, reptiles, and invertebrates. Watch your kids marvel at the uniqueness of these friendly creatures and learn interesting new facts that they can share with their friends when they go back to your hometown.

Brandywine Zoo

Address: 1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802, USA

Website: Brandywine Zoo

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 7 USD

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30. Catch a show at Chapel Street Players


If you’re in the mood for some live drama, comedy, and other performances, you might like to watch a fantastic play at the Chapel Street Players in Newark. It features screenplays and performances which will surely have you entertained from the beginning up to the closing of the curtains. If you like the idea, check out their website to know more about their schedule, upcoming events, and performances. What’s more lovely about the Chapel Street Players is that its performers are nonprofessional but naturally talented locals.

Chapel Street Players

Address: 27 N Chapel St, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Website: Chapel Street Players

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Beautiful Delaware

Delaware is a small yet lovely state in the USA that is also referred to as “the first state”. Though small, it is filled with charming places to visit, fascinating museums, fantastic retail stores and brands, exquisite restaurants, and other modern attractions. But not only that, but it also has a fair share of natural wonders such as the Delaware Bay, the Dewey Beach, the Bellevue State Park, and more. If you are planning a trip to this side of the US, use this list of the best things to do in Delaware as your guide in planning an itinerary.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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