Simply south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to go to whereas travelling throughout the East Coast of america. And don’t be fooled by its comparatively small dimension—Delaware packs a punch in the case 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 various area of america, and Delaware is a literal excellent instance! Moreover, with its smaller dimension than states like Texas or Florida, it’s straightforward to drive round in just a few 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 one of the best locations in Delaware while you go to. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us in case you want additional recommendation in your route by way of Delaware. Have one of the best time exploring the state!
1.) Cape Henlopen State Park
Proper on the jap shoreline of Delaware is Cape Henlopen State Park. Not solely is that this place beautiful, 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’ll be able to simply spend a protracted 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 Seashore in case you park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This manner, you may spend time on the seashore after which head over to the paths.
Alternatively, park right here (Google Maps pin), which is once more proper on the beachfront and far 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.
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2.) Winterthur
Simply exterior of Wilmington, Winterthur is a small township that truly doesn’t get sufficient consideration. We find it irresistible 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 the town for a day journey.
Now, the important thing spot to actually go to in Winterthur is the Winterthur Museum, Backyard and Library. E book 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 stunning. Oh, and you’ll want to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover every part from positive artwork to reveals concerning the du Pont household. It’s price a visit.
Lastly, in case you fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It may not be the most important park, but it surely’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe while you arrive.
Learn extra: Finest 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 a number of the greatest Delaware tacos at Agave Mexican Restaurant.
That mentioned, if it’s a cool cafe you’re after, head to The Station on Kings. These guys make a number of the greatest deviled eggs within the area, and the cafe is beautiful.
Lastly, ensure to spend a while at Savannah Seashore, which is absolutely handy to go to as there’s a automotive park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I mentioned beforehand, you may simply add Lewes to your go to to Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s so price it.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Seashore is one in every of my favorite cities in Delaware. It’s inside straightforward attain of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now, what makes Rehoboth Seashore so particular is its boardwalk and seashore. We find it irresistible! The entire shoreline right here is beautiful and stretches for ages. While wandering the boardwalk, ensure 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 acquired small retro rides just like the carousel, helicopters and quantity vehicles. It’s so retro and cute.
For a chunk to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sundown for dinner. Their jumbo crab desserts are so tasty. E book a desk upfront, as tables refill quick at peak occasions.
Lastly, ensure to seize some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We completely cherished the peanut butter taffy. It’s all handmade and tremendous yummy.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia
5.) Wilmington
Though Wilmington isn’t one of many greatest cities in america, it actually nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You’ll be able to simply spend just a few days wandering the town and it’s an awesome place to cease in case you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, ensure to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry value to enter this stunning constructing, but it surely’s so price it. Traditionally, this was initially the household residence of du Pont, constructed manner again within the early 1800s. We cherished visiting, even seeing all of the bits on gunpowder, which I by no means knew might be attention-grabbing!
Then, hit the street and get right down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unbelievable, and with over 75 rooms, it could possibly’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In truth, I’d say it’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to see, if not the entire of the East Coast in case you love historical past.
Now, to provide you a little bit of backstory, Alfred du Pont gifted the Nemours Mansion to his spouse, Alicia, after its development within the early 1900s. I imply, what a present! The mansion is large and in-built 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 just a few days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to go to, devoted to exhibiting 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 properly price 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 cherished 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 kinds of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, selection reveals, and operas.
Should you fancy a ramble exterior the 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 ensure to all the time stick with the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, in case you head to Rockford Park, then ensure you 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 Seashore
South, down the coast from Cape Henlopen State Park, is Bethany Seashore – an iconic spot to go to in Delaware in case you’re following Route 1 down the coast.
What makes Bethany Seashore so particular is its sandy shores and boardwalk, that are nice to go to on a sunny day. The seashore does get fairly busy on the weekends in summer season, however don’t let that put you off – there’s ample sand house 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Washington D.C.
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 acquired heaps happening, and you’ll simply spend an evening or two throughout the metropolis limits earlier than venturing additional round Delaware.
After parking up, head over to the Air Mobility Command Museum. There’s a price 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 way in which again to the 1700s. Immediately, you may go to the rooms and see the reveals that doc life in Delaware and the constructing’s lengthy historical past. Plus, you’ve acquired the Biggs Museum of American Artwork proper subsequent door and it’s properly price a go to on a lazy afternoon within the metropolis.
Learn extra: Finest 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 probably the greatest locations in Delaware to go to if you wish to discover the nice open air.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook an actual trigger for a go to is the birdlife that calls this space residence. Relying on while you go to, you’ll get to see the likes of American Bald Eagles and so many shorebirds (which, if I’m being trustworthy, I couldn’t determine… however they’re birds – that bit I do know!).
Visits can take as lengthy or as little as you’d like, simply ensure to plan your day accordingly in case you’re in search of 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 ensure to cease off on the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Don’t count on colossal shows like within the Smithsonian, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in artefacts. From a world perspective, it was an awesome 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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