Simply south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to go to whereas travelling throughout the East Coast of the US. And don’t be fooled by its comparatively small measurement—Delaware packs a punch in terms 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 US, 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 fashion, you received’t miss any of the perfect locations in Delaware whenever you go to. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us in the event you want additional recommendation in your route via Delaware. Have the perfect 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 the event you’re already primarily based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Might in New Jersey.
You possibly can 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 possibly can simply go to North Shore Seaside in the event you park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This fashion, you possibly can 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 way 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 really doesn’t get sufficient consideration. We find it irresistible right here, particularly because it’s small, quaint and straightforward to discover in an hour or two. Better of all, it’s very easy to tack onto a Wilmington itinerary, particularly in the event you’re leaving town for a day journey.
Now, the important thing spot to essentially 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 spite of everything, there’s over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so lovely. Oh, and make sure you hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover every little thing from high quality artwork to reveals in regards to the du Pont household. It’s price a visit.
Lastly, in the event you fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It won’t be the largest park, but it surely’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to comply with whenever 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 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 automobile park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I stated beforehand, you possibly can 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 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 find it irresistible! 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 the event 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 chunk to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sundown for dinner. Their jumbo crab truffles are so tasty. Guide a desk upfront, as tables replenish quick at peak instances.
Lastly, make sure that 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 the US, it definitely nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You possibly can simply spend a number of days wandering town and it’s a terrific place to cease in the event you fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, make sure that to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry price to enter this lovely constructing, but it surely’s so price it. Traditionally, this was initially the household house of du Pont, constructed method again within the early 1800s. We cherished visiting, even seeing all of the bits on gunpowder, which I by no means knew might 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. Actually, I’d say it’s among the finest locations in Delaware to see, if not the entire of the East Coast in the event 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 development within the early 1900s. I imply, what a present! The mansion is large and inbuilt an out-of-this-world French chateau and Renaissance model. As soon as at Nemours Mansion, you’ll discover the gardens and the broader property. Oh, and don’t neglect it closes on Monday.
For those who 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 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 the event you’re into your artwork historical past.
I do know I’m rambling tons about Wilmington, however we had such a good time right here, so I needed to point out all of the locations you possibly can’t miss. For example, we additionally cherished the Grand Opera Home. There’s all the time one thing occurring 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 reveals, and operas.
For those who 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 the event 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 comply with 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 the event 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 time, 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.
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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 possibly can simply go to when driving across the state. It’s received heaps occurring, 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 payment for entry, however this place is completely epic high go to in the event 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 Outdated State Home that dates all the best way again to the 1700s. As we speak, you possibly can go to the rooms and see the reveals 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 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 among the finest locations in Delaware to go to if you wish to discover the good outside.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook an actual trigger for a go to is the birdlife that calls this space house. 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 the event 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
For those who’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 global perspective, it was a terrific little cease on a Delaware street journey and allowed us to be taught extra about Native American tradition, methods of life, and a lot extra.
Visits take round 25 minutes.
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