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 dimension—Delaware packs a punch on the subject of thrilling issues to do and a surprising shoreline to discover.
We at all times love visiting the gems throughout the East Coast; it’s an extremely numerous area of the US, and Delaware is a literal excellent instance! Moreover, with its smaller dimension than states like Texas or Florida, it’s simple to drive round in a number of days.
So, that can assist you maximise your journey, I’ve jotted down all of the gems we love most. This fashion, you received’t miss any of the most effective 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 by way of Delaware. Have the most effective 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 primarily based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Might in New Jersey.
You possibly can 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 possibly can simply go to North Shore Seaside in case you park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This fashion, you possibly can 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 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.
Learn extra: Finest locations on the East Coast USA to go to
2.) Winterthur
Simply outdoors 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 straightforward 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 may be over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so stunning. Oh, and make sure to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover all the pieces from fantastic 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 won’t be the most important park, however it’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe 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 finest 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 finest deviled eggs within the area, and the cafe is beautiful.
Lastly, ensure to spend a while at Savannah Seaside, which is absolutely 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 value it.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Seaside is one among 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 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 bought 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 truffles are so tasty. E-book a desk prematurely, as tables replenish quick at peak instances.
Lastly, ensure to seize some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We completely liked 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 largest 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 the town and it’s an ideal 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 price to enter this stunning constructing, however it’s so value it. Traditionally, this was initially the household residence of du Pont, constructed means 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 highway and get right down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unbelievable, and with over 75 rooms, it will probably’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In actual fact, I’d say it’s the most effective 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 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.
If you happen to keep in Wilmington for a number of days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s the most effective 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 effectively value visiting in case 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. As an illustration, we additionally liked the Grand Opera Home. There’s at all times one thing happening contained in the restored 1871 Victorian theatre. As an illustration, you’ll discover all types of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, selection exhibits, and operas.
If you happen to fancy a ramble outdoors 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 at all times stick with the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, in case you head to Rockford Park, then be sure 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.
Learn extra: Finest locations in New Jersey to go to
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 seashore does get fairly busy on the weekends in summer time, 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.
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 among Delaware’s cities you possibly can simply go to when driving across the state. It’s bought heaps happening, and you may 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 charge for entry, however this place is completely epic prime 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 Outdated State Home that dates all the way in which again to the 1700s. At this time, you possibly can go to the rooms and see the displays that doc life in Delaware and the constructing’s lengthy historical past. Plus, you’ve bought the Biggs Museum of American Artwork proper subsequent door and it’s effectively value 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 the most effective locations in Delaware to go to if you wish to discover the nice outdoor.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook an actual trigger for a go to is the birdlife that calls this space residence. 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 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 searching for dinner, as there are restricted choices within the native space.
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9.) The Nanticoke Indian Museum
If you happen to’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 ideal little cease on a Delaware highway 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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