Simply south of Philadelphia, Delaware is an epic state to go to whereas travelling throughout the East Coast of the USA. And don’t be fooled by its comparatively small dimension—Delaware packs a punch with regards to thrilling issues to do and a shocking shoreline to discover.
We at all times love visiting the gems throughout the East Coast; it’s an extremely numerous area of the USA, and Delaware is a literal good instance! Moreover, with its smaller dimension than states like Texas or Florida, it’s straightforward 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 if you go to. As with all our posts, please don’t hesitate to message us for those who want additional recommendation in your route by 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 attractive, it’s additionally very easy to go to for those who’re already primarily based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Could 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’ll be able to simply go to North Shore Seashore for those who park on this parking zone (Google Maps pin). This fashion, you’ll be able to 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 rather 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: Greatest locations on the East Coast USA to go to
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 for those who’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. 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 remember to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover every part from advantageous artwork to displays in regards to the du Pont household. It’s value a visit.
Lastly, for those who fancy a stroll, head over to close by Brandywine Creek State Park. It won’t be the largest park, however it’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe if you arrive.
Learn extra: Greatest 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, be certain that to spend a while at Savannah Seashore, which is actually handy to go to as there’s a automobile park (Google Maps pin) shut by. Plus, like I stated beforehand, you’ll be able to simply add Lewes to your go to to Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s so value it.
Learn extra: Greatest 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, be certain that to cease off at Funland. It’s a kitschy little place that’s a lot enjoyable for those who’re visiting with the household. Inside, you’ve obtained small retro rides just like the carousel, helicopters and quantity vehicles. It’s so retro and cute.
For a chew to eat, head to Above The Dunes at sundown for dinner. Their jumbo crab desserts are so tasty. E-book a desk prematurely, as tables replenish quick at peak occasions.
Lastly, be certain that to seize some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We completely beloved the peanut butter taffy. It’s all handmade and tremendous yummy.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Philadelphia
5.) Wilmington
Though Wilmington isn’t one of many largest cities in the USA, it actually nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You’ll be able to simply spend a number of days wandering town and it’s an ideal place to cease for those who fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, be certain that 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 manner again within the early 1800s. We beloved visiting, even seeing all of the bits on gunpowder, which I by no means knew could possibly be attention-grabbing!
Then, hit the highway and get all the way down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unimaginable, and with over 75 rooms, it will possibly’t be missed when visiting Delaware. In actual fact, I’d say it’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to see, if not the entire of the East Coast for those who 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 big and inbuilt an out-of-this-world French chateau and Renaissance fashion. As soon as at Nemours Mansion, you’ll discover the gardens and the broader property. Oh, and don’t overlook it closes on Monday.
If you happen to keep in Wilmington for a number of days, go to the Delaware Artwork Museum. It’s probably the greatest locations in Delaware to go to, devoted to displaying 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 for those who’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’ll be able to’t miss. As an example, we additionally beloved the Grand Opera Home. There’s at all times one thing occurring contained in the restored 1871 Victorian theatre. As an example, you’ll discover all types of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, selection reveals, and operas.
If you happen to fancy a ramble exterior town limits, head to Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The wetlands listed here are nice to stroll round on a sunny day, and the views are beautiful. Simply be certain that to at all times follow the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, for those who 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in New Jersey to go to
6.) Bethany Seashore
South, down the coast from Cape Henlopen State Park, is Bethany Seashore – an iconic spot to go to in Delaware for those who’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 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: Greatest 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’ll be able to simply go to when driving across the state. It’s obtained 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 prime go to for those who’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. Right this moment, you’ll be able to go to the rooms and see the displays that doc life in Delaware and the constructing’s lengthy historical past. Plus, you’ve obtained 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: Greatest 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 good outside.
Now, what makes Bombay Hook an actual trigger for a go to is the birdlife that calls this space residence. Relying on if 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 determine… however they’re birds – that bit I do know!).
Visits can take as lengthy or as little as you’d like, simply be certain that to plan your day accordingly for those who’re in search of dinner, as there are restricted choices within the native space.
Learn extra: Least expensive cities within the USA to go to
9.) The Nanticoke Indian Museum
If you happen to’re driving between Lewes and Millsboro, then be certain that to cease off on the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Don’t anticipate colossal shows like within the Smithsonian, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in artefacts. From a global perspective, it was an ideal little cease on a Delaware highway journey and allowed us to study extra about Native American tradition, methods of life, and a lot extra.
Visits take round 25 minutes.
Learn extra: Least expensive cities within the USA to go to
Verify Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
