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 relation to thrilling issues to do and a shocking shoreline to discover.
We all the time love visiting the gems throughout the East Coast; it’s an extremely various area of the US, and Delaware is a literal excellent instance! Moreover, with its smaller measurement 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 received’t miss any of the very best 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 way of Delaware. Have the very 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 for those who’re already primarily based in Nassau or taking the ferry over from Cape Could in New Jersey.
You may 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’ll be able to simply go to North Shore Seaside for those who park on this car parking zone (Google Maps pin). This manner, you’ll be able to 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 adore it 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 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 spite of everything, there’s over 25 miles of trails and the grounds are a nature protect that’s so lovely. Oh, and remember to hop into the Winterthur Museum itself. Inside, you’ll discover all the pieces from superb artwork to reveals concerning the du Pont household. It’s price 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, but it surely’s over 900 acres and there are heaps of trails to observe if 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 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 a number of the finest deviled eggs within the area, and the cafe is beautiful.
Lastly, be certain to spend a while at Savannah Seaside, which is de facto 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 price it.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Rehoboth
Rehoboth Seaside is one in all my favorite cities in Delaware. It’s inside straightforward attain of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now, what makes Rehoboth Seaside so particular is its boardwalk and seaside. We adore it! The entire shoreline right here is beautiful and stretches for ages. While wandering the boardwalk, be certain 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 acquired small retro rides just like the carousel, helicopters and quantity automobiles. It’s so retro and cute.
For a chew 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 occasions.
Lastly, be certain to seize some saltwater taffy from Dolles. We completely beloved 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 actually nonetheless packs a punch when discovering issues to do. You may simply spend just a few days wandering the town and it’s an awesome place to cease for those who fancy a citybreak in Delaware.
After arriving, be certain to cease by the Hagley Museum. There’s a small entry value to enter this lovely 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 beloved visiting, even seeing all of the bits on gunpowder, which I by no means knew could possibly be attention-grabbing!
Then, hit the street and get right down to Nemours Mansion and Gardens. That is completely unimaginable, and with over 75 rooms, it might’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 provide you a little bit of backstory, Alfred du Pont gifted the Nemours Mansion to his spouse, Alicia, after its building 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 fashion. 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 nicely price 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 all the time one thing occurring contained in the restored 1871 Victorian theatre. As an example, you’ll discover all kinds of seasonal performances, from Victorian melodramas, Vaudeville, symphonies, musical recitals, burlesque, selection exhibits, and operas.
Should you fancy a ramble exterior the 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 to all the time persist with the outlined boardwalk and never disturb the native ecosystem.
Lastly, for those who 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.
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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 for those who’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 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 all Delaware’s cities you’ll be able to simply go to when driving across the state. It’s acquired heaps occurring, and you’ll simply spend an evening or two inside 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 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 Outdated State Home that dates all the way in which again to the 1700s. In the present day, you’ll be able to 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 nicely 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 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 trustworthy, 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 be certain to plan your day accordingly for those who’re searching for 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 be certain 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 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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