Tucked away on the East Coast, Delaware might be the second-smallest state in America, but it delivers big-time charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year. From pristine Atlantic beaches to colonial-era towns frozen in time, the First State offers experiences that punch well above its geographic weight. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of tax-free shopping, fresh seafood by the shore, or historic mansions with stories to tell, Delaware proves that sometimes the best treasures come in small packages.
1. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The heartbeat of Delaware’s coastal scene pulses strongest along the mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, affectionately known as the ‘Nation’s Summer Capital.’ Families stroll past colorful shops selling saltwater taffy while the Atlantic crashes rhythmically nearby.
Unlike more commercialized boardwalks, Rehoboth maintains its small-town charm while offering big-time fun. Funland amusement park has delighted generations with rides that cost just a fraction of bigger parks, while Dolles’ iconic orange sign marks the spot for legendary caramel popcorn.
For the perfect Rehoboth experience, arrive on weekday mornings in June or September when crowds thin out. Grab breakfast at one of the local cafés, then claim your spot on the sand before noon. As locals say, ‘Come for the beach, stay for the boardwalk.’
2. Tax-Free Shopping Paradise
Money-conscious travelers rejoice upon discovering Delaware’s worst-kept secret: absolutely zero sales tax on purchases. This financial perk transforms ordinary shopping trips into extraordinary savings adventures, especially at the sprawling Tanger Outlets near Rehoboth Beach and massive Christiana Mall.
Savvy shoppers from neighboring states regularly cross borders for big-ticket items, knowing they’ll save hundreds on electronics, designer clothes, and home furnishings. The outlets feature over 130 brand-name stores spread across three separate centers, making it possible to walk away with armloads of bargains.
The smartest visitors plan their Delaware shopping expeditions for midweek or during January and February when post-holiday sales compound the tax-free advantages. Bring an extra suitcase – you’ll need it for all those tax-free treasures heading home with you!
3. Historic New Castle
Step onto the cobblestone streets of Historic New Castle and you’re instantly transported to colonial America, where time seems frozen in the 17th and 18th centuries. Unlike Williamsburg’s recreated atmosphere, New Castle offers authentic historic buildings where real Delawareans continue to live and work.
The town’s crown jewel, the Court House Museum, stands proudly on the green where William Penn first landed in America. Nearby, the Amstel House and Dutch House museums showcase period furnishings that tell stories of early American life. The town’s waterfront provides breathtaking views of the Delaware River that once made this a bustling colonial port.
Visit during May’s ‘A Day in Old New Castle’ festival when residents open private historic homes to the public. Avoid the summer heat by exploring in April or October when temperatures are mild and the fall foliage adds extra charm to this living museum.
4. Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Nestled amid rolling Brandywine Valley hills lies the astonishing legacy of Henry Francis du Pont – a 175-room mansion housing America’s premier collection of decorative arts. Winterthur isn’t just another stuffy museum; it’s a time machine showcasing how America’s wealthiest family lived amid 90,000 objects spanning three centuries.
The real magic happens outside, where 1,000 acres of naturalistic gardens bloom with seasonal splendor. March brings a carpet of snow-white snowdrops, while April explodes with over 13,000 azure-blue glory-of-the-snow flowers in the Azalea Woods. Children squeal with delight discovering the Enchanted Garden, inspired by fairy tales and designed for exploration.
Garden enthusiasts should schedule their visit during May when the azaleas create rivers of pink and purple across the landscape. For a special treat, book the premium tour that includes rooms normally closed to the public – the servants’ quarters reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of mansion life.
5. Dogfish Head Brewery
Beer lovers make pilgrimages to Milton, Delaware for one reason: to worship at the altar of craft brewing innovation known as Dogfish Head. Founded in 1995 by Sam Calagione, this once-tiny operation has grown into a craft beer empire while maintaining its quirky, experimental spirit.
Tours reveal the fascinating science behind their famous ’60 Minute IPA’ and bizarre brews made with ingredients like ancient Egyptian bread recipes or moon dust. The tasting room buzzes with energy as visitors sample limited-edition creations unavailable anywhere else. Dogfish’s food perfectly complements their liquid offerings – try the spent-grain pretzels with beer-infused cheese dip.
Book your tour at least two weeks in advance during summer months when spots fill quickly. True aficionados should visit during one of their special release days when beer enthusiasts camp overnight for first crack at bottles that become instant collector’s items. As their motto says, this is truly ‘off-centered beer for off-centered people.’
6. Delaware Seashore State Park
Mother Nature flexes her muscles magnificently along the six-mile stretch of pristine coastline known as Delaware Seashore State Park. Unlike the more developed beach towns nearby, this natural playground offers breathing room between blankets and a chance to experience the Atlantic in its wilder state.
The park straddles the Indian River Inlet, where fishing enthusiasts cast lines from the iconic blue bridge hoping to snag striped bass or flounder. On the bayside, calm waters create perfect conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking through salt marshes teeming with herons and osprey. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to spots with full hookups for RVs.
For the ultimate experience, book a surfing lesson through the park’s concession in the morning when winds are typically calmer. Photographers should arrive at sunrise when the light paints the dunes golden and shorebirds leave delicate tracks in the sand – a perfect Delaware souvenir that costs nothing.
7. Wilmington’s Revitalized Riverfront
From industrial wasteland to vibrant waterfront destination, Wilmington’s Riverfront represents one of America’s most successful urban transformations. Once-abandoned factories and shipyards now house trendy restaurants where diners enjoy gourmet meals while watching boats glide along the Christina River.
The 1.3-mile Riverwalk connects a surprising array of attractions: families explore hands-on exhibits at the Delaware Children’s Museum, baseball fans cheer the minor league Blue Rocks at Frawley Stadium, and nature lovers spot river otters from the Jack A. Markell Trail. Summer evenings come alive with outdoor concerts and the beer garden at Constitution Yards.
Morning visits offer peaceful walking opportunities and shorter restaurant waits. During summer, catch the free River Taxi to hop between attractions while enjoying unique water-level views of the city. Don’t miss the chance to sample local blue crab at Banks’ Seafood Kitchen – longtime Delawareans consider their crab cakes the standard by which all others should be judged.
8. Bethany Beach & Fenwick Island
‘The Quiet Resorts’ – that’s what locals affectionately call the southern Delaware beach towns of Bethany and Fenwick Island. Families return generation after generation for their peaceful boardwalks, uncrowded beaches, and lack of rowdy nightlife that distinguishes them from their northern neighbors.
Bethany’s small but charming boardwalk centers around a bandstand hosting free summer concerts where kids dance barefoot while parents enjoy sea breezes from nearby benches. Fenwick Island offers treasures like Viking Golf’s thunder lagoon water park and Fenwick Island State Park’s pristine shoreline where dolphins regularly make appearances offshore.
Early June offers the perfect combination of warm water, open businesses, and fewer crowds before peak season hits. For a memorable experience, rent bikes and pedal between the two towns using the dedicated bike lanes – stopping at Fisher’s Popcorn is mandatory according to those in the know. Don’t leave without trying the Fisher family’s caramel corn recipe that hasn’t changed since 1937!
9. Dewey Beach Music & Watersports
Sandwiched between tranquil Rehoboth and family-friendly Bethany lies the party heartbeat of Delaware’s coast – the legendary Dewey Beach. This narrow strip of sand barely a mile long transforms from sleepy coastal town to music festival central when summer hits, with live bands playing everything from rock to reggae at iconic venues like The Rusty Rudder and The Starboard.
During daylight hours, adrenaline junkies flock to Dewey for premier watersports. Skimboarding was practically invented here, while kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and jet skiing options abound on the bay side. The beach hosts the East Coast Skimboarding Championships each August, drawing competitors from across the country.
For the quintessential Dewey experience, start with a morning paddleboard session on the calm bay, spend afternoon hours on the Atlantic beaches, then catch sunset happy hour at The Rusty Rudder deck. Just don’t plan on early mornings – as locals joke, ‘Dewey Beach: a drinking town with a beach problem.’
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