Delaware Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Delaware, including must-visit places, cultural attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Delaware

Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Delaware is a small state with plenty to offer visitors. From its charming colonial architecture to its scenic beaches and historic landmarks, Delaware is a hidden gem that’s proud of its heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Delaware

Delaware offers a variety of attractions including culturally important museums and historical places, natural outdoor adventures, scenic views, hiking/biking routes, and exciting activities and tours.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Delaware is home to a number of culturally important museums and historical places that offer visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich history and heritage. Some of the must-see places include:

  • Hagley Museum and Library, which features exhibits about the early industrialization of America
  • Delaware Art Museum, which houses a collection of American art
  • Delaware Historical Society, which offers an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the state’s history
  • Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, which showcases American decorative arts and antiques
  • Fort Delaware, a Civil War-era fort that’s been converted into a museum

Natural Attractions of Delaware: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Delaware has plenty of natural attractions that provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the top places to visit include:

  • Cape Henlopen State Park, which offers hiking trails, beach access, and a historic military site
  • Brandywine Creek State Park, which features beautiful views of the Brandywine Creek and includes a nature center
  • Trap Pond State Park, which boasts a scenic lake and is great for kayaking and hiking
  • Delaware Water Gap, which straddles the border between Delaware and neighboring Pennsylvania and offers stunning views of the Delaware River

Hiking/Biking Routes of Delaware

Delaware has plenty of outdoor opportunities for nature lovers. There are plenty of trails to hike and bike throughout the state’s numerous state parks including:

  • Mike Castle Trail, which is located near Wilmington and follows the Christina River
  • Breakwater Trail, which runs along the coast from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes
  • Junction and Breakwater Trail, which connects Rehoboth Beach to Lewes and runs through the Cape Henlopen State Park

Best Things to Do in Delaware: Activities and Tours

When it comes to activities and tours, Delaware doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of options that cater to travelers of all ages and interests. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Take a historical walking tour of Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city
  • Visit the Delaware Seashore State Park and enjoy a day at the beach or rent a boat and go fishing
  • Take a scenic drive through the Brandywine Valley and visit some of the region’s top wineries and vineyards

Week-Long Itinerary for Delaware

For those looking to spend an entire week exploring Delaware, consider this comprehensive itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
2 Spend the day at the Delaware Seashore State Park
3 Take a historical walking tour of Wilmington
4 Visit Hagley Museum and Library
5 Take a scenic drive through the Brandywine Valley and visit wineries
6 Visit Fort Delaware
7 Spend the day at Cape Henlopen State Park

Food and Drink Scene of Delaware

When it comes to food and drink, Delaware is a haven for seafood lovers. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Delaware Blue Crab, which is served with Old Bay Seasoning
  • Chicken and Dumplings, a hearty Southern-inspired dish
  • Scrapple, a local specialty made with pork scraps and cornmeal

Local Beverages

  • Dogfish Head Brewery’s craft beer selection, which includes unique brews like the SeaQuench Ale
  • Delaware Peach Tea, a refreshing drink made with fresh peaches and tea

Where to Stay in Delaware: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Delaware is home to a number of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to travelers of all budgets. Some of the top options include:

  • The Bellmoor Inn & Spa, a luxurious hotel in Rehoboth Beach
  • The Westin Wilmington, a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Wilmington
  • The University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall Conference Center, a budget-friendly option that’s popular with students and families

What to Buy in Delaware: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to souvenirs and local products, Delaware has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top options to consider:

  • Delaware Beach-themed items, such as beach towels, hats, and t-shirts
  • Dogfish Head Brewery merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and glassware
  • Handmade crafts and artwork from local artisans

Local Culture and Customs of Delaware

Delawareans are proud of their heritage and friendly to visitors. It’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to show consideration for the state’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Delaware

The best time to visit Delaware is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beaches are crowded. However, spring and fall are also wonderful times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of Delaware

Here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Delaware:

Do:

  • Visit the state’s numerous beaches and state parks
  • Take a historical walking tour of Wilmington
  • Try local seafood and craft beer

Don’t:

  • Litter on beaches or in state parks
  • Ignore the state’s rich history and heritage
  • Be disrespectful of local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

When it comes to safety and health, Delaware is a relatively safe and healthy state to visit.

Safety in Delaware

As with any place you travel to, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid any potentially dangerous situations. Some areas in Wilmington can be considered less safe than others, so be aware of your surroundings if you’re walking around the city at night.

Health in Delaware

Delaware has a number of quality healthcare facilities, including several major hospitals in Wilmington.

Getting to Delaware: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Delaware is easy thanks to its proximity to major urban centers on the East Coast.

Airports Near Delaware

The state is home to three airports: New Castle Airport, Wilmington Airport, and Sussex County Airport. However, the closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport, which is only a short drive away.

Bus Stations Near Delaware

Greyhound and Megabus both offer service to Wilmington, which is located near the center of the state.

Other Options

Depending on where you’re coming from, driving may be the easiest option. Delaware is located near major highways including I-95, I-495, and I-295.

How to Get Around in Delaware

While driving is the most common way to get around Delaware, there are other options available as well. DART First State is Delaware’s public transportation system, and it operates buses throughout the state.

Where to Go Next from Delaware: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Delaware is located near many other popular tourist destinations on the East Coast. Some options to consider include:

  • Philadelphia, which is only a short drive away and offers plenty of history and culture
  • Washington D.C., which is located a few hours south and is home to many museums and landmarks
  • New York City, which is only a few hours’ drive or train ride away and offers endless opportunities for entertainment and sightseeing

Conclusion

Delaware is a state that’s often overlooked by travelers, but it has plenty to offer for those seeking a unique vacation experience. With its natural wonders, rich history, and friendly local culture, Delaware is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.



    Bridgeville
    Camden
    Claymont
    Dewey Beach
    Laurel
    Lewes
    Magnolia
    Rehoboth Beach