Delaware has something for every visitor—urban nightlife and arts offerings, the homely feel of smaller towns and farmland, and some of the East Coast’s best beach towns, with opportunities for both relaxation and thrills.
Delaware Highlights
Don't leave without tasting...
- Crabs at Sambo’s Tavern in Leipsic
- A slice of pizza at Grotto, preferably at one of the locations on the beach
- A scrapple (pork) sandwich at Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna
- A hoagie (submarine sandwich) from Claymont Steak Shop in Claymont
- A ‘Kitchen Sink’ sundae at one of the Charcoal Pit’s three restaurants.
Don’t overlook this...
Most of this 16,000-acre Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, just outside Smyrna, is tidal salt marsh teeming with mud flats, tidal pools, rivers and creeks.
For your first visit
Don’t miss the beach, boardwalk and restaurants in Rehoboth; First State Heritage Park in Dover, packed with historic sites; and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, with its antiques, decorative arts, gardens and more.
History happened here
On the night of July 1, 1776, Caesar Rodney, president of Delaware, embarked on an overnight ride from Dover to the then-capital of Philadelphia to cast a crucial vote that led to the passing of the Declaration of Independence.
Outdoor excitement
- Activities such as surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, skim boarding
- Spectator sports such as NASCAR racing at Dover International Speedway in Dover.
Shopping heaven
- New Castle Farmers Market is an indoor/outdoor flea market with a cornucopia of food, antiques and fantastic finds
- Tanger Outlets near Rehoboth Beach.
Want to stay up late?
- Visit Dewey Beach and its many bars, including the Rusty Rudder and the Bottle and Cork
- Try your luck at the casino, including Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Delaware Park Horseracing and Slots and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Where locals go to relax
- The many beach towns—Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick Island
- State parks such as Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, which boasts remnants of the freshwater wetlands that once covered a large portion of the state and the northernmost natural strand of Bald Cypress trees in the USA; Bellevue State Park, a historic estate with a fitness track, fishing pond and hiking trails; and Killens Pond State Park in Felton, which has boating, fishing, swimming and water slides
- The Wilmington Riverfront includes a walk that lines the Christina River, Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball team, Delaware Children’s Museum and dining and shopping destinations.
You might be surprised by...
- Seeing muskrat on the menu at the Wagon Wheel Family Restaurant in Smyrna
- An ice cream flavour named ‘Booger’ at the Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth
- World-class music venues such as the Grand and World Café Live at the Queen Theater in Wilmington.
Your child will always remember...
Their first trip to Funland on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Remember to stop for some Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy.
