Visit Delaware

Bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and the Atlantic ocean, the second smallest state in the nation gets its name from the Delaware River. Although this Mid-Atlantic state is small in size, it has a lot to do and see ranging from historic sites to arts and culture. With almost 30 miles of coastline, 17 state parks, and countless waterways, nature lovers have plenty to explore. 

As the First State, Delaware has a lot of historic attractions like the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and the First State Heritage Park. Kids can enjoy plenty of family-friendly attractions like the Brandywine Zoo and the Delaware Museum of Natural History. Foodies will appreciate the thriving culinary scene. Beer and wine lovers can enjoy more than 20 craft breweries and 5 unique wineries. The First State is also known for its tax-free shopping. Visitors can shop the unique boutiques along main streets in Dover, Newark, and Wilmington.

Whether it’s shopping to your heart’s content, eating your way through Delaware’s Culinary Trail, or soaking in the sun at one of Delaware's famous beaches, a visit to the First State won’t disappoint.

Best Places to Visit in Delaware

Wilmington

As the cultural capital of Delaware, the state’s largest and most populous city features live entertainment, museums, restaurants and parks.

Brandywine Park: This 178-acre park is part wilderness preserve and open space with walking trails, a rose garden, and a cherry blossom garden. 

Riverfront Wilmington: Visitors can walk along the Christina River, catch a baseball game or watch a movie at this dining and entertainment center.

Delaware Children’s Museum: This kid-centric museum features interactive exhibits that teach math, science, and technology to toddlers through teens. 

Cities in Delaware 

Dover: The state capital offers lots to do such as watching a NASCAR race at the Dover International Speedway, catching a musical act at the Firefly Music Festival, or learning about military planes at the Air Mobility Command Museum.

Lewes: Tour the inland waterways on a water taxi bike through Cape Henlopen State Park in “The First Town in The First State.” 

New Castle: This charming, historic town features cobblestone streets, a farmer’s market, and the Amstel House Museum.

Delaware State and National Parks

Delaware Seashore State Park: Located near Dewey Beach, this 2,825-acre park features camping, two on-site restaurants, and the historic Indian River Life Saving Station, which was built in 1876.

Cape Henlopen State Park: Where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this 5,193-acre state park, full of sand dunes, wetlands and hiking trails, offers visitors places to camp, sunbathe, and fish. 

First State National Historical Park: This historical park is a collection of seven sites scattered throughout the state that celebrate Delaware's role in the country’s founding: The Woodlawn Tract at Beaver Valley, Fort Christina, John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum, Old Swedes Historic Site, Ryves Holt House, and The Green in Dover.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Delaware Beaches

The First State has popular family-friendly beaches and secluded small town beaches.

Rehoboth Beach: Visitors can enjoy a walk along the boardwalk full of restaurants, shops and hotels. 

Bethany Beach: This family-friendly beach offers movies and free concerts in the sand.

Dewey Beach: A popular nightlife destination for college students and 20-somethings Dewey Beach is known for its plethora of bars and live music venues.

Fenwick Island: This quiet beach town is known for relaxing inns, laid-back beaches, and Fenwick Island State Park. 

Chateau Country

The state’s exclusive region in Brandywine Valley is home to the famous du Pont Mansions.

Nemours Estate: Take a self-guided tour through this 300-acre estate that was modeled after Versailles.

Winterthur Museum Garden and Library: The 175-room home features one of the largest collections of objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860.

Hagley Museum and Library: Located on the banks of Brandywine Creek, this non-profit educational institution includes the first du Pont family home and garden.