The 10 Best Vacation Spots in Delaware
Having trouble finding the perfect Delaware vacation spot? As locals, we're here to help you out. From the best Delaware beaches to popular nature sites, this list has something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Rehoboth Beach
One of Delaware's most vibrant beach towns, Rehoboth Beach offers something for everyone, from fun family attractions to vibrant nightlife. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Rehoboth:
Jungle Jim's Waterpark: As the largest waterpark in the state, Jungle Jim's is fun for the whole family. They also offer a batting cage and mini-golf, so you could absolutely spend the whole day there. Visit the park's website for more information on hours and admission.
Funland: Located right on the boardwalk, this family attraction offers hours of fun with 18 rides, 15 midway games and a full arcade. The park is open seasonally, so be sure to check their website for hours and ticketing information!
Breweries: Rehoboth has a vibrant craft beer scene, with lots of scratch breweries and brewpubs to try. That includes us! Stop by to grab a beer, enjoy a meal and unwind after a long day of fun.
Restaurants: Hungry? You're in luck. Rehoboth has some of the best restaurants in the state. Some favorites include Crust & Craft, Bluecoast and Lupo Italian Kitchen.
Rehoboth Beach Museum: Run by the Rehoboth Historical Society, the Rehoboth Beach Museum is the perfect rainy-day activity for anyone interested in local history. See how Rehoboth transformed from its days as a religious settlement to the bustling beach town of today.
Shopping: Delaware is sales tax-free, so take this opportunity to shop till you drop! While the Tanger Outlets on Route 1 is the most popular option, you'll find a wide assortment of unique specialty shops throughout the area.
2. Delaware Seashore State Park
There's so much for nature lovers to do in Delaware, including visiting the coast's many state parks. With various amenities and activities available, Delaware Seashore State Park in Rehoboth is a great option for single people and families alike.
Here's what to do if you visit the park:
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum: Visit the park's historic life-saving station to get a glimpse of how water rescues were conducted in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kayaking: Kayak along Rehoboth Bay to see diverse wildlife such as horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins and a wide variety of nesting birds. Other water activities include swimming and stand-up paddleboarding along the park's nearly 6 miles of coastline.
Fishing: Anglers are allowed to cast off at the park's marina, the beach and the inlet. Be sure to check with local regulations to make sure you have the proper permit first! Some areas are off-limits.
Camping is allowed at the park, with two campgrounds available on either side of the Indian River Inlet.
3. Lewes
Lewes is proud of its heritage as the First Town in the First State, which is why it's chock-full of historical sites and museums. While you're in Lewes, be sure to check out:
Downtown shopping: Those who like unique goods will enjoy exploring the shops in Downtown Lewes. Browse Biblion Books & Rare Finds for secondhand books and literary gifts, or pop into Lewes Mercantile Antiques to score some vintage treasures.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery: Explore the churchyard to see some of the oldest graves in the country. The church also owns the Pilottown Cemetery on Pilottown Road, which is Delaware's oldest cemetery.
Restaurants: The town of Lewes has a thriving culinary scene. Check out the Lewes location of Matt's Fish Camp and Fish On for fresh seafood and drinks.
Lewes History Museum and Archives: Although this museum is fairly small, you can easily spend hours browsing the artifacts in its permanent exhibition. Admission to the Museum also includes admission to the Cannonball House on Front Street, where you'll find the Maritime Museum.
Zwaanendael Museum: This unique museum commemorates the 300th anniversary of Zwaanendael, Delaware's first European settlement. Admission to the museum is free, making it a perfect activity for a rainy day.
Lewes Beach: Of course, if you're staying in Lewes, you've got to spend some time on the beach.
4. Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen is a former WWII coastal defense site turned wildlife refuge. This state park offers more than 6 miles of coastline and diverse habitats to explore.
The park is a fantastic spot for families and outdoorsy people. There are tons of things to do and see in the park, including:
Observation tower: Even though these concrete towers were only intended to last for a few years, many are still standing today. Climb Cape Henlopen's tower for a breathtaking view of the park and the nearby coastline, and learn more about the tower as you go.
Seaside Nature Center: Visit the park's Nature Center for an in-depth look at the local wildlife. Kids can get up close and personal with native marine animals at the Center's 300-gallon Touch Tank.
Guided tours: See Cape Henlopen's wildlife in its natural habitat by taking advantage of Nature Center programs like ghost crab hikes and dolphin watches.
Bike trails: Borrow a bike from the Friends of Cape Henlopen for free — or bring your own — and take a ride on the 3-mile bike loop.
Fort Miles Historical Area: The grounds of this former WWII fort contain barracks buildings, an orientation building, a fire control tower and the Fort Miles Artillery Park.
Beach: Cool off after a long day of hiking or biking by taking a dip in the park's designated swimming area by the Lewes entrance.
The Lewes entrance to the park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. Visit the park's website for more information about parking, park hours and site amenities.
5. Bethany Beach
Bethany's relaxed yet lively small-town atmosphere makes it one of the best family vacation spots in Delaware. And with the town of Ocean View just a few minutes away, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout your stay.
Here are some ways to spend your days in Bethany Beach:
Beach: With a whole mile of shoreline, Bethany Beach has plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun.
Boardwalk: Grab breakfast on the beach, browse the shops and get some exercise in on Bethany's boardwalk. If you're lucky, you might even catch some live music on the boardwalk stage.
Food: Bethany has plenty of restaurants to try during your stay. Some standout dinner options include Matt's Fish Camp and Bluecoast.
Ecological Preserve: Visit the James Farm Ecological Preserve in the nearby town of Ocean View for hiking trails and bayside fun. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are also available for those looking for a little adventure.
6. Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is a laid-back, family-oriented beach town with lots of fun things to do. Located between Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Maryland, it's an excellent spot for water activities like boating, fishing and watersports.
Here are some of the top things to do on Fenwick Island:
Mini-golf: If you love mini-golf, you'll love the Fenwick Boardwalk! There are lots of themed mini-golf courses and family entertainment centers to choose from, such as Golf Down Under and Viking Golf and Amusements.
Little Assawoman Bay: Connect with the great outdoors by renting a kayak or paddleboard and setting out on Little Assawoman Bay. Make sure to stick around the park until dusk for an unforgettable sunset.
Watersports: Kids and adults alike will enjoy spending a day enjoying fun water activities like banana boat rides, parasailing and more at Shark's Cove Marina in Fenwick.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse: This historical landmark is an ideal spot for history buffs and families alike. The Lighthouse is open to the public from May to September — check the Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse website for more information on visiting hours and admission.
Seaside Country Store: Need something to do on a rainy day? Stop by the Seaside Country Store on Coastal Highway to sample fresh homemade fudge and shop for souvenirs.
7. Dewey Beach
If you love the nightlife, you'll want to spend some time in Dewey Beach. Known for its high-energy club scene and live entertainment, Dewey's primary crowd is young and restless.
Some of the best things to do in Dewey Beach include:
Bars and clubs: Bottle & Cork, Nalu's Hawaiian Bar & Grille and Northbeach are some great options. Check each venue's website to see what bands are playing.
Water activities: Dewey borders both Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, so there's plenty of coastline available for outdoor activities like swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, watercrafting and more.
Family activities: Although Dewey is mostly known for its nightlife scene, the town also hosts family-friendly events like bonfires and movies on the beach. Visit the town's official website to see what's happening now.
Dewey Beach is conveniently located between Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland, so you can easily travel back and forth if you'd like.
8. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the Smyrna coastline, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Established as a refuge for migratory birds in 1937, the park is one of the best places to see gorgeous birds in their natural habitat.
Here are some things to do while you're in the park:
Wildlife drive: The park's 12-mile wildlife drive lets you tour the park without disturbing any habitats, making it a fantastic option for families with kids who are still too young to walk long distances.
Walking trails: Bombay Hook features five walking trails and three observation towers to explore, so you can easily make a day of hiking and photography through the park.
Fishing: The refuge allows catch-and-release fishing at Parson Pond year-round during regular park hours. Be sure to check local regulations to make sure you have the proper permits!
Hunting: The Refuge opens multiple areas for hunting throughout the year. If you plan to hunt while you're in the park, make sure to contact the refuge manager before planning your trip for more information on applicable regulations.
Visit the park's website for more information about park hours, rules and amenities.
9. Wilmington
Home to the state's largest downtown area, Wilmington features a thriving arts and entertainment culture, world-class dining and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Some of our favorite things to do in Wilmington include:
Art museums: If you've got a free day or two, why not visit one of Wilmington's famous art museums? Both the Delaware Art Museum and the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art are great choices for art lovers of all ages.
Delaware History Museum: History lovers need to check out the Delaware History Museum, home to the country's largest collection of items related to Delaware history. In addition to the permanent exhibit and archives, the Museum also includes the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, which provides an in-depth look at the African American experience throughout U.S. history.
Wilmington Riverwalk: Take some time to unwind with an easy stroll by the Christina River. The Riverwalk passes by several hotels, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient and lovely activity.
Delaware Children's Museum: Families with young kids will love the Delaware Children's Museum, a STEM-based learning museum in the heart of Wilmington. This museum allows kids to learn about the world by getting hands-on with the exhibits, like the toddler-sized train and the Structures building exhibit. Check the museum's website for hours and admission information.
Need some more help planning your trip to Wilmington? Visit the city's official website for information on public transport, parking and local events.
10. Brandywine Creek State Park
If you're planning to visit the Wilmington area, stop by Brandywine Creek State Park to spend some time in nature. The park has lots of open space for outdoor fun, so it's a wonderful spot to relax for the day.
Here's a quick overview of the things you can do at the park:
Trails: Brandywine Creek offers more than 14 miles of trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We recommend bringing a camera along and taking the creekside Brandywine Trail, where you're sure to find beautiful birds and plant life.
Outdoor activities: The park's open meadows are the perfect space for games like disc golf and kite flying. Or sledding and skiing if you're visiting in the off-season. Take a picnic with you and enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Water activities: The park allows guests to canoe, kayak and tube in Brandywine Creek. Fishing is another popular activity with park visitors — just make sure you have the right permit before you cast off.
Nature Center: Visit the park's Nature Center to learn more about the local wildlife, and take some time to watch the birds from the Center's back porch. There's also a gift shop so you can pick up a souvenir to remember your stay.
Visit the park's website for more information on park hours and site amenities.
Visit Us at Thompson Island Brewing Company
We hope this post helped generate some ideas about where to go and what to do in Delaware. Check out our blog for more Delaware travel tips and the latest in regional craft brewery news. And while you're in the area, be sure to stop by for a refreshing beer and delicious chef-inspired dishes. We can't wait to see you!