Delaware might be small in size, but this compact state packs a punch when it comes to history, culture, and nature. Along with a collection of beautiful beaches, The First State delivers with its regal mansions, charming small towns, and uncrowded outdoor attractions!
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re interested in touring the opulent Du Pont family estates in Delaware’s north or basking in the sunshine at coastal gems such as Rehoboth Beach. Hiking, biking, and paddling adventures are easy to find in the array of nature-filled state parks, while the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for watching migrating birds.
There is a lot to see and do in Delaware, and you’re spoiled for choice with its long list of adventures. To help you plan your next visit to The First State, we’ve created an itinerary with the top beaches, family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, and hidden gems. This Delaware bucket list offers the best of the best when it comes to exploring the state’s rich history and natural beauty!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
25 Fun and Unique Things to do in Delaware
1. Enjoy Sand and Surf at Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a Delaware bucket list item for many, as this coastal getaway is the place to go to enjoy sand and surf. The family-friendly area is best known for its walkable mile-long boardwalk, where you can access the area’s collection of shops, restaurants, arcade games, and amusement rides.
This classic Delaware beach town draws a large number of summer visitors, who rent umbrellas on the sand and spend their afternoons soaking up the sunshine. It’s a hive of activity when the weather warms up, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the town’s charming seafood restaurants, free concerts, and sweet treats like shaved ice.
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Delaware, you can also set aside some time to explore Funland, a kid-friendly amusement park on the boardwalk. Located just steps from the sand, this family-owned park boasts a collection of rides, games, and concessions that all ages will enjoy.
Jungle Jim’s is another family favorite in Rehoboth Beach. Delaware’s largest water park – it features a wave pool, kids spray ground, lazy river, activity pool, kiddie pool, and giant water slides. It’s a one-stop shop for entertainment, offering additional fun in the form of mini-golf and batting cages.
2. Go Museum Hopping in Wilmington
For a taste of culture and history, Wilmington’s selection of interesting museums is worthy of exploration. After visiting its regal mansions, you can spend your time in this picturesque city strolling along the riverside, shopping at boutiques, and indulging in its award-winning restaurant scene.
Your first stop in Wilmington should be at the Hagley Museum and Library, a 235-acre indoor/outdoor museum that celebrates diverse stories of American innovation. Take a self-guided tour through the sprawling 19th-century gunpowder factory, then enjoy a peaceful stroll around the historic Du Pont family home and restored French-style gardens.
Nemours Mansion and Gardens is also a must-see in Wilmington if you’re intrigued by grandeur. The elegant 77-room mansion features French-inspired formal gardens, a reflecting pool, and a collection of vintage vehicles in its stunning 200-acre estate.
Art aficionados can head over to the Delaware Art Museum to browse its galleries featuring pre-Raphaelite art and its 9-acre sculpture garden. Alternatively, you can opt for a stroll through Rockford Park.
Founded in 1889, this historic public park features large open spaces and a grassy meadow that overlooks the Brandywine River. It’s the perfect spot for picnics, hiking, and grilling.
3. Enjoy a Hike in Brandywine Creek State Park
One of the most notable outdoor Delaware attractions is Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington. Beloved for its picture-perfect meadowland views and historic stone walls that date back to the late 1800s, it offers more than 14 miles of trails through its old-growth forest.
Outdoor lovers will find it easy to connect with nature at this park, which oversees four Nature Preserves – Flint Woods, the Carney Tract, Tulip Tree Woods, and Freshwater Marsh. Follow the Rocky Run Trail or the Brandywine Trail for a scenic hike along the creek, or throw out a blanket on the open meadows and enjoy an afternoon of picnicking, kite flying, and disc golf.
If the weather is ideal, you can get out on the water in a canoe, kayak, or tube, with local outfitters renting equipment nearby. This family-friendly park offers endless outdoor recreation, including sledding and cross-country skiing in winter months.
If you’re interested in wildlife watching, the park’s rolling meadows are home to a variety of birdlife, including American kestrels, bluebirds, and eastern meadowlarks, while hawks can be seen migrating from mid-September to mid-November. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and lure in smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie in Brandywine Creek, while Wilson’s Run is a hotspot for reeling in trout.
4. Hop Aboard a Historic Ferry in Lewes
Lewes is a charming seaside town in Delaware that has something for everyone. Along with its pristine beaches, you’ll find a collection of interesting art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutique shops, and a growing restaurant scene.
Most visitors head straight for Lewes Beach to enjoy its sunny shores, but this area has plenty more to offer. Along with scenic biking and walking trails in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park, you can add a stop at Zwaanendael Museum to learn about the fascinating history of Lewes.
If you’re interested in a day trip, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is one of the area’s most notable attractions. Dating back to 1964, the historic ferry from Lewes to North Cape May, New Jersey, is a 17-mile journey across the Delaware Bay, taking about 1.5 hours to arrive. It’s worth the trip to capture scenic views of the picturesque lighthouses and harbor boats.
For a unique view of the inland waterways in Lewes, book a sunset cruise with Cape Water Tours and Taxi. After a full day of sightseeing or lounging on the beach, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with award-winning ice cream at Hopkins Farm Creamery, which uses local ingredients in its frozen treats.
5. Bike the Trails in Cape Henlopen State Park
If you want a break from the Rehoboth crowds, add a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park to your Delaware bucket list. Located between Lewes and Rehoboth beaches, this nature-filled park has 6+ miles of beautiful coastline where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s an oasis for outdoor lovers, offering everything from ocean swimming, boating, and fishing to kayaking, windsurfing, and clamming. It also has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with free bikes available to explore its diverse ecosystems.
Follow the 3.2-mile accessible trail for a look at the park’s coastal habitats, which include dunes, forests, and wetlands, then cross the elevated boardwalk. For some of the park’s best wildlife watching, visit The Point Overlook for stunning vistas of the East End Breakwater and Harbor of Refuge lighthouses, as well as local birdlife, dolphins, and seals!
If you’re interested in history, the park’s Historical Area allows you to tour Fort Miles and learn about the coastal defense site and its strategic position in World War II. Kids will love the Seaside Nature Center, where they can get up close with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other marine life in the 495-gallon touch tank area.
6. Sample Brews at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery was the first craft brewery in Delaware and has now become a regular household name for beer lovers. A visit to Dogfish in Rehoboth Beach, where the brand got its start, is one of the most fun things to do in Delaware for beer fans. However, they now have multiple spots across the state where you can sample the local beverage.
Make a trip to Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats in Rehoboth Beach to see the landmark home base, which has been a city staple since 1995. What started as the smallest commercial brewery in the United States has grown to a lively brewpub next to its original space, offering cask beers and pub fare like burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
You can also opt for a stop at the Tasting Room & Kitchen in Milton, where you can sample and purchase the brand’s widest variety of ales and exclusive brews. Join the 25-minute-long Quick Sip Tour if you’re short on time, or opt for the hour-long Off-Centered tour to see the 200-barrel brewhouse up close.
One of those must-do things in Delaware if you’re a serious beer aficionado, a visit to Dogfish Inn in Lewes is a unique experience. Located in the historic downtown alongside the canal, each room here is filled with thoughtful amenities, including a Dogfish Head blanket, tote bags, and retro American-made beach chairs.
7. Step Back in Time at Fort Delaware State Park
Offering exciting hands-on historic experiences, visiting Fort Delaware State Park is one of the coolest things to do in Delaware for history buffs. The island fortress, which dates back to 1859, once housed Confederate prisoners of war during the Civil War.
Originally built in the Delaware River to protect the Wilmington and Philadelphia ports, this historic site is only accessible via a 0.5-mile ferry ride from Delaware City. Once you arrive at Pea Patch Island, you’ll hop aboard a jitney for transport from the island dock to the fortress.
At the site, you’ll find costumed interpreters who will take you back in time to experience what life was like during the Civil War. Experience the summer of 1864 as you listen to staff members dressed as soldiers, commanders, and blacksmiths tell real-life stories, then tour the prisoner barracks or watch the thrilling Columbiad firing demonstration.
Along with its array of living history museum encounters, you’ll have the chance to browse real-life artifacts from the island’s past. You can also follow the Prison Camp Trail at the Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve, where herons, ibises, and egrets nest.
8. Admire Aircraft at the Air Mobility Command Museum
The only museum dedicated to airlift and air refueling history, a visit to the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover is one of the most fun Delaware activities for aviation fans. Not only will you be able to get up close to historic aircraft, including cargo haulers, fishers, helicopters, and a bomber, but admission is completely free to this family-friendly attraction.
A captivating museum for all ages, you can step inside to see over 30 aircraft in varying roles and sizes. You’ll also find fascinating exhibits that cover everything from airlift during the Vietnam War to a tractor developed for the US Army during World War II.
Don’t miss the Medal of Honor – Hallway of Heroes, which pays respect to more than 3,500 Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard service members. With more than 100 framed photographs and citations, it’s dedicated to those who received our nation’s highest military decoration.
For a unique perspective, visit the Dover AFB Control Tower, which was the actual unit used at Dover AFB from 1956 until 2009. You can visit the base of the 39-foot-tall exhibit to hear live radio chatter broadcast from the current Dover AFB tower and watch arrivals and departures on the base’s runways and taxiways.
9. Paddle the Cypress Swamp in Trap Pond State Park
You’ll find endless opportunities for adventure in Trap Pond State Park in Laurel. Home to the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees, this scenic park is a picture-perfect oasis for nature lovers year-round.
One of the best ways to experience the natural landscapes is by paddling in a canoe or kayaking down the Terrapin Branch Water Trail to see the park’s famous bald cypress trees. Admire the diverse flora and fauna and take in the unique sights of the cypress swamp.
Guided pontoon tours offer a leisurely way to journey through the swamp and experience its unique wildlife, while hiking trails are ideal for those who prefer to stay on dry land. The 4.6-mile Bob Trail offers incredible pondside views as well as excellent bird-watching opportunities. As a bonus, free bike rentals are available in the summer months.
If you want to plan a multi-day getaway to Trap Pond State Park, you also have the option to stay overnight. Noted as one of the most scenic campsites in Delaware, the park’s campground has tent sites that sit beneath the tall pines. For a glamping experience, book one of the waterfront cabins or rustic yurts on-site.
10. Bask in the Sunshine at Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is one of Delaware’s premier beach destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This laid-back coastal destination is where you can go to unwind, dig your toes in the sand, and enjoy the salty oceanside breeze. Families love this beach getaway for its clean waters, slow-paced atmosphere, and the long list of activities on offer.
Its soft sands are perfect for sand castle building or throwing out a towel and soaking up the sunshine. When you need a break, take a stroll along the lively boardwalk to browse the local shops, play a round of mini-golf, dine at seafood restaurants, and listen to live music.
Visit in the early morning or early evening for a chance to spot dolphins splashing in the waters. Pelicans can be seen swooping in to catch fish, while adventurous travelers can sign up for kayaking adventures with local outfitters such as Coastal Kayak, rent a bike, or bring snorkel gear to see fish around the shoreline.
Centrally located, Bethany Beach offers a prime location near other top Delaware attractions, including Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park. You can even make the short drive to Holts Landing State Park in Dagsboro for a day of fishing, clamming, crabbing, or boating.
11. Surf at Delaware Seashore State Park
Offering an exciting lineup of water adventures, Delaware Seashore State Park offers six miles of serene ocean coastline. With a view of Rehoboth and Indian River Bay, it’s also a popular spot for waterfront camping and oceanfront dining at its popular Big Chill Beach Club.
One of the best views in Delaware Seashore State Park is at the top of the Indian River Bridge, where it’s possible to marvel at the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware’s inland bays, and the area’s undeveloped coastline. Paddlers are in for a treat, as kayaking past the salt marsh islands of Rehoboth Bay offers sightings of diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and nesting birds.
Surfers love catching a wave after sunrise at the North Inlet Day Area beach, while anglers can cast a line from one of the marina’s charter boats, rock jetties at the inlet, or the beach itself. Clamming and crabbing are also permitted in some sections of the bays.
You’ll find more than 7 miles of trails ideal for hikers and bikers, with the Burton Island Nature Preserve offering stunning scenery in its wildlife-filled salt marsh and maritime forest habitats. A hotspot for bird-watchers, this area is a nesting ground for local birdlife and terrapins.
12. Enjoy the Beach Vibes in Fenwick Island
Nestled just above the Delaware-Maryland border, Fenwick Island is a beautiful beach town beloved for its peaceful atmosphere and coastal charm. Many beachgoers come here for a break from the bustling Rehoboth and Dewey beaches nearby and enjoy its picture-perfect ocean views without the crowds.
Water-based activities are endless, with kayaks and jet skis available to rent, while swimming, surfing, sailing, and sunbathing are all popular at Fenwick Island State Park. Sitting between Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this park is also popular for its elusive ghost crabs that can be seen on the beach at night with the help of a park naturalist.
Away from the shoreline, kids will love the lazy river, water slides, and kiddie pool at Thunder Lagoon Water Park. For some educational fun, add a visit to the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum to learn about Delaware’s maritime heritage and marvel at over 10,000 artifacts.
Before you go, a stop at the iconic Seaside Country Store is a must to stock up on sweets like homemade fudge. If you’re up for a day trip, Ocean City, Maryland, and its action-packed beach setting featuring a boardwalk and amusement park rides is just a short drive away.
13. Explore the Small Town of Millsboro
Nestled along the banks of the Indian River, Millsboro is one of Delaware’s most charming small towns. It’s an underrated destination with a peaceful setting where you can have easy access to many of Delaware’s top coastal destinations.
You can spend your time here lounging on a nearby beach or exploring the downtown area, which is dotted with boutique shops, restaurants, and antique stores. You can take a break in Cupola Park, a tranquil green space located on the river that’s popular for strolling, picnicking, and fishing.
Nature lovers will also enjoy an afternoon spent hiking the trails at Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve in nearby Milton. Featuring a wide range of habitats, including swamp and upland forests, it’s also a popular spot for paddlers who want to travel down the Broadkill River.
For a dose of culture, stop by the Nanticoke Indian Center. Featuring a beautiful display of handmade jewelry and pottery, you’ll also see exhibits on spears, arrow points, and other artifacts, which are designed to honor the culture of the Native Americans who call Delaware home.
14. Follow the Trail in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Take a scenic drive to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, an isolated natural setting along the Delaware Bay. You’ll find miles of tidal marshland at this surreal 16,000-acre park located near Smyrna, which offers a chance to spot bald eagles and other birdlife, such as egrets, hawks, swans, and herons, in their natural setting.
Many travelers come here to follow the 12-mile nature drive for a chance to see one of the largest tidal salt marshes remaining in the mid-Atlantic region. Photographers will also love visiting the top of the park’s observation towers for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands.
It comes as no surprise that Bombay Hook’s pristine environment makes it a hotspot for nature lovers, but even non-bird-watching fans will gasp at eye-catching wildlife views during the spring and winter migrations. However, Bombay Hook is a popular destination throughout the year with its impressive hiking trails, interpretive displays, and educational programs.
Outside of the refuge, it’s worth spending some time to explore the town of Smyrna. Pop into the local art galleries or visit top attractions such as the Smyrna Museum, Smyrna Opera House, and Belmont Hall to learn more about this charming Delaware getaway. After a day of exploration, unwind with a craft beverage at Blue Earl Brewing, Brickworks Brewing & Eats, or Painted Stave Distilling.
15. Experience the Nightlife in Dewey Beach
With sun-kissed ocean beaches on one side and a picturesque bay on the other, a visit to Dewey Beach is one of those must-do things in Delaware. While it’s best known for its buzzing nightlife scene, this picturesque area near Rehoboth Beach is an excellent spot to enjoy the expansive coastline, top-notch restaurants, live music, and water adventures.
This classic beach town is a hotspot for fun, with sun-seekers flocking to fill its small size of one mile long and three blocks wide in the summer months. You can take to the skies in a parasail or try your hand at surfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding, while kids will enjoy making a splash in the warm, shallow waters inside the breakwater.
You can go on a fishing adventure at the Indian River Inlet or Tower Beach, sign up for a dolphin-watching tour to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, or rent a paddleboard or kayak and get out on the water. When hunger strikes, head to Woody’s for authentic crab cakes, The Lighthouse for seafood and waterfront views, or Nalu Dewey Beach to enjoy its island-inspired cuisine and tiki bar.
Partaking in the town’s nightlife is a popular pastime, with The Starboard being one of the most popular options, offering live music and drink specials throughout the week. Rusty Rudder, Northbeach, Woody’s, and Bottle & Cork are some other local favorites.
16. See Delaware’s Largest Millpond at Lums Pond State Park
Located in Northern Delaware in Bear, Luis Pond State Park offers some of the best natural Delaware attractions. Surrounding Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, you’ll find a long list of recreational activities that cater to all ages, from disc golf and picnicking to fishing, boating, and camping.
Hikers are in paradise with the 17 miles of trails that wind through the scenic hardwood forest. Seeing the state’s largest millpond along the park’s Swamp Forest Trail is one of the most unique things to do in Delaware. Snap photos as you follow the one-of-a-kind 6.4-mile trail that wraps along the pond’s edge.
Water-based activities are popular at Luis Pond State Park, including kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating around the pond. You can spot local wildlife, such as turtles, great blue herons, and osprey, or find a cozy fishing spot and reel in largemouth bass. If you prefer exploring the area on two wheels, the beginner-friendly Little Jersey Trail is an ideal option.
You’ll also find plenty of entertainment options in the area. Kids and thrill-seekers alike can enjoy zipping through the treetop adventures at the on-site Go Ape’s Adventure Park, while there are also opportunities for boating at Summit North Marina and waterfront dining at Grain H20.
17. Stroll the Cobblestone Streets of New Castle
It doesn’t get any more enchanting than the town of New Castle, a historic town that played a vital role in Delaware’s rich history. A visit here is like exploring a living history museum, where its quaint laneways, picture-perfect cobblestone streets, and stately homes date back hundreds of years.
It’s considered one of the best preserved historic small towns in the United States, with its colonial-style architecture taking you back to when horse-drawn carriages were a popular form of transportation. Start your journey at the Historic New Castle Court House Museum to learn about the town’s past, which includes being owned by the Swedes, Dutch, and English at one point.
Dating back to the 1730s, the Amstel House Museum is among one of the few surviving early colonial buildings. Walk-in, guided tours are available from April to December. For a look at the serene waterfront, lace up your shoes for a peaceful stroll through Battery Park, where William Penn landed when he first came to America on October 27, 1682.
The Read House & Gardens is also a must-see, as the history house museum was once the largest and most luxurious residence in the state. Take a tour of the National Historic Landmark, which is a 14,000-square-foot Federal-style mansion, and see what’s blooming in the garden.
18. Relive US History at First State National Historical Park
If you’re a fan of American history, stopping off at First State Heritage Park is easily one of the coolest things to do in Delaware. You can relive history as you explore historic and cultural sites throughout Delaware’s capital, including The Old State House, Legislative Hall, and the Biggs Museum of American Art.
Join historical interpreters dressed in 18th-century clothing on historical, themed walking tours of Dover. At Delaware’s first urban park without boundaries, you can tour the historic Dover Green and learn about what life was like over three centuries ago.
Step back in time and see where Revolutionary soldiers once marched and the US Constitution was ratified. You’ll meet at the historic John Bell House before walking to other nearby historical sites and learning about notable United States history events, including how the Freedom Seekers escaped slavery and suffragists expanded equality.
If you want to really immerse yourself in the town’s rich history, take an exciting Lantern Tour of Dover. On this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll hear real-life stories of generations past on a reservations-only tour with only your lantern to light the way.
19. Ride Water Slides at Killens Pond State Park
In summer, spending some time at Killens Pond State Park is one of the best things to do in Delaware. Packed with fun, this state park is home to an on-site water park and offers families the chance to enjoy the outdoors on its scenic hiking trails and 66-acre pond.
Families with kids will want to add this destination to the top of their Delaware bucket list. The Killens Pond Water Park not only has multiple water slides, but it also boasts a leisurely pool with a zero-depth entrance and tot lot for little ones with bubblers, water jets, and small slides.
You can appreciate the natural splendor of Killens Pond along the Pondside Trail, a 2.6-mile trail that loops around the park’s large millpond. Fall is a spectacular time to admire the changing foliage, with a hike to the Pondside Bridge offering views of where the Murderkill River meets Killens Pond.
Water-based activities are also popular here, with Killens Pond being a perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The Murderkill River is one of the best spots for paddling, surrounded by towering bald cypress trees.
The on-site Nature Center features live animals, educational programs, guided hikes, kayak tours, and an outdoor deck. For a night under the stars, book a stay at the year-round wooded campground, family cabins, or deluxe pond-view cottage.
20. See NASCAR Races at Dover International Speedway
If you’ve got a need for speed, plan a day trip to Dover International Speedway. Known as the “Monster Mile” because it has the fastest one-mile oval racetrack, it hosts an array of adrenaline-fueled NASCAR events and other car races throughout the year.
Hosting races since 1969, this historic venue is well-loved by car enthusiasts and is one of the top things to do in Delaware. Its Monster Mile Fan Zone includes fun, family-friendly perks like a massive bounce house, petting zoo, and bumper cars, while you can even book Ride Along experiences so you can sit in the front seat of one of these high-speed vehicles.
The most exclusive selection of seats at Dover Motor Speedway is set on the Ally Monster Bridge, which is perched almost 30 feet above the Turn 3 entrance of the speedway. Many of the seats are signed by famous race winners, including Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, and Mark Martin, and are considered the “most exciting seats in sports.”
For an overnight experience, you can camp overnight at the Monster Mile, with each lot within walking distance of all the excitement of a Dover race weekend. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the racetrack, make an appointment for a Track Tour.
21. Go Hiking in White Clay Creek Private State Park
One of Delaware’s most well-known state parks, White Clay Creek Private State Park boasts year-round recreation in Newark. From fishing, bird-watching, and disc golf in warmer months to sledding and cross-country skiing in winter, visiting this state park is one of the best things to do in Delaware if you crave outdoor adventures.
Hikers are spoiled for choice with the park’s over 37 miles of scenic trails to explore. Its paved trails include fascinating historical monuments throughout the park, which tell the unique history of White Clay and Delaware itself. One notable landmark is the 200-year-old Chambers House Nature Center, which highlights the natural and cultural resources and offers creekside trails with geological outcroppings.
Anglers, in particular, treasure this state park, as the White Clay Creek is a National Wild and Scenic River and the most heavily stocked water in Delaware. You can try your hand at fly fishing or cast a line from the creek’s edge for rainbow and brown trout, while there’s also a catch-and-release program for largemouth bass.
22. Take a Ride at The Wilmington & Western Railroad
A perfect excursion for train enthusiasts, the Wilmington & Western Railroad offers scenic, family-friendly rides in antique passenger coaches pulled by one of the coal-burning steam locomotives or an early-generation diesel locomotive. There is something for all ages, from the seasonal rides with Santa to various themed trains throughout the year.
The Autumn Leaf Special is one of the most popular train rides, as it offers some of the most beautiful views of the changing foliage in the Red Clay Valley. A Halloween Express for kids with costumed passengers is also fun, as well as the Holiday Lights Express that takes you to lighted displays in 100-year-old coaches.
Outside of the holidays, the 2.5-hour round-trip Hockessin Flyer takes you to Hockessin through several large tunnels and up the steepest grade on the railroad. The Salute to Veterans ride honors our military and their service, while the leisurely Yorklyn Limited is a 1.5-hour round-trip ride up the Red Clay Valley to Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove.
23. See the Grand Mansion in Bellevue State Park
Bellevue State Park is an all-season outdoor destination beloved for its scenic landscapes and grand historic mansion. Nestled in Wilmington, this popular park is actually a former Du Pont estate that was transformed to include horse stables, indoor horse training facilities, and a horse track.
William Du Pont’s home, called Bellevue Hall, sits as the park’s centerpiece. Hosting private events, it’s surrounded by a collection of trees from around the world. You can join a tour of the former family mansion and see the exotic collection of plants in the surrounding arboretum.
Bellevue is a tranquil spot for fishing, while hiking trails offer views of the park’s flowing creek, picturesque meadow, and local wildlife such as deer. The famed Oval Track (and former equestrian track) is a hotspot for runners with 20 exercise stations.
24. Visit an Enchanted Garden at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library
Offering a glimpse of the elegance and splendor of times gone by, the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library highlights the lives of Delaware’s famous Du Pont family. You can see how they lived at their former estate and explore the 60-acre garden and 175 antique-filled rooms.
Spend a day browsing the world-class exhibitions, which include furniture and objects collected by Henry Francis Du Pont and a collection of more than 90,000 objects. You can also follow a self-paced tour through the 4th and 5th floors of the mansion. If you’re short on time, join the 30-minute narrated Garden Tram Tour.
Families with kids will love the Enchanted Woods, a children’s garden purpose-built that is designed to delight and inspire. You’ll find nooks to hide in, a giant Bird’s Nest with large woven branches, a Tulip Tree House for playing hide and seek, and a Faerie Cottage playhouse.
25. Have a Drink at Jessop’s Tavern
Set in a 300-year-old building, Jessop’s Tavern is a unique addition to your Delaware itinerary. Originally built in 1674, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the same building where a cooper named Abraham Jessop once lived in 1724.
The Historic New Castle building has transformed throughout the years, changing from residential housing to other businesses, but has managed to stand the test of time. It was the Captain’s Log Restaurant in the 1950s and The Green Frog Tavern in 1974, but changed to its current name after Abraham Jessop in 1996.
Representing American food history and its multi-cultural presence in the region, the kitchen serves up dishes that include Dutch cheeses, Belgian favorites, English pub fare, Swedish sauces, and old American dishes. Adding to the historic atmosphere, servers at this establishment dress in colonial garb.
You’ll also find unique beers from around the world and the United States on offer, with a special focus on Belgian beers. Browse the menu to discover over 300+ Belgian beer bottles, 30 draft offerings, and 20 drafts dedicated to Belgians to pick from.
There you have it! The 25 best things to do in Delaware. What’s your favorite thing to do in The First State?
Planning a trip to Delaware? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
