Things to do & places to visit in Delaware, United States

Delaware offers vacationers miles of discoveries, like cleanest-in-the-nation beaches, opulent du Pont family mansions and the opportunity to shop sales-tax-free. Size and location also work to Delaware’s advantage. Within a few hours’ drive, visitors can stroll through quaint Colonial-era towns, savor full-flavored culinary adventures without the big-city prices, or cheer their favorite band at the annual Firefly Music Festival.

Delaware #50 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 33.7k traveler reviews, of 526 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11:10.

Top things to do (38)

Top destinations in Delaware 79

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Air Mobility Command Museum (962 reviews)
- Great Military Aviation History Visit
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Located on the Dover Air Force Base, this museum showcases the history of military aviation through exhibits and a sizeable collection of planes that have been used throughout history. Our outside aircraft ramp will be available for you to see 25 historical military aviation aircraft. Main exhibit gallery is now open for both self-guided and docent led tours. The below guidelines apply: Museum hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See more..
5.0 Delmarva Board Sport Adventures (444 reviews)
- Good experience with a delivered kayak
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

Janis was very helpful answering our questions before booking a kayak for rental and delivery for the first time. Delivery was on time and appreciated the inclusion of well-fitting life jackets. Now that we have done this for the first time will now know for next time to request securing ropes and locks in the notes section. Would rent from them again. See more..
5.0 Coastal Kayak (346 reviews)
- Great morning workout on Little Assawoman Back Bay
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

This is a great trip. My wife, son in law and myself went on the Little Assawoman Back Bay tour and everyone enjoyed themselves. My wife had never kayaked before and our guide Justin was very reassuring. My wife and I chose a tandem and I sat in the back because I was experienced. The tour lasted 1 1/2 hours which was just long enough. We kept a good pace, no one was left behind, and we saw quite a bit of wildlife. I had used Coastal Kayak on an Outer Banks vacation and when I saw they were near Ocean City, MD, I booked immediately. This is a very well run outfit with quality name kayaks and gear and their rental fees are very reasonable. I have kayaked myself for over 25 years and own two kayaks. I would not book with any other outfitter See more..
5.0 Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park (270 reviews)
- This is a "must do" - family, friends, couples, anyone!
Thursday: Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We love Go Ape adventures and this one truly lived up to our expectations. The cable and trolley system was SO quick and efficient and easy to use compared to prior Go Ape adventures where the trolley didn't stay attached. This made us feel safe the entire time because it was impossible to not "always be attached". The obstacles were fun and the zip lines were awesome. I loved flying across Lums Pond so many times. The entire staff was really great too. My husband and I were the first group to go through it and we FLEW through the course. We were done in under 2 hours, which included the prep and instructions as the beginning. But when we went last summer with our kids and we weren't the first group, it took us over 3 hours. Time definitely varies. See more..
5.0 Sand Dollar Cruises (145 reviews)
- Sunset Cruise
Boat Tours

The sunset cruise with The Sand Dollar crew was a real treat! Booking online was easy, we didn’t have to deal with parking as we were staying nearby. There was about a foot of water we had to walk through to get to the boardwalk due to the tide. Wearing shorts and sandals is recommended. The crew was very willing to take photos and even offered water on board. They went the extra step with a wedding anniversary on board by playing their song, and we all took part in singing along with the couple who was dancing. It really felt like our own boat with new found friends! Thank you Sand Dollar crew! See more..
5.0 Johnson Victrola Museum (136 reviews)
- Dover, DE
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

Named in honor of local inventor E.R. Johnson, this museum explores the sound recording industry from its beginnings and includes displays of early talking machines, records and other relics from the 1890s to 1929. See more..
4.5 Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk (1.990 reviews)
- So much to do!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Piers & Boardwalks

What a beautiful boardwalk! Our hotel was on the boardwalk so we literally stepped of the hotel and right on to it. There are SO many things to do on the boardwalk-you would need a day just to enjoy it! Masks are mandatory on the boardwalk at all times. You can ride bikes on it only during certain hours (I believe it was 6-10am). Every restaurant and shop was open so you were able to really enjoy the experience. If you have small children or do not like crowds, I would encourage you to go in the morning or late evenings. If you love to workout out-it is the perfect place to run! Perfect place for couples of all ages and for families to enjoy. I have been to many boardwalks but this one is a new favorite. See more..
4.5 Cape May-Lewes Ferry (1.891 reviews)
- Reliable Service and Ride
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Ferries

Whether you're crossing the Delaware Bay for a fun day trip or as part of a long-distance trip, on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, your journey is sure to be a memorable one.Enjoy historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, oceangoing vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort!The 17-mile, 85-minute cruise between New Jersey and Delaware can cut miles off a trip along the Atlantic Coast, connecting points like Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Ocean City and the rest of the Jersey Shore with Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Sussex Shores, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, and destinations throughout Virginia.Our welcoming, modern terminals are a destination in and of themselves, with enjoyable restaurants and lounges, and well-stocked gift shops! See more..
4.5 Funland (1.820 reviews)
- Love this place!
Amusement & Theme Parks

Funland is a family amusement center located on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A family owned and operated business since 1962, Funland provides family fun at reasonable prices for those who visit us each summer. The park offers great entertainment for the whole family, featuring 19 rides, 14 midway games, a redemption center, Skeeball, and an arcade. Our season begins Mother's Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day. In the early part of our season (May into June), our closing time varies; we reserve the right to close early due to factors such as weather and lack of crowds! Normally in season, July 4th - Labor Day, we close around 11 PM. See more..
4.5 Rehoboth Beach Public Beach (1.683 reviews)
- Nice on a weekday after Labor Day!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

A sandy public beach that offers various organized sports activities every evening during the summer plus special designated areas for surfing and surf fishing. See more..
4.5 Cape Henlopen State Park (1.446 reviews)
- Lots To Do at a Reasonable Price
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks • Beaches

This oceanside state park comprises 155 campsites and the Seaside Nature Center. See more..
4.5 Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (1.035 reviews)
- museum garden and library
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Once a Du Pont family country retreat, this estate's spectacular gardens surround a 175-room mansion housing the world's finest collection of American decorative arts from 1640-1860. See more..
4.5 Hagley Museum And Library (813 reviews)
- Great time to spend the day
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark. See more..
4.5 Nemours Estate (724 reviews)
- Must See!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums

Open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.) Nemours Estate is a masterpiece of Gilded Age design with a 77-room Mansion, 200-acres of formal French gardens and grounds, and a Chauffeur's Garage housing vintage automobiles. See more..
4.5 Bethany Beach (657 reviews)
- Nice clean beach town
Beaches

Very nice clean, dog and family friendly but small. Parking was meters or kiosk from 10 am to 11 pm every day. Best bet was to go to the state park beaches with fixed 10.00/ car per day. We went to several. Also not enough restaurants in the area. They were overwhelmed and were not even able to offer take out. See more..
4.5 Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (616 reviews)
- Always perfect!
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Breweries

Offering 27 rotating taps, you’ll find the freshest off-centered ales in all the land, each available for growler or Crowler fills! Imbibe one of our Tasting Room Exclusives crafted on our R&D brewing system, or reach for a pint from Rack AeriAle, our specialized barrel-aged, nitrogen draft system. We offer tours on the daily, year round on a first come first serve basis. Tours include all parts of the brewery, led by our knowledgeable Experience Guides. You can make reservations for special tours such as our Grain to Glass Tour for more of a behind-the-scenes look, including a visit to the Dogfish Distillery. Check out our Kitchen for pizzas and salads, and calzones ... oh my! You’ll find an expanded menu of beer-infused food to enjoy both here and on the go - items like handcrafted pizzas and calzones, burritos, sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts, along with ever-changing daily specials. Stop by our Merchandise Shop to pick up Dogfish beer, gear and whatnot. See more..
4.5 Dewey Beach (551 reviews)
- Really Empty
Beaches

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, this quaint town is popular with the younger crowd and home to numerous excellent bars and brewpubs with live music and great food. In summer, look forward to activities like outdoor movie screenings and community bonfires in addition to jetski rentals and guided kayak excursions. The surf tends to be rough, but the beach is dog-friendly, and the small-town charm and relaxed vibe on offer during the quieter seasons draws couples and families from wide and far. The busier Rehoboth Beach is only a stone’s throw away. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Lewes Beach (537 reviews)
- Nice beach for families
Beaches

Stopped by the beach the other day for our first trip of the 2021 season since it was a warm early May day. Metered parking started May 1st, so we had to pay the centralized parking meter at a rate of $2 per hour. You can access parking via the Park Mobile app. The beach and parking lot were nearly empty, so we were able to easily secure parking and a beach blanket spot near the water. On this day we enjoyed building sand castles, digging in the sand, searching for sea shells, watching the seagulls and watching the ferry go in & out of port. We didn't see much live wildlife this visit other than the seagulls. We found lots of dead calico crabs, some dead horseshoe crabs and even a dead fish. Not sure what that was all about because we usually don't see a bunch of dead sea life. We did not actually swim in the water on this day though. It was a little early in the season to actually get into the water although we did dip out toes in the water and it was chilly. Lifeguards were not on duty yet since they don't start until around Memorial Day weekend. However, the beach restrooms were already open and the outdoor sprinkler poles were on for rinsing off your feet/body. Overall, we enjoyed our first trip to Lewes Beach for the season. This is a great beach for families with small kids. The sand is generally soft although you can still get lucky and find little gems like beach pebbles and seashells. There are little to no waves, so great for young kids that are afraid of big waves and getting knocked down. We enjoy this beach. There are 2 separate parking lots and 2 separate bath/restrooms. One of the parking lots has a snack shack and is adjacent to a DQ should you find yourself hungry while on the beach! See more..
4.5 Bethany Beach Boardwalk (481 reviews)
- Don't expect Ocean City's Boardwalk. It's a wholly different vibe
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Hiking Trails

The free weekend concerts charge the area with excitement and sound against a sunset backdrop. They pack people in with great bands who listen to great free music while eating ice cream cones at sunset. Believe me, it's as terrible as it sounds... I fish right off the boardwalk in the mornings and watch the pelicans fly in formation as dolphins cruise the shoreline. Once I've assured myself that there are no fish in the ocean, I pack up, stopping at the donut shop right there for fresh, made to order AMAZING donuts, then head back to the rental and tell lies about all the fish I caught. It really is the hub of our vactions down here...small, but packed with hidden gems. It isn't Ocean City, and thankfully, at least to me, doesn't want to be either See more..
4.5 Christiana Mall (419 reviews)
- LOVED THIS MALL
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Shopping Malls

The entire mall was not open due to Covid 19. But the stores we entered definitely used 6ft precautions. The mall is HUGE. Very nice and clean. I am a shop aholic very happy that i was able to get things from the stores I wanted. Loved this Mall. See more..
4.5 Gordons Pond (358 reviews)
- Great biking, lovely views!
Bodies of Water

Just a short bike ride from the end of the Rehoboth boardwalk, this is a really nice trail that totals about 10 miles round trip from Rehoboth Beach center of town, where we rented our bikes. We rode in the end of September when the weather was comfortable. It would be quite hot in the summer, as there are long stretches with very little shade. We loved it. The riding is easy on mostly fine gravel trails, with a nice long section of "boardwalk," a metal bridge-type structure that's fun to ride on. You can stop at a WWII observation tower and visit Fort Miles, an old Army fort with a small museum (we didn't go in) and some pretty impressive artillery guns to check out outside. There are benches here and there and at least one water fountain along the way. This ride was one of the highlights of our visit. See more..
4.5 Hopkins Farm Creamery (310 reviews)
- Great ice cream!
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Farms

I read about Hopkins on Trip Advisor so thought we’d check it out. They had a very efficient drive thru process and there was a steady stream of cars going in. I got cappuccino delight and my husband got salted caramel crunch; both delicious! The cows were just coming in when we got there so we saw a lot of movement at the barn. Definitely worth going out of your way for it but super easy to get to. See more..
4.5 Glasgow Park (260 reviews)
- The Mountain at Glasgow
Parks

Glasgow Park is a family park where the entire family can have fun. I especially enjoy the large Hill which I have named "the Mountain at Glasgow" when walking or running this hill I have the most invigorating feeling when I reach the top. Not to mention the trail is definitely a peaceful time for me to walk and be one with nature. See more..
4.5 Grand Opera House (232 reviews)
- A Great Asset to Wilmington
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Operas • Architectural Buildings • Theaters

We come to the Grand often for shows and in pre-Covid times we were subscribers. We e seen traveling music acts, comedy shows, Delaware Orchestra, Wilmington Ballet, and Opera Delaware. The space is beautiful and historic. There is parking only a block away and the theater and restrooms are always clean. We love the variety and quality of different shows that come to our little city. See more..
4.5 Delaware Art Museum (230 reviews)
- Wilmington’s Masterpiece
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

A collection of American art from 1840 to the present. See more..
4.5 Junction and Breakwater Trail (226 reviews)
- Adventure is right here
Biking Trails

As an avid trail rider, this was just the thing I needed to get off the beaten path at the beach and I managed to do 18 miles thanks to another reviewer’s expert advice. Do yourself a favor and check it out. It was so easy to follow signage from Lewes public libretto to downtown Rehoboth and then back up through Henlopen acres through Gordon’s Pond and up Rt. 9 to Lewes again. Flat terrain, some shade and incredible views. Make sure you leave time for a stop at Whiskey Beach. It’s gorgeous! See more..
4.5 Battery Park (196 reviews)
- Peaceful walk by the salty sea
Parks

This is a beautiful walk close to New Castle's historic district. Stopped in New Castle for a leg rest mid-way through a drive not knowing quite what I'd find besides the history of the first state. This is a perfect walk, nicely paved and maintained, just on the water. You can smell the salty air or walk a little further and find shade tree-lined clearings. Even though it is fairly busy, there are moments where you can be all to yourself and it is simply peaceful. Walked for about an hour, then headed to see the rest of the town. See more..
4.5 Fenwick Island State Park (194 reviews)
- love the place, can't see going anywhere else.
State Parks

best beach, they have a sand net that lets older folks get to the water. people are great, they have beaches were you can bring your dogs, and the dogs are very nice. I should not recommend Fenwick, it is to cool, would hate too see it become over priced, with to many people. See more..
4.5 Fort Miles Historic Area at Cape Henlopen State Park (187 reviews)
- Spend All Day or an Entire Week Here
Historic Walking Areas

That's right. Per your interest level, you can spend a few hours here, or turn this area into an entire vacation. Nearby, is a tower that you may climb to see the aerial view. Then , you may hike on the trails to the dunes. View the buildings and military equipment. Add birding. As there are deer within the vicinity, that means there are ticks. So, wear the bug spray. You're going to be in the full sun at times. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear appropriate footwear. Interpretive plaques are located along portions of the trails to help you to understand the history. See more..
4.5 Indian River Inlet Bridge (166 reviews)
- Nice place
Bridges

On the east side of the bridge you can go on the beach and hang out. There is a sidewalk that goes from the east side of the bridge and extends all the way down quite a distance to the west and a great place to go fishing. This is a popular place during the summer months and a great place for taking pictures and it’s also nice at night when the bridge lights up in blue. Please bring your family as there is a restaurant adjacent to the bridge with good food and good music. See more..