Delaware may be the second-smallest U.S. state, but it packs a powerful punch for travelers: picturesque beaches, world-class museums, historic sites, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from nearby cities or a longer coastal vacation, this guide to Delaware’s top 10 tourist attractions will help you plan a memorable trip.
1. Rehoboth Beach & Boardwalk (and Funland)
Why go: Classic family-friendly Atlantic coast beach with an iconic boardwalk, arcades, restaurants and the nostalgic Funland amusement park. Stroll the boardwalk at sunrise, enjoy local seafood, and shop along Rehoboth Avenue.
Tips: Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are quieter. Pack sunscreen and beach chairs; parking fills quickly on summer weekends. Tripadvisor
2. Cape Henlopen State Park
Why go: One of Delaware’s largest state parks (dunes, hiking/biking trails, excellent surf and birding), with historic WWII observation towers and Gordons Pond trails for scenic walks and sunsets. Great for swimming, kayaking, and bike riding.
Tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching; rent bikes in nearby Lewes or Rehoboth. The park can be windy—layers recommended. destateparks.com
3. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Why go: An extraordinary American decorative-arts museum on a former du Pont estate with 60+ rooms of period interiors, 1,000 acres of gardens and nature trails — a must for history and design lovers.
Tips: Guided tours sell out; check the event calendar for seasonal garden tours and workshops. winterthur.org
4. Nemours Estate (Mansion & Gardens)
Why go: A 77-room French-style mansion with formal gardens on 200 acres, built by Alfred I. du Pont — think ornate interiors, rare vintage cars, and meticulously designed landscapes. Photogenic and historically rich.
Tips: Allow at least 90 minutes for the mansion and gardens; combine with nearby Wilmington attractions for a full day. nemoursestate.org
5. Hagley Museum & Library
Why go: Located along the Brandywine Creek on the site of the original DuPont powder yards, Hagley interprets early American industry with restored factories, worker’s houses and water-powered mills — ideal for history buffs and families.
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes; seasonal events and demonstrations make visits extra engaging. hagley.org
6. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Why go: One of the mid-Atlantic’s largest tidal salt marshes — an essential stop for birdwatchers (migratory waterfowl, shorebirds) and photographers. Auto loop drives and walking trails bring you close to striking marsh landscapes.
Tips: Bring a spotting scope if you have one; fall and spring migrations are especially spectacular. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
7. Fort Delaware State Park (Pea Patch Island)
Why go: Explore a Civil War–era fortress on an island in the Delaware River—re-enactments, guided tours, and a short ferry ride add to the sense of adventure. It’s a fascinating blend of military history and scenic river views.
Tips: Ferry access only—book in season and check tide/ferry schedules. Great family activity with picnic areas on the mainland. destateparks.com
8. Wilmington Riverfront & Riverwalk
Why go: A revitalized urban waterfront with dining, live music, the Delaware Children’s Museum, river cruises, and cultural venues. Perfect for an evening stroll, dinner with a view, or catching a seasonal festival.
Tips: Combine with visits to Hagley, Nemours, or the Brandywine for a full Wilmington day. visitdelaware.com
9. Historic Lewes & Cape May–Lewes Ferry
Why go: Lewes offers charming colonial streets, the Zwaanendael Museum, boutique shops and cafes. Take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry for a scenic crossing to New Jersey — you’ll get great views of the Delaware Bay and a relaxing alternative route.
Tips: Ferry sailings can fill on summer weekends; book ahead if you plan to bring a vehicle. Morning sailings are calmest. Tripadvisor
10. Dover International Speedway & Dover Historic Downtown
Why go: If your timing matches race events, Dover Speedway (“The Monster Mile”) hosts NASCAR and other major motorsport events — an exhilarating experience. Dover’s downtown and the Delaware Legislative Hall offer history and civic architecture for quieter days.
Tips: Book race tickets and lodging well in advance for major events; explore local museums and colonial sites when the track is quiet.
Practical travel tips (quick)
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for beaches; migratory bird seasons (spring/fall) are ideal for refuges.
Getting around: Delaware is small — driving is easiest. If flying, Wilmington (ILG) and larger nearby airports (Philadelphia, Baltimore) offer access.
Family-friendly picks: Rehoboth Boardwalk/Funland, Cape Henlopen, Fort Delaware.
Nature & outdoors: Bombay Hook, Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore State Park.
History & culture: Winterthur, Hagley, Nemours, Lewes.
Local eats & where to stay (brief)
Seafood: Rehoboth and Lewes boast excellent seaside restaurants and clam shacks.
Craft beer: Delaware has a lively craft-brew scene (e.g., Dogfish Head area around Rehoboth/Lewes).
Lodging: Beachfront hotels and B&Bs near Rehoboth/Lewes; Wilmington offers boutique and business hotels for museum-and-city stays.
Final notes & plan your trip
Delaware’s compact size makes it easy to pair beach time with history, gardens, and wildlife in the same trip. Start by choosing whether you want a coastal (Rehoboth/Lewes/Cape Henlopen) or cultural (Wilmington/Hagley/Winterthur/Nemours) focus, then mix in a wildlife stop like Bombay Hook and a historic detour to Fort Delaware.