Who else forgot Delaware was even a place that existed? If you did too, you’re not alone. Until I visited for the first time in 2015, I knew devastatingly little about this tiny state wedged into the eastern coastline of the U.S. 

In this series, we’re shining a light on the unique (and perhaps lesser-known) traits of each state in the U.S. There’s something to be loved and appreciated about all 50 of them and these travel guides are here to help you explore the exciting things to see, do, and experience in each one. Delaware being no exception!

Known colloquially as the “First State”, we have a unique antique charm of a rich history merged with that of modernity and sophistication. While admittedly, it may not be the most thrilling of all American locales, I can confidently say that Delaware is an interesting, and off-the-beaten-path destination that has a little something to offer to all.

Each state having its own unique story, Delaware, with its coastal marine landscapes, its rich indigenous past, and its colonial legacy holds some truly spectacular offerings. Whether you’re a Nature Lover, Night Owl, Foodie, History and Culture Buff, Adventure Seeker, or someone looking for Hidden Gems, you’ll find a little of everything in the First State. Let’s dive into the wonders of Delaware!

Delaware’s Rich History

Delaware, known as the First State, holds a history as rich as the soil that nourishes its lush landscapes. With a blend of indigenous heritage, colonial influence, and American industrialism, Delaware is a small state with a big story.

Long before European settlers set foot on its shores, Delaware was home to thriving indigenous cultures. The area now known as Delaware has seen human presence since the end of the last Ice Age. From the original Paleo-Indians to the Lenape (Delaware) and Nanticoke people, these indigenous groups lived in harmony with the land and left a lasting impact on the region.

Paleo-Indian Period (12,000-8,000 BCE): The earliest known inhabitants of Delaware were part of the Clovis culture, renowned for their distinctive fluted projectile points. These hunter-gatherers thrived in the region, adapting to a post-Ice Age environment rich with diverse flora and fauna.

Archaic Period (8,000-1,000 BCE): As the climate warmed, the indigenous peoples of Delaware developed new tools and techniques for hunting and gathering. They began to exploit a wider range of resources, including nuts, seeds, and small game. Seasonal campsites and middens provide evidence of their increasingly complex subsistence strategies.

Woodland Period (1,000 BCE-1,600 CE): This period saw the development of more permanent settlements and the advent of agriculture. The Lenape and Nanticoke peoples, among others, cultivated crops such as maize, beans, and squash, and engaged in extensive trade networks. Their villages, often located along rivers, were hubs of cultural and economic activity.

Contact Period (1,600 CE onwards): The arrival of European explorers in the 16th century brought significant changes to the indigenous populations. The Lenape and Nanticoke people engaged in both conflict and cooperation with European settlers, navigating a rapidly changing world. Despite the pressures of colonization, they maintained their cultural identities and continued to influence the region.

Delaware’s colonial history is marked by its strategic location and economic significance. The early economy was heavily dependent on tobacco and other cash crops, often produced by enslaved labor. Delaware played a crucial role in the American Revolution, providing troops and support for the fight for independence. Its significance as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, cemented its pivotal role in the birth of the nation.

The 19th and 20th centuries brought industrialization and modernization to Delaware. From shipbuilding and manufacturing to the chemical innovations of the DuPont company, Delaware became a hub of industry and innovation. The state also played a role in the American Civil War, with divided loyalties but a strong contribution to the Union cause.

Today, Delaware is celebrated for its beautiful Atlantic coastlines, thriving business environment, and blend of urban and rural settings. The mid-sized city of Wilmington offers a dynamic urban experience, while the charming small towns and scenic beaches of Sussex County provide a peaceful retreat. Delawareans are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, reflecting a mix of diverse cultures and traditions.

Best Time To Visit Delaware

No matter the season, Delaware is wrought with opportunities to explore, celebrate, and enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the First State for yourself.

Spring (March to May): Shake off those winter blues and dive into a Delaware spring! With mild temperatures and blooming flowers, it’s the perfect time for outdoor escapades. Hike through vibrant parks, take in the sights, and revel in the season of renewal. The world’s coming back to life—why not join the fun?

Summer (June to August): Dive headfirst into summer fun on Delaware’s sun-kissed beaches. Whether you’re splashing in the waves at Rehoboth or soaking up the sun in Bethany, it’s all about beach vibes and outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the lively festivals that keep the state buzzing—there’s nothing like a Delaware summer to make you feel alive!

Autumn (September to November): Fall in love with autumn in Delaware, where cooler weather and stunning fall foliage create a picturesque paradise. Wander through landscapes painted in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for hiking, leaf-peeping, and savoring the season’s beauty. It’s sweater weather, pumpkin spice, and everything nice!

Winter (December to February): Winter in Delaware means mild temperatures and a cozy charm that’s hard to resist. Enjoy festive holiday events, explore indoor cultural attractions, and warm up with local treats. It’s the season for celebrating, snuggling, and enjoying the understated magic of a Delaware winter.

Getting to Delaware

No matter how you choose to travel, Delaware brims with opportunities to roam. So buckle up, settle in, and get ready for a journey filled with charm in the First State!

Public Transport: Delaware’s is widely a car-dependent state, as is the case in most of the US. Cities do offer a functional, though generally less extensive and less efficient compared to the public transit system if you’re in a pinch.

Flying: Jet-setting to Delaware? Major airports in Philadelphia (PHL) and Baltimore (BWI) make it a breeze to land near the First State. Plus, New Castle Airport (ILG) offers regional flights for those who prefer a cozier touch-down. Pack your bags, and let the friendly skies bring you to your Delaware adventure.

Road Tripping: Hit the open road and explore Delaware in style! Once you’ve arrived, your best bet for getting around is by car. Embrace the freedom of the scenic byways and historic routes like the Delaware Bayshore Byway. It’s a road tripper’s paradise, where every turn brings a new delight—don’t forget your camera and your sense of adventure!

Train Travel: Hop on board and let the train whisk you away! While Delaware’s internal rail connections are limited, Wilmington serves as a hub linking you to major cities along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. It’s the perfect way to expand your sightseeing without the hassle of driving. All aboard for an effortless journey through the Northeast!

Public Transport: While Delaware is mostly car-dependent (as is much of the US), cities like Wilmington offer functional public transport for those in need. It might not be the most extensive or efficient system, but it gets the job done in a pinch. Hop on a bus, sit back, and enjoy the ride—you’ll get there eventually!

Top Things to Do in Delaware

🏞️ For Nature Enthusiasts:

Whether you’re exploring sandy beaches, rolling meadows, or vibrant wetlands, Delaware’s parks and refuges offer endless adventures for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and get ready to experience its natural splendors!

1. Cape Henlopen State Park: Dive into the dramatic landscapes and sandy beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park! Whether you’re splashing in the waves, hiking through scenic trails, or exploring historic lighthouses, this park is your ultimate coastal playground. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars for some bird watching along the picturesque coastline—nature’s putting on a show just for you!
2. Brandywine Creek State Park: Roll through the meadows and woodlands of Brandywine Creek State Park, where scenic trails and historic sites await your discovery. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and soaking up the great outdoors, this park offers a serene escape with a touch of history. Bring a blanket and a basket—picnic paradise awaits!
3. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Get ready to be wowed by the unique beauty of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. With its diverse bird species, lush wetlands, and scenic trails, it’s a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers. Grab your camera and capture the magic of this wildlife wonderland—it’s nature at its most photogenic!

🌃 For Night Owls:

Delaware offers a fairly tame assortment of nightlife options in all honesty, but even so, there is a range to choose from! Whether you’re looking for live music, cozy pub spots, or something a little more homosexual, Delaware has a little something for everyone! Here are a few top picks:

1. Crimson Moon (Wilmington): Step into the vibrant world of Crimson Moon, one of Wilmington’s few gay clubs. Known for its electric atmosphere and welcoming community, enjoy themed nights, dazzling drag shows, and an eclectic decor that sets the stage for a memorable evening. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Crimson Moon is the ultimate hotspot for fun, inclusivity, and unforgettable nights.
2. Bottle & Cork (Dewey Beach): Head down to Dewey Beach and rock out at Bottle & Cork, a popular live music venue and bar. Hosting a variety of bands and artists, this staple of the Dewey Beach nightlife scene guarantees a good time with great tunes. It’s where the music meets the beach, creating a perfect harmony of entertainment and laid-back vibes.
3. Iron Hill Brewery (Wilmington): Raise a glass to good times at Iron Hill Brewery, where craft beer and delicious bites reign supreme. Nestled along Wilmington’s vibrant Riverfront, this brewery offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere perfect for any night out. Savor their award-winning brews, each crafted with care and bursting with unique flavors, while enjoying a menu of mouth-watering dishes that pair perfectly with your pint.

🍽️ For Foodies:

Delawarean cuisine has a heavy focus on fresh seafood being right on the water. Slup down on Delaware’s very own flavors, from blue crabs to scrapple. Here are some places to satisfy your taste buds:

1. Fins Fish House & Raw Bar (Rehoboth Beach): Dive into a seafood lover’s paradise at Fins Fish House & Raw Bar in Rehoboth Beach. Savor the freshest crab cakes, clams, and oysters that the ocean has to offer. With a laid-back beach vibe and a menu bursting with coastal flavors, Fins is the perfect spot to indulge in a seafood feast.
2. Michele’s Restaurant at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (Dover): Experience the farm-to-table magic at Michele’s Restaurant in Dover. Nestled in the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, this standout spot serves up fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in creative dishes that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy a gourmet meal that brings the best of Delaware’s farms straight to your plate.
3. Blue Moon (Rehoboth Beach): A staple in Rehoboth Beach’s dining scene, Blue Moon offers an upscale dining experience in a beautifully restored Victorian home. This gay-owned restaurant is famous for its inventive cuisine and stylish ambiance. Enjoy a gourmet meal, exceptional cocktails, and live entertainment in a setting that’s both elegant and inclusive.

🏛️ For Culture & History Enthusiasts:

Explore Delaware’s rich history and cultural heritage in museums, gardens and libraries across the state. Delve into the state’s colonial past and cultural diversity. Here are some recommendations:

1. Hagley Museum and Library (Wilmington): Wander through the historic DuPont family estate, featuring exhibits on early American industry, beautiful gardens, and the original DuPont gunpowder mills.
2. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library (Winterthur): Discover an impressive collection of American decorative arts, extensive gardens, and engaging exhibits at this renowned museum and former home of Henry Francis du Pont.
3. Nanticoke Indian Museum (Millsboro): a National Historic Landmark dedicated to the history and culture of the Nanticoke Tribe. Housed in a former one-room schoolhouse, it features artifacts such as pottery, arrowheads, and traditional crafts. The museum now offers educational programs and hosts cultural events like the annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow.

🪂 For the Adrenaline Junkies:

Delaware offers a thrilling array of activities that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a thrill-seeker, here are some top picks that are sure to deliver the excitement you’re craving:

1. Dover Motor Speedway (Dover): Get ready for high-octane excitement at Dover Motor Speedway, home of the legendary Monster Mile. This iconic track in Delaware offers heart-pounding NASCAR action with roaring engines and lightning-fast laps. Feel the adrenaline surge as top drivers battle for victory in thrilling races that keep you positively electrified!
2. Frightland (Middletown): This eerie Halloween experience features terrifying haunted houses, sinister corn mazes, and fearsome scare zones designed to haunt your dreams. With every turn, you’ll encounter monstrous creatures lurking in the darkness, eager to unleash your deepest dreads. Prepare yourself for a night of unrelenting fear and thrills that will leave you shivering. Frightland is not for the faint of heart
3. The Addy Sea (Bethany): This Victorian gem is not just known for its stunning ocean views and elegant rooms but also for its ghostly residents. Guests have reported mysterious footsteps, flickering lights, and whispers in the night, adding a spine-tingling twist to this tranquil retreat. Dare to explore its haunted halls and uncover the secrets that linger in the shadows.

💎 Hidden Gem: Broadkill Beach

Located on the Delaware Bay, this beach is a true treasure known for its peaceful and serene environment. This quiet, residential beach community offers soft sands, gentle waves, and beautiful bay views, making it an ideal spot for relaxing, shell collecting, and long, romantic walks on the beach with boo. As part of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, it provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Broadkill Beach is also popular for fishing and kayaking. With its charming, laid-back atmosphere and a few local shops and eateries, Broadkill Beach offers a taste of coastal Delaware living away from the crowds.

Conclusion

Delaware is a state where life’s humble, simpler pleasures really take the stage, which is entirely valid! From its lovely coastlines to its rich history and cultural heritage, it really does have loads to explore. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, nightlife, culinary delights, or historical exploration, Delaware has something to be relished for every kind of traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of the First State. 

Làpìch knewël or “see you next time” in Lenape.

Happy travels!