10 Charming Delaware Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Whether you want to spend time at the beaches, explore local neighborhoods, browse for some artisan goods, or immerse yourself in history and culture, Delaware is an ideal option. Sprinkled throughout the state, many small coastal towns with their own unique charm and experiences await, making it perfect for day trips or planning out a day or two. Below are some recommendations for charming towns that make for great getaways.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach kicks off our list as a must-visit destination for a variety of reasons. Stay at the Avenue Inn & Spa, which is located in a premium spot in town. It's a three-minute walk from the town's namesake, Rehoboth Beach, and steps away from the iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
Spend your day walking along the mile-long pedestrian-only boardwalk, which hosts free summertime bandstand concerts beside various shops and cafes, or check out Delaware Seashore State Park for a relaxing time in nature. Or if you have kids, Jungle Jim's River Safari Water Park is a popular, family-friendly destination.
Lewes
Not far behind Rehoboth Beach, Lewes is one of the principal towns growing in the area, and it's clear to see why. Its main attractions are its beaches; however, the town has grown to offer more than warm sands. The Inn at Canal Square is a pet-friendly bed and breakfast near the waterfront and is a prime location for other things to do.
Lewes is a walking town, making it easy for you to check out the Cape Henlopen State Park or stroll through downtown Lewes. Pirates of Lewes gives you the opportunity to climb aboard a pirate ship with the kids, while Quest Adventures offers a paddleboard or kayak to explore the Delaware Bay.
Dover
The capital of Delaware, Dover, is a perfect blend of charm, history, and unique opportunities that is hard to pass up. Staying at Bally's Dover Casino Resort is a unique experience even for those not into gambling. Once you're rested up, Dover has a variety of charming experiences to offer.
Dover is a racing town, but it also has a great deal of history. For racing fans, you have the opportunity to spend time at the Dover Motor Speedway, also referred to as the Monster Mile. From there, you can take a load off by checking out Dover's various museums. The Biggs Museum of American Art can captivate you with its new exhibits and its existing decorative arts. For more history, the John Dickinson Plantation is a popular National Historic Landmark, as its former resident was a farmer and signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Delaware City
Delaware City is a peaceful town with a lot of history and charm. It has a nice river view and is surrounded by great charm. Just outside of town in Bear, Whispering Oak Mansion is a beautiful, highly rated hotel with excellent breakfast, a tennis court, a hot tub, a games room, and more.
Once in Delaware City, visit Fort Delaware State Park, a seasonal Civil War fort and living history museum situated on Pea Patch Island. Alternatively, you can bike or hike along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail or view Fort Delaware from a distance at Fort DuPont State Park.
Milton
Only seven miles from Delaware Bay rests the small town of Milton. Its location on Broadkill River gives the town plenty of natural beauty. Stay at the Governor's Bed and Breakfast, a charming retreat in the heart of the historical district.
Milton is home to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which protects over 10,000 acres of valuable habitat for various wildlife. It also has the Milton Memorial Park, which is an excellent spot for recreation. And if you're willing to travel a little outside of Milton, Broadkill Beach is not far away.
Laurel
Once considered one of the wealthiest towns in the state, Laurel has poured its resources into creating a charming town that continues to attract people from all over. Book a room at the nearby Hampton Inn Seaford for a relaxing stay with breakfast included.
Where the old Laurel Train Station now rests, the Laurel Heritage Museum is home to an extensive collection of historical documents and objects. You can also take a tour through Trap Pond State Park, one of Delaware's first state parks, filled with flowering plants, native animals, and winding trails. Alternatively, you can check out what made Laurel so wealthy in the first place through the Dutch Country Market. With about 5,700 square feet of Market, you're sure to find quality products there.
Milford
Charming, historic, and brimming with art, Milford is an East Coast town with it all. Stay at The Towers Bed & Breakfast, a downtown luxury bed and breakfast. The downtown core can take you in from there with unique restaurants and historical spots. It's even got nature for those eager to explore East Coast trails, such as the Mispillion Riverwalk in town or the nearby Milford Millspond Nature Preserve.
Must-visit spots in town include the Milford Museum, which is located in the town's original Post Office building, the iconic Parson Thorne Mansion, and the Vineyard Shipyard, which has been restored to its former glory.
Newark
Iconic for its multiple green spaces, Newark is a college town with a variety of things to do and places to check out. Hyatt Place Newark is located on East Main Street, giving you a prime area to experience the heart of it all.
The downtown area is filled with all kinds of new and different experiences every day. Check out Caffé Gelato, which includes a 1,500-bottle wine cellar and has a porch during warmer seasons overlooking Main Street. Alternatively, you can take a look through Glasgow Park, which has various sports courts, a skate park, a hiking trail, and a dog park. For pure entertainment, Christiana Skating Center is a wonderful place to skate and has an arcade area.
New Castle
Just 10 minutes out of Wilmington rests the historical town of New Castle. Due to its excellent preservation efforts, this historic town remains one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America. Stay at Terry House Bed & Breakfast, a Federal Townhouse circa 1860, which is located just steps from the Delaware River.
To experience New Castle's fullest historic experience, check out the First State National Historic Park first. It contains the New Castle Court House Museum. Other historic houses to visit are the Amstel House Museum and the Read House & Gardens. And no visit to New Castle is complete without a photo by the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Millsboro
For day trips or getaways, Millsboro is another great spot to consider. Its downtown area is filled with antique shops, great restaurants, and, for those looking to experience it all, the Atlantic Inn.
Plan a relaxing day at Cupola Park, which is ideal for fishing or enjoying a nice picnic. The park is home to the largest Bald Cypress tree in the state of Delaware. After, check out the Nanticoke Indian Museum, featuring artifacts, art, and other exhibits on the history and way of life of local Native Americans, and the Perry/Shockley House, part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover Delaware’s Hidden Delights
With a balance of beaches, waterfronts, lovely parks, and East Coast smells, Delaware has a mixture of charm, history, culture, and natural beauty to soak up. So even if you're not too big into getting a tan, these small Delaware towns offer the perfect getaway for all ages and interests.
