11 Delaware Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
In Lewes you can walk the whole historic district before your coffee goes cold. Most of Delaware moves at about that pace. Milton grows lavender beside the Broadkill River. Odessa counts fewer than 400 residents among its preserved colonial homes. Rehoboth Beach fits its shops and theaters onto a single mile of boardwalk. These eleven towns run on porch time and tide charts.
Lewes
Known as "The First Town in the First State," Lewes is a unique blend of history and coastal living. With a population of about 3,300, the town sits between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a peaceful place with beachfront scenery. Lewes was made for walking, so a quick stroll will take you to the historic district, bed-and-breakfasts, museums, restaurants, and boutiques.
Get an up-close look at history and explore aquatic artifacts at the Cannonball Maritime House. Then soak in the sun, lounge in the sand, and swim at the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can also take in the 360-degree views at the top of the World War II Observation Tower.
Odessa
Odessa is often recognized for its easygoing pace, as fewer than 400 people call it home. Rich in history, Odessa is a quaint, preserved town with immaculate colonial architecture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It's not unusual to spend the day walking along its tree-lined boulevards, grabbing a bite at the award-winning Cantwell's Tavern, and sightseeing at one of the area's five historic homes, such as the 250-year-old Corbit-Sharp House, which is included in the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom of the National Park Service.
With Middletown just 10 minutes away, there is also convenient access to a vibrant performing arts scene with The Everett Theatre & Gibby Center for the Arts.
Ocean View
As a part of Southern Delaware's Quiet Resorts, Ocean View is synonymous with slow-paced living. Its population is just over 2,600, and the town takes pride in its history, arts, culture, and the great outdoors. Soak in Ocean View's origin story at the Coastal Towns Museum complex, or enjoy hiking at the Fresh Pond Tract of Delaware Seashore State Park. Assawoman Canal Trail is known for its breathtaking views, and Dickens Parlour Theatre often provides family-fun entertainment.
Though Ocean View is considered an inland town, it is only a mile away from Bethany Beach and a subsequent dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Other nearby beaches include Fenwick Island State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Milton
This Victorian town is at the top of the Broadkill River and filled with history, culture, and nature's treasures. Its population is nearly 3,300, with plenty of space to indulge in all Milton has to offer. The town's locally beloved eatery, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery's tasting room and kitchen, is along Southern Delaware's Culinary Coast(™) and famous for its craft beer and good food.
Round out your day with a savory walk through the lavender farm, basking in the views while paddling through the river, and exploring shops downtown like antique boutiques, The Mercantile at Milton, A Walk Thru Time, and Monsterful.
Georgetown
Georgetown is a small town that prides itself on diversity and welcomes families, retirees, and more from all walks of life. While it is comfortably situated "16 miles from everywhere," Georgetown has a population just above 7,100, and offers its own retreat in its close-knit community.
At the heart of the town is The Circle, which features a fountain, a park, historic structures, and the Marvel Museum, paying tribute to Nutter Marvel's notable carriages. Art enthusiasts can peruse antique stores and craft boutiques and see a show at Possum Point Theatre. For a slice of action, see a race at Georgetown Speedway or visit the aviation museum inside the Delaware Coastal Airport.
Bethany Beach
The serene ambiance of this beachfront town is felt from the moment you step into its city limits. Its population is fewer than 1,000, and it's just off the Atlantic Coast, offering a calming experience for locals and tourists alike. Take a trolley to the beach and go for a swim or surf at Fenwick Island State Park.
Aside from Bethany Beach's notable coastal activities and boardwalk, you could spot over 100 species of animals like diamondback terrapins, wild birds, and minnows on a walk through the Baldwin Trail. At the farmer's market, you will only find goods that were grown and produced locally. A live Bandstand concert on the beach in Bethany Beach or a show at nearby Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville can round out a family-friendly day.
Smyrna
Smyrna is a go-to spot for residents and travelers looking for a low-key day trip. Its historic district and blossoming downtown make Smyrna an increasingly popular destination. Whether you are one of its 13,340 locals or simply passing by, there is plenty to see in this growing town, from breakfast at Helen's Sausage House to a stop at the Smyrna Museum, a former home for the War of 1812 soldiers that has been transformed into a hub of paintings, artifacts, and exhibits. The historic Smyrna Opera House often hosts free shows, and a day at Lake Como is filled with sand, swimming, and play.
Dagsboro
Originally named Blackfoot Town in the 1600s, Dagsboro is its own little corner of small-town charm. With a unique mix of agricultural living and city life, Dagsboro touts a quiet yet lively atmosphere. Its population is just under 1,400, but there is more than enough leisure to keep one busy and refreshed, from vintage finds at Jayne's Reliable salvage and antique shop to a day of u-picking produce and plants at Parsons Farms.
The Delaware Botanic Gardens offers a wide selection of nature's gems, from fall grasses and threadleaf flowers to solidago and muhlenbergia pink cloud grasses. Dagsboro also sits near coastal stops like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach, adding a taste of seaside to its appeal.
Rehoboth Beach
While Rehoboth Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Delaware, it is also one of the most carefree, with a population of about 1,100. A stroll on the town's one-mile boardwalk gives mellow beach city vibes, lined with shops, spas, fitness centers, performing arts theatres, and local restaurants, just a short walk from the sand and water.
Delaware Seashore State Park features miles of Atlantic Ocean views on one side and the waters of the Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay on the other, making it a premier destination for boaters and paddlers. History enthusiasts can learn about the city's origins at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, or drive south to Delaware Seashore State Park to visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum.
New Castle
New Castle's colonial yet modern scene often makes it a haven for those looking for retreat and relaxation. Its population is about 5,550, yet it's just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, so metro-city life is a bike ride across the Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail. In the New Castle city limits, you will get views of the Delaware River, and Historic New Castle is the oldest functioning city inside the Delaware Valley.
Get a glimpse at Delaware's deep roots at the New Castle Court House Museum, the very place Delaware voted to separate from Pennsylvania 250 years ago. Explore even more history at the Dutch House Museum, and enjoy a day at the Read House & Gardens.
Laurel
With six past Delaware governors calling Laurel home, the town is rich in culture and proud in spirit. Its population is nearly 3,900, radiating a small yet mighty status. Laurel is the largest historic district in Delaware, so it is full of nods to the 19th century with a touch of nature for lovers of the outdoors. One of its most popular stops is the Trap Pond State Park, with water trails for paddlers and paths for hikers and bikers.
Take a walk through history at the Laurel Heritage Museum, which is inside an ancient train station, or pick up some unique finds at the Laurel Junction flea market, which spans across 25 acres.
A Retreat Is Waiting For You
Whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you can still enjoy life's moments in these towns. A swim at the beach, a walk along a shaded trail, and an exploration of artifacts at a historic museum are just some of the leisure activities to be enjoyed in these towns. The best part is that you can do it as quickly or slowly as you would like. Indulge in your favorite pastimes without large crowds, setting your own pace, schedule, and itinerary.
