2025's 10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Delaware
Small towns are not always the first place people think of when taking a vacation or going somewhere to visit. However, Delaware, despite being one of the smallest states in the US, has plenty of memorable small towns to make a trip worthwhile. Whether it's a quaint beach town on the Atlantic Ocean, such as Rehoboth Beach, or a northern Delaware town surrounded by history, these ten towns in the Blue Hen State feature something for every traveler!
Bear
This northern Delaware town is home to approximately 22,000 residents as of the 2025 Delaware demographics. Located just west of the Delaware River, many visitors will take advantage of the fantastic scenery along the water and its many water activities, like boating, fishing, and swimming. Fort Delaware State Park and Pea Patch Island can be visited just a short drive and boat ride on the Delaware River, where you can search for paranormal activity or learn about the fort's history during the Civil War.
Fitness lovers or rock climbing fans should stop by the Delaware Rock Gym to try the impressive gym. Try a couple of unique culinary locations, like Bear Diner or Route 40 Diner for the feel of a small town lunch, or since you're so close to Philadelphia, how about a taste of Philly by checking out Milan's Real Philly Cheesesteaks and Hoagies.
Georgetown
According to Delaware demographics, Georgetown is located in central Delaware, a small town of around 7,800 residents. While visiting the area, be sure to call ahead and free up some time for the Marvel Carriage Museum, where you can visit a schoolhouse or blacksmith shop from the 19th century.
A few miles north of town is the Redden State Forest that has 44 miles of trails, along with bicycling and bird watching available. Looking to relax with a cold beverage? Try some of the favorite brews of the area by heading to Revelation Craft Brewing on South Bedford Street. Hit up dinner at a local restaurant, the Georgetown Family Restaurant for steak, seafood, or pasta.
Newark
This next town is a great option for visitors of Delaware who prefer small town living, and that still has the pulse of a college town. Newark, northwest of another town on the list, Bear, is home to around 30,000 residents as of 2025, according to the most recent census. Newark is the home of the University of Delaware, so there's never a shortage of things to see or do, and since its a college town, its an affordable destination for budget conscious travelers.
Visit the botanical garden on campus to check out local plants and flowers native to the northeast. Or if minerals are more your thing, stop by the University of Delaware Mineralogical Museum to view gemstones, meteorites, and more. Looking for local scenery while you go for a run? A great option is the Middle Run Valley Nature Area that has 10 trails winding through 16 miles of scenic nature.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is the perfect Delaware destination if you want a small town with a big reputation. Home to only 1,100 people according to the 2020 census, this vacation hotspot balloons up to over 25,000 during the summer months. Many will point you to the Rehoboth Boardwalk for your first stop, and they wouldn't be wrong. Shops and dining options dot this sandy beach overlooking the ocean, while families play and relax under the sun.
Speaking of shopping, Rehoboth Avenue is the other go to spot for retail and fun, with its unique shops, it definitely shows off Rehoboth Beach as one of the most charming towns in Delaware. You can also bring the kids to Midway Speedway Park for go-karts, mini-golf and other games for the kids of all ages. If you want a more natural experience, visit the Delaware Seashore State Park for ocean views, soft, sandy beaches, and plenty of ways to appreciate Delaware scenery.
Seaford
Situated in southwest Delaware, Seaford, with just under 9,000 residents as of the 2025 census, has the Nanticoke River flowing around the southern edge of town. If history is a passion of yours, stop at the Governor Ross Mansion, a restored 19th-century architectural marvel with an interesting story about life pre-Civil War. You can also visit the Seaford Museum, an old post office, controlled and ran only by locals, giving you a taste of the states history.
Just southwest of town, appreciate all of Delaware's nature and beauty at the Barnes Wood Nature Preserve, a 23-acre pine forest with a 4,000-foot trail to take in the unique swampy area.
New Castle
New Castle is a town six miles south of Wilmington and situated on the banks of the Delaware River. Because of the proximity to Wilmington and Philadelphia, PA, New Castle seems bigger than just under 6,000 residents. Like many northeast towns, it is full of history due to its age, and one place to see is the New Castle Historic District, where you can see the Dutch House and Amstel House up close and learn about these homes that go back to the Revolutionary War.
Looking for unforgettable engineering, drive across the Delaware Memorial Bridge as one of 100,000 vehicles that cross it daily. Then, take time to appreciate the area's art and culture with Fourth Friday Art on the Town, where shops and restaurants host exhibits and receptions every month (except December).
Lewes
Lying on the shores where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this shoreline town of 3,303, according to the 2020 census, has plenty for visitors to do. With so much natural beauty surrounding Lewes, the real question is, does this town deserve more attention?
Starting in the heart of town is the Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, which houses a museum with photographs, archives, and even a research library to learn the area's history. East of the town's edge is Cape Henlopen State Park that has hiking, an observation tower, and beautiful beaches. A little bit north you'll find the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse, which is a historical landmark. North of town feel free to relax at the Lewes Public Beach, which is a popular tourist attraction. Finally, head a little west to find the Great Marsh Preserve, which gives you access to canoeing, kayaking, and bird-watching.
Bethany Beach
One of the last towns you'll run into on Highway 1 is the beautiful, coastal Bethany Beach. You might have guessed it, but beaches are what this town does best, as you'll find plenty of visitors and tourists relaxing and playing on Bethany Beach. The boardwalk behind the beach houses unique and delicious shops and restaurants.
Fenwick Island State Park has 344 acres of shoreline and is a popular spot for surfers. When you feel like getting off the sand, stop at the Freeman Arts Pavilion with showings highlighting comedy, musicals, and children's programs for the whole family. Finally, to end your day, grab some unforgettable seafood and craft cocktails at Bluecoast Bethany.
Middletown
While Delaware has its share of amazing coastal towns to visit, don't sleep on the towns bordering Maryland, especially Middletown. One of the biggest towns on our list, Middletown, is a lively town of 24,164, according to the 2021 census.
Middletown and Odessa have a shared history being so close, and one of the most visited sites is the Corbit Sharp House, a historical landmark connected to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Byway. Also, the Middletown Historical Society is rated as a historical place to visit. Take time to stroll around one of the strengths of the area, Middletown Main Street, where you can cruise in and out of local, unique shops. Want to be part of film history? Check out The Everett, where you can catch live theater and movies in a throwback theater, highlighted in the movie Dead Poets Society.
Milford
This small Delaware town is a great place to visit if you enjoy historic buildings and neighborhoods combined with scenic lakes that capture your attention. Depending on the time of year, there are plenty of festivals to enjoy, like the Bug and Bud Festival in April, the Riverwalk Farmer's Market and Downtown Milford's First Friday summer through fall, and the Holiday Stroll and Christmas Market in December.
Don't forget to check out three historic districts, a former post office, landmark Parsone Thorne Mansion, and the Vineyard Shipyard. Also, take a stroll around scenic Silver Lake and Haven Lake on the east side of town.
As you can see, whether you're looking for a summer beach trip, a fall trip to see the colors, or even holidays in the northeast, Delaware has everything you're looking for, as well as some surprises. It may not have the large metropolitan feel that cities of other states have, but that in no way means it is not worth the trip! The only question remaining is: which town will you choose?
