2025's 11 Most Scenic Delaware Towns

Although Delaware is synonymous with historical significance and cultural vibrance, it also goes big on nature. On the one hand, it has a picturesque coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the east, with sandy beaches and generally flat plains. On the other hand, the northern region is characterized by a hilly Piedmont with rolling landscapes. This delightful diversity opens doors for nature lovers to engage in an array of fun outdoor adventures, from hiking and hunting to swimming and birdwatching, among others.

As you plan your 2025 travel itinerary in the First State, you'll come across charming little towns harboring a treasure trove of natural beauty. From gentle riverside enclaves framed by forests to coastal villages basking in the sun, these precious gems enable visitors to be one with nature. So, from Rehoboth Beach to Greenville, here are the 11 most scenic Delaware towns worth visiting.

Newark

Newark is a small city in northern Delaware with a rich network of green spaces, promising nature lovers a wonderful time outdoors. The town hosts Rittenhouse Park, a 46-acre oasis on the banks of the Christina Creek. It offers winding trails through quiet woodlands and manicured lawns for leisurely walks. White Clay Creek State Park beckons adventurers with over 35 miles of scenic pathways meandering through its 3,500-acre wilderness. Its lush and rugged terrain draws hikers, mountain bikers, anglers, and campers looking to reconnect with nature. Newark is also home to the Newark Reservoir, which provides a path along the shoreline where one can partake in a relaxing stroll around the perimeter.

Lewes

Steeped in history, this coastal town in Sussex County is surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Delaware Bay and spoils guests with fantastic water views. Its vast open spaces graciously complement the wide blue skies, perfectly embodied by the 5,000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park. This spectacularly combines virgin beaches and maritime forests to provide a secluded escape from downtown.

The best way to soak up the scenery is by water, and Cape Water Tours & Taxi offers unforgettable sightseeing tours. Lewes also provides access to the Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve, a pristine barrier island with salt marshes and sandy beaches, inviting vacationers for a unique coastal experience.

Laurel

This Sussex County community promises a mixed bag of surprises for ardent outdoorsmen across its natural spaces. There are numerous opportunities to escape civilization, thanks to Phillips Landing Park. This isolated natural area is marked by dense woodlands, deserted walking trails, and serene wetlands, providing a playground for fishermen and kayakers.

Additionally, Trap Pond State Park is Laurel's ultimate getaway for all things outdoor immersion. Straddling almost 4,000 acres, this expansive sanctuary with old-growth cypress trees, a nature center, and scenic pond accommodates campers, kayakers, hikers, anglers, and more. The presence of Broad Creek adds to the natural scenery in Laurel as it meanders through the town, granting guests adorable vistas.

Delaware City

Delaware City is a quiet town on the Delaware River with a tranquil rural atmosphere and undisturbed natural beauty. It is famously home to Fort Delaware State Park, which sits in the middle of the Delaware River on Pea Patch Island. It takes a ferry ride to access the historic fort, an excellent opportunity to admire the scenery from the water. The 300-acre Fort DuPont State Park boasts some of the best vistas of the iconic waterway. However, it is also a recreational hub where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking. Finally, don't forget to check out Dragon Run Park when you want privacy as you explore the open spaces.

Smyrna

This small town straddles the counties of Kent and New Castle, harboring vast open spaces with undisturbed landscapes. The Smyrna River also cuts through the community, alongside other water bodies like Duck Creek Pond and Lake Como. Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of recreational escapes, including Big Oak County Park. It covers a 90-acre property and family-friendly amenities. Further into the backcountry, you will come across the Blackbird State Forest, where 40 miles of trails meander through maple, gum, oak, and yellow-poplar trees on over 6,000 acres.

Adventurers come here to explore its primitive camp sites, picnic areas, and rugged hiking routes. Elsewhere, birdwatchers can look forward to exciting moments at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a scenic 12-mile wildlife drive.

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach provides vacationers with a mix of water fun, beach scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere to make for an easygoing experience by the water. Beaches are a major attraction in the town and contribute to its beautiful outdoor scenery. Guests flock to the smooth sands of Dewey Beach to soak in the sun and revel in the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the horizon. Also, a trip to the Rehoboth Bay Marina offers access to the water, where tourists can choose between sunset boating cruises to admire exceptional bay views.

If you visit Dewey Beach with kids, you can take them to the John Waples Memorial Playground. This lovely space has playground equipment, clean beaches, and other facilities for a fun family day out.

Milton

Milton is a beautiful community on the banks of the Broadkill River and home to Wagamons Pond. These scenic natural landscapes make up part of its impressive outdoor scenery, providing opportunities for recreation for visitors. These range from fishing and boating to simple nature viewing. The Milton Memorial Park provides a lush green atmosphere where newcomers have a low-key picnic and stare at the calm waters of the Broadkill River.

Furthermore, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is where everybody immerses themselves in outdoor adventure. It covers at least 10,000 acres and harbors hundreds of migratory bird species. It is also a popular getaway for canoeing, fishing, boating, and more, and offers unique perspectives of the Delaware Bay.

Rehoboth Beach

Between its picturesque boardwalk, pristine beaches, and spellbinding vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Beach is one of the most scenic Delaware towns. The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is constantly jostling with newcomers craving the best views of the Atlantic waters. But if you want to get closer to the sea, you can head to the isolated coastal wilderness of Delaware Seashore State Park. This boasts 6 miles of spectacular shoreline and unlimited outdoor fun, from swimming and lounging to sightseeing.

Also, the Junction and Breakwater Trail invites hikers, bikers, and joggers to savor a green atmosphere in Rehoboth Beach. The picturesque route winds through a section of pine and hardwood forests with fabulous overlooks.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a quintessential beach town on the East Coast, framed by the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Indian River Bay. It is a place where people go to let their hair down and spend quality time in the sun. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is a popular gathering spot for sightseers and provides some of the best ocean vistas against the vast open skies. Meanwhile, nature lovers easily gravitate towards the Bethany Beach Nature Center for a quiet walk along wooded trails surrounded by lush landscapes and serene ponds. Golf enthusiasts can also find an excellent opportunity to test their swing at Bear Trap Dunes. However, what makes this 27-hole course special is its enveloping natural beauty.

Milford

Milford is a charming riverfront community in central Delaware with a reputation for fun outdoor recreation. It welcomes residents to explore its beautiful river scenery along the Mispillion Riverwalk. This short but adorable promenade spans about a mile of the beautiful river as it meanders gradually around the town.

Abbott's Mill Nature Center provides a tranquil outdoor space with a pristine pond surrounded by woodlands, wetlands, swamps, and streams. It is the ideal escape for those who crave to reconnect with Mother Nature in its rawest form. This is also true for the DuPont Nature Center, which lies on the confluence of Cedar Creek and the Mispillion River and harbors a thriving bird population.

Dover

The Delaware state capital carefully balances a vibrant downtown district with a laid-back, green backcountry to achieve the best of both worlds. Outdoor lovers have much to look forward to for their recreation, including fishing for striped bass or enjoying the scenery at Silver Lake Park. This relaxed oasis in the heart of the city offers 182 acres of outdoor adventure, including boating, paddling, walking, and more. Families often converge at Schutte Park to take advantage of kid-friendly amenities, including ball fields and a playground.

Additionally, you can bask in Dover's natural splendor during a low-key golf game at Dover Par 3. This 18-hole championship course is home to full-size greens and presents a tranquil natural setting with shady trees and brilliant blue skies.

The First State has no shortage of picturesque gems spread across its territory, from the hilly north to the flattened south. While many are known for their historical heritage, some provide the perfect destination for travelers motivated by experiences in the great outdoors of the United States. Between the scenic sandy beaches in Bethany Beach and the forested wildernesses in Laurel, the most scenic Delaware towns showcase the state's God-given allure, while allowing you an unforgettable experience in the open.