7 Small Towns In Delaware To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
Ready for a great weekend getaway in 2025? Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but it packs quite a punch in its small package. From the sandy shores of the Atlantic coastline to historical colonial communities that feel like stepping inside a postcard, there’s something for everyone in the Blue Hen State. Whether it's taking a ride on the Ferris wheel in Rehoboth Beach or touring historic mansions in Odessa, Delaware has a way of making time slow down. When you’re ready, let's take a look at some of Delaware’s most delightful hidden corners to check out in 2025.
Lewes
For a laid-back, beachy weekend, Lewes is a great option. Fun fact: Lewes is known as the First Town in the First State, and saw European settlers as early as 1631! If your ideal weekend consists of relaxing under an umbrella, listening to the waves crash against the shore, Lewes Public Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the area. With sandy shores, stunning sunrises, and calm waters, it’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon.
As one of Delaware’s oldest towns, there are plenty of historical attractions in the area worth checking out. Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the more popular attractions in the area that blends the natural beauty of the coastline with historical treasures that depict the rich history of the area. You can explore old underground bunkers and artillery displays dating back to World War II, or take a tour of the quaint Seaside Nature Center. To make your weekend truly memorable, be sure to check in at The Inn at Canal Square! Just imagine waking up to views of the ocean within walking distance of some of Lewes' best attractions.
Millsboro
How about a weekend of farmer’s markets, riverside parks, and charming downtown strolls? Millsboro has more than enough to fill a weekend, and it doesn’t see the traffic and crowds of some of Delaware’s bigger resort towns. Located along the peaceful shores of the Indian River, you can grab brunch at Nectar Cafe and Juice Bar, and then take a walk along the river at Cupola Park. For cozy (and surprisingly affordable) accommodations, the avid hotel Millsboro is centrally located in town and one of the best places to stay.
Just outside of central Millsboro is Trap Pond State Park, one of Delaware’s most popular parks. It’s home to one of the northernmost natural bald cypress swamps, where you can launch a canoe and paddle through its calm waters. There are also over 12 miles of hiking trails that meander through dense forests and wetlands. On your drive to the park, you’ll pass right by Brittingham Farms, where you can stroll through lavender fields or shop at their local market.
Bethany Beach
In the mood for fun and funky beach vibes? Bethany Beach delivers precisely what you’d expect from a beach retreat: miles of sandy shores and quirky attractions only found in a quirky resort town. Sure, you could spend the day soaking up the sun at one of their many public beach accesses, but there’s so much more to discover in town! The Bethany Beach Boardwalk drives most visitors to this beach town, allowing visitors to walk down the quaint wooden boardwalk along the coast and stop at shops like Dickey's Frozen Custard or catch a live show at the Bethany Beach Bandstand.
If you dream of waking up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites is a wonderful place to stay. Most of the rooms have a balcony that overlooks the ocean, and are decorated in bright, happy colors you’d only find in a beachside hotel! Plus, it’s located right on the boardwalk, so you can explore the most popular attractions of Bethany Beach without loading the family back into the car.
Odessa
On the northern tip of Delaware is the small town of Odessa, a perfect retreat for history buffs and nature lovers. With manicured brick sidewalks, Victorian-style homes, and small public parks, Odessa feels like a living history museum. The Corbit-Sharp House and Wilson-Warner House in Odessa are open to the public for tours. With breathtaking homes that operate as living museums and manicured gardens, it’s easy to spend an entire weekend exploring the beauty of these century homes.
If you prefer to spend the weekend in nature, the Augustine Wildlife Area is a short (and beautiful) 10-minute drive from central Odessa. It has fantastic hiking trails and boardwalks that take you through dense, untouched forests and wetlands. When you’re ready to hang up your hat after a long day of exploring the sights, staying at the Miller-Dunham House Bed and Breakfast is a must. With cozy accommodations, lush gardens, and a convenient location, it will make you feel like you’re a local!
Bowers Beach
While places like Bethany Beach are for those who live for exciting beach retreats, Bowers Beach is more for those who delight in quiet beach serenity. It’s a place where the crowds are minimal, and it feels more like a sleepy fishing village than a kitschy beach resort town. You can relax at the Bowers Beach Public Access, with its quiet sandy shores and calm waves, or go for a meditative early morning walk. While Bowers Beach may have amazing views, the seafood is even better! Sitting down for a meal at JP's on the Wharf is almost worth the drive alone! Everything on their menu is great, but their biggest claim to fame is their fresh Delaware Bay oysters!
The John Dickinson Plantation near Dover is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. You can explore the old plantation, still furnished as it was when it was an operating farm in the 1800s, or stroll through the beautiful grounds. When you’re ready to relax at the end of a long day, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Frederica is your best option. Bowers Beach is known for its untouched, undeveloped stretch of coastline, so there aren’t many hotels in town. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Frederica is just 10 miles inland from the beach and offers incredibly affordable and cozy accommodations.
Seaford
Despite its misleading name, the town of Seaford isn’t anywhere near the ocean! In fact, it’s smack dab in the middle of the state. With beautiful homes and lovely nature retreats, it’s a small town that's well worth the drive. To learn more about this charming little village, the Seaford Museum is a must-see. It’s a small museum, but it features unique exhibits that span from the prehistoric era to the present day. If you love history, you must see the Governor Ross Mansion, a beautifully restored late 1800s mansion that is open for tours.
Nestled along the banks of the Nanticoke River, the Seaford Riverwalk is a great spot to take in the natural beauty of the area. It features paved trails that wind along the river, accompanied by park benches and lovely, manicured gardens that come alive in the spring and summer. The Chapel Branch Nature Trail is another fantastic trail in the area, taking visitors through shaded forests, wetlands, and open fields. If you’re looking for reasonable accommodations, the Hampton Inn Seaford offers affordable rooms, along with an outstanding indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Rehoboth Beach
If a fun, upbeat beach retreat sounds like your kind of weekend, Rehoboth Beach is a great place to escape for a weekend. Deauville Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, offering a secluded feel with its sandy shores and gently crashing waves. If you’re up for a little excitement, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will not disappoint. The boardwalk is a little more lively than Bethany Beach’s boardwalk, with seafood restaurants overlooking the beach, ice cream stands, and gift shops.
The best attraction on the boardwalk, however, is Funland! It has 18 rides, including a Ferris wheel that overlooks the ocean, a haunted mansion, and bumper cars. When looking for a hotel close to all the action in Rehoboth Beach, the Henlopen Oceanfront Hotel is the best choice. The rooms are affordable, and many have balconies that overlook the beach. Additionally, it is conveniently located on the boardwalk and offers access to Lake Gerar Park.
Slow Down for the Weekend in These Delaware Towns
Each of these towns brings its own brand of Delaware charm. Whether it’s the isolated coastline of Bowers Beach or the lively boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach, they are so much more than coastlines and shaded hiking trails through a forest. Imagine walking the lavender fields of Millsboro or through the opulent mansions of Odessa; weekends feel a little longer in Delaware. So, when you're ready for an escape, these delightful retreats are sure to help you approach the week ahead with a bright and refreshed perspective.
