8 Idyllic Small Towns In Delaware To Visit In 2025

Delaware is a small state nestled in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It was the first British colony to ratify the US Constitution, which earned it the nickname “the First State.” Despite its small size, Delaware is loaded with attractions that are easily reachable from some of its most idyllic small towns. Such towns might appear uncrowded and peaceful but there is no dearth of activities to make for an exciting vacation in these towns. Explore the historical appeal and serene waterfront of Lewes, visit the "potato houses" of Laurel, and delve into the history of World War II-era aircraft in Georgetown. Delaware's idyllic small towns are waiting to be explored.

Hockessin

In the northern part of Delaware, Hockessin is renowned for its Quaker heritage and numerous natural attractions. Mount Cuba Center is a botanical garden that specializes in the cultivation of local plants and is open for visitors from all over. This center merged with the Red Clay Reservation, combining nearly 1,100 acres of cultivated gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Ashland Nature Center, also located in Hockessin, is popular among bird lovers and photographers due to its rich birdlife. Hockessin’s Harvest Market is a year-round indoor farmer’s market known for fresh produce and an excellent selection of locally grown food. The Marshall Steam Museum is located approximately five minutes from the town center and is known for its displays of historic cars and exhibitions on the history of automobile travel.

Laurel

Nestled in the south of Delaware, Laurel has its roots in the pre-revolutionary period before the United States declared independence in 1776. Among Laurel's historic buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the town distinguishes itself with a unique type of attraction: the "potato house." Built to store spuds grown in the area, the barn-like structures reflect the architecture and the specifics of the agrarian economy from the town's early days. Laurel has 10 potato houses, which are listed on the NRHP.

Laurel’s downtown is also listed on the NRHP for well-preserved buildings and a quaint pedestrian-only shopping area. Spend some time in nature at Trap Pond State Park, known for its excellent paddle boating opportunities. December is the perfect time of year to visit Laurel for those who wish to attend the Christmas Parade, a major festive event in Laurel.

Bridgeville

Bridgeville, located in southern Delaware, is known for an unexpected crop: watermelon, which usually thrives in much warmer climates. Evans Farms hosts numerous events throughout the year, focusing on watermelon and other local produce. Bridgeville has even hosted visits from the National Watermelon Queen, a pageant winner, and the event is produced in cooperation with the National Watermelon Association. Bridgeville puts on an Apple-Scrapple Festival each year in honor of this delicious fruit.

For bargain hunters, Bridgeville’s Antique Alley is an antique store that travelers frequent, featuring 70 different vendors. The Bridgeville Historical Society has a museum, as well as markers around town that illuminate its history, which dates back to the late 17th century.

Lewes

On Delaware's Atlantic sea coast, the town of Lewes claims to be the state's very oldest settlement. Founded in 1631 as a whaling community by Dutch settlers, Lewes's history still shines through some of its old buildings. One of the best-standing examples is the Ryves Holt House, built in 1665, which is said to be Delaware's oldest standing building. The Zwaanendael Museum is a testimony to the town’s Dutch-influenced past from early colonial days.

The Cannonball House features a cannonball lodged in the building's side, stuck there since the War of 1812. For history buffs looking to enjoy a coastal town, Lewes is a perfect choice.

Odessa

In Delaware’s north, the town of Odessa joins Hockessin in diversifying Delaware's early religious history. Originally a Dutch settlement from the 17th century, the town later erected the Appoquinimink Quaker Meeting House, a church built in 1785 that still today hosts monthly meetings of the Quakers. Visitors can also kayak along the Appoquinimink River, which works its way near Odessa's historic downtown. In addition, Odessa has a Historic Village for visitors to explore, which hosts events such as a Jane Austen Christmas. Other historic properties such as the Corbit-Sharp House are great spots for visitors to take in the history of Delaware's Odessa.

New Castle

New Castle, set upon the banks of the Delaware River, traces its unusual roots to the 17th century. Founded in 1651, the town is remarkable for the fact it once served as Delaware's capital from 1776-1777. Indeed, state delegates gathered here in 1776 and proclaimed a constitution and formed the state of Delaware, setting in motion the region's "first state" character and history. New Castle hosts a New Castle Walking Tour of the main historic sites from the town’s early settlement. The Old Library is a popular site on this tour and was originally commissioned as a law library. The Historic New Castle Courthouse Museum, an 18th-century courthouse, is also open to visitors. For history lovers of all ages, New Castle is a great destination.

Bear

Bear in Northern Delaware is close to the Maryland border and the Delaware city of Wilmington. According to legend, the town was named for a tavern sign that had a bear on it, causing American Revolutionary soldiers in the 1770s to refer to the town as “bear.” This small town became a crossroads between travelers passing through from Wilmington to other parts of the state. White Hall is a historic farmhouse in the area built in the 1830s with an Italianate style. Lums Pond State Park is located in Bear and features the largest freshwater lake in Delaware. The park has paddleboats, trails, and a nature center for a family-friendly visit. For rock climbers, Bear is also known for the Delaware Rock Gym as a place to build strength and skill in rock climbing.

Georgetown

In southern Delaware, Georgetown acts as the seat of Sussex County. Established in 1791, the town underwent the pain of split loyalties during the Civil War in the 1860s. Georgetown’s historic town center is laid out in a circle, rather than the more common square. Georgetown Walking Tours are a great way to explore the historic town center and its unique features. The Delaware Aviation Museum is located in Georgetown and hosts many World War II-era aircraft from the 1940s. The Marvel Carriage Museum has a unique display of historic carriages that provided transportation throughout the years. If you are ever in southern Delaware, Georgetown is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Delaware’s Idyllic Small Towns Reward Their Visitors

As these small towns suggest, Delaware is a state rich in history and in landscapes to enjoy. Whether you are inclined towards the ocean and coastal views, or interior gardens, lakes, and historic sites, Delaware has much untouched beauty and man-made gems. The historic town centers are very well-preserved, but also with easy transportation and access to other parts of the East Coast. For a rich and interesting glimpse into the history and Mid-Atlantic culture of the United States, Delaware is where it all comes together, making it a great destination for 2025.