8 Most Overlooked Delaware Towns For 2025
Delaware, the First State, is a unique place with much to offer, from lush forest areas full of wildlife to hidden beaches and historic houses dating back to the 1700s. While its larger cities host some exciting attractions worth visiting, the bulk of Delaware’s top natural, cultural, and historic draws are hidden in its lesser-known towns, such as Laurel and Smyrna. For instance, one of the state’s best forests for hiking and biking can be found in the lesser-known Smyrna, while Delaware’s first courthouse, where the state declared independence, is located in the tiny town of New Castle. So even though they may be off the beaten path, these towns in Delaware have plenty of ways to reward those who make the time to visit in 2025. Veer off the well-trodden paths today and enjoy true serenity and recreation in these overlooked towns in Delaware.
Laurel
Populated by around 3,800 people, Laurel is one of Delaware’s smallest and least-visited towns, where travelers will be met with Phillips Landing State Park, one of the top fishing spots in the state. This park is also open for boating, kayaking, and picnicking with views of the Nanticoke River. Notably, the area is where Captain John Smith, the first English explorer to map the Chesapeake Bay area and New England, first met with the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. Today, a monument in the park commemorates the English explorer. More exciting, Laurel is home to the famous Trap Pond State Park, which preserves a wetland and the northernmost bald cypress forest in the US. This park also features a diverse array of plants, fish, and bird species, along with campsites, trails, and picnic areas. Meanwhile, the park’s Trap Pond is a paradise for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, while the Bald Cypress Nature Center features exhibits and programs highlighting the area’s rich natural endowments. And for those who love shopping, the Laurel Junction Flea Market has a wide variety of things to offer, from antiques and collectibles to clothing, food, jewelry, and more.
Middletown
Middletown is an off-the-beaten-path town in Delaware with a surprising list of things to excite everyone. For travelers who love the outdoors, this town is home to Silver Lake Park and Charles E. Price Memorial Park, both featuring expansive green fields, sporting facilities, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing. Elsewhere, Augustine Beach offers true serenity alongside impressive views of Delaware Bay and activities like fishing and boating. For a little scare, Frightland is in Middletown and is regarded as one of the top haunted attractions in the country. The establishment has up to eight terrifying attractions, including a mile-long haunted hayride and four indoor haunted houses. In addition, the town has Westown Movies, one of the coolest theatres in Delaware, featuring a massive screen and comfortable seating with extra leg room and headrest adjustment.
Felton
At first glance, Felton might seem like an uninspiring destination populated by around 1,500 people, but this town is exciting, just often overlooked and uncrowded. For starters, it hosts the Killens Pond State Park, one of the coolest natural attractions in Delaware. This park alone is worth the visit to Felton, as it has the 66-acre Killens Pond, which is excellent for paddling and fishing. The park also includes a boardwalk, wildlife, fully equipped campsites, and a water park with a leisure pool and slides. There’s even a nature center in the park with live animals and plant exhibits, plus trails are available for easy exploration of the park’s fauna and flora. The Pondside Trail, one of the park’s top trails, invites visitors to a two-mile journey along the pond and through a hardwood forest, with opportunities to fish, camp, and boat.
Those who love Italian food will be in luck in Felton as Anna & Mike’s Ristorante is in town, serving pizza and authentic Italian food, such as al dente spaghetti. Meanwhile, less than 10 minutes from town is the Browns Branch County Park, where one can enjoy sports, hike through forested areas, and picnic.
New Castle
New Castle is a charming and historic town on the Delaware River, often bypassed for the larger Wilmington, which is just six miles away. But this town is so interesting that it is worth a flight to Delaware. Initially settled in 1651 by the Dutch, New Castle is a haven for colonial history and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the US. The Dutch House Museum in town is reputed to be one of the earliest European structures in North America. It now offers insights into the architectural and cultural history of the area in the 17th century. Just nearby is the New Castle Court House Museum, which was built in 1730 and served as Delaware’s first courthouse, as well as the site where the state declared independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain in 1776. Today, this museum preserves and interprets the region’s colonial history and Delaware’s role in establishing the United States. Besides its history, New Castle has Battery Park, which delights visitors with a paved three-mile trail along the Delaware River.
Delaware City
Delaware City is a delightful little town on the Delaware River that hosts some of the state’s top attractions. Despite its population of just below 2,000 people, this less popular town in Delaware is where to find Fort Delaware State Park, home to an island fortress built to protect the region during the Civil War. The fortress also housed prisoners of war during the Civil War and served in World War II. Today, visitors are invited to tour the historic structure on Pea Patch Island and witness live re-enactments of the Civil War era. The park is also a haven for birds such as ospreys and bald eagles, plus it is famous for its paranormal activities. Fort DuPont State Park is another top attraction for Delaware City. Originally built to defend port cities along the river, the park now provides picnicking, fishing, and hiking opportunities. As for horse lovers, or those who have never ridden a horse, the Cozy Quarters Farm in town is a great place to be. This establishment offers lessons, horse riding, horses for sale, and horse leasing.
Millsboro
Millsboro is one of Delaware’s lesser-known gems that packs exciting attractions. Positioned on the Indian River, this town hosts the Cupola Park, where outdoor buffs can fish or picnic under large cypress trees with views of the river. Elsewhere, the Peninsula Golf & Country Club offers luxury and recreation on the Indian River Bay. This resort community features everything from a full-service spa to a theme park, a clubhouse, a beach and pier, and, more importantly, an 18-hole championship golf course with impressive scenery. Additionally, Millsboro is historic and hosts the Nanticoke Indian Museum, which is dedicated to telling the stories of the Nanticoke Indian tribe, which inhabited the area before the arrival of the Europeans. In the museum, visitors will be met with a variety of artifacts and exhibits showcasing different aspects of the Nanticoke people, including their clothing, weapons, art and craft, language, and tools. La Tonalteca is also in Millsboro to make any visit memorable with cold drinks and delicious Mexican dishes, including tacos and margaritas.
Seaford
Seaford sits pretty on the Nanticoke River, inviting travelers to a laid-back vacation full of historical discoveries, natural scenery, and outdoor fun. Once here, the Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation can be the first port of call, as the Italian-style Victorian home was built in 1859 and served as the home of Governor William H. H. Ross, Delaware’s youngest governor. The mansion today offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the 19th century, and includes the only known slave quarters in Delaware. Next, visitors can check out the Seaford Museum, which has thousands of artifacts showcasing the area’s rich history, from the Nanticoke Indians to the town’s maritime, shipbuilding, and railroad heritage. As for outdoor recreation, the town’s Gateway Park is a great place to sit and enjoy views of gorgeous trees and a fountain, while the 18-hole Hooper’s Landing Golf Course offers a pleasurable golfing experience with picturesque natural scenery.
Smyrna
Smyrna is one of Delaware’s charming towns, often overshadowed by the popularity of the likes of Dover and Wilmington. Yet, the town knows how to leave lasting impressions, especially with unique attractions like Woodland Beach. Located just a few miles from downtown, this beach is one of the state’s hidden coastal spots where one can relax and enjoy the views of the water or stroll on the sand and pick some seaglass. There’s even a pier on the beach, setting the stage for some amazing fishing, plus some of the best sunsets in Delaware can be seen here. More adventures in nature are available at the nearby Blackbird State Forest, which covers over 5,400 acres. This state forest is made up of trees such as maple, gum, and hickory, alongside shrubs, lakes, wetland, and wildlife, some of which include white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Over 40 miles of trails are available for hiking and biking through this expansive woodland, while campsites and picnic sites are available for relaxation. Back in town, the Smyrna Rest Area is always a cool place to picnic in a large green area and stroll through a memorial garden featuring native plants, flowers, a pond, and engraved names of those who died on the state’s highways. The Painted Stave Distilling is also in downtown Smyrna, offering quality spirits and cocktails.
The only things you’ll be missing out on when visiting these towns in Delaware are the crowds and maybe a few exciting attractions, which by the way are never too far away from any of these towns. Other things that make a place pleasurable, from restaurants and parks to golf courses and trails, await in these Delaware towns. Plus, these towns are just adorable, with most positioned beside waterbodies such as the Delaware and Nanticoke rivers, while being surrounded by lush forest areas. With the small 2,489 square mile size of Delaware, these towns are also in proximity to each other, making it easy to visit them all in one robust adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime.
