9 Most Charming River Towns in Delaware to Visit in 2024

Delaware is an incredible destination rich in history, nature, culture, and much more. The state is also famous for its many rivers, some of which include the Delaware River, Saint Jones River, and Murderkill River. These rivers either flow through or are located beside many small towns in Delaware, making the settlements incredibly charming and full of exciting outdoor adventures. From the exciting waterfront Battery Park in New Castle to the Mispillion Riverwalk in Milford, there are so many amazing things to enjoy in these towns year-round. Take a break from the larger cities and head over to these charming river towns in Delaware in 2024.

Leipsic

Leipsic is a small town in Kent County, with the Leipsic River running through it. This quaint river town with just below 200 residents fits the prospects for a destination where one can enjoy a serene vacation away from the crowd. On a visit here, the banks of the river beckon for strolls with natural views, while fishing and crabbing are some ways to stay active.

Next, head back into the small town to explore its historic buildings, such as the Victorian-era Sipple House and the 19th-century Reed House. Bask in the beauty of nature at the nearby Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, home to wildlife such as bald eagles, white-tailed deer, red foxes, and thousands of ducks and cheese.

New Castle

New Castle is a historic town by the Delaware River, where history and nature harmonize to give visitors a treat. On the historic side, the New Castle Historic District is home to more than 500 historic structures spanning four centuries of architecture. There is also the First State National Historic Park, home to the Sheriff Historic Houses, and the New Castle Courthouse Museum, dating back to 1730.

On the recreational side, the town is home to the waterfront Battery Park which has about three miles of trails along the Delaware River and picnic areas. After the adventures, get refilled at the historic Jessop's Tavern, which offers sensational meals. Art lovers can visit the nearby Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington to see over 12,000 collections of objects and a nine-acre sculpture park.

Bowers

This gorgeous town, better known as Bowers Beach, sits beside Delaware Bay, between St. Jones and Murderkill Rivers, a spectacular location for recreation and scenery. Head to the serene bay to stroll along the public beach, sunbathe, hold picnics, and go boating. Meanwhile, the surrounding Murderkill and St. Jones Rivers present abundant recreational opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Away from the waters, Bowers has a couple of parks, some of which include, Watermen's Park (perfect for family gatherings) and Church Street (featuring a pavilion and playground equipment). Before leaving, visit the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum to learn about the town’s history.

Milton

Milton graces the banks of Broadkill River that runs into Delaware Bay and creates a picturesque backdrop for recreation and relaxation. The river is a great spot for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. There are also other water bodies around town such as Wagamonds, Diamond, and Lavina Ponds, for visitors to engage in exciting outdoor endeavors, especially fishing. In addition, the town is home to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which is a haven for migratory birds.

This wildlife refuge is a must-visit as it has over 245 bird species alongside several habitats, including freshwater and salt marshes, ponds, and forested lands. The refuge also features walking trails, a canoe trail, and wildlife observation centers for visitors to explore. For something different, enjoy history at the Milton Historic District, home to buildings constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries.

Laurel

The old town of Laurel in Sussex County is a beauty to behold along Broad Creek, which is a tributary of the Nanticoke River. This enchanting river town is a great place to explore the past while enjoying nature's beauty. Start with a dose of history at the Laurel Heritage Museum and then head to the Trap Pond State Park, which has a 90-acre pond, hiking trails, wildlife, and great birdwatching opportunities.

Afterward, visit more historic attractions in Laurel, including the Cook House and Old Christ Church (constructed in 1772). Before leaving, visit Abbott's on Broad Creek, a restaurant where a fresh meal and gorgeous river views can hit the right spot and create unforgettable memories.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is a charming town bisected by the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, and situated right on the Atlantic Ocean. The town boasts miles of pristine shoreline and other incredible attractions like the iconic boardwalk, lined up with shops and restaurants. Visitors here can enjoy picnics, surfing, fishing, and kayaking on the beach and then head to Silver Lake to capture the scenery. Next, Grove Park invites solo travelers or families to enjoy its picnic pavilions, and playground filled with fun facilities.

For history buffs, the Rehoboth Beach Museum is adjacent to Grove Park, and a quick visit to learn about the town’s past is not a bad idea. Other attractions in Rehoboth Beach worth a visit include Lee Street Park (great for relaxation under trees), and Central Parks (great for walking).

Milford

Milford is a scenic town along the Mispillion River, where life is laid-back, and the scenery is inviting year-round. The town is also home to lots of exciting attractions like the Mispillion Riverwalk, which stretches for one mile through the core of the downtown. Along this Riverwalk are art installations and murals, shops, restaurants, and even a basketball court.

In addition, check out some of the town’s notable landmarks like Bicentennial Park, which is a great place to relax, and the Vinyard Shipyard, which hosts the 1920s homes of workers who helped build the area’s maritime industry. To wrap up, learn more about Milford’s local wildlife at DuPont Nature Center and then head to Milford Museum to delve deeper into the town’s history from the 1700s.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a summer dream vacation destination for most tourists in Delaware, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Delaware Seashore State Park to the north. The town is also close to the Indian River Inlet and is surrounded by many small creeks and streams. With the town bordering such a massive ocean, visitors here will have access to several public beaches for activities like surfing, sunbathing, and boating. Laid-back tourists can also stroll on the half-mile Bethany Beach Boardwalk while admiring the raging waters and beach revelers.

For something even more exciting, head to the 2,825-acre Delaware Seashore State Park, which boasts more than 20 miles of shoreline, campgrounds, and over seven miles of trail for hikers, bikers, and bird-lovers. Bethany Beach Nature Center is one of the top attractions to visit in town before leaving, as it hosts over 100 bird species, and other wildlife, as well as trails that go through forest areas.

Lewes

Lewes is one of the oldest towns in Delaware worth visiting anytime. While it is full of history, its location by the Delaware Bay and Broadkill River, means it is full of natural things to see and do. For starters, the town is near the Cape Henlopen State Park, where several beaches are open year-round for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Also, check out the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse and walk on the few nature trails around the park for birdwatching.

Lewes Beach is an alternate option for similar recreational pursuits in this town. In addition, the Lewes Canalfront Park and Marina is a popular outdoor hotspot in town to relax with family and friends, and also engage in various fun activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing. For a touch of history, visit the Zwaanendael Museum to learn more about the town’s history.

The river towns in Delaware are reminders that nature is still alive despite the threatening activities of modern civilization. And for visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful vacation without the crowd, these river towns set the ideal landscape for experiences that will never be forgotten. Nature's beauty, tranquility, history, warm locals, stunning cuisines, and authentic cultures all combine to spoil visitors to these towns. All it takes is one visit or maybe, two, and you might want to stay back for a lifetime vacation.