These 7 Towns In Delaware Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025

In March of this year, the Delaware Tourism Office reported that a record-breaking 29.3 million people visited the state in 2023, which is more than the entire population of Australia! Given how small Delaware is, these figures are remarkable. But where exactly are all these visitors heading? The following towns have ranked time and time again as some of the state’s most beloved gems, offering miles of beaches, 18th-century historic landmarks, and award-winning restaurants that bring forth the best side of the First State.

Fenwick Island

You can easily fill out a vacation itinerary on Fenwick Island, with its water park, state park, and plenty of seafood restaurants to enjoy. Fenwick Island State Park is one of the state’s top spots for swimming and sunbathing, with three miles of shoreline, lifeguards, umbrellas, and beach chair rentals available in the summer. The Viking Golf Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Water Park is also a family favorite, featuring a 19-hole mini golf course, go-kart track, water park, and Viking theme park. After a day on the beach or at the theme park, head to the Fenwick Crab House for dinner, which is famous for serving “The Perfect Crab Cake.” Other delicious dishes on the menu include lobster, fresh fish, angus steaks, barbecue ribs, and all-you-can-eat steamed crabs.

Bethany Beach

Home to a little over 1,000 residents and just up the road from Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach is a small, yet lively coastal community that makes the most of its seaside location. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is a hub for activity in the area, stretching half a mile along the ocean and lined with restaurants and shops. Travelers looking to catch some waves can visit the Bethany Surf Shop, a town staple since 1980, offering rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards. If Bethany Beach’s beauty has inspired you, stop by the Beach Life Gallery for a souvenir. Run by Michael Orhelein, the gallery showcases works celebrating the beach and sea, offering a lasting reminder of your visit.

Newark

With the energetic University of Delaware at its heart, 33 parks, and 17 miles of trails, Newark has plenty to do. White Clay Creek State Park, which lies on the edge of town, is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, featuring the state’s most heavily stocked waters, a disc golf course, 13 trails, and vital habitat for nesting birds, including the elusive cerulean warbler. The town also boasts award-winning restaurants, including Home Grown Cafe, which has been repeatedly recognized in Delaware Today’s Best of Delaware and numerous other honors. Catch a show from the Chapel Street Players to experience a piece of the town’s performing arts scene. This season's Upcoming performances include Rumors, Pygmalion, Arsenic, and Old Lace.

Lewes

Established in 1631, Lewes is Delaware’s oldest settlement, full of history, and is on the coast. Travelers interested in exploring this history can tour the Historic Lewes Town Campus. This site features nine historic buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. A few buildings on the property include the recreated Sussex Tavern, the Burton-Ingram House, and the Thompson Country Store. If you prefer to focus your trip on water recreation, check out Fisherman’s Wharf, a local outfitter offering dolphin tours, seal and whale watching, fishing charters, and sunset cruises. Visitors can unwind at the end of the day by checking into the Inn at Canal Square, a Nantucket-style inn on the canalfront that serves a complimentary, European-inspired breakfast each morning.

Smyrna

While many of Delaware’s top destinations are beach-focused, Smyrna is known for Lake Como. And no, it’s not the famous one in Italy! This recreation area is open every day of the week during the summer, and is one of the only public swimming lakes in the state. The town’s restaurants are equally deserving of attention. Travelers can fuel up for the day at Helen’s Sausage House, which has been serving its famous sausage sandwiches since 1983. Beyond the lake and its restaurants, the town also has an exciting performing arts scene, with visitors able to grab a show at the Smyrna Opera House. Built in 1870, this historic venue hosts events, with upcoming exhibitions including A Man Named Cash, the 80s Revolution, and “The Sky’s The Limit” Art Exhibition.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is just a half hour from Lewes and is arguably one of the top destinations for outdoor recreation in Delaware. You won’t find much better shoreline than that at Delaware Seashore State Park, which runs six and a half miles along the ocean and 20 miles along the bay. Hikers and bikers can exercise along the Junction & Breakwater Trail, which connects Rehoboth Beach to Lewes, extending six miles through coastal marshes, pine and hardwood forests, and open fields. For a meal with a view, head to Above The Dunes, a beachfront restaurant that has earned multiple nominations from Delaware Today readers, including Best Seafood Restaurant, Best View, and Best Rehoboth Beach Restaurant.

New Castle

Founded in 1651, New Castle has over 600 historic structures, making it a paradise for history lovers. At its heart, travelers will find the Historic New Castle district, home to landmarks like the 1776 New Castle Court House, one of the oldest in the United States. The Read House and Gardens is another impressive historical site in town, featuring a 14,000 square foot mansion built between 1797 and 1804; the interior is open for visits between Thursday and Sunday each week. Travelers can conclude their day with a beer at Jessop’s Tavern, a colonial tavern and restaurant with more than 200 Belgian beers.

Despite its small size, Delaware is packed with scenic destinations, and these seven towns are the perfect evidence of that. Towns like Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and Rehoboth Beach exemplify the state’s seaside beauty, while others, like Lewes and New Castle, preserve some of the region’s most spectacular historic landmarks. But head out and explore them for yourself; you will likely discover a favorite or two of your own along the way!