8 Ideal Delaware Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
Thinking of hitting the road and escaping for a weekend retreat in 2025? Whether you like long walks on the beach or through former colonial villages, Delaware is full of surprises! Nothing will melt away your weekday stress like strolling through the botanical gardens in Millsboro, curling up with a book on the shores of Bethany Beach, or touring the historical landmarks in New Castle. Each of these towns delivers its unique personality, from the nightlife vibes of Dewey Beach to the old-world charm of New Castle. So, pack a bag and let’s dive into these amazing Delaware destinations!
New Castle
A weekend in New Castle feels like stepping into a quaint colonial village similar to Williamsburg, but without the crowds and the traffic! Located in northern Delaware along the Delaware River, it seamlessly blends natural attractions and historical sites. The most notable of the historical attractions in New Castle is the Amstel House and Dutch House museums, both located within a city block of each other. Built in the late 1600s and early 1700s, these two houses showcase the colonial architecture predominant during New Castle’s founding. With original woodwork, period-accurate furnishings, and manicured gardens, they feel like stepping back in time.
Closer to the Delaware River, there’s also the Read House and Gardens, the former home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Read. Situated in central New Castle, the mansion sits on over 2 acres with stunning gardens and a perfectly preserved interior. From the Read House, you can walk over to Battery Park for a lovely walk along the Delaware River. While there are plenty of affordable hotels in the area, The Terry House Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay, and is within walking distance to many of the historical sites in New Castle.
Bethany Beach
Maybe you prefer a beach retreat for your long weekend? Bethany Beach is one of the quieter beach retreats in Delaware, with plenty of family-friendly activities. The ideal day consists of soaking up the sun at Bethany Beach Public Access and taking a leisurely stroll down the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk has a bandstand where live music plays in the summer, and next to the bandstand is Mango’s, where you can dine on fresh seafood with an Atlantic Ocean view.
The great thing about Bethany Beach is that there’s so much more to see than miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean! Traveling inland, the Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great place to explore wetlands and gardens, and it’s a great place for the family. After a day of exploring the sights in the area, one of the best places to stay is the seaside Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn. Located on the ocean, it’s the perfect location to the beach, boardwalk, and all the best shops in town!
Laurel
Traveling inland from the Atlantic shores is the natural paradise of Laurel. Situated in central Delaware, it’s an often overlooked community with classic small-town charm and amazing parks. If you’re in the mood for a long weekend hiking in the woods, Trap Pond State Park is Laurel's crown jewel. The air is a little fresher, and the trails are shaded by fragrant loblolly pines and bald cypress trees in the swampy areas of Trap Pond.
After exploring the natural wonders of Trap Pond State Park, downtown Laurel has plenty to discover. There are unique antique stores like Out of the Attic Antique Mall and the Delaware Avenue Antique Emporium, where you’re sure to find treasures to remind you of your amazing weekend in Laurel. Many of the hotels in Laurel are quite rustic, so the best place to stay when visiting the area is the Travelodge by Wyndham, a short 15-minute drive north to Seaford.
Milton
The underrated town of Milton offers the best of both worlds: historical attractions and natural beauty. It’s easy to get lost in the 19th-century charm of downtown Milton. You can catch a live show at the historic Milton Theatre, and then head to Milton Home Coffee Roastery for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Or you can simply walk the well-maintained brick pathways at Mill Park with a stunning view of Wagamons Pond. If you really want to take in the vibes of Milton, the best place to stay is the Governor’s Bed and Breakfast. It’s like a rustic English garden in the heart of Delaware, with comfy beds and a fantastic breakfast.
When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and take in the natural scenery of Milton, the Edward H. McCabe Preserve is a wonderful retreat. It hosts wonderful hiking trails, bike trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the Broadkill River. Whether you just want to birdwatch or take photos, or you’re looking for a challenging hike, it’s a great place to take the whole family.
Lewes
Lewes is one of Delaware’s most exciting coastal towns, blending historical attractions with the beauty of the coastline. Known as the “First Town in the First State”, you can visit historical landmarks like Fort Miles Historical Area (and an old World War II fort), or a former military base of Cape Henlopen State Park. Or, if you just want to soak in the sunshine, Lewes Public Beach is the perfect place to relax. With white sandy shores, calm waters, and attentive lifeguards, it’s a great place for the family.
Downtown Lewes also has amazing sites worth checking out, like the Ryves Holt House. As the oldest house in the state of Delaware, it’s a charming slice of American history. And when you’re ready to hang up your hat at the end of a long day, the Inn at Canal Square is one of the most popular destinations in Lewes. It’s centrally located, within walking distance to beaches and restaurants, and offers breathtaking views of the water right from your room.
Odessa
In northern Delaware, not too far from the New Jersey border, is the idyllic retreat of Odessa. It’s less touristy than some of the other vacation towns in Delaware, which means less traffic and crowds. It’s where you’ll find charming historical relics like the Corbit-Sharp House, which was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. If you want to learn more about this former grain trading port, be sure to stop by the Historic Odessa Foundation, located within an old bank.
While Odessa may be famous for its historical charm, it’s also ripe for outdoor adventures.
The Augustine Wildlife Area is one of the best parks in the area, offering stunning views of the Delaware River, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. After exploring the scenery of Odessa, one of the best spots to stay is the Miller-Dunham House Bed and Breakfast. As a restored colonial home, the accommodations are cozy, and its location puts you right in the heart of all the action in Odessa!
Millsboro
When you think of Millsboro, think water views, farmer’s market, and dreamy botanical gardens. Located in southern Delaware, inland from its popular beaches, Millsboro is a hidden gem. It's home to Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, a lovely wetland retreat settled on almost 40 acres along Pepper Creek. It’s a dreamy naturalist's paradise, and a great place to take the family. After exploring the gardens, another great place to visit in Millsboro is Brittingham Farms. You can take a walk through fragrant lavender fields, or shop at their Farm Store or distillery for freshly-made lavender oils.
If you want to spend your weekend relaxing along the water of Millsboro Pond, the Millsboro Pond Boat Launch is the perfect place to set out on the water. Take a boat or kayak out onto its calm waters and take in the views of the gently rolling hills in the distance. When you’re ready to retire after a long day of exploration, the Atlantic Inn offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of Millsboro.
Dewey Beach
If you prefer your beach retreats to be a little more exciting, Dewey Beach is your best option! It’s an ideal blend of picturesque seascapes with a thriving nightlife that makes a weekend to remember! You can spend the day sunbathing at the Dewey Beach Public Access and walk across the street for a tasty seafood meal at Starboard Raw. If you want to launch a boat out onto the water and drift far from the shore, the Rehoboth Bay Marina is a great place to launch a boat (or rent one!).
The great thing about Dewey Beach is that the fun continues even after the sun goes down. Central Dewey Beach comes alive after sunset, with popular bars and restaurants like The Rusty Rudder, where you can get to know the locals while listening to live music on the open patio nestled along the coastline. After a night on the town, the best place to call it a night is at the Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel. With high-end accommodations, oceanfront views, and a premier location in the heart of Dewey Beach, it’s sure to top off your weekend in all the best ways.
From stately colonial inns to seaside escapes, Delaware has something for everyone. Whether you long to walk the path of early settlers in New Castle, or live for the nightlife scene in Dewey Beach, Delaware proves that the best things often come in little packages! If your weary soul needs historical tours, sandy beaches, or shady trails, these hidden gems are sure to soothe what ails you. These towns allow you to set your own pace and take things slow. The hardest part? Packing it all up after the weekend is over!
