Delaware is home to some pretty enjoyable activities that you won’t want to miss out on. Despite being a small state in America, this place has plenty of things to see and do.
Delaware has tourist attractions ranging from beautiful destinations like beaches, parks, waterways, and lakes to places that provide you with a lot of information about art, culture, history, and heritage.
It may be one of the smallest states yet it holds a lot of character and opportunity. Over the years Delaware has been called the chemical capital, the corporate capital, and the credit-card capital of America.
This place offers its visitors luxurious du Pont family mansions, cleanest-in-the-nation beaches, and the sales-tax-free shopping experience.
According to the sources, Delaware received 9.8 million overnight visitors in 2022 and the tourism industry generated $690 million in tax revenue.
If you wonder, “What is the best time to visit Delaware?” You can visit this coastal state any time of the year, but summer is considered the ideal weather to explore Delaware.
That is exactly why I planned my trip to Delaware in the summer of last year to enjoy all the fun activities this beautiful state has to offer and my tour turned out incredible, as expected.
If you’re curious about, “Why should you visit Delaware?” Then in this article you will learn about the places I found to be most interesting during my tour of Delaware.
You should definitely add the following places to your bucket list in case you are planning a trip to Delaware States.
1) Visit The Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House which is also famous as the Masonic Hall and Grand Theater is a theatre for performing arts in Wilmington, Delaware.
The main charm of this place is its musical performances. As the name may suggest, The Grand Opera House doesn’t only hold opera performances.
Many modern electric jazz bands, classic jazz bands, rock bands, and short artists from all genres of music have performed in this theatre.
This place is perfect for people who would like to sit in a comfortable setting and enjoy the music. If you consider yourself a sophisticated music listener, you should definitely visit the Grand Opera House.
This theatre is also famous for its architectural magnificence. After witnessing its beauty through my own eyes, in my opinion, it is Delaware’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing buildings.
Having a rooming capacity of 1,208 people, the Grand Opera House has held magnificent historical value since it provided a stage for legendary artists throughout history.
Designed in the stunning Second Empire style, no wonder why this place has held the status of a historic as well as architectural monument since it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address:
818 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
2) Explore The Air Mobility Command Museum
The Air Mobility Command Museum is a military aviation museum located at Dover Air Force Base. This museum is dedicated to the entire history of military aircraft.
The museum showcases the history of aviation through exhibits and a sizable collection of planes that have been used throughout history.
The main exhibit gallery is open for self-tours as well as docent-led tours from 9 am to 4 pm. There is also an outside aircraft ramp where 25 historical aviation aircraft have been exhibited.
People usually think that museums are boring but you will have to change your mind after visiting this place since there is no way you’ll easily forget this fun and informative tour of the military aircraft history.
I was really amazed by the fact that they let you get close to all types of aircraft, both modern and vintage. Getting to know the people who fly and maintain these crafts, was an incredible experience.
I also learned a lot about the role these aircraft played in the history of the US military. I would definitely recommend booking a tour of this museum.
Address:
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902, United States
3) A Trip To Bellevue State Park
Aside from beaches, state parks are one of the most famous spots to make memories in Delaware. Bellevue State Park is a well-known state park in the suburbs of Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware.
Guess what? This park with a grand view of Bellevue Hall Mansion has a historic charm as well. During the tour, I learned that this state park once used to be the home of William Du Pont, Jr.
Several other facilities of this park provide visitors with a memorable experience through its gardens, equestrian stables, tennis courts, fitness track as well as a picturesque pond.
I visited this state park with my friends and we literally had the time of our lives doing activities like hiking, cycling, jogging, fishing, and more. Now it’s your time to book a trip to this magnificent state park.
Address:
800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, United States
4) Book A Ride At Cape May Lewes Ferry
Cape May Lewes Ferry is one of the best ways to explore Cape May and Delaware Bay. These tours are the best opportunities for Dolphin and Whale viewing.
Locals use these ferry rides to commute to New Jersey while tourists can book a 2 hour tour to enjoy their journey across the sea.
Many people join Cape May Lewes Ferry tours to watch the sunsets and spot whales and dolphins. Some people may book these tours only for fishing and that’s how these ferry tours offer a little something for everyone.
My friends and I chose Stowaways as the company to assist us in this Ferry experience. During our 2-and-a-half-hour tour, we got the opportunity to watch Dolphins, and the sight of those marine creatures felt surreal.
Our entire trip was incredibly pleasant and we were also provided with tea-time snacks during the ride. For the lovers of marine life, this trip would be absolutely worth it.
Address:
1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May, NJ 08204
5) Enjoy A Chilling Experience At The Ghost Walk Of Old Wilmington
If you’re a fan of horror movies and want to visit haunted places yourself, look no further than the Ghost Walk Of Old Wilmington!
This 90-minute adventure into the depths of old Wilmington at The Curley’s Haunt will take you to the city’s most actively haunted homes and burial grounds which will leave you with an unforgettable experience.
The haunted nooks that we found walking through cryptic alleyways took us up close and personal with the spirits. We even got to hear eerie tales of ghostly occurrences which included actual encounters as well.
Now it is time for you to stop missing out on the fun and plan your trip to this haunted walk for a chillingly epic experience.
Address:
1220 Evergreen Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, United States
6) Explore The Delaware Contemporary
The Delaware Contemporary is Delaware’s only contemporary art museum which was founded in 1979.
It is a non-collecting museum that focuses on displaying the works of local, regional, national, and international artists. These exhibits provide a platform for the local artists’ innovative ideas and reflect their artistry.
This place doesn’t charge an admission fee for the viewing of art galleries. The fees from Art Sales and Alternatives Museum Shop support the exhibiting artists and the development of contemporary art.
Being a huge fan of contemporary art myself, I was especially looking forward to this tour and the sheer amount of talent being displayed in the museum didn’t disappoint me at all.
The Delaware Contemporary is worth a visit if you want to educate and explore modern contemporary art in the United States.
Address:
200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
7) A Tour Of The Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a city on the Atlantic Ocean along the Delaware beaches. This place is considered an affluent vacation destination and is especially visited by the people of Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
The population of this area increases during the summer since people from all over America who own summer houses in Rehoboth Beach come to visit here including current president Joe Biden.
For the people who love soaking the sun in silence, I would suggest arriving at Rehoboth Beach early in the morning since it is usually relatively quiet at that time of the day. I did the same.
After soaking in the sun and strolling on the seashore, I had a lot of fun doing activities such as participating in the Radical Rehoboth scavenger hunt, dining at nearby restaurants, and going to Funland.
There are several other activities that visitors can enjoy such as guided kayak excursions, paddleboard excursions, pontoon boat rides, jet skiing, and many others that will guarantee a memorable trip.
Address:
Eastern Sussex County, Delaware, United States
8) Book A Visit At The Hagley Museum & Library
The Hagley Museum & Library is a non-profit educational institution located in Wilmington right along the banks of the Brandywine Creek.
This museum tells the story of Du Ponts, a famous business family.
I was extremely eager to check out this place and explore its grounds.
After visiting the Museum and library, I went to see the original home of the du Pont family, their gardens, a machine shape that dates back to the 19th century, and the original gunpowder mills.
My tour was overall really enjoyable and informative. People of all ages can experience this indoor-outdoor museum which contains a history of hundreds of years.
Address:
200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, United States
9) Visit The Winterthur Museum, Garden, And Library
Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library is an American estate and museum that houses one of the richest collections of Americans in the United States.
This place has several scenic points that provide a beautiful backdrop for the photographs. Hence, as a plus point, you’ll definitely get to take pictures with impressive backgrounds for your social media posts.
I visited this place with a group of friends and we were all mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the museum as well as its gardens.
After exploring the fascinating archive of history at the museum, I also enjoyed other activities such as hiking along the trail, biking, fishing, and visiting the heating pool.
A tramp tour from the visitor center to the museum is a must-to-do activity. Visitors can bring their food and enjoy a picnic at one of the gardens, otherwise they can check out the Visitor Centre Cafe.
Adventure Pack for Kids will provide your children with a fun and adventurous experience through its field guide and materials for exploring the museum and gardens.
Therefore, you can say Winterthur is a place where visitors of all ages can have fun and make beautiful memories with their friends and loved ones.
Address:
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, United States
10) Explore The Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a very famous state park in Delaware. But unfortunately, many people come here to visit the beach only and miss out on the other fun activities.
I wanted to try all the fun experiences this place has to offer, therefore, to start my trip beautifully, I arrived at Herring Point early in the morning and finally got the opportunity to watch the stunning sunrise.
Later, I explored the Nature Center, and from there on I took the bike loop trail and visited places like Fort Miles, and the Observation Tower during my biking tour.
Guided battery tour of the Fort Miles Museum was an educating and fascinating experience. The bike trail took me to the end of the state park and this was the point from where Rehoboth Boardwalk started.
Some people might find the bike loop trail to be a tiring activity but I can assure you that it will all be worth the unforgettable memories made during the trip.
Address:
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, United States
11) Go To The Dover Motor Speedway
Dover Motor Speedway is a racetrack in Dover, Delaware that has hosted at least one NASCAR Cup Series every year. It has also hosted the Indy Racing League and USAC.
This place was on my bucket list for a long time and when I finally got to see it, the whole experience felt surreal. The racetrack was even bigger than I thought.
Dover Motor Speedway also known as “Monster Mile” is a historic and truly fascinating place where America’s best drivers drive against the Laws of Physics.
The racing arena also holds several kinds of other activities besides the races such as Micro-Professional Wrestling shows, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act, Ally The Piper, Del Rods Car Club Shows, and many more.
Address:
1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, United States
12) Pay A Visit To Bally’s Dover Resort
Bally’s Dover Resort is a hotel, casino, and racetrack which was formerly known as Dover Downs. This place is the actual definition of luxury and sophistication.
The hotel at Bally’s offers accommodations with rooms giving breathtaking views of the racetrack and the city.
Bally’s facilitates visitors with a full-service spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, room service, and more. Several famous musicians have performed here during musical acts.
Aside from accommodation, the hotel offers space for conferences, meetings, banquets, conventions, and other gatherings of bigger magnitude.
Dining options at Bally’s include coffee shops, casual establishments, upscale restaurants, and a buffet.
Therefore, if you want to spend your money on an unforgettable opulent hoteling experience, Bally’s Dover Resort is the place for you!
Address:
1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, United States
13) Have A Fun Family Time At Funland
My childhood fantasies came to life at Funland (Rehoboth Beach). Funland is a small family-owned amusement park located on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
The park features 19 rides, 14 midway games, an electric shooting gallery, a skeeball, an arcade, a pinball machine, and a redemption center.
Boats, Fire Engines, Helicopters, Crazy Dazys, and Cruisers are some of the most famous rides in the park. My favorite rides are Bumper Cars, Paratrooper, Haunted Mansion, and Crazy Dazys.
You can enjoy Funland as both a spectator and participator by enjoying rides and games on a “pay as you go basis.” It is a place that provides a fun time for people of all ages and takes adults like us back to their childhood days.
Address:
6 Delaware Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States
14) Shop At The Christiana Mall
The Christiana Mall is a shopping mall located in Christiana, Delaware between the cities of Wilmington and Newark. It is the largest shopping mall in the entire Delaware state.
For the food-lovers, this mall offers several mouth-watering dining options such as Brio Italian Grille, the Cheesecake Factory, and JB Dawsons.
Christiana Mall offers tax-free shopping experiences at stores like Microsoft, Apple, Cabela’s, Nordstrom, Michael Kors Plus, and many more.
This mall is like heaven for shopaholics like myself therefore, I would definitely recommend going to this mall and checking out its restaurants, especially the Cheesecake Factory.
Address:
132 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE 19702, United States
15) Take A Stroll At The Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is an incorporated town in Sussex County, Delaware. This beach alongside South Bethany and Fenwick Island is famous as “The Quiet Resorts.”
The short Joseph Olson Boardwalk, sandy beaches, a broad, restaurants, motels, and numerous vacation homes are the charms of this beach.
Activities like kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, scavenger hunts, cafes & restaurants, trolley rides, and many more enhanced my beach experience at Bethany Beach.
From the beach and the bay to the Broadwalk, there are so many relaxing and family-friendly things to do in Bethany Beach. No doubt, this is a place of excitement for people from all walks of life.
Address:
Sussex County, Delaware, United States
Conclusion
Delaware has so many fun places to visit, but two spots really stood out for me: The Grand Opera House and The Delaware Contemporary. As someone who loves music and art, these places were amazing. The Grand Opera House had beautiful performances, and The Delaware Contemporary showcased incredible local art. These two spots made my trip unforgettable!