Downtown Lewes, Delaware canal.

10 Serene Delaware Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Picturesque Delaware is perhaps most famous for Wilmington and the Nemours Estate, which was built in 1910, has 77 rooms, and is accompanied by 200 acres of French-inspired gardens. Yet, this 1st state in the Union is also home to a plethora of serene small towns that are ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living for the weekend. From Lewes and Fort Delaware State Park to Georgetown and the Delaware Aviation Museum, find ten of the most peaceful Delaware towns that are perfect for a weekend retreat with friends, family, or even alone.

Lewes

The aerial view of the beach town of Lewes, Delaware.
The aerial view of the beach town of Lewes, Delaware. Image credit Khairil Azhar Junos via Shutterstock

Situated north of Rehoboth Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Lewes is home to several natural attractions, including Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewes Beach. Cape Henlopen, also located on the coast, provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and even camping for the weekend. The campground offers tent sites, RV hook-ups, and even cabins.

Downtown Lewes, Delaware. Image credit: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons.
Downtown Lewes, Delaware. Image credit Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons.

The Zwaanendael Museum also calls Lewes home. This awesome museum honors the first European colony, which relocated from the Netherlands in 1631. There are also several comfortable indoor lodging choices in Lewes. The Blue Water House, located on Market Street, offers great service and is only steps away from the beach.

Harrington

People lined up at a food stand during the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, Delaware.
People lined up at a food stand during the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, Delaware. Image credit Dee Dalasio via Shutterstock

Nine miles west of Milford, the small town of Harrington has several awesome attractions that cater to nature and culture. From Browns Branch County Park and the Delmarva Trails to the Historical Society, with over 70,000 artifacts, there is a lot to do in town. Plus, if you are planning on staying for the weekend, Harrington Welcome Inn provides free wi-fi and breakfast the next morning.

Harrington is also home to the Delaware State Fair, in case you plan on visiting during July. With contests like the shoebox float contest, competitive exhibitions through 4-H, the FFA, as well as Arts & Crafts, and showings in a variety of livestock, from goats to cattle, there is a lot to do at the Delaware State Fair.

Milton

The Pride Fest and outdoor vendors on the street in Milton, Delaware.
The Pride Fest and outdoor vendors on the street in Milton, Delaware. Image credit Khairil Azhar Junos via Shutterstock

The picturesque small town of Milton, located half an hour from Rehoboth Beach, is home to some peaceful attractions. Home to the Lavender Fields Farm, serenity is abundant everywhere in this quaint town. Milton Memorial Park is also right around the corner from downtown, providing the chance to enjoy the calm ambiance of this town of less than 4,000 residents.

The charming town of Milton, Delaware.
The charming town of Milton, Delaware. Image credit Khairil Azhar Junos via Shutterstock

If you wish to spend the weekend with someone you love, Mansion Farm Inn and Governor’s Bed & Breakfast are both within Milton. While Governor’s Bed & Breakfast offers delicious, home-cooked meals and is close to the beaches and shopping, Mansion Farm Inn has a colorful history that dates back to 1810.

New Castle

Overlooking a sunny beach at New Castle, Delaware.
Overlooking a sunny beach at New Castle, Delaware.

Perhaps one of the best locations to plan the perfect weekend retreat, the small town of New Castle, situated along the banks of the Delaware River, is the place to visit. With phenomenal natural attractions, like Battery Park and Deemers Beach, there is something for any outdoor enthusiast within New Castle.

Rustic buildings in the town of New Castle, Delaware.
Rustic buildings in the town of New Castle, Delaware. Image credit George Wirt via Shutterstock

New Castle is also home to several historic attractions. The 1690 Dutch House and the 1738 Amstel House both call New Castle home. They are open to the public during the weekends and feature guided tours of the buildings and accompanying gardens. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilmington New Castle is just one of many luxury accommodation options in the region.

Georgetown

Sussex County Courthouse on the Circle in Georgetown, Delaware.
Sussex County Courthouse on the Circle in Georgetown, Delaware. Image credit Eric B. Walker via Flick

Picturesque Georgetown is home to several attractions that encourage visitors to return each year. From the Delaware Aviation Museum, which displays a plethora of aircraft, including the 1951 RAF Chipmunk and the UC-78 Bobcat, to Treasures of the Sea, a history museum exhibiting Spanish artifacts of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha from the 17th century, Georgetown is a historic treasure-trove.

Georgetown is also home to the Master’s Manor Inn, which is located just outside town and offers great service, tasty food, and its own share of history. Plus, in case you want to enjoy nature at its best, Redden State Forest is also just outside town. It is home to Redden Lodge, which has its own share of rustic and charming rooms, great service, and delicious food.

Delaware City

Exterior of The Old Canal Shops, Delaware City, Delaware.
Exterior of The Old Canal Shops, Delaware City, Delaware. Image credit John Arehart via Shutterstock

Delaware City is home to Fort Delaware State Park and Fort Dupont State Park, both of which provide opportunities to learn about the American Civil War and Pea Patch Island. Fort Delaware has some great artillery and musket demonstrations, while Fort Dupont is an awesome location for hiking the scenic Riverview Trail and boating the mighty Delaware River.

Delaware City is also home to Cozy Quarters Farm, which offers guests pony rides, a variety of farm animals to interact with, including pigs, chickens, goats, and donkeys, and even pony painting. There are several awesome lodging choices in Delaware City as well. Fort Delaware State Park even has a campground for those who wish to sleep under the stars.

Millsboro

Waterfront homes near Millsboro, Delaware.
Waterfront homes near Millsboro, Delaware.

Home of the Nanticoke Indian Museum, which provides informational history on the culture of the Nanticoke Indian tribe, the small town of Millsboro is the ideal place to take the entire family. Along with exhibits that enlighten all ages, the museum has an extensive collection of pottery, tools, jewelry, and even weapons that the Nanticoke utilized in everyday life.

Millsboro is also home to the Peninsula Golf and Country Club and Malone’s Bayside Marina and RV Park. From exploring the marina and all the boats docked there to camping out for the weekend, this community is the place to check out. The marina even has a volleyball court, a playground, and a bait and tackle shop for those who like the calm ambiance of fishing.

Smyrna

Downtown Smyrna, Delaware.
Downtown Smyrna, Delaware. Image credit Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The quaint town of Smyrna, between Townsend and Dover, is home to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located along the coast of Delaware Bay and protecting migratory wildlife within the salt marshes. Smyrna is also home to Lake Como Recreation Area, which is one of the best lakes in Delaware, and Woodland Beach, considered to be one of several hidden gems in the state.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, in Smyrna, Delaware.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, in Smyrna, Delaware.

Also home to Blackbird State Forest and Big Oak Park, this small town of around 13,000 residents has a plethora of great natural attractions. Check into the Quality Inn in town or head to Dover for more accommodation options.

Laurel

A restored colonial-style home in the town of Laurel, Delaware.
A restored colonial-style home in the town of Laurel, Delaware. Image credit Dee Dalasio via Shutterstock

Home of Dickerson Family Market and the Route 13 Outlet Market, the tiny town of Laurel, just half an hour away from Millsboro, is a dream come true, especially for those who like to shop. The Dickerson Family Market offers anything one would need from a farmer’s market, while Route 13 Outlet Market provides everything from unique gifts to rare jewelry from a hundred different vendors.

The small town of Laurel is also home to a plethora of activities fit for any member of the family. From Skateworld, the only indoor skating center in Sussex County, to Bryan’s Bowling Alley, with 14 different lanes, an arcade, and a snack bar, there is something for everyone in the tiny town of Laurel.

Selbyville

Scenic waterfront properties in Selbyville, Delaware.
Scenic waterfront properties in Selbyville, Delaware.

Another small town in Sussex County that provides ideal opportunities for the perfect weekend retreat, the town of Selbyville, located along the border of eastern Maryland, is home to Magee Farms. Established in 1865 by the same family who owns it currently, Magee Farms provides guests with pick-your-own strawberry fields, a petting zoo, and a plethora of fresh produce for sale.

The small town of Selbyville is also home to Bayside Resorts Golf Club, which offers awesome weekend getaways for the entire family. The club has multiple delicious dining options at two on-site restaurants, 38 Degrees and Signatures, wedding and event planning, and phenomenal golfing opportunities from one of the establishments designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.

Most Charming Towns in DelawareDespite its diminutive size, the First State in the Nation is a prime example that good things come in small packages.

While the entire state of Delaware, with a total of 57 towns and cities, has a plethora of serene locations ideal for that phenomenal weekend away from home, there are some unique, and perhaps wondrous small towns in the state that are better than others. From Harrington and the Delaware State Fair to Millsboro and the Nanticoke Indian Museum, these are ten of the best Delaware towns perfect for a weekend retreat.

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Crys McAllister April 24 2025 in Places

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