13 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Delaware You Should Visit
The Diamond State of Delaware is an exciting state full of historic sites and natural gem attractions. While you can enjoy this small state by launching out from the larger cities of Dover or Wilmington, the small towns in Delaware offer a more tranquil dive into the beauty of nature. Unlike larger cities, small towns are usually filled with almost empty streets, where life is serene and locals are hospitable. From the utopian town of Arden to the coastal views in Rehoboth Beach, these are among the most beautiful small towns to visit in Delaware.
Arden
Arden is one of the most unique towns in Delaware, founded in 1900. The town is gorgeous, and it comes with a sense of oneness that its locals share with themselves. It was established by two utopian architects, Will Price and Frank Stephens, who sought to create a close-knit community where everyone lived in harmony and love, and they achieved it. Today, Arden is like a big extended family, filled with many guilds and impressive structures that have combined to earn the town a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It is easy to blend into Arden as the people are hospitable and friendly. Visitors to this town can spend their time at the Arden Gild Hall, the town’s main attraction, which hosts exciting shows year-round. The town also has a community pool and is home to Frank Stephens Memorial Theater, where performances are held every summer.
Odessa
Odessa is a small town with a population of fewer than 400 people but is dipped in history and boasts one of the most pristine colonial townscapes in the US. Named after the Ukrainian port city of the same name, this town is a jewel for history lovers as more than half of it is a National Historic District. Don't mind its small population, there's still some energetic vibes in the town, best experienced in places like the Cantwell's Tavern Restaurant, where one meal could hit the right spot. In addition, visitors can tour the historic houses of Odessa which are some of the finest examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture in Delaware.
New Castle
With a population of around 5,000, New Castle is historic and beautiful, and there's no need for further search if history is the intention of hopping Delaware's small towns. Enjoy a fun-filled day in this town by touring the New Castle Court House Museum, which served as the first courthouse in Delaware and also the state capitol. Next, visit the late 17th-century Dutch House and the 18th-century Amstel House, two of the oldest houses in Delaware that take visitors back in time to New Castle’s colonial period. Battery Park is another historic attraction in New Castle worth visiting, especially since it combines history with incredible scenery. The park was the landing place of William Penn when he first came to America and visitors can stroll around and enjoy picnics in the beautifully designed green space.
To wrap up a trip to New Castle, head to the farmers market for a unique shopping experience and wander around its assortment of products.
Delaware City
Delaware City has a charming population size below 2,000 and does pretty well in drawing visitors. Located along the banks of the Delaware River, the town comes with many interesting attractions, like Fort Delaware, an island fortress on Pea Patch Island that offers a look at life during the Civil War. Alternatively, take a stroll through the town's vibrant streets, and taste local ice cream flavors or enjoy delicious seafood at a seaside restaurant. For a more laid-back experience, take a stroll or bike along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal trail with a camera in handy.
Milton
Milton is one of the best small towns in Delaware, and any outdoor enthusiast will find this destination particularly inviting. The town rests along the banks of Broadkill River and not far from Delaware Bay, which sets the stage for a wide range of water activities. Kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, or just going on a boat cruise to enjoy views of nature are some of the ways to spend time at the town’s beaches. History buffs can take a stroll around the historic district to see historic sites like Governor James Ponder House and the Lydia Black Cannon Museum, which educates visitors about 18th-century life in Milton. End the experience here on a high by visiting the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, the town's most popular hangout spot for cold beers and delicious meals.
Millsboro
Millsboro is a laid-back, charming town on the banks of the Indian River, and the shores provide the perfect haven for relaxation, fun, and outdoor pursuits. There are many ways to enjoy an unforgettable experience here. Visitors can get on a boat, go fishing, or sunbathe at a beach while observing the massive diversity of bird species that call Millsboro home. More thrills and fun await at the nearby Edward McCabe Nature Preserve, where one can go on hikes and spot roaming wildlife. The Cupola Park on the river is another hot spot for recreation, picnics, fishing, and idle strolls to admire the natural surroundings.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a picturesque resort town that offers beach lovers a satisfying experience. Visitors here will be met with miles of free public beaches offering exciting water activities and guarded by lifeguards. Visitors can elevate their experience here by strolling on the town's boardwalk by the beach, with many boutique shops, and restaurants offering tantalizing meals. However, the beaches are just a few of the many delightful offers of this quaint, small town. The Fenwick Island State Park is nearby for several fun activities like kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and wave surfing. Other attractions like Bethany Beach Nature Center and Delaware Seashore State Park are also in Bethany Beach to give visitors more unforgettable experiences.
Bowers
Bowers is a little town both in size and population, with less than 300 people, but leaves a significant memory with every visitor as it offers so much to see and do. Visitors to Bowers can begin from Bowers Beach and embark on leisurely activities such as kayaking, boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming to unwind and feel at home. Since the town lies along the shores of Delaware Bay, boat cruising is another option that combines thrills with natural, scenic views in one experience. Otherwise, delve into its history as a renowned fishing town in the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum, where artifacts and ancient fishing boats are still preserved to remind locals and out-of-state visitors of how life used to be.
Laurel
Laurel is a small town that effortlessly combines natural beauty and history in one location. The town sits on the banks of Broad Creek, where it derives most of its natural beauty. As for history, it was once a Nanticoke Indian settlement, and the present town rose to prominence in the 1790s, getting its name from the Laurel bushes along the creek. The town boasts gorgeous natural scenery, lakes, ponds, and many historic Potato houses after it became a renowned potato farming region in the early 19th century. On Broad Creek, visitors can embark on water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing or hike along the river and keep an eye on wildlife.
Lewes
Known as the first town in the first state, Lewes is truly a historic town in Delaware, with a history of early Dutch settlements dating back to the 17th century. Sandwiched between the wetlands of the Great Marsh Preserve and Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes is a scenic beauty in Delaware Bay. Explore this wonder by basking under the sun and absorbing the pretty atmosphere at Lewes Beach, or visit the several grand lighthouses along Delaware Bay. The small town also boasts several parks for recreation, such as Stango Park, Blockhouse Pond Park, Mary Vessels Park, and the Great Marsh Park. For history lovers, the Zwaanendael Museum has many relics of Delaware's history.
Smyrna
Between the banks of Duck Creek and Lake Como is the small, idyllic gem of Smyrna, sitting pretty in natural splendor. Like other small towns in Delaware, it packs more than a handful of history, which can be seen in places like the Smyrna Museum, Old Town Hall, Original Jail, and its Historical Fire Department. To enjoy the town's natural beauty, head to the Blackbird State Forest to explore its woodlands or see the other side of nature in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, where wildlife is abundant. Art lovers will be pleased to learn that there's the Smyrna Opera House, hosting interesting plays and boasting a gallery. For lovers of wines and beers, Smyrna is home to some of America's best distilleries and breweries, and visiting them could earn one a refreshing sip that leaves a lasting aftertaste.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is one of the finest and most popular coastal towns in Delaware and is best recommended for family vacations. The town has a 30-mile gorgeous and unspoiled coastline to explore, including Rehoboth Beach, where the soft sands and waves of the Atlantic Ocean set the stage for fun and recreation. The town also prides itself on its mile-long boardwalk near the beach, lined up with restaurants, shops, and side attractions. It also has Silver Lake, Grove Park, and the Rehoboth Beach Museum to explore. In summer, this touristy town's population increases, and even Joe Biden owns a summer home in the Northern Shores of Rehoboth Beach.
Hockessin
Hockessin in New Castle County is a nature's paradise in Delaware and an idyllic retreat destination for those seeking an escape from the city's noise and chaos. The town may be small and less rowdy, but that's the main draw, as it allows visitors to enjoy nature undisturbed. There are many spots to soak in the cool evening breeze and admire beautiful flowers here. Visit the Longwood Gardens for a colorful experience with nature, and stop by the Ashland Nature Center to behold a beautiful landscape and a stunning butterfly house. Heighten the experience at Mt. Cuba Center, a sanctuary of colorful gardens, and enjoy nature's flourishing greenery at Swift Memorial Park.
Delaware is one of the smallest states in the US, but remarkable for its impressive history and natural beauty. Nature, serenity, beauty, and history mingle in Delaware to give visitors unforgettable experiences. From historical sites to quaint seaside villages and charming beaches, the small towns in Delaware promise fascinating experiences for visitors across all seasons. Also, these towns are less crowded, offering serenity and privacy for those looking to escape from the bustle. Whether one is single or going with family, these towns are certain to leave lasting memories.
