2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns in Delaware

Delaware’s location along the Atlantic Coast allows visitors to enjoy miles of gorgeous coastline and beaches, vast parklands, and seaside views from historic buildings of the rugged and moody Atlantic Ocean. Its hole-in-the-wall restaurants deliver world-class flavors, inviting guests to relax in welcoming atmospheres while tucking into American-style grub. Expect to be treated to an all-day breakfast in Lewes or explore an Italianate Mansion in Seaford. Delaware’s adorable small towns make big impressions and lasting memories, setting the tone for a year to remember in 2024.

Lewes

Lewes, Delaware, treats its guests right from sunup till sundown, beginning with a hearty breakfast at Nectar, a drive-thru or take-out style restaurant serving everyone’s favorite meal of the day, all day long. Enjoy French toast with ice cream and fresh blueberries, among many other tasty choices. A visit to Delaware's Seashore State Park will help burn off a few extra calories while strolling the park’s 20 miles of Atlantic Ocean shorelines, taking a dip in the water, or doing a little fishing. The park is abundant in wildlife, surrounded by saltwater marshes, and boasts nearly 7 miles of walking trails.

Cap off a day of adventure at the Rose and Crown gastropub, where cold beers are always on tap and cheesecake, crab-cake sandwiches, and fried green tomatoes are on the menu. Enjoy a refreshing night of rest at The Inn at Canal Square Bed and Breakfast, a coastal retreat located right on the waterfront. Guests are treated to comfortable surroundings in a seaside location, exuding adorable charm.

Delaware City

Proud of its heritage as a riverfront town, Delaware City’s history is closely connected to the Civil War and provides an opportunity to learn about its role in this tumultuous time in the history of the United States at Fort Delaware State Park, a living history museum located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Also worthy of note is that Delaware City falls along the path of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.

Grab a bite to eat at Kathy’s Crab House and Family Restaurant for delicious and hearty meals made to order. They serve hot crab dip, mussels, and corn on the cob, to name a few of the items on their mouth-watering menu. Enjoy a time of respite and relaxation at the historic Terry House Bed and Breakfast in nearby Newcastle. This 1860s Federal Townhouse-style construction has comfy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding parks.

Milton

A visit to Milton, Delaware, starts off just right with a visit to the Milton Historical Society’s Museum, a place where local history comes to life within a former 1857 Methodist Church. Restored in recent years, the Historical Society prides itself in providing exciting and informative exhibits that highlight local history. Next on the agenda is the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1963 by the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, a 10,000-acre area for migratory birds and other wildlife that is completely protected by the act, allowing the animals here to flourish.

Don’t miss sampling the goods at Po Boys restaurant, where some of the best New Orleans-inspired dishes include crawfish tails, Bayou Shrimp, and, of course, Jambalaya. Shopping at The Mercantile at Milton is highly rated, and a night or two at the Mansion Farm Inn will leave you rested and ready for more adventures, especially after enjoying a swim in their saltwater pool.

Millsboro

A visit to adorable Millsboro, Delaware, begins with a stroll along the waterfront of Indian River at Cupola Park. This local favorite is a place where friends and family gather for picnics and barbeques, as well as time on the water, thanks to the park’s boat ramps, which provide easy access for kayaks and small boats. More outdoor adventure is waiting at the Millsboro Pond, a beloved hotspot for fishing and boating. The Nanticoke Indian Museum features exhibits that tell the story of the region's Native Americans and is the only Native American museum in the State. It proudly exhibits real arrowheads, pottery, and artwork of Native American people.

To satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine, order a plate of nachos, quesadillas, and drinks from a licensed bar at La Tonalteca Restaurant. Featuring colorful surroundings and unique decor, the atmosphere welcomes patrons to kick back, relax, and enjoy their authentic Mexican food.

Seaford

The jewel in Seaford, Delaware’s crown, is the Governor Ross Mansion, which is currently being restored to its original splendor. Its Victorian-Italianate design, and over 20 acres wow visitors as they explore the property’s original smokehouse, corn crib, and honeymoon cottage. The Mansion is part of the Delaware History Trail and a must-see when visiting Seaford. The Mansion is under the care of the Seaford Historical Society, which was established in 1972 with the mandate to preserve, present, and protect the history of Seaford.

French Cuisine is prepared to perfection at Seaford’s Bon Appetit Restaurant, where patrons enjoy traditional, classically prepared French dishes such as garlicky escargot, country pate, and poached muscles, to name a few. A delightful and tasty experience awaits at Brimming Horn Meadery, where Northern European-style mead is lovingly crafted by the passionate proprietor.

Hockessin

Hockessin, Delaware, has a reputation for being a welcoming, family-friendly destination, and it shows off its heritage and community-minded personality at the Hockessin Friends Meeting House, built in 1738. The Ashland Covered Bridge, painted in classic bright red, is also a highlight of the region’s adorable charm, which sets the tone for The Ashland Nature Center. It features 130 acres of meadows, woodlands, and marshlands and is the headquarters for Delaware’s Nature Society. It is open all year long and has picnic areas and many acres of open space where wildflowers flourish.

The Mt. Cuba Center also provides acres of landscaped gardens with plants native to Delaware and hosts a Wildflower Celebration yearly.

Middletown

Middletown, Delaware’s name, gives away its location as it is situated at the midpoint between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and, throughout the years, has been a favored resting place for passing sailors and merchants. The downtown area is driven by an energetic arts community and celebrates the Peach Festival and Peach Festival Parade every year. Expect to enjoy prize-winning homemade peach pies, live music, and games. Tom Foolery’s Restaurant and Bar keeps the party vibe going as the main watering hole in the community. They serve wings, burgers, cakes, and other American-style dishes.

An overnight stay can’t get much more adorable than a visit to the Miller-Dunham House Bed and Breakfast in nearby Odessa, where a picnic area and outdoor fireplace set the tone for snuggles and roasted marshmallows before heading to bed in comfortable rooms, only to wake to a homecooked English or Irish style breakfast.

Georgetown

Georgetown, Delaware, is a 200-year-old town centrally located in the state, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and everything in between. Ten minutes from Georgetown, the Redden Forest is a forestland set aside for timber production management and wildlife habitat preservation.

Nature lovers enjoy trails designed for educational and recreational use, and horseback riding and hiking are among the favorite pastimes here. Make sure to visit the Marvel Carriage House Museum to view historical buildings on grounds established in the early 1800s. The property features an adorable one-room schoolhouse and two barns for the storage of original carriages, a victrola, and a peddler’s wagon.

Delaware is the place to be in 2024. There is nothing better than fishing along the shoreline of Delaware’s Seashore State Park near Lewes. Grabbing a bite to eat at Milton’s Po Boys restaurant is an experience to remember, too. Their classic authentic New Orleans flavors are just a few things to enjoy. You will also want to try their jambalaya or Bayou shrimp. Whatever your tastes, you are sure to find something you will love in these adorable small towns in Delaware.