6 Best Towns in Delaware to Visit in 2024
Delaware, one of the original thirteen colonies in America, was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, officially becoming a state in 1787 after the colonies collectively declared their independence in 1776. Part of its claim to fame is the amount of historic towns, both big and small, that have many places to explore. It is on the Atlantic shore on top of that, so it is quite the vacation spot for many people throughout the year. This combination of history and location makes it pretty popular despite its small size. From the beautiful historic buildings to the many beaches, these towns have so much to offer in this little state.
Lewes
Dutch settlers initially founded Lewes as a trading post in 1631, making it the first European settlement in Delaware, though it would not be fully incorporated until 1818. Since Delaware was the first official state in the United States, Lewes calls itself the "First Town in the First State," being named after Lewes in England. The town is home to a few of the lighthouses in Delaware Bay, including the Harbor of Refuge and Delaware Breakwater East End Lights. Lewes is a great place to grab a drink, with several breweries all in close proximity to each other, like the Big Oyster Brewery, Crooked Hammock Brewery, or Beach Time Distilling. A bike trail connects Lewes with Georgetown, fittingly called the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. It runs 17 miles and goes along the rail bed of what used to be the Delaware Coast Line Railroad. It is lined with trees and other greenery, making it a wonderful place to get outdoors, with bike rentals like Lewes Cycle Sports and Seagreen Bicycle right in town. Meanwhile, the Lewes Historical Society Main Campus has a collection of museums like the Lewes History Museum and Zwaanendael Museum, showing off the rich history of the state's oldest town.
Bethany Beach
The small town of Bethany Beach is right on the Atlantic and is known for its quiet and calm atmosphere, making it a serene resort town. It is full of tax-free shops and plenty of beachside activities! Right on the water is the Bethany Surf Shop, which has an assortment of body, surf, and skimboards along with swimwear, making it the perfect stop for anyone who wants to go for a swim or just relax on the beach. Inns like the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence or the historic Addy Sea Oceanfront are also on the water, offering lodging for those who want to smell the ocean air from the comfort of their room. Do not forget dining spots like the Blue Crab or Mickey's Family Crab House, which have a nice amount of Delaware seafood fresh from the source. The Blue Crab even offers all-you-can-eat crab for lunch and dinner, so crab lovers should keep a lookout. Anyone who wants to remember their trip can stop by Beach Town Posters and buy a framed poster featuring one of Delaware's many beaches in an Art Deco Style.
Odessa
The cozy town of Odessa was originally called Cantwell's Bridge in the 18th century. Local merchants opposed the expansion of the railroad in the nearby area in the 19th century, to the point where the town's name was changed to Odessa, named after the port city of the same name in Ukraine. Today, Odessa still has a good chunk of its history on display, with buildings like Cantwell's Tavern offering fresh, local food and drinks or the Corbit-Sharp House, which was a part of the Underground Railroad during the 1800s. Houses like these can be toured through the Historic Odessa Foundation, which can even host weddings or other special events on-site for a unique colonial experience. After learning about Odessa's history, stop by Lorenzo's Pizza for some incredible East Coast pies, cheesesteaks, or buffalo wings. Walk down the brick streets and visit one of the town's parks, like the Odessa Memorial Park, which offers a quarter-mile walking path and a basketball court, along with the Old Academy Park, for those who want a little more solitude.
Rehoboth Beach
Right on the Atlantic, Rehoboth Beach offers a good mix of shops, art, entertainment, and water fun for both kids and adults alike. The town's population booms during the summer because of its location and the different activities and amenities it offers. It has more than twenty seafood restaurants like Catchers, Claws Seafood House, Big Fish Grill Rehoboth, and Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, among many others. The Clear Space Theatre Company offers over 150 professional shows each year, so anyone who is into theater visiting any time of year can see one of many shows. Meanwhile, Gallery 50 displays a lot of art from mid-career regional artists, with exhibitions of local works being offered alongside poetry readings, film screenings, and book signings. Believe it or not, Reheboth has not one but three different parks available with varying attractions for any age group. The Midway Speed Park has five go-kart tracks, while the Jungle Jim's River Safari Water Park has six giant slides and a lazy river, and the aptly named Funland has 18 rides and 13 games, which glow in the night with colorful neon lights.
Georgetown
In the south of the state is Georgetown, which was founded over a decade after Delaware gained its independence. The town has a bountiful number of museums to visit, including the Old Court House, Marvel Carriage, and Delaware Aviation museums. The carriage museum has many large carriages to view and admire in one of several historic buildings built in the 19th century, with each piece being quite prevalent in the state's history, while the aviation museum features many historic aircraft and air shows throughout the year. Those who come in October can experience Wings & Wheels, which is a festival that has both aircraft and cars, old and new, alongside World War II reenactments and plenty of food vendors. Antique lovers will appreciate the selection of furniture, decor, vintage goods, and gifts, among other things, at places like the Georgetown Antiques Market. From neon signs to vintage posters, dolls, and decorations to old snow sleds, it is filled to the brim with antiques to find right in town.
New Castle
Just six miles south of Wilmington is New Castle, a town that sits on the Delaware River. It has a lot of history for a small town, including colonial-era architecture and even cobblestone streets. The New Castle Historic District was declared in the 1960s and took up four blocks in the center of town with hundreds of buildings made from the 18th to 20th centuries like the Lesley-Travers Mansion, Old Dutch House, Amstel House, and Read House and Garden to name a few. The New Castle Courthouse is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the country and is where Delaware declared their independence from both Pennsylvania and England in 1776, creating the state of Delaware. It now acts as a museum for the area's history, including the colonization by the Dutch, Swedes, and English centuries before. People visiting can also see the New Castle Farmers Market, which brings residents together with dozens of vendors selling all kinds of baked goods, food, and clothes. Battery Park is a must-see because it has wonderful views of the Delaware River year-round. It is right near the town's historic district, making the trek easy and accessible.
The towns in Delaware all have something unique to offer, from the selection of seafood in Rehoboth Beach to the colonial buildings in Odessa. They are always open and welcoming throughout the year, with plenty of places to see and things to do. The state is perfect for any history lover or anyone trying to get away from city life, so give one of these towns a try!
