6 Standout Main Streets In Delaware
Known as the First State, Delaware is home to many downtown areas that offer a timeless sense of place, familiar yet full of discovery. From the energetic college-town vibe of Newark to the peaceful coastal charm of Lewes, and from the creative riverfront streets of Milford to the historic squares of Georgetown, each area invites you to slow down and take it all in. Strolling these streets, you will find a mix of history, culture, and local life, with shopfronts filled with handmade goods, cafés serving freshly brewed coffee, theaters hosting music and performances, and rivers, canals, and beaches that invite quiet reflection. Seasonal festivals, parades, and markets bring communities together and offer a chance to experience local traditions and flavors. Delaware’s main streets allow you to explore, linger, and connect with the stories and people that give each town its character.
Newark
Newark, a city in New Castle County, covers roughly nine square miles. At its heart lies downtown Newark, a lively hub of shopping, dining, and gathering that earned the 2011 Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The University of Delaware also calls the city home, bringing youthful energy and a vibrant, collegiate feel to the streets. The university’s professional acting company stages performances ranging from intimate modern comedies to full-scale Shakespearean productions throughout the year. The campus also features several galleries, including the Old College Gallery in Old College Hall, which hosts two to four exhibitions annually.
On Main Street, find local staples such as The Peach Blossom Eatery, a café offering homemade breakfast and lunch in a comfortable setting, and The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, a casual spot known for its wide selection of pub fare and local craft beers. On nearby Haines Street, head to Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co., where freshly roasted coffee is served. When it comes to events, the downtown streets come alive with food, music, and community celebrations, such as the Newark Food & Brew Fest and the Winterfest & Holiday Artisan Market.
Lewes
Lewes is a charming coastal town that combines beautiful waterfront views with a rich sense of history as one of Delaware’s oldest communities. You will find yourself drawn to Second Street, where pastel-painted buildings and 18th- and 19th-century façades line the way, creating a perfect mix of seaside charm and old-world character. As you explore, stop into shops like Lewes Mercantile Antiques, an eclectic treasure trove filled with fine jewelry, porcelain, and other vintage finds. For a bite to eat, head over to Bethany Blues on Coastal Highway, a laid-back spot known for its house-smoked barbecue, Southern-style comfort food, and live music that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
You don’t have to go far to see how deeply history runs here. The Zwaanendael Museum, situated on the main drag, Kings Highway, is designed in the style of a 17th-century Dutch town hall and tells the story of Lewes’ 1631 founding through shipwreck artifacts, colonial relics, and detailed dioramas depicting early settlement life. Afterward, make your way to Lewes Beach, just a short distance away, which curves gracefully along the Delaware Bay. The shoreline stretches from Roosevelt Inlet and the Lewes Beach neighborhood to Savannah Beach, Johnnie Walker Beach, and the quiet communities of Pilot Point, Port Lewes, and Cape Shores.
Milford
A short drive from Lewes takes you to Milford, a riverfront town known for its blend of history and community charm. In the heart of downtown, the Milford Museum on Walnut Street near Second Street houses more than 13,000 artifacts that trace the town’s story. Some exhibits rotate throughout the year, offering something new with each visit. Nearby, the Parson Thorne Mansion on Front Street remains a well-preserved landmark, while the restored Vinyard Shipyard on Columbia Street reflects Milford’s long connection to the water.
Continue your exploration of downtown with a leisurely walk along the nearby Mispillion Riverwalk, where wooden boardwalks follow the gentle curve of the river. In the fall, it becomes the centerpiece of the Riverwalk Freedom Festival, the town’s largest outdoor celebration, which stretches from Walnut Street to Bicentennial Park. In spring, the Bug & Bud Festival fills downtown with music, parades, and local food, offering a lively glimpse into Milford’s creative, close-knit community.
Georgetown
In the heart of Georgetown, you will find The Circle, a tree-lined historic square surrounded by gardens, wrought-iron benches, and softly glowing gas-style lamps. At its center stands the Sussex County Courthouse, a landmark of white columns and a tall clock tower that has been part of the town’s landscape since the early 1800s. The Circle is also known for its long-standing traditions. Every two years, it becomes the setting for Return Day, a post-election celebration where political opponents ride together in horse-drawn carriages around the square. The event ends with a symbolic “burying of the hatchet,” a gesture of reconciliation that dates back centuries.
Just a few blocks away on Bedford Street, the Marvel Carriage Museum offers a look into Georgetown’s past. Inside its restored barns, you’ll find antique carriages, vintage fire trucks, and local artifacts that share the stories of Sussex County’s early days. Back near The Circle on Market Street, the Georgetown Antiques Market invites you to browse through vintage books, heirloom furniture, and coastal-inspired collectibles that reflect the town’s timeless character.
Middletown
Middletown’s Main Street combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it one of Delaware’s most inviting downtowns. As you stroll along, you will find shops like F+L Boutique, featuring stylish clothing, accessories, and unique home décor that add a personal touch to your wardrobe or living space. Just a few doors down, Volunteer Brewing Co. pours local craft beers in a cozy, renovated historic home, giving you a chance to relax and take in the town’s small-town charm. The Everett Theatre, with its restored 1920s facade, anchors the cultural scene, hosting live performances, classic film screenings, and local music that fill the street with energy.
Main Street is also the heart of Middletown’s year-round community events. In the summer, the Olde-Tyme Peach Festival bursts with color and activity, featuring peach-themed treats, local vendors, and family-friendly fun. During the fall and winter, the streets come alive with seasonal celebrations, from the tree-lighting ceremony that kicks off the Christmas season to the festive holiday parade, complete with colorful floats and dazzling performances.
Dover
Dover, Delaware’s capital, is a city where history, culture, and government meet. Along State Street near The Green, begin your exploration of the downtown area with a visit to the Old State House, built in 1791 with its brick facade and white trim. From there, take a short walk to Legislative Hall, where you can see Delaware’s civic life in action and gain a sense of its enduring history.
Just beyond Federal Street, several local attractions invite a closer look. At the Biggs Museum of American Art, you can browse fine and decorative art and take time to appreciate the craftsmanship on display. A little farther along, near North and New Streets, the Johnson Victrola Museum offers a hands-on look at phonographs, early recordings, and artifacts from Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a Delaware native and recording industry pioneer. If your visit coincides with the Dover Days Festival, downtown fills with parades, live music, food trucks, and artisan booths, creating a lively celebration of the community.
As you can see, these Main Streets are some of the standout destinations in the state. From the energetic buzz of Newark to the serene coastal charm of Lewes, Delaware’s main streets offer an inviting journey through small-town life, history, and culture. Each street presents a unique perspective, with boutique shopping, riverside walks, festivals, and historic architecture around every corner. By exploring these streets at your own pace, you will connect with the First State’s character in a tangible, memorable way, discovering the stories, tastes, and scenes that make each town uniquely welcoming.
