6 Storybook Towns In Delaware
Small towns in Delaware are like the chapters of a storybook with historical Lewes as the prologue. Dover is the heart of the story, with its colonial charm. Newark is the academic chapter, bustling with the energy of university life, while Ocean View offers a quiet interlude where art and nature invite reflection. Bethany Beach is the book’s climax with its warm ocean breezes. Rehoboth Beach is the end of the story with its iconic boardwalk steeped in nostalgia, leaving lasting memories of time well spent. Together, these six storybook towns are worth re-reading on a visit any time of the year.
Lewes
Considered the “First Town in the First State,” history lovers will enjoy discovering Lewes with its fascinating culture and deep maritime and military roots from pre-Revolutionary war days to the present day. The Zwaanendael Museum commemorates the town of Lewes, named Zwaanendael (which means “Swan Valley”) by the first Dutch settlers who arrived in the area in 1631. Spend time in the historic district at the legendary Cannonball House Maritime Museum, which survived cannon fire during the War of 1812, or the RyvesHolt House, a 1665 landmark recognized as one of the oldest surviving houses in Delaware and the U.S.
Continue delving into Lewes’ past with a visit to the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The fort, part of the nation’s defense during World War II, is now an artillery park. The museum is housed in Battery 519, one of many underground bunkers in the park.
Dover
Delaware’s state capital, Dover, is full of colonial architecture and historical sites like the First State Heritage Park on the historic Dover Green, where costumed interpreters greet visitors at the park’s Welcome Center with tours and special events to highlight the town’s history in buildings like the John Bell Interpretive Center, built in the mid-1700s, and the Old State House, which was built in 1791 and served as the state capitol until 1933. Visitors can see an 18th-century courtroom in the state house, while the second floor features the state legislature chambers and a famous portrait of George Washington and several war heroes. The annual Colonial Market Fair brings the past to life in a market of woodworkers, blacksmiths, brewers, and soapmakers displaying their crafts on the Green.
Newark
With its eclectic college vibe and energy, Newark is home to the University of Delaware—one of the oldest universities in the U.S., dating back to 1743. Spend some time on the pretty campus where former students of all ages can relive their own storybook memories of college days with a visit to the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens and its year-round gardens, open free to the public. Next door, support the students at the university who work at the UDairy Creamery by buying a tub of one of over 34 flavors of ice cream made onsite with milk from the Agriculture College’s dairy farm.
Head over to the nearby 1877 Pennsylvania Railroad Station to tour the Newark Historical Society’s History Museum, which features exhibits from 1758 to the present. The museum is part of the Newark Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking trail with historic buildings leading to downtown shops and restaurants like Caffé Gelato. More than an Italian ice cream shop, it serves house-crafted pasta and has a Wine Spectator-approved wine list.
Ocean View
Bring a storybook along on this charming escape to the small town of Ocean View. Enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Wander through the James Farm Ecological Preserve, an oasis of wildland along the southern shore of Indian River Bay. Solace seekers can relax on a calm bayside beach, observe native plants and animals, or hike three miles of trails through seven distinct habitats—from sandy beaches to marshes to the shade of a hardwood forest.
Nature and art lovers will want to visit the Ellen Rice Studio of Fine Art near the preserve. The nationally recognized artist is known for her inspirational Delaware landscapes and seascapes. The studio also showcases other Delaware-based artists, including fine art, sculpture, pottery, and jewelry. Finally, Ocean View is home to The Foreland Club for golf enthusiasts who want to practice their swing indoors 365 days a year.
Bethany Beach
A small, peaceful beach town with a quiet, family-friendly charm, Bethany Beach offers visitors a slower-paced boardwalk trip than the busy Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. The wooden planks, constructed in 1905, serve as the town’s hub, with one-of-a-kind shops like Bethany Beach Books, the hip Bethany Surf Shop, Tidepool Toys, coffee shops, and pizza stands along the way.
Take a short drive and explore Fenwick Island's historic lighthouse, which dates back to 1858. With the kids in tow, the Viking Golf and Thunder Lagoon attractions are must-sees. Here, families can spend hours playing 19-hole miniature golf, taking a turn around an exciting go-kart track, or splashing in the waterpark. Visit the Herseys Island Creamery for the perfect sweet treat to end this storybook day in Bethany Beach.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a lively beach town whose small population of 1,500 residents swells to over 25,000 visitors each summer. Attracted by its nostalgic boardwalk, colorful beach cottages, and welcoming atmosphere, the town is a throwback to earlier family vacations by car with its mix of mini golf courses like the Jurassic-park-themed Nick’s Mini Golf, arcades like the old-timey landmark Funland, which opened in 1962, and Candy Kitchen, a family-owned business that’s been pulling taffy and dipping chocolate since 1937.
Away from the beach, visitors should take advantage of the state’s tax-free shopping at the Tanger Outlets and Coral Cove or pop into the eclectic shops on the boardwalk for souvenir t-shirts and shell necklaces. Visit Thrasher’s French Fries, one of the most iconic places at the beach, to share a bucket of french fries with family. For something more upscale, visit Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant for beer-battered fish and chips.
Delaware's storybook towns blend history, charm, and scenic beauty. Lewes invites exploration with its rich maritime roots, while Dover showcases sites like the Old State House and hosts the lively Colonial Market Fair. Newark's vibrant college atmosphere highlights the University of Delaware, UDairy Creamery, and historic walking trails. Ocean View provides a serene escape with the James Farm Ecological Preserve and local art at the Ellen Rice Studio. Bethany Beach charms with its family-friendly boardwalk, while Rehoboth Beach brings nostalgic fun with its lively attractions and tax-free shopping.
