7 Coolest Small Towns In Delaware For A Summer Vacation
Delaware is a lovely state nestled within the mid-atlantic region of the United States. One of the smallest and least populous, Delaware boasts expansive natural land perfect for a summer getaway. Making the most of its waterfront location, the state is home to many coastal towns which are ideal for beating the heat this summer. That being said, with so many places to go, many people miss out on the coolest summer destinations in Delaware. Not only do they offer amazing natural sights, but some even boast unique attractions like historical landmarks, resorts, and much more!
Rehoboth Beach
When putting summer vacation and Delaware together, Rehoboth Beach tops the list. This stunning coastal city is one of the state’s most famous resort towns with amazing attractions and sights. To this end, the city’s quaint population of 1,100 booms to over 25,000 during summer. Most of these people spend their time enjoying the award-winning beach and boardwalk known for the cleanest water, finest restaurants, and good vibes. Grab a spot on the beach (come early!) and relax, grab a bite, or play games along the boardwalk.
After having cooled off at the beach, head to the town for plenty of engaging attractions. With its influx of summer visitors, Rehoboth Beach houses some amazing places to visit, such as the aptly named, Funland. This famous amusement park has been providing family fun for more than 50 years. It has more than a dozen rides for all ages so everyone can have fun. For visitors who want to spend the day shopping for some summer outfits, check out Tanger Outlets. Located a few miles from the boardwalk, the area boasts more than 100 stores and restaurants with everything from luxury brands to local favorites. When it comes to a coastal trip this summer, there are few towns cooler than Rehoboth Beach!
Clayton
Located in Kent and New Castle counties, Clayton is a great place to get away from urban living. This peaceful town has a population of less than 3,000 and is home to some of the friendliest people in the state. A vacation here is the perfect way to enjoy a mix of suburbs, nature, and history. If wanting to meet new people and have a relaxing time out, check out the local farmer’s market. Filled with all sorts of delicious fruits and vegetables, it is the perfect place to spend the day with family. If this is a bit too relaxed, visit Jungle Jims Adventure World instead. This fantastic water park is the largest in the area with bumper boats, tubes, fountains, and more for a fun summer retreat.
While the town is a cool place to slow down, Clayton also houses many natural destinations. Places like Blackiston Wildlife Area and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge are ideal spots to visit during the summer. Blackiston Wildlife Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife ranging from small birds to frogs and more! Similarly, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge has a massive area of more than 15,000 acres with hiking trails, observation towers, and a visitor center. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven in Clayton, a perfect place to spend the summer!
Dewey Beach
Home to a population of just 340 people, Dewey Beach is a peaceful town in Delaware that booms during summer. Located along the eastern coast of Delaware and home to some of the cleanest beaches in America, it is an ideal coastal destination for any summer vacation. The scenic beach offers a range of fun activities such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and more. Visitors can spend the day enjoying some adrenaline-filled fun out in the sun. For those in a relaxing mood, grab a drink and set up a chair along the calm Dewey Beach and let the worries melt away!
In addition to the beach, Dewey Beach’s coastal influence runs throughout the activities in town. During summer, tourists will find a vibrant culture and many amazing people from all over America. Following a day in the sun, grab a drink in one of the many pubs and bars around town such as The Starboard and Nalu Surf Bar are both popular locations in town. Both places offer amazing food, drinks, and parties during summer! End the day with some live music at Sip & Shop for a fun summer vacation in Delaware.
Delaware City
Sharing its name with the state, Delaware City is an amazing place to hang out in Delaware. The city is nestled along the Delaware River and offers a unique take on vacations in the state. Unlike many other coastal towns, Delaware City boasts a rich history combined with amazing natural sites that work hand in hand for the perfect summer retreat. A great example of this is Fort Delaware State Park. Encompassing a 288-acre area, this state park houses a large fortress built by the U.S. Army in 1815. Since then, the fortress has seen battles, prisoners, and was even burned providing a unique past that brings in people from all over. The rest of the park is home to a wide range of animals and trails for the perfect outdoor destination. For folks wanting to get closer to wildlife, visit Cozy Quarters Farm, a quaint farm offering a fun horseriding experience for everyone!
In addition to this, the city also houses some amazing food joints that offer a wide range of dishes. Seafood lovers must pay a visit to Crabby Dick’s, a famous joint known for its delicious crab cakes. For some delectable drinks, check out Scoreboard Pub & Grill, a lovely pub filled with good vibes. End the day with an ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat; the perfect end to an evening along the ocean!
Dover
The capital of Delaware, Dover is a lively city filled with fun things to do in the summer. Home to 39,500 residents, the town boasts a vibrant culture and amazing establishments. For example, visitors can learn about the local arts scene with a quick visit to the Biggs Museum of American Art. Opened in 1993, this museum houses three floors of artwork for an amazing insight into the space. For those who want to be a bit more rambunctious and lucky this summer, visit Dovers Down Casino. Filled with games, sports betting, and more, it is an amazing place to spend the night with friends, adult-only of course. Moreover, with many bars, restaurants, and more anyone is certain have a great time here!
While these indoor sites are enjoyable, summer is also meant to be spent in the sun. To this end, Dover boasts the famous Dover International Speedway. This famous racing track hosts large races, music festivals, and more. Plan the trip accordingly and attend the famous Firefly Music Festival in the summer. Or, for a more relaxing time in the outdoors, walk on over to Dover Beach, a fun place where tourists can soak in the rays and relax.
Bethany Beach
With ‘beach’ in its name, Bethany Beach is bound to be a fun town for your summer vacation. This small town sits along the coast with an expansive range of waterside amenities and attractions. Just a short walk along the coast visitors will find a boardwalk, beach, motels, cafes, resorts, and more. Out of these, the Bethany Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit offering food joints, stores, and even a foot washing center before the beach. After enjoying yourself on the boardwalk, walk over to the lovely beach where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing.
While the boardwalk and beach are perfect for relaxing, curious to get some adrenaline pumping? Well, if that’s the case, Bethany Beach has the perfect solution for you. Head on over to Island Watersports, the region’s largest water sports complex. Here, you can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, and much more for a fun time in the water. If you’re feeling confident, try out the new flyboarding which is a unique experience!
Arden
While it may not be a coastal town, Arden is a lovely town home to amazing summer activities. With an area of 0.25 sq. miles (0.65 sq. km.), Arden is the perfect embodiment of a small town. Thanks to this, it is the perfect place to wind down and get away from the fast pace of urban life during summer. To meet some locals and learn about the area, spend a day at the Arden Craft Shop Museum. This place has hundreds of photographs and exhibits from Arden’s past with some unique stories to go along. Similarly, tourists can also visit the nearby Arden Gild Hall. Constructed in the 1850s, this interesting establishment was once a barn, then a community center, and finally a concert hall!
After learning about the town’s history and making some new friends, visitors are sure to feel at ease. However, there is actually a unique surprise hiding beneath Arden’s peaceful vibe: the famous Oddporium antique store. This store is filled with everything from spooky jewelry to occult items for a fascinating, yet creepy, experience. Do not forget to grab an interesting souvenir to remember the summer trip to Arden forever!
Conclusion
Combining the coastal scenery of Delaware with its vibrant culture and unique history, these towns are amazing summer vacation spots. From the beaches at Rehoboth Beach to the unique Oddporium store in Arden, you’ll find an endless array of fun things to do this summer. So, plan out which town suits your needs best and book a trip to Delaware today!
