7 Coziest Towns to Visit in Delaware in 2024
The State of Delaware is full of history and natural beauty, reflected in the perfectly preserved homes (now museums) dating back to the 1700s, as well as a variety of modern and historic seaside attractions and coastlines that go one for miles. Coziness emanates from every nook and cranny here and offers the opportunity to enjoy multitudes of relaxed experiences in both the great outdoors as well as inside, tucked away within luxurious accommodations. Discover seven of the coziest towns in Delaware that are perfect for a trip in 2024.
Millsboro
Millsboro, Delaware, brings coziness to a whole new level with the timeless charm of Cupola Park. Picture strolling across the green grass for views of the Indian River as you hear live music in the spring and summer months. Grab a fishing pole with your loved one and try your hand at shoreline fishing or shop at the seasonal market. Fenwick Island State Park is a perfect spot to beach comb on the shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean or grab a paddle boat or kayak and sail off into the sunset. If watersports aren’t your thing, hunting for ghost crabs on the beach at night by flashlight is an exciting change of pace. The park is located 32 minutes from town by car.
For more adventures outdoors, nearby Holt’s Landing State Park also provides a variety of hiking trails including the Seahawk Trail where sightings of songbirds, osprey and herons are a common occurrence. As night falls, grab a blanket and picnic lunch and get cozy around a campfire while enjoying a night of music at the park’s free live concerts.
Lewes
A night at the cozy Camal Square Inn on the waterfront is a superior choice for a little rest and relaxation while in Lewes, Delaware. This historic location provides cozy rooms and a European-style breakfast, which is the perfect fare to get ready for a day of adventure ahead. Make a visit to the Battery 519 Observation Tower, a WWII defense site. Amp up the fun at Lewes’ Nature Center, featuring a touch pool tank filled with marine life, or enjoy the park’s natural habitats for a variety of wildlife, including dolphins.
You might steal a kiss from your partner while boogying the night away at the Big Oaks Campground, where they provide sites for tenting and RVs and host regular dance parties as well as arts and crafts for kids. They also have a swimming pool in which to cool down. Clamming and fishing are on the agenda at Rehoboth Beach, a 13-minute drive away by car.
New Castle
New Castle, Delaware, provides the opportunity to make your home as cozy as can be at the Newcastle Farmer’s Indoor-Outdoor market, with one-of-a-kind and vintage items of all shapes and varieties are ready to be discovered while also being easy on the pocketbook. Make The Read House and Gardens your next stop to explore the 14,000-square-foot mansion, where the view from the rooftop is completely unparalleled.
The Read Mansion proudly displays its original Philadelphia architecture, the premier example of the Federal Style in the state. Period furnishings and decor complete the experience, and Read House prides itself on achieving a remarkable sense of preservation of the past. The surrounding gardens are open to the public from dawn until dusk, while the mansion itself features large windows that allow for round-the-clock views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Odessa
Odessa, Delaware, provides priceless examples of charm and coziness at the Corbit-Sharp House historic landmark, built in the Philadelphia-Georgia style. This house is an important designation of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and showcases large, cozy fireplaces made of fieldstones, as well as nearby rocking chares once used to snuggle up near the fire. Grab a bite to eat and a cocktail or whatever is on tap at Cantwell’s Tavern, built in 1822. This local watering hole has been in business for over 100 years and provides comfortable and elegant accommodations for travelers. In times past, its guests included sea captains and merchants, who surely enjoyed getting cozy around a roaring fire in the tavern's fireplace in the cooler seasons.
The Miller- Dunham House Bed and Breakfast is another example of Odessa’s appeal. It is a prime example of a Colonial Style home with super cozy rooms that feature private porches, large beds, and a delicious homemade breakfast of hot tea or coffee, pancakes, and fresh blueberries among many other choices. As a unique feature of their establishment, the owners often prepare recipes submitted to the kitchen by locals.
Delaware City
Delaware City’s Cozy Quarters Farm is literally so cozy; they put it in their name for a good reason! Guests enjoy horseback riding lessons, trail rides, and even horse leasing and sales. Once you appease the equestrian in you, take a perusal through the Farm’s shop to pick up some homemade hand scrubs, farm-fresh eggs, and much more. Cozy Quarters Farm also hosts camps for kids where tots enjoy pony parties, bouncy houses, and wagon rides.
Catch a live band or two at Fort Delaware State Park during The Great Blue Music Festival. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or camp chair and get cozied up for an evening of entertainment. Last but certainly not least, Delaware City’s Canal House is a perfect getaway destination for anyone seeking an overload of historic charm. Its waterfront location offers seaport views and is close to the city’s marina.
Georgetown
Antique lovers will be in their element at Georgetown, Delaware’s Antiques Market, where their unique variety of antiques delight shoppers. Bring a little extra coziness home by purchasing a one-of-a-kind item with its original patina intact. Animal lovers, on the other hand, will be in their glee Georgetown’s Petting Zoo, which features a gift shop, handmade items, and indoor mini golf. Grab a cozy sweater and head to the Redden State Forest.
Stretch your legs on a hike and take in the fresh air amidst 29,000 acres of forest lands, over 43 miles of walking trails, and sites for camping. Round out your stay beside a cozy woodfire in the evening and prepare for a day of exploring birdwatching, and horseback riding.
Bethany Beach
Nothing could be cozier than a stroll down the clapboard walkway of Bethany Beach Boardwalk in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Head to the bandstand plaza to enjoy stunning ocean views and buy a souvenir at one of the Boardwalk’s many shops before enjoying a bite to eat at one of the food vendors along the way. Whatever you decide, the Boardwalk is a special place to explore. Bethany Beach Nature Center provides the opportunity to view a variety of flora and fauna as it is home to 100 species of turtles, fish, reptiles, birds, and much more. Free admission at Addy Cottage is only one of the enticing attractions at the 1903 cottage. Situated on 26 acres, this charming and ultra-cozy destination offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the beachy areas and welcomes visitors to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cottage, which has been perfectly preserved.
Coziness is not hard to find when visiting these 7 small towns in Delaware. From the Federal-style architecture, featuring expertly preserved examples of late 1700s construction and decor like the Corbit-Sharpe House in Odessa, to beachfront Inns that once accommodated sea captains and merchants such as Cantwell’s Tavern, coziness presents itself around every corner. Nostalgic seaside adventures and experiences within each locale await you like a warm embrace and welcome you to build memories in the state of Delaware you can take with you wherever you go.
