7 Most Scenic Small Towns in Delaware

As the first state to join the union, Delaware holds an important place in the history of the United States of America. The state starts with the Piedmont region and then changes into sandy beaches that meet the Atlantic coast. The state might be small, but it is packed with natural landmarks to see and visit.

There are big, lovely wetlands and the Delaware River winding through the natural scenes spreading out before you. In this state, you can find both busy towns and calm countryside places with quiet, rolling fields. Amongst the diverse environments, here are seven of the most scenic towns in Delaware.

Bethany Beach​​​​

At the town's doorstep, long stretches of golden beaches unfold along the Atlantic Ocean's shores, where the surf meets the sand.

Bethany Beach stands out for its protected dunes. These dunes play a big part in making the beach's sandy terrain stretch long and clean and form a distinct, narrow stretch of sand.

Right near Bethany Beach, the old Fenwick Island Lighthouse has been showing the way since 1859. While you can't go up the lighthouse, there is a little museum and a shop to check out.

When at the lighthouse, look out for the Transpeninsular Stone, which shows where Delaware ends and Maryland begins.

Back in town, the boardwalk stretches for half a mile and creates a laid-back setting great for leisurely strolls or soaking up the scenery. It stands as Bethany Beach's hub for socializing, creating a strong sense of community among locals while offering unbeatable views.

Arden​​​​

The history behind Arden is truly unique. Arden was founded in the early 1900s by utopian philosophers who envisioned a single-tax artist's community, which is where artists live, sharing ideals, funded by a collective property tax.

The whole village earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition comes not just because of its cultural scenery but also due to its architecture.

You can find examples of this at places like the Arden Craft Shop, built in 1913 by the architect William Lightfoot Price. It also functions as a museum whose mission is to gather and display items pertinent to the history of the villages of Arden, Ardentown, and Ardencroft (collectively known as the 'Ardens').

Another example is the Gild Hall, which has been standing since 1910 and is the center of social and cultural happenings in Arden.

The small town really loves to show its dedication to arts and crafts on its sleeves. You can see it in the buildings, at special gatherings, and especially at the Arden Fair every year Labor Day weekend.

New Castle​​​​​​

When you step into New Castle, the aged-brick buildings and stone pathways will immediately make you think of the country’s proud colonial past.

The New Castle Court House Museum, constructed in 1732, stands as a crucial historic site in Delaware where the first court and state capitol were housed.

In 1776, at this location, Delaware proclaimed itself an independent state from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. The museum is incorporated within the First State National Historical Park and provides exhibits along with tours that delve into the colonial history of Delaware.

For more of that perfectly curated colonial feel, be sure to visit the Dutch House, one of New Castle's oldest buildings, and the Amstel House. For the more ghost-inclined, both are stops on popular haunted house tours held in October.

To take in that clean Delaware air, head to the New Castle Green, a central open space in the heart of town.

Milton​​​​

With the Atlantic Ocean only a 15-minute drive away, Milton has the water as its playground.

But with beaches can come busyness. For a quieter alternative, nearby Broadkill Beach is a calm, less crowded choice compared to other beaches in Delaware. It offers peaceful beach views and brings you closer to the state's beautiful nature.

Not far from the beach is the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Discover a breathtaking seaside spot brimming with expanses great for long walks, observing birds, and capturing wildlife through your lens.

Milton's downtown is the hub of its charm, inviting people to explore on foot. As you walk around, you will encounter sites like the Milton Theatre. Built around 1910, this two-story building has seen its share of uses, ranging from a movie theater and firehouse all the way to a basketball court.

Love craft beer? Try the Dogfish Head Brewery. Enjoy guided tours and get to taste their unique beers. It is a fun way to discover what makes this Milton brewery so special.

Kitts Hummock

When you come to Kitts Hummock, you could be in store for a whole lot of horseshoe crabs. The region is famous for being one of the top spots in North America to see horseshoe crabs, particularly true around their breeding time in May and June.

Kitts Hummock Beach is the core of the town, offering a peaceful place to go for walks, watch birds, and relax in a calm setting.

While the town has its own special seaside appeal, it also serves as a starting point to check out other beaches, including Lewes and Rehoboth.

After the beaches, try a stroll down the path and then indulge in some Bird Watching at St. Jones Reserve. It can be perfect for people who love to watch birds, both local and migratory, in their natural habitat.

Another worthwhile stopover is the John Dickinson Plantation. Here, you can learn about early American times by exploring the life of John Dickinson, a key player before the American Revolution began.

Lewes

In Lewes, there is no shortage of museums and important landmarks to see.

Start off at the Zwaanendael Museum, which gets its name from a Dutch colony called Swanendael. The site invites visitors to explore the history of sea exploration, military events, and cultural stories and shines a spotlight on how the Dutch shaped the region.

It is not every day a building has a cannonball in its framework. In town, there is a historic structure called the Cannonball House, which has an actual cannonball stuck in its foundation from when Lewes was bombarded back in 1813. Today, this building is a Maritime Museum, giving a peek into the town's maritime heritage.

Looking for an outdoor jaunt? Check out the Junction and Breakwater Trail. This path lets you walk or bike nearly six miles from Cape Henlopen State Park to Lewes Beach. For more beaches, the popular Rehoboth beach is only 22 minutes away by car.

Millsboro

Long before settlers lived around the town now known as Millsboro, the Nanticoke Indian Tribe called the region home. The legacy and heritage is remembered at the Nanticoke Indian Museum.

The museum is a National Historic Landmark and is the only one of its type in Delaware. Take a look into the life of the tribe, exploring their tools, weapons, pottery, and art. Some pieces go back to 8,000 B.C.E.

Every year, the Nanticoke Powwow event shares the tribe's traditional ways of life. This festival shines a light on the tribe's rich history and traditions.

In town, Cupola Park is a peaceful park located on the tidal Indian River, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

In Millsboro, you will also find 2nd Time Designs, an extraordinary art gallery famous for its metal sculptures. This place mixes creativity with a love for the environment, with exhibits made from reused materials.

Delaware, the pioneering state, blends its historical richness with diverse beauty, from the Piedmont Plateau to the Atlantic shores. Its landscape, a blend of interesting towns and beaches, reveals a state much larger in character than in size. Here, you can find charming old villages packed with iconic sites and waterfront retreats, as Delaware offers an array of gorgeous views and quiet natural areas. So, why not dive in? Pick the right Delaware town for you and start planning.