7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Delaware

Delaware is a lovely place to spend a long weekend. Whether you are planning a trip for Memorial Day Weekend, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or a winter getaway, Delaware is a wonderful destination for any occasion.

The state has plenty of affordable options, a diverse range of state parks and small towns, and activities to suit every type of traveler. Hiking, shopping, kayaking, swimming, golfing, eating, and bird watching are just a few of the many ways that you can spend a long weekend in Delaware.

Plus, the state is convenient to access for a long weekend, thanks to Wilmington Airport and nearby Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Get ready to explore all that Delaware has to offer!

Trap Pond State Park

Don’t miss your chance to spend a long weekend in nature at Trap Pond State Park. Located in southern Delaware, Trap Pond State Park is a wetland forest covered in scenic cypress trees. It is also home to its namesake pond, which is an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. There are over 9 miles of boating routes, as well as 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. A popular hiking trail among locals is the Bob Trail, which spans 4.6 miles and takes hikers around Trap Pond.

Trap Pond State Park has boat rental services, which means you can get out on the water even if you don’t have your own canoe or pontoon boat. If you plan to spend the entire long weekend in Trap Pond State Park, be sure to reserve a campsite in advance. There are a few cabins within the park that start at $85 per night, as well as several tent sites starting at $23 per night.

Bethany Beach

South of Rehoboth Beach on Delaware’s coast lies Bethany Beach. This charming coastal town offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, a 12-foot-wide wooden boardwalk, and the Bethany Beach Nature Center. This gives visitors a chance to go bird watching, stroll on the beach, swim in the ocean, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Typically quieter than Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach is the ideal spot for travelers who are looking for a quieter long weekend destination with fewer crowds. For example, South Indian River Inlet Beach is a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle. Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Charles W. Cullen Bridge, which crosses the inlet. Bethany Beach offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets, like the Hotel Bethany Beach and the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn.

Winterthur

Winterthur is a suburb of Wilmington that is most definitely worth visiting for a long weekend. This Delaware destination is one of the quaintest neighborhoods in the state’s largest city, which means that you will have plenty of accommodation options nearby, like the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Downtown Wilmington - Legal District.

While in Winterthur, be sure to visit the suburb’s most iconic tourist attraction, the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. This historic site was previously the estate of Henry Francis du Pont, who was known as a horticulturist and for his antique collection. Over the years, the estate was turned into a public museum of Americana artifacts, a garden, and a library. There is so much to explore inside and outside at Winterthur Museum, so be sure to allocate several hours to visit.

Rehoboth Beach

Spend a long weekend in Delaware exploring Rehoboth Beach. This charming beachfront town is the perfect spot for your next weekend getaway and one of the best places to visit on the state’s Atlantic coast. You can soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and go for a sandy stroll on any one of Rehoboth Beach’s picturesque beaches. A few of the most popular include Deauville Beach, Poodle Beach, and Rehoboth Beach.

As the sun starts to set and you are ready to retire from the beach, head to the bustling mile-long boardwalk, where you will find shops, restaurants, live concerts, arcade games, and more.

In terms of accomodations in Rehoboth Beach, there are options to suit all budgets. Big Oaks Campground and Port Delmarva are ideal for budget travelers, whereas the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and The Bellmoor Inn and Spa are fantastic higher-end options.

Lums Pond State Park

Immerse yourself in nature by planning a long weekend getaway to Lums Pond State Park. This popular Delaware state park is situated south of Wilmington and has so much to offer visitors. From scenic hikes to activities like fishing and boating, there is no shortage of things to do in Lums Pond State Park. A few popular trails include the Whale Wallow Loop, the Swamp Forest Trail, and the Little Jersey Trail. Meanwhile, you can also get out on the water by kayaking or canoeing.

In the evening, you can set up your tent or park your RV in one of Lums Pond State Park’s campsites. Campgrounds are affordable, ranging from $22 per night for a tent site to $37 per night for an RV site. If you book ahead of time, you might even be able to reserve the park’s yurt, which is $51 per night. If you would rather head back to Wilmington to spend the night in a hotel, the park is only 25 minutes away from Delaware's largest city.

Newark

If you are looking to travel to Delaware for a long weekend, consider Newark as your destination. Newark is a small, historic town located near the Maryland border. While in Newark, visitors can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities thanks to White Clay Creek State Park and the 200-year-old Chambers House Nature Center. Fishing, hiking, disc golf, and mountain biking are all popular activities in White Clay Creek State Park.

When you are done exploring Newark’s natural beauty, head back into the heart of town, where you will find opportunities to shop and indulge in local fare. Christiana Mall, Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall, and the Midnight Oil Brewing Company are all great spots to visit.

Lastly, if you are looking for a place to stay in Newark, there are a number of options to accommodate different budgets, like the Quality Inn, the Ramada Newark/Wilmington, and the Baymont by Wyndham Newark.

Killens Pond State Park

Another perfect destination for a long weekend in Delaware is none other than Killens Pond State Park. Whether you are visiting in the spring, summer, or autumn, you will fall in love with the beauty and fun that await you in Killens Pond.

First, the park is home to a 66-acre pond. There are a number of trails that loop around the pond, as well as additional hiking trails throughout the park. If you prefer to get out on the water, you can also canoe, kayak, or fish. Bird watching is another popular pastime here (keep your eyes peeled for native birds like the woodpecker, prothonotary warbler, or barred owl).

During the summer months only, the Nature Center runs guided hikes and kayaking tours. The park’s on-site water park is also in operation during the summer months. Lastly, if you want to camp in Killens Pond State Park, there are cabins, tent sites, and standard sites that vary in price from $23 per night to $73 per night.

No matter what long weekend is ahead of you, spending them in Delaware is a fantastic plan. This mid-Atlantic state has so much to offer, from fascinating history to beautiful nature. You can even go on a beach vacation in this diverse state!

Whether you want to catch the sun in Rehoboth Beach, kayak in Trap Pond State Park, or wander around the scenic gardens in Winterthur, Delaware, has something for every type of traveler. Families, couples, friend groups, and solo travelers alike will love exploring everything the state has to offer.