8 Unspoiled Small Towns in Delaware

Delaware might be the second smallest state in the US, but it is full of history and charm, particularly in its lesser-known small towns. These unspoiled towns, away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities and busy beaches, provide a peek into the First State's quiet beauty, rich heritage, and close-knit communities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a taste of local culture, or a tour of historic sites, Delaware's small towns provide a welcome, refreshing escape.

New Castle

Overlooking the Delaware River, New Castle is a small, historical town with a population just over 5,500. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley. In 2015, Good Housekeeping magazine named New Castle one of its 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America.

Historic New Castle is one of the most well-preserved communities in the US, with more than 600 historic structures. Founded by Dutch settlers in 1640, it is second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in terms of the amount and authenticity of its historic structures. One site not to miss is the New Castle Court House Museum, where Delaware voted to break off from Pennsylvania in 1776. The Jack A. Markell Trail connects Historic New Castle to Wilmington's Riverfront, perfect for hikers or bikers who want to get away from the big city and visit New Castle for a while.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many open spaces and nature areas found in New Castle, such as Battery Park. The park is located along the Delaware River and hosts the Separation Day celebration each June, which commemorates the separation of Delaware from Pennsylvania.

New Castle is also home to many dining options ranging from bars such as Jessop's Tavern, to Moroccan food served at Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant, to cafes like Nora Lee's Cafe. Lodging options include motels such as the Courtyard New Castle on New Castle Avenue, and bed and breakfasts like Terry House Bed and Breakfast on Delaware Street in the historic area.

Pike Creek

Pike Creek is a quaint Census-Designated Place in New Castle County. Its residents number just over 7,800, and, although it carries a Wilmington zip code, most who live there identify strongly with the Pike Creek area. Its unique location between Newark and Wilmington gives it the benefits of a small town that is still close to larger city amenities.

Pike Creek is ranked as the fifth-best suburb to live in Delaware in 2024. Its rolling green hills and proximity to White Clay Creek, as well as White Clay Creek State Park, all contribute to the natural beauty of the area. There are many walking trails, abundant wildlife, and types of nature throughout the Pike Creek valley. White Clay Creek State Park offers 37 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and runners to explore. The White Clay Creek was named a National Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service in 2000. The park also features a stage, playground, fishing docks, and disc golf course.

Hungry folk in Pike Creek may choose from taverns such as Chuck Lager's American Tavern, Italian restaurants like Valle Cucina, and the Back Burner Restaurant, featuring American cuisine with French and Italian influences. Accommodation choices in the area include bed and breakfasts and motels.

Wyoming

Wyoming is a small town with a population of 1,680. It is just five miles from the state capital, Dover, giving it the added benefit of proximity to city amenities. Wyoming is also rich in history, with much of that history connected to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Town officials call Wyoming "The Best Little Town in Delaware."

Founded near the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1856, Wyoming was a village originally known as Camden Station. It was renamed Wyoming in 1865 to honor Reverend John J. Pierce, an important town figure who had moved there from Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

Brecknock County Park in nearby Camden is a popular outdoor spot encompassing 86 acres of Kent County. A playground, nature and hiking trails, ball fields, and historic sites are available within the park. The park is said to have been named for a shire of Wales.

Dining choices in Wyoming include Wyoming Tavern, featuring bar food and a relaxed atmosphere; Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, serving American comfort food with a Texas twist; and Mike and Mel's Family Restaurant, with a diner-like atmosphere. Lodging can be found in nearby Dover and includes a host of hotels and motels as well as bed and breakfasts.

Selbyville

Selbyville is a small town with a population is just over 2,800 that offers a slower-paced country lifestyle. Founded in 1778 and incorporated in 1902, many of Selbyville's historic buildings are still standing today.

The Railroad Museum is one of the top historical sites in Selbyville. Home to artifacts highlighting the town's history, the museum celebrates the Breakwater & Frankford Railroad, which arrived in Selbyville in 1872. In addition to history, Selbyville honors the arts and culture through the many events held in the Freeman Arts Pavilion. Visual art, poetry, and theatre are just a few of the genres of art that have been featured at the pavilion.

Those interested in learning more about agriculture will enjoy a trip to Magee Farms, a working farm that offers tours. Additional attractions, such as a petting zoo, produce market, and wagon rides, are also available.

Hungry travelers have their choices of many restaurants. The Selbyville Pit & Pub offers bar food and drinks. On the Way Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare. Signatures at Bayside Resort Golf Club offer five-star gastro-pub dining. Lodging choices in the area include hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Bridgeville

Bridgeville is a small town in Sussex County in southwestern Delaware with a population just over 2,500. It lies about 30 miles south of the state capital, Dover. It is also 26 miles north of Salisbury, Maryland.

Bridgeville is one of western Sussex County's oldest surviving towns. A Native American village called Attawattacoquin was located where the town would be, along a waterway called Bridge Branch, prior to the 1680s. After a bridge was built across the stream, Bridgeville was named in 1810, and the town was officially incorporated in 1871.

The Bridgeville Historical Society Complex features historical pictures and displays of historic buildings and famous persons from the area. The Old Bridgeville House Fire Museum houses information on the town's railroad, as well as oral histories from many long-time residents.

Restaurants in Bridgeville include Passwaters Restaurant & 1730 Tavern, in the Heritage Shores community; Jeff's Taproom & Grille, serving bar food and featuring live music; and Snappy's Bar & Grille, which also has a kids' menu. Bed and breakfasts are the main lodging choices in Bridgeville, but some travelers choose to stay in the larger nearby cities of Dover or Salisbury instead.

Odessa

Odessa is a truly small, historical town, comprised of just over 350 residents. It started as a thriving English port town located off the Delaware River on the Appoquinimink River in the 18th century.

When a railroad was built through the larger neighboring town of Middletown in 1855, much business was diverted from Odessa, and its economy slowed. In the early 1900s, Odessa's future was saved by H. Rodney Sharp, who bought many of the historic buildings in the town, creating what is known today as the Odessa Historic District. The Corbit-Sharp House is a National Historic Landmark, and the historic district itself is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Odessa is known as one of the most pristine colonial towns in the US. In addition to its history, it also is home to two National Parks Service Network to Freedom sites, designating places that were part of the Underground Railroad. The entire historic district can be toured today.

Built in 1822, Cantwell's Tavern combines history with good food, drink, and entertainment. Other dining options are in nearby Middletown, including the Odessa Diner and The Grille at Back Creek. Cantwell House Bed and Breakfast and Miller-Dunham House Bed & Breakfast, both in Odessa, offer accommodations to travelers.

Milton

Located seven miles from the Delaware Bay, Milton's population is just under 3,300. From the 18th century, Milton was known as a lumbering, mill, shipping, and shipbuilding town at the head of the Broadkill River. Agriculture and industry overtook shipbuilding in the 19th century.

Milton Historical District consists of 188 buildings in Milton's central business district and surrounding areas. It has been named a National Historic District, which can be viewed easily through a walking tour of the town.

The holly industry was huge in Milton's early days, as the town was the largest producer of Christmas and holly holiday decorations, giving it the nickname "The Land of Holly." Although the holly industry declined in the 1950s, Milton still holds an annual Holly Festival each year.

Milton's dining choices include the Milton Dough Bar, featuring pizza and Italian specialties, on Union St.; The Backyard, a bakery and restaurant featuring local foods, on Broadkill Rd., and Good Morning Breakfast Nook, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, on Samuel Paynter Blvd. Lodging options in Milton include the historical Mansion Farm Inn, the Governor's Bed and Breakfast, and the Charleston of Milton Inn.

Fenwick Island

Fenwick Island's residents number just under 350, but the pristine beach town located on a barrier split receives thousands of visitors each year. The town was named after Thomas Fenwick in 1692, at a time when it appeared as an island dotted with inlets that ships could navigate. Today's Fenwick Island was incorporated in 1953, and is the last town before crossing into Maryland.

Featured on many postcards, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse was built in 1858 and is a landmark on Delaware's coast. When it was built, the area was very isolated, and ships needed the light from the lighthouse to travel to Delaware. The lighthouse is not open to climb today, but there is a small museum and gift shop that is open to visitors.

Fenwick Island State Park covers 344 acres with a three-mile-long beach. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Assawoman Bay are activities available at the park. Also at the park is a World War II fire control tower that helped to protect the coastline during wartime. Surf fishing is another pastime here.

Many eateries in Fenwick Island focus on seafood and include Catch 54, Matt's Fish Camp Fenwick, and Harpoon Hanna's. There are many hotels and motels on Fenwick Island, as well as Airbnbs and rental units, in which weary travelers can rest.

Get Ready for Adventure

These unspoiled small towns in Delaware are anything but sleepy. They might be brimming with history, but they also offer visitors lively entertainment, arts, and culture. A real sense of community can be found throughout these small towns, whether you visit the tiny town of Odessa or the larger village of New Castle. Touring any of these small Delaware towns is sure to foster a sense of adventure.