The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Delaware

The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States includes America's second smallest state: Delaware. Yet this tiny state has a big claim to fame, as it was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, earning it the nickname The First State. Due to its long history, going back to Native American times and European colonization in the 1600s, Delaware has many historic places and gorgeous small towns, especially on the beach. Here are 7 of the most picturesque small towns in Delaware you can visit today.

Lewes

This charming beach town of just over 3,500 people is a dream getaway for any season, but especially in the summer months. Enjoy a swim at Cape Henlopen State Park, which features a picturesque Atlantic beach, bathhouse, picnic pavilion, and a variety of trails and historical sites, including World War II observation towers with great views of the Atlantic coastline. For a thrilling adventure, experience the thrill of the Alley-Oop Skimboarding Camp. The town is filled to the brim with breweries, including Big Oyster Brewery and Crooked Hammock Brewery. Lastly, there are plenty of spots to hike in town, including the Georgetown-Lewes Trail, which follows the former Delaware Coast Line Railroad.

Wyoming

It is fitting that one of the smallest states in the Union would have a town with the same name as the state with the smallest population: Wyoming. This quaint community hosts Fifer's Orchards, a farm and country store that sells fresh produce and sweets. There is a quaint park called Wyoming Park on the shores of the Wyoming Pond that you can visit. In addition, there are several parks in nearby communities in Kent County, such as Brecknock County Park, an 86-acre park with nature trails and a playground called Picadilly Castle, which will be a delight for children. The Hunn Nature Park in nearby Dover features 172 acres of trails for a great day of hiking in nature.

Millsboro

This charming Delaware River town located on the shores of the Indian River is famous for its fishing, antique shops, and delicious seafood. Millsboro has plenty of activities to keep you occupied, such as Cupola Park on the banks of the Indian River, which features a boat ramp and shoreline fishing and crabbing. Other spots to go fishing and crabbing include Oak Orchard, as well as multiple public boat ramps in town. To learn more about the history of this southern Delaware town, check out the Nanticoke Indian Museum. There are also many locally owned restaurants in town, such as Kaisy's Delights, which offers breakfast and lunch.

Fenwick Island

This coastal town is a relaxing place to enjoy nature and the calming waves of the ocean. The main attraction in town, Fenwick Island State Park, features three miles of beach complete with campgrounds. You can also rent a kayak from Coastal Kayak, which comes with an education-guided tour through the waters of the area. Viking Golf & Thunder Lagoon in town offers Norse-themed golf and go-karts. There are many great seafood joints in town, such as Matt's Fish Camp Fenwick and House of Sauce, that offer crab cakes, oysters, and more. Before you leave town, be sure to visit the picturesque Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a historic building first built in 1859.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a delightful destination in Delaware that has a picturesque beach, farmer's market, Nature Center, and more. The beach itself has a boardwalk, surfing, and events such as Movies on the Beach and Bandstand during the summer and Bonfires on the Beach on Fridays in October, making this town a great destination no matter the season. For historic building lovers, the Dinker-Irvin Museum is a beautiful 1903 cottage that was originally the town post office. The Nature Center itself is housed in the historic Addy Cottage and features a picturesque native plant demonstration garden and trails through wetlands and maritime forests. The Bethany Beach History Museum, conveniently located in Town Hall, offers insights into the town's past.

Harrington

Known as the racing town for its harness racing, Harrington has a long history going back to its founding in 1780 by Benjamin Clark. Today, the town is the home of the Delaware State Fairgrounds and Raceway & Casino, which draws in a huge number of people into this small town of just over 3,800 people. There's more to see in town than just racing, however, as the Harrington Historical Society maintains the Museum, Old Church, and Railroad Tower. The Fairgrounds also hosts the Centre Ice Arena, a 49,000 square foot ice rink open mid-August to mid-June. For nature lovers, visit Browns Branch County Park, which has peaceful hiking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, and soccer fields. After a long day of adventure, relax with a nice meal at Derby's Bar & Restaurant.

Smyrna

Located in the northern part of Kent County, this charming Delaware small town of just over 13,200 people is a must-visit for Delaware travelers, especially if you love the performing arts. Smyrna is home to a historic Opera House built in 1870, which regularly hosts music and theatrical performances. The town also hosts Belmont Hall, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1773. Smyrna is historic in more ways than one, as it is the home of the first small-batch distillery in Delaware: Painted Stave Distilling, which offers tours. For other spots to visit in the town, explore the Smyrna Museum, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Blackbird State Forest, and Sweets & Treats Restaurant and Bar.

Discover the Charm of Delaware's Small Towns

Delaware is a small state, but it's no slacker when it comes to great places to explore, as the small towns in this article demonstrate. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, a historic city to see beautiful buildings, or an exciting place to bet on races, these small towns have it all. Plus, there's an abundance of great local seafood to enjoy!