12 Amazing Delaware Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Because Delaware is a small state of under 2,500 square miles and only 96 miles long, it typically takes just two hours to drive through the entire state. For this reason, several day trips are accessible from just about anywhere within the First State. Whether you are looking for historic destinations such as the New Castle, cultural experiences in Nemours Estate, or want to appreciate Delaware's natural beauty at the Wilmington Riverfront, these Delaware day trips offer plentiful ideas for the perfect stay-cation.
Starting City: Wilmington
Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington
Located at the opposite end of Market Street from downtown Wilmington, the Riverfront consists of a 1.3-mile scenic path along the Christina River. It is much more than just a picturesque hiking destination, however. Some of the most popular attractions in Wilmington, such as the Delaware Children's Museum and the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball stadium, are on the Riverfront. Restaurants such as Big Fish Grill and Del Pez Riverfront are available when you get hungry. Free parking for the Riverfront is available in the Riverfront's Commuter Lot on Beech Street.
Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington
A bit north of the downtown area of Wilmington, Alapocas Run State Park is a surprisingly beautiful oasis within the city. It is home to the state's only natural rock-climbing wall, Blue Rock Cliff. The park, which is 415 acres in area, is named after Alapocas Run, a tributary of Brandywine Creek. The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, which can be hiked or biked, runs through the park and includes historic overlooks that teach visitors about the textile mills that used to thrive in the region. Hiking, biking, picnicking, and rock climbing are just some of the popular outdoor activities here.
The park is also home to the first Boundless Playground in Delaware, Can-Do Playground. It is 27,000 square feet and was designed for accessibility for every child, regardless of mental, physical, and sensory abilities. The Blue Ball Barn, a two-story barn housing a collection of Delaware artifacts, is a unique feature of this park that is not to be missed. The barn can also be rented to hold banquets and special events.
Winterthur, Pennsbury Township
Six miles northwest of the center city of Wilmington, Winterthur is a museum of American decorative arts collected in a 175-room house that was once the home of Henry Francis DuPont. It houses 90,000 artifacts made or used in the U.S. since 1640. The grounds also include 980 acres of protected waterways, meadows, ponds, and woodlands and a 60-acre garden. Kids will especially love Winterthur's Enchanted Garden, a three-acre children's garden that is designed to inspire and delight kids of all ages.
You can bring your own picnic to eat on the grounds, or dine in Winterthur's Visitor Center Cafe. Winterthur is open Tuesdays through Sundays in spring, summer and fall, and Monday through Sunday over the Yuletide period, when special holiday-themed exhibits are featured. The museum is easily accessed from Kennett Pike.
Nemours Estate, Wilmington
Just 12 minutes north of Wilmington, Nemours Estate is testimony to the history of the DuPont family. It includes a 77-room, 47,000-square-foot mansion built in 1910, a Chauffeur's Garage housing vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of formal gardens, grounds, and woodlands. All are decorated in the French style. Self-guided tours are available. The estate is particularly enchanting during the holiday season when festive seasonal displays and live musical performances are featured.
The estate shares its grounds with Nemours Children's Hospital, and its entrance is just off Rockland Road, on the hospital campus. Plan your day trip in advance, as Nemours Estate is only open from April through the end of December.
New Castle
A few miles south of Wilmington is the hidden gem of New Castle. Begin your tour at the New Castle Court House Museum, Delaware's first courthouse, built in 1730. You may also wish to visit Amstel House, the oldest remaining Georgian residence in New Castle, built in the 1700s; the Old Library Museum, circa 1892; and Read House and Gardens, a mansion from the early 1800s.
Once you have toured the historic side of New Castle and are hungry, there are many eateries from which to choose. They include Jessop's Tavern, Zollie's Jazz Cucina, and Nora Lee's, all on Delaware Street. Local shops and galleries throughout the historic district that are not to be missed include Mo'Zart Gallery and Cabernet Candles.
White Clay Creek State Park, Newark
About 13 miles south and west of Wilmington, you will find White Clay Creek State Park in Newark. Covering over 3,300 acres, the park features 37 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and runners to enjoy. White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River, is stocked with fish for those who wish to do so. Thus, anglers can spend their day fly-fishing or casting their line to find lovely largemouth bass for dinner. Nearby, the Smith Mill pond also offers accessible docks for a scenic time out on the water. A picnic pavilion and bandshell with a stage, a playground, and a disc golf course are also located within this vast park.
Starting City: Dover
Historic Tour of Dover
The capital of Delaware, established by William Penn in 1683, Dover has a rich history that can best be explored starting at First State Heritage Park, which is described as Delaware's first urban park without boundaries. Located off Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, the Welcome Center and Galleries have ample parking. Admission is free to most historic sites within the park, such as Legislative Hall, the Old State House, and the John Bell House.
Shoppers will enjoy the many independent boutiques in downtown Dover, such as Bel Boutique on Loockerman Street and BLUVintage on South Governors Avenue. Dover also offers many dining options, including McGlynn's Pub on State Street and Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant on Forrest Avenue.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna
Just 20 minutes north of Dover, in Smyrna, you will find Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and wildlife. Spanning eight miles and 16,000 acres along Delaware Bay, the refuge protects one of the most extensive tidal salt marshes in the region. In addition to birds, the refuge is home to deer, beaver, red fox, turtles, snakes, salamanders, and frogs. Visitors to the refuge can take a 12-mile wildlife drive, walk on five walking trails, observe wildlife from observation towers, and attend scheduled educational programs. Hunting and fishing are also permitted in certain areas. The Visitor Center is open daily year-round and is accessible via South Street in Smyrna.
Killens Pond State Park, Felton
About 12 miles south of Dover, Killens Pond State Park in Felton includes a Nature Center, a seasonal Waterpark, boat rentals on the 66-acre Killens Pond, and trails for hiking and biking. The Pondside Loop Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in the park, runs for 2.6 miles around Killens Pond and features views of both the pond and wildlife habitats that surround it. Owls, woodpeckers, and warblers can all be seen and heard at various times throughout the year. Fishing from the spillway is also permitted at the park, and crappie, bass, and sunfish have all been caught.
The Waterpark features a main pool, a baby pool, a tot lot, and four tall slides. Meanwhile, the Nature Center offers educational programs and guided tours. For those who want to visit Killens Pond State Park, it is easily accessible from Route 13.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
Drive about an hour down Route 1 South from Dover, and you will find Cape Henlopen State Park at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. This park features six miles of coastline and is the perfect alternative to going further south to the more crowded beaches. Barrier dunes, hiking and biking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and maritime forest are also included within this unique, serene park. The park’s 5,000-acre area is also full of wildlife, such as shorebirds, piping plovers, and horseshoe crabs. Cape Henlopen State Park can be accessed from Route 9 off Route 1 in Lewes.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
An hour south of Dover, Rehoboth Beach is known as a family-friendly beach in Sussex County, and its boardwalk is suitable for a day trip any time of the year. Built in 1873, it spans one mile. The boardwalk offers things to do for all ages, including shops like the Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company, food such as the world-famous Thrasher's French Fries, games at Funland and Zelkey's Beach Arcade, and the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, which provides free concerts in the summertime. Those who want a bit more exercise and outdoor adventure might opt to rent a bike at Atlantic Cycles. When you are ready for a sit-down meal, visit Victoria's Restaurant in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel.
Parking for the boardwalk is available at metered spots that are within walking distance. While animals are prohibited from being on the boardwalk from May 1 to September 30, you can bring Fido if you desire during the fall, winter, and spring months. (Service animals are always welcome on the boardwalk any time of the year).
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton
About 40 minutes south of Dover is Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1963, the refuge protects over 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat, including eighty percent freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Visitors enjoy walking the 7.5 miles of hiking trails, taking nature photographs, and bird-watching. Over 245 species of birds currently make their habitat in the refuge.
The refuge is open every day of the year except for two dates, one in October and one in November when they close for deer hunting. The visitor center at the refuge features an auditorium showing nature films, taxidermy mounts, and the Friends Store at Prime Hook gift shop. Four state roads cross through the refuge, so if you would rather ride through it than hike through it, you can still see wildlife all around you. Fishing and canoeing are popular activities on the refuge's Prime Hook Creek and two ponds.
Don't Worry About Fuel
In summary, Delaware’s compact size makes it a treasure trove of day trip opportunities, offering diverse experiences from historical landmarks in New Castle to the natural beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park. Each destination provides unique attractions, whether you're exploring vibrant riverfronts, indulging in local cuisine, or immersing yourself in rich cultural heritage. As you plan your perfect staycation, consider these captivating sites that showcase the charm and diversity of the First State. With easy access and a wealth of activities, Delaware invites you to discover its hidden gems and create lasting memories.
