7 Most Scenic Drives in Delaware

Do you ever feel like taking a drive down the open road, leaving all your problems behind, with nothing ahead but endless possibilities? Well, some of the most scenic drives are just around the corner. Delaware, with a name that's derived from Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, is both a Mid-Atlantic and South-Atlantic state. Its occasional snow, coupled with its warm summers makes for some of the best roads worth exploring. Long before it was settled by European colonists, this area was home to the Eastern Algonquian tribes known as the Unami Lenape. Today, people come to explore the Historic District of New Castle, relax at Rehoboth Beach, or visit the Hagley Museum and Library. If you have a car and are ready to hit the road, let us explore the seven most scenic drives in Delaware.

Lewes to Rehoboth Beach

Let us begin our journey in this small town of 3,300 residents. Lewes is home to the Zwaanendael Museum, offering a great opportunity to learn about Delaware's first European settlement. This is a great spot in its own right, but the road beckons. Visit Cape Henlopen State Park and check out the WWII-era observation towers before following the coastal dunes where you will see the Great Dune overlook. Eastward, the Seaside Nature Trail connects historic Fort Miles to some breathtaking natural paths. Finally, heading south takes you to Rehoboth Beach's mile-long boardwalk—a great way to conclude such a scenic drive.

Bridgeville to Seaford

If you are looking for a drive with historic landscape and original farms from the early 1800s, then Bridgeville is a good first step. Heading west, you would pass through Atlanta (not to be confused with the one in Georgia) before reaching the historic Governor Ross Mansion. You could also take a detour south and check out the Woodland Ferry, one of the oldest ferry routes in the nation; travelers have been using the ferry to get across the Nanticoke River since the 1740s. When you reach Seaford, there is much to do there. The Seaford Museum has a nice layout with many trains and winter scenes on display, along with some quaint model houses worth seeing.

Smyrna to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge has over 16,000 acres of tidal salt marsh; but, before we get ahead of ourselves, there is an open road ready to be explored. Starting in Smyrna, a small town of about 13,000, visitors should find their way to Painted Stave Distilling, a great way to experience locally crafted spirits and try something new. Along the way, you can take a small detour to Big Oak County Park if you are in the mood for picnicking or short hikes. Before reaching your destination to check out the tidal waters, you might consider stopping at The Allee House, just 10 minutes before Bombay Hook. This 18th-century home, part of the refuge, is worth checking out — though it will have to be from the outside, since it's currently closed to the public as it awaits a much-needed restoration.

Milton to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Another excellent starting point, Milton is a stunning locale in its own right. You can rest up at Milton Memorial Park or Wagamons Pond before embarking on your journey. It is also home to Dogfish Head Brewery where you can enjoy local beers and brewery tours. On your way up, it is good to note that the Broadkill River passes through the heart of Milton, so kayaking is also an option. You can head directly to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy over 10,000 acres of preserve — perfect for canoeing and fishing — or, if you continue heading east, you will arrive at Broadkill Beach, where the quiet coastal experience is unrivaled.

Delmar to Trap Pond State Park

The town of Delmar, known as “The Little Town Too Big for One State,” is found along the border of Delaware and Maryland. You can explore the place and then take a road trip to visit Trap Pond State Park. Once you head up north, you might be inclined to stop by the small town of Laurel and take a look around the Laurel Heritage Museum. You can even take a stroll around Roger C. Fisher Laurel River Park before heading east. Once you reach Trap Pond State Park, you have the option to rent boats. If not, you can enjoy the wondrous trails that connect forested areas to the water.

Dover to Little Creek Wildlife Area

A lot is going on in this small but potent area. Dover is a beautiful place with a lot to see before heading out, including the nearby Ted Harvey Wildlife Area and Silver Lake Park, which is especially beautiful and an excellent spot for a picnic and hikes along its scenic walking trails. The surrounding area is filled to the brim with Delaware’s flat agricultural plains and views of the farmlands. In fact, the route passes by the John Dickinson Plantation, home of one of the Founding Fathers, who chose to free his slaves in 1777. Once you get to the wildlife area, Little Creek Landing is quite popular for kayaking and fishing. Along the route, you will also see small farm markets selling their fresh produce and baked goods.

Georgetown to Bethany Beach Boardwalk

If you prefer the long rides, starting from Georgetown would be a good idea. The coast is about an hour away, and Bethany Beach Boardwalk is well worth the trip. The Georgetown Circle is the town’s central hub, and every two years, they hold the annual Return Day parade (on the Thursday after Election Day in November). Either that or you could visit the Marvel Carriage Museum and see all the historic items there. You can head north to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center along the way and take a look at the 19th-century grist mill before moving east. If you head directly from Georgetown via Route 404, though, you will see fields of corn and soybeans, with the breathtaking forest along the way.

Final Thoughts

Some people prefer short drives; others prefer long. Still others believe that, short or long, it's the journey itself rather than the destination that counts the most. Delaware truly harnesses the best of both worlds — journey and destination — and its climate, people, and even the roads all make the journey worth crossing, with the destination ever sweet. It is good to take small pauses between drives to rest up, and Delaware certainly has a few gems to uncover during those stopovers. It does not take long to realize the beauty that comes with this state — so scenic and captivating that you almost forget about the final destination (until you get there!). Here are the seven most scenic drives in Delaware.