8 Best Attractions To Visit In Delaware

Delaware may be small in size, but it is packed with charm, history, and natural beauty. From the windswept dunes and ocean views of Cape Henlopen State Park to the refined elegance of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, the First State showcases an impressive variety of experiences. Whether you are drawn to coastal adventures, grand estates, or rich American heritage, here are the eight attractions Delaware presents that feel both timeless and distinctly captivating.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park is a 5,000-acre natural treasure where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors wander along six miles of pristine shoreline, cycle through wildflower-dotted trails, or relax under the sun while listening to shorebirds. The park’s diverse habitats include mature maritime forests, abundant wildlife, and prime nesting areas. Outdoor enthusiasts explore the Seaside Nature Center, Fort Miles Historical Area, extensive bike paths, and both ocean and bay beaches, with swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards between Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

Fishing is a favorite activity at Cape Henlopen State Park, with anglers casting from the beach or the pier. The Cape Henlopen Fishing Center provides bait and tackle daily from May 15 to October 1. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, hunting zones, and facilities for large gatherings, including a pavilion and the historic Officers’ Club, preserving a slice of the park’s Fort Miles past.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a mile-long promenade where visitors stroll along the shore, shop on the Avenue, and savor local cuisine. The boardwalk has been a beloved summer destination for decades, attracting families from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Old-fashioned amusements, beach stores, and eateries line the path, creating a lively atmosphere year-round with festivals, events, and daily walks against ocean views. Bike and surrey rentals are available by the hour or day.

Rehoboth Beach’s sandy shores provide ample space to relax, swim, or enjoy the surf. During the summer season, the population swells to over 25,000 within city limits, with additional visitors nearby. The area also hosts numerous summer homes, including one owned by President Joe Biden. With its mix of historic charm and modern amenities, the boardwalk captures the quintessential Delaware beach experience.

Zwaanendael Museum - Lewes

Zwaanendael Museum - Lewes commemorates Delaware’s first European colony, Zwaanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. Built in 1932 by architect E. William Martin, the building models the former City Hall in Hoorn, Netherlands, featuring a stepped facade gable, terra cotta roof tiles, carved stonework, decorated shutters, and a statue of David Pietersen de Vries, the expedition leader who founded Swanendael. The museum celebrates Lewes-area maritime, military, and social history with a distinctive Dutch architectural style.

Inside, exhibits trace Sussex County’s past, including shipwrecks, lighthouses such as Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, the British bombardment of Lewes during the War of 1812, and Delaware River and Bay pilots. Visitors can explore the evolution of the coastline and local communities. Unique artifacts, like a Feejee mermaid originally from China, are displayed, enriching the storytelling of Delaware’s southeastern coast and connecting the region to broader maritime history.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is a sprawling estate in northwestern Delaware, six miles from Wilmington, that celebrates American decorative arts and horticulture. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, the museum houses one of the nation’s richest collections of Americana, with 175 period-room displays and roughly 90,000 objects spanning from 1640 to 1860. Visitors can explore fine furniture, silver, and art collected over decades, reflecting the taste and scholarship of du Pont and his predecessors.

The 979-acre estate features 60 acres of naturalistic gardens designed with landscape architect Marian Cruger Coffin, including rhododendrons, azaleas, peonies, and a pinetum with diverse conifers. The Winterthur Library supports research in American history, decorative arts, and horticulture with over 87,000 rare books, 800,000 manuscripts, and the Joseph Downs Collection. A narrated tram ride through the grounds allows visitors to experience the lush gardens, historic greenhouses, and estate architecture, making Winterthur both a visual and educational landmark in Delaware.

Brandywine Zoo

Brandywine Zoo sits in scenic Brandywine Park in Wilmington, offering an intimate wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. The zoo features Andean condors, red pandas, lemurs, small monkeys, and more, showcasing species from North and South America as well as temperate Asia. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brandywine Zoo emphasizes public education, conservation awareness, and hands-on animal encounters, creating a space where guests can connect with wildlife while learning about endangered species and their habitats.

Located along the Brandywine River, the zoo provides accessible observation areas, a Zootique gift shop, snack bar, and picnic spots. Seasonal programs include themed family activities, summer camps for children, and special events throughout the year. Managed in partnership with the Delaware Zoological Society, Brandywine Zoo combines recreation, education, and conservation, making it a must-see destination for families and nature enthusiasts exploring Wilmington.

First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park celebrates Delaware’s pivotal place in America’s early history through a collection of sites across the northern and central regions of the state. In the north, visitors can explore Woodlawn’s forested countryside along the Brandywine River, once home to the Lenape tribe and the Wyeth family of artists. Nearby, the 1732 New Castle Court House Museum stands as one of the nation’s oldest courthouses, where abolitionists faced trial and delegates declared Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain. The town’s cobblestone streets, The Green, and The Old Sheriff’s House invite exploration and host annual events such as Separation Day.

In central Delaware, The Green in Dover highlights the state’s role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution, surrounded by historic buildings, museums, and community celebrations year-round. The park also preserves the John Dickinson Plantation and the 1665 Ryves Holt House in Lewes—one of the oldest homes in America.

Kalmar Nyckel

Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s official Tall Ship, is a remarkable full-scale replica of the 1638 Swedish vessel that carried settlers to establish the colony of New Sweden. Named for the city of Kalmar and “nyckel,” meaning “key,” the ship honors Sweden’s maritime strength during its empire’s height. Launched in Wilmington in 1997, this beautifully crafted vessel now brings maritime history to life through hands-on exploration and sailing adventures.

From May through October, visitors can embark on river cruises in Wilmington or day sails from Historic New Castle and other Eastern Seaboard ports. Families enjoy themed activities like pirate stories and scavenger hunts for children. Year-round, the Copeland Maritime Center on the Wilmington Riverfront offers exhibits, community events, and educational programs, celebrating Delaware’s seafaring heritage in a modern, interactive setting.

Nemours Estate

Nemours Estate in Wilmington is a magnificent 200-acre property featuring a French neoclassical mansion surrounded by formal jardin à la française gardens. Built between 1909 and 1910 by Alfred I. du Pont as a gift for his wife Alicia, the mansion was inspired by 18th-century French châteaux and designed by the renowned firm Carrère and Hastings. Its 47,000-square-foot interior features 77 opulent rooms filled with fine art, antiques, tapestries, and rare 18th-century French furnishings.

Highlights include a Louis XVI musical clock from 1785 by David Roentgen and Peter Kinzing, and another crafted for Marie Antoinette. The mansion also holds a chair from the 1937 coronation of King George VI and one from Independence Hall. Visitors can explore the mansion, the Chauffeur’s Garage, and sweeping gardens on self-guided tours, discovering elegance and craftsmanship at every turn.

Discover Delaware’s Enduring Charm

Delaware’s attractions tell a story far larger than its borders. From sailing aboard the storied Kalmar Nyckel to tracing the nation’s roots at First State National Historical Park and meeting wildlife at the Brandywine Zoo, each destination captures a distinct facet of the state’s character. Be it the call of the past, the serenity of the outdoors, or the thrill of immersive discovery, Delaware’s landmarks embody a legacy of creativity and enduring beauty worth experiencing year-round.