Delaware is known as the First State as it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. As the second smallest state in the U.S., it’s easy to see all the sites in just a few days. Here are our 7 favorites!
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Historic New Castle
Dating from 1651, New Castle is one of the oldest continuously occupied towns in the United States. It’s filled with historic sites and colonial architecture. If you love museums, New Castle is the place to go. You can visit the Old Library Museum, Read House & Gardens, New Castle Court House Museum, the Amstel House, and the Dutch House.
If you are there in the summer, don’t miss the walking tour of historic tavern sites. In October, the Hauntings in History ghost tour should definitely be on your agenda!
There are plenty of places to stay in New Castle. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Riverfront Historical Trail
Wilmington marks the spot of the first permanent European settlement established in 1638. The Riverfront Historical Trail takes visitors to three important historical sites dating from this early settlement. First, visit the Old Swedes Historic Site to see the Old Swedes Church dating from 1698, a burial ground dating from 1638, and an 18th century farmhouse. Then make your way by foot to the site of Fort Christina which is now part of the First State National Historical Park. Finally, walk over to the Copeland Maritime Center to see the impressive Kalmar Nyckel ship.
There are many great places to stay in Wilmington. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Chateaus of the du Ponts
While you are in Wilmington, you must visit the Chateaus of the du Ponts. The du Pont family immigrated from France in the middle of the 18th century and within 100 years became one of the wealthiest families in the United States. Several of the family’s mansions and gardens are open to the public and well worth a visit.
The Hagley Museum & Library is the original headquarters of the family’s gunpowder factory and home. Dating from 1802, the property includes gunpowder demonstrations, a worker’s village, and the du Pont mansion and gardens. You can also visit Nemours Estate, a mansion built in 1903 that is known for its gardens. Interested in horticulture? Then you must visit Mt. Cuba Center, another du Pont estate that offers beautiful botanical gardens and walking paths around the Georgian-style mansion.
Winterthur Museum & Gardens is another du Pont mansion that is now a museum of American decorative arts. It contains almost 90,000 American made or used objects dating from 1640 to present. You will also enjoy 1,000 acres of magnificent gardens, meadows, woodlands, and water features. Some highlights include an incredibly detailed dollhouse, giant bird’s nest, and cottages meant for woodland faires.
There are many great places to stay in Wilmington. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Rehoboth Beach
If you are tired of historic sites, houses, and gardens and are seeking some fun in the sun, look no further than Rehoboth Beach! This family-friendly beach is historically known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” as its proximity to Washington, D.C. made it the beach escape choice of those living in our nation’s capital.
In addition to pristine sandy beaches, Rehoboth Beach features a family-friendly mile-long Boardwalk complete with restaurants, shops, and amusements. If you have kids in tow, make sure to visit Rehoboth Funland for classic carnival rides and midway games.
Nearby, check out Cape Henlopen State Park. Here you can see where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. There’s plenty to do here, such as tour the the Fort Miles Historical Area, borrow a free bike and ride around the park, and touch native marine life in the Visitor’s Center. It’s also a great place to fish.
You can stay in various types of lodging (including a yurt!) at Cape Henlopen State Park. There are several other great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Located in Wilmington, the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science offers a great way to learn about the natural history of the area. Through hands-on and interactive activities you will experience the diverse ecosystems of Delaware and the rest of the world. Highlights include dinosaur fossils from the Cretaceous period and a Skylight Atrium featuring a visual interpretation of the Tree of Life. Special events and programs keep things fresh for repeat visitors.
There are many great places to stay in Wilmington. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Christiana Mall & Tangier Outlet Mall
Yes – we’ve come to an all-time low to recommend visiting a mall during your travels. But the State of Delaware makes our day-to-day shopping something special by charging no sales tax on purchases all year long. There are two great places to take advantage of sales tax free shopping.
The first is Christiana Mall in Newark. This mall features 183 shops and restaurants featuring all the brands you know and love. No matter who you are shopping for, this mall will have it covered. Hungry? The mall has 33 restaurant and food carts serving all of your favorites. And if you get bored shopping, you can always take a break by seeing a movie at the attached Cinemark.
Another shopping option is Tangier Outlet Mall in Rehoboth Beach. This is where you will find your higher end clothing and accessories at outlet pricing from shops such as Coach, Kate Spade, Polo, etc. This is your typical outlet mall, but remember, it is tax free!
There are many great places to stay in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area (Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach).
Oddporium
While shopping in Wilmington, make sure to stop by the Oddporium. Often described as part-museum/part-store, this collection of oddities will capture you imagination and introduce you to the weirder things in the world. Items on display include a one-eyed pig floating in a jar, a human skeleton, medical instruments from bygone eras, and an electroshock therapy machine. Items for sale include old medicine bottles, lamps made of bones, animal skeletons, skulls, and art by local artisans.
There are many great places to stay in Wilmington. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area
What’s on your Delaware trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Delaware. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
We hope you have enjoyed this installment on our 7 Sensational Sites in Each State of the USA series. Tell us what you think in the comments below. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post.