Essential Things To Do In Delaware For Visitors

Rehoboth Beach, one of the best beaches in the USA offers a wide range of attractions, including Funland, Gordons Pond, and the iconic boardwalk. As Delaware's largest beach resort, it is known as the "Nation’s Summer Capital," attracting visitors from across the country.

From waterparks to museums and outdoor activities, there's something for everyone, making it perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and beach lovers alike. Visiting this beach is one of the best family-friendly stuff to do in Delaware.

The Grand Opera House is a historic theater with 1,208 seats, showcasing a diverse range of performances year-round. From symphony orchestras and dance to comedy shows and programs for young audiences, there's something for everyone here.

Located in Downtown Wilmington, it's a prominent cultural destination, hosting over 100 shows each year. Whether you're into music, theater, or comedy, catching a show at the Grand Opera House is a fantastic cultural experience for visitors to Wilmington, Delaware.

Exploring Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the things to do in Delaware. The park provides hiking and biking trails offering beautiful views of coastal habitats like dunes, forests, and wetlands. Visitors can also enjoy the beaches, swimming, kayaking, and touring a WWII fort.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty. Whether it's biking, hiking, or relaxing by the water, this state park has it all and is one of the attractions of Delaware.

The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington offers a diverse range of artistic experiences for visitors. Its collection includes American painting, illustration, contemporary art, and British Pre-Raphaelite art, featuring works by renowned artists like John Sloan, Edward Hopper, and David Chihuly.

Additionally, visitors can explore galleries and a 9-acre sculpture garden. Private tours are also available for groups, making this place a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and families alike.

Exploring Historic New Castle is a must for history enthusiasts. Founded in 1640, it's one of America's oldest cities and played a pivotal role in US history. Visitors can tour the Old Court House Museum and explore historic homes and gardens.

The town's historic district, designated a national landmark in 1967, offers guided tours and a new interactive game called Liberty & Intelligence, which adds more charm to the area.

Wilmington offers a wide range of activities for visitors. From historical sites and museums to beautiful state parks and the scenic Riverfront, there's something for everyone. Top attractions include the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Wilmington Riverwalk, Delaware Art Museum, and Delaware Children's Museum.

The city also offers many free activities like urban parks, art museums, wildlife reserves, and music festivals, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Funland in Rehoboth Beach is a popular amusement park for families. It has 19 rides, 14 midway games, Skeeball, and an arcade, offering entertainment for both thrill-seekers and kids which makes the trip here one of the fun activities in Delaware.

With a history of over 50 years, Funland has expanded to include a range of attractions, from kid-friendly rides like the Carousel to thrilling ones like the Superflip 360 and the Haunted Mansion.

The Hagley Museum and Library offers a rich historical experience, showcasing a 19th-century gunpowder factory, the first du Pont family home and gardens, and the scenic Brandywine River. Visitors can purchase tickets on-site at the Visitor Center.

Additionally, shuttle services are provided, and comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring its 235-acre property. Group tours are also available, and photography is allowed. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in American history and the du Pont family legacy.

The Historic Lewes Walking Tour, led by the Lewes Historical Society, offers a captivating exploration of the town's maritime history, cultural heritage, and historic architecture. Lasting 90 minutes, knowledgeable guides share intriguing stories and historical facts about the "First Town."

Tours depart from Ryves in Lewes, Delaware, and advance registration is recommended for a hassle-free trip. The society also offers specialized tours like "Finding Their Voices" and "Haunted Histories" for unique perspectives on the town's history.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers a scenic trip across the Delaware Bay, showcasing historic lighthouses, charming harbors, and occasional dolphin sightings. It's a convenient mode of transport between Delaware and New Jersey, welcoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Additionally, the terminal is in Lewes, Delaware, near Cape Henlopen State Park, with flexible departure times. Whether you want to enhance your journey or unwind with a leisurely ride, the ferry is a favored option for crossing the Delaware Bay.

The Golden Fleece Tavern Site, located in Historic Downtown Dover has a storied past. Built in the 1730s, it was a key gathering place for community and government activities. Although the original tavern was demolished in 1830, a new Golden Fleece Tavern now stands nearby.

The tavern played a crucial role during the American Revolution and in Delaware's ratification of the US Constitution, earning it a place in history as "The First State." This tavern is one of many attractions in Delaware that is worth a visit.

The Crying Giant is a 10-foot-tall sculpture located at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington. Created by artist Tom Otterness, it was originally designed as a maquette for a 9/11 memorial. If you are looking for some unique things to do in Delaware, this place is a must-visit.

Situated in the Copeland Sculpture Garden, which showcases various artworks, the museum itself boasts a diverse collection founded in 1938, featuring American illustrators and Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to visit in the USA for birdwatching, established in 1937 and spanning 16,000 acres. It's a sanctuary and breeding area for migrating birds and wildlife.

With diverse habitats like marshes, ponds, and woodlands, the refuge attracts a variety of bird species. Trails here cater to all birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a chance to see species like Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Northern Harriers while connecting with nature.

The Cannonball House in Lewes still bears scars from a British attack in 1813. Now home to The Lewes Historical Society's Maritime Museum, it showcases maritime art and artifacts, including the Fresnel Lens of Fourteen Foot Bank Light.

Once inhabited by War of 1812 heroes Gilbert McCraken and his son Henry, who piloted the Bay and River Delaware, it has served various purposes over the years, including a restaurant and the mayor's office.

Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profit botanical garden that offers a variety of activities such as exploring gardens and trails, attending classes and events on topics like art, gardening, conservation, and wellness, and learning about its natural lands and ecosystems.

Open from April to November, it provides amenities like a shaded picnic area and is family-friendly with accessibility guidelines. Conveniently close to major cities, it's perfect for nature lovers and families.

Killens Pond State Park in Delaware provides a range of water activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats from the park's boat dock or bring their own.

Additionally, the park offers a water trail along the Murderkill River, giving paddlers a picturesque experience. Known for its fishing, Killens Pond hosts various fish species, attracting anglers and making it a must-visit destination for all.

The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a popular hiking and biking path, offering an 11.1-mile round trip near Rehoboth Beach. It follows the former Penn Central railroad, linking Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. Passing through 4.1 miles of Cape Henlopen State Park, the trail showcases various landscapes.

Well-kept with informative signs about local plants and animals, exploring this place is one of the perfect things to do in Delaware USA for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Winterthur is a top museum of American decorative arts in Delaware, showcasing nearly 90,000 objects from 1640 onward in a grand 175-room house. Visitors can take house and garden tours, view special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly activities.

The 1,000-acre estate hosts events like the Point-to-Point horse race and offers a sensory-friendly hour for a calm experience. Winterthur also provides learning opportunities to engage with American culture and history.

Nemours Estate in Wilmington is a grand mansion surrounded by French-style gardens on 200 acres. Built in the early 1900s, it reflects classic French architecture with ornate details. Visitors can also explore a Chauffeur's Garage with vintage cars and other historic buildings.

Open from April to December, it offers self-guided and guided garden tours. Additionally, it's home to the Nemours Children's Hospital, founded by Alfred I. duPont, with visitor access for a fee and various events year-round.