Official Delaware State Travel Guide • Delaware Official State Travel Guide 2026/2027 • Spring Stays

The phrase “Delaware beaches” is synonymous with warm weather on the East Coast. But not far from the shore, southern Delaware has an incredible range of worthy delights that shouldn’t be missed when it’s not quite beach season — or when you’re ready to get the sand out of your shoes.

Milton typifies quaint in the best way: Explore its historic district of 18th- to early 20th-century buildings, including the classic Milton Theatre, a regional arts hub. Down the road is a more modern treat: the offbeat Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, offering daily tours. Nearby, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a pit stop for migratory birds and offers trails for explorers of all levels.

Ten minutes from the Atlantic, enjoy beautiful trails by day and dinner, craft cocktails, and cabaret-style entertainment at Dickens Parlour Theatre by night. Its lively boardwalk has perennial favorites like mini golf and go-karts at Captain’s Quarters Arcade, as well as big events: Spring starts with the Boardwalk Bunny Bash in April, and its end is fêted with May’s Cone Drop, an ice cream-themed New Year’s Eve-style celebration.

Nestled along the Indian River, this early lumber town is a sweet retreat. One highlight is the Nanticoke Indian Museum, the state’s only Native American museum, rich with artifacts like arrowheads, pottery, and artwork. Rainy-day fun can be found at the classic Millsboro Lanes bowling alley and the Route 13 Outlet Market.

Tour Delaware Botanic Gardens’ native plant-rich meadowland, then visit an 18th-century marvel: Prince George’s Chapel, with its raw-plank vaulted ceiling and headstone of the town’s namesake. Stroll along Holts Landing State Park’s accessible trails or kayak in the shallow waters of Indian River Bay. At night, see what’s playing at the charming Clayton Theatre, Delaware’s last single-screen cinema.

Take a walking tour of this historic county seat, including its 1790s Old Sussex County Courthouse and meticulously restored 1860s train station. Then, spend an hour with local hidden gems: the Marvel Carriage Museum, Delaware Aviation Museum, and Treasures of the Sea, featuring gold bars, jewelry, cannons, and more recovered from a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck. Or get away from it all in Redden State Forest, the state’s largest forest, for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.

Who doesn’t love a farmers market? T.S. Smith Orchard Point Market is a cut above, with a bounty of local produce, jarred preserves, and mouthwatering baked goods. Stop in the deli for made-to-order lunch — if you can pull the kids away from the goats, turkeys, and chickens at the market’s petting zoo. Up the road, pick your own fruit at Bennett Orchards or visit Evans Farms Produce, home to the Frozen Farmer ice cream line seen on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Just west of Fenwick Island, this former mill town makes history fun: Check out the daily specials at Doyle’s Restaurant, the state’s official oldest diner (every Monday is all-you-can-eat fried chicken) and pop over to the Selbyville Police Department Museum to see a collection of old-time police equipment. End your day at the Freeman Arts Pavilion, the grand outdoor performance space that hosts A-list musicians, dance, theater, comedy, and tribute acts.

Once one of the wealthiest towns in Delaware, Laurel has the registered historic buildings to prove it. The old Laurel Train Station is home to the Laurel Heritage Museum, featuring the Waller Photographic Collection of early 20th-century photos. Make sure to check out the stunning architecture of Old Christ Church before heading out into the scenic countryside that draws most visitors to this area. After your day out, dine riverside on the deck of Abbott’s on Broad Creek.

This old railroad boomtown named for straddling the Delaware- Maryland border is home to Old Mill Crab House, largely recognized as the best crabhouse on the Eastern Shore. Catch high-speed thrills when the season opens in the spring at U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway, a drag strip and dirt track family-owned since 1963. While in town, stop into Loakal Branch Brewing Co., an experimental brewery with ties to Burley Oak Brewing Company, known for their world-famous fruited sour beers.

Seaford’s historic downtown is a delight for shoppers. It’s also a key stopping point on the Nanticoke Heritage Byway, so take in the splendor of the Governor Ross Mansion or cruise on the Woodland Ferry. For a break from its plentiful outdoor recreation along the river and on local trails, spend an hour marveling at diverse local history in the Seaford Museum.

This is small-town America at its best (population 847). Check out the Victorian Gothic grandeur of the Captain Ebe Chandler House, home to the local politician and spiritualist. Need some animal encounters? Get hands-on with 40 species of animals at Coastal Wilds, have a honey tasting and bee tour at Carey Apiary and Farm, or stroll with an alpaca at the Four Acres Living alpaca farm.

SPRING EVENTS + Festivals

One of the region’s largest food truck competitions, with more than 25 food trucks competing. Vote for your favorite.

Celebrate spring and Delaware’s State insect with the People and Pet parade, dozens of vendors, entertainment, food trucks, and a dedicated children’s area.

The bayside town of Lewes blooms with new life during this annual celebration, including plant sales, flower-arranging demonstrations, and more.

Enjoy beautiful blooms, carnival rides and games, the sounds of live music, and more as you shop for garden essentials and celebrate the season.

Experience the traditions of Native American culture with captivating storytelling, dancing, music, and unique vendors.

Learn of Delaware’s rich history with charming maypole dancing, a colonial artisans’ village, and captivating reenactments.

This annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Colonial England and its “separation” from Pennsylvania features music, a parade, and more.

Celebrate Delaware’s LGBTQIA+ community at this annual festival featuring live music, performers, vendors, and more.

Official Delaware State Travel Guide - Delaware Official State Travel Guide 2026/2027

Spring Stays

Spring Stay

SPRING EVENTS + Festivals

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