Official Delaware State Travel Guide

Welcome

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:20:33 +0000

Discover Delaware

A hidden gem on the East Coast, where big experiences come in a small package, Delaware offers something for everyone. One minute you can be strolling through cobblestone streets, the next you can be dancing the night away in a local bar. So come discover why small really is the new big in “The First State.”

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Outdoors

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:48:46 +0000

Breathe Deep

Adventure Awaits in Delaware

Ready to swap screen time for sunshine? In Delaware, the outdoors is never far away. Pedal through woods on a bike ride, glide across waterways in a kayak, or travel from northern hills to southern beaches in a single day’s drive. Bring sunscreen, lace up your sneakers, and let Delaware surprise you with nature-made magic.

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Scenic Drives & Photo Walks

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:49:25 +0000

Scenic Drives and Photo Walks

The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway

Embark on a journey through the hilly backroads of northern Delaware, passing grand mansions and stately museums. Start in downtown Wilmington at Rodney Square, then continue past Nemours Estate, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and Hagley Museum and Library. The route also travels through Brandywine Creek State Park, where long stone walls lead to picture-perfect trees.

The Delaware Bayshore Byway

Experience a serene coastal drive with views of lowlands and wetlands that make Delaware a world-class birdwatching destination. This two-lane road follows the Delaware River and Bay Estuary and passes through one of the largest preserved coastal marshlands on the East Coast. Along the way, explore Delaware history in places like Historic New Castle and Fort Delaware State Park.

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Delaware’s Best Golf Courses

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:06:14 +0000

Delaware’s Best Golf Courses

Delaware is home to some of the finest public golf courses in the country, offering a variety of experiences for golfers of all skill levels. The state’s scenic beauty and coastal charm provide a stunning backdrop, making every round an unforgettable experience.

Tee Off

Plantation Lakes Golf and Country Club, Millsboro (semi-private)
The Rookery Golf Club, Milton
Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, Ocean View
Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville
Baywood Greens, Long Neck
Bayside Resort Golf Club, Fenwick Island
Frog Hollow Golf Club, Middletown
Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club, Newark
Delcastle Golf Course, Wilmington
Southern Delaware Golf Club, Milford

Delaware’s public golf courses offer diverse playing experiences, from coastal gems to courses nestled in scenic valleys. With welcoming environments and well-maintained facilities, they are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a day out on the greens.

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Delaware State Parks

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:01:01 +0000

Delaware State Parks

Whether you’re seeking adventure among scenic landscapes, looking to experience living history, or wanting a peaceful weekend by the water, Delaware State Parks has you covered.

With 17 state parks and a zoo to explore — all within a few hours of each other — there’s a perfect destination for every kind of traveler. We’re excited to welcome you to our many parks, including these noteworthy spots:

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Arts & Culture

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:59:57 +0000

Where Stories Take Center Stage

In Delaware, creativity and history walk hand in hand — sometimes in tap shoes, sometimes in Colonial boots. The arts are vibrant, with theaters, galleries, and concert halls offering big-city brilliance in charming hometown settings. Let music sweep you off your feet, marvel at brushstrokes that tell silent stories, or catch a show where the spotlight feels like it was meant just for you.

Don’t be surprised if the past appears alongside the curtain call. History lingers here — in the echo of footsteps on cobblestone streets, in the hush of grand estates, and in the clatter of vintage railcars. You might tour a mansion in the morning, explore a historic fort by mid-afternoon, and end the day with a live performance.

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Top Arts & Culture Destinations

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:12:46 +0000

Top Arts and Culture Destinations

Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington:

Home to the largest and most significant Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the United Kingdom, the Delaware Art Museum also features a sculpture garden and labyrinth. Visitors can explore special exhibitions or participate in classes in ceramics, media, painting, or metalsmithing.

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Small State, Big History

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:24:50 +0000

Delaware: Small State, Big History

After three days of discussion, on December 7, 1787, members of the Delaware Legislative Council gathered in the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover and unanimously voted in favor of the newly written United States Constitution — making Delaware the first state to ratify the Constitution. The state still celebrates December 7 as Delaware Day and the origin of its nickname: “The First State.”

Delaware’s “firsts” did not start in 1787. Until June 15, 1776, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties were considered the “lower counties” of Pennsylvania. On June 15, 1776, the Delaware Assembly declared Delaware independent from Pennsylvania and separate from Great Britain — three weeks before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the anniversary of Separation Day is celebrated each June in Historic New Castle.

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Mansions & Gardens

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:22:20 +0000

Mansions and Gardens

Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington:

Where the story of the du Pont family begins, Hagley Museum and Library showcases early American industry along the banks of the Brandywine River. Walk past restored riverside gunpowder mills, explore historic workers’ quarters, and tour the original du Pont family home. Outdoor highlights include wisteria, vegetable gardens, and seasonal landscaping.

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Delaware Desserts

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:22:32 +0000

Local Favorites

Delaware Desserts

Bardea Food and Drink, Wilmington:

Bardea Food and Drink and Bardea Steak have been delivering standout pastry since opening, thanks to pastry chef Amanda Bowers. Along with memorable desserts, her savory pastries appear throughout Chef Antimo’s menu. Favorites include empanadas, croquettes, bao buns, cheese-filled pop tarts, and tartlets. For morning treats, visit Bean by Bardea for croissants, danishes, cronuts, cookies, and more.

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Delaware Grown

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:21:56 +0000

Delaware Grown

Farm-fresh fun meets small-town charm in Delaware, where growing conditions are ideal for farm-to-table delights and fresh produce. Take the taste of Delaware home with you on one of three Delaware Grown road trips.

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Delaware Untapped

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:59:34 +0000

Delaware Untapped

Discover bold, refreshing, and delicious drinks at Delaware craft beverage locations. From creative sours to barrel-aged favorites, here are a few must-try picks.

Big Oyster Brewery: Hammerhead IPA

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8 Delaware Delicacies

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:30:34 +0000

Learn From a Local

8 Delaware Delicacies

Scrapple, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich on White Bread

Scrapple is one of those delicacies best enjoyed without asking too many questions — just take a bite. For the real Delaware deal, visit Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna or Newark.

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A Bite-Sized Adventure

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:29:12 +0000

A Bite-sized Adventure

For Every Appetite

In Delaware, every meal tells a story — sometimes with a dash of Old Bay and a view of the bay to match. Feast on just-caught seafood by the water, savor clever twists on classic comfort food, or toast your travels with a craft beverage brewed just down the road. Whether you’re noshing like a local or nibbling your way through something new, Delaware serves flavor with a side of charm.

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Winter Stays

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:02:05 +0000

Winter Stay in Northern Delaware

When winter’s chill descends, northern Delaware offers indoor and outdoor adventures. Breathe in crisp air in mansion gardens and parks, visit museums and live performances, and enjoy Christmas-themed spectacles. And don’t forget Delaware’s plentiful tax-free shopping.

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Regional Road Trips

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:16 +0000

Delaware is home to three distinct regions. Each one is bursting with its own adventures, charm, and character

We begin at the top of the state in northern Delaware’s New Castle County, where the city of Wilmington offers a blend of urban energy, regal gardens, historic mansions, and a buzzing craft beverage scene.

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Spring Stays

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:52:17 +0000

Spring Stay

IN SOUTHERN DELAWARE

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.

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Fall Stays

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:40:59 +0000

Fall Stay In Central Delaware

An autumn trip through central Delaware brings a lively mix of town and country. As temperatures cool and leaves turn, the region offers both indoor and outdoor experiences. Celebrate harvest season with good food, engaging attractions, and abundant natural beauty.

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Summer Stays

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:01:58 +0000

Summer Stay At the Beaches

When summer arrives, southern Delaware offers classic sun, sea, and sand with options for every travel style — from family-friendly getaways to lively nights out and quieter escapes. Along the coast you’ll find great food, good fun, and plenty of time in the Atlantic surf.

Rehoboth: The Ideal of Seaside Fun

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Trip-Planning Quizzes

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:47:57 +0000

Which Region SHOULD YOU VISIT IN DELAWARE?

Delaware has three regions: northern, central, and southern Delaware. Each region offers something different. So, which one should you visit? Take the quiz below to find out!

What is your favorite aesthetic?

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Free & Fun

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:26:09 +0000

A Budget-Friendly Trip to Delaware

Looking to save some money during your next vacation? Consider a trip to Delaware! Whether you are solo traveling or bringing the entire family along, use these ideas to plan your perfect and affordable getaway.

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Accidentally Wes Anderson

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:55:38 +0000

Nicknamed “The Diamond State” after Thomas Jefferson famously called it a “jewel” among the states, Delaware is a treasure trove of history and delight. From its beautiful beaches and swanky accommodations to cultural performances and aviation attractions, America’s lowest-lying state promises to lift you to new heights. Journey with us through this compact but captivating gem — we might even discover buried treasure at sea!

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Transportation Tips

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:03:58 +0000

Travel Tips for Getting Around Delaware

Delaware lies in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic Region, directly on the Interstate 95 corridor and a short drive away from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. That central location ensures an easy-toreach trip via car, plane, train, or bus, and makes Delaware a convenient gateway to many East Coast destinations. Travelers on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes can easily access the state, and there is even a vehicle ferry that connects Cape May, N.J. and Lewes, Del.

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