Delaware holidays

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, this pocket-sized state on the US east coast packs plenty to see and do. With pristine beaches, sprawling estates, tax-free shopping and the promise of freshly caught seafood, a holiday to Delaware offers something for every taste. See why the ‘First State’ should top your wish list this travel season.

Top destinations in Delaware

Rehoboth Beach

Timeless boardwalk meets golden shoreline and a first-rate restaurant scene at the self-styled ‘Nation’s Summer Capital’. Welcome to the perfect Mid-Atlantic coastal getaway.

Wilmington

Delaware’s largest city is a cultural powerhouse with fascinating museums, unique galleries and lively music festivals. And it’s the perfect base for wine tasting in the Brandywine Valley.

Delaware: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Wilmington - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – March

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Delaware holiday highlights

Rehoboth Beach
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Tour historical mansions

The du Pont family made its fortune in the gunpowder business in Delaware in the 1800s. Today, many of their estates and mansions still stand, offering a glimpse into their life in Wilmington. Visit the opulent Nemours Estate, a French Neoclassical mansion. And in the Brandywine Valley, tour the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s vast collection of American decorative arts.

Hit the islands

One of the best things to do in Delaware is to explore its idyllic river and ocean islands. Fenwick Island is known for its Atlantic beaches, marlin fishing and the state’s oldest lighthouse. And Burton Island in Indian River Bay is a go-to for birdwatchers with its variety of species like herons, ospreys and snowy egrets.

Take a fall drive

Delaware’s six scenic byways set the scene for unforgettable year-round road trips — and they’re especially magical in autumn. Cruise through historic estates and the hilly northern backroads on the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway. Or discover rural southern landscapes along the Nanticoke Heritage Byway. For a coastal twist, Delaware Bayshore Byway passes bird-filled marshlands and nine coastal villages.

Things to do in Delaware

Rehoboth Beach
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Top attractions

From spring to autumn, the tidal marshes and woodlands of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge are teeming with migratory birds. Explore Delaware’s colonial past at First State National Historical Park, which links landmarks and museums across Dover, New Castle and Wilmington. And step into Gilded Age elegance at the mansion and formal gardens of Wilmington’s Nemours Estate.

Beaches

Beaches are a big deal in this coastal state. Families love Rehoboth Beach for its inviting sands and boardwalk lined with restaurants, confectionery shops and whirring arcades. Cape Henlopen State Park offers a great day out with its sandy shoreline, fishing jetty and hiking trails. Want to surf? Fenwick Island and Dewey Beach are known for their waves.

Nature

Beyond Delaware’s beaches, there’s a lot more nature to explore. Hike through Brandywine Creek State Park past streams and old-growth forests. And combine nature with culture in Wilmington State Parks, home to the 100-year-old Rockford Tower and a collection of war memorials. For a unique natural experience, canoe or kayak through Trap Pond State Park’s bald cypress swamp.

Cuisine

Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware’s cuisine showcases fresh seafood like blue crab and clams. The state is also known for its chicken farms, so expect plenty of poultry at restaurants in Delaware. If you have a sweet tooth, try a slice of peach pie and pick up some saltwater taffy from a seaside stand.

Culture and museums

The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is one of the best museums in Delaware for art lovers. On Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware dates back to 1859 and was once used as an American Civil War prison. Interested in music history? Visit the Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, dedicated to Delaware native Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a leading phonograph producer.

Nightlife

Enjoy some of the best nightlife in Delaware while hopping between the beach bars and brewpubs of Dewey Beach. In Wilmington, find cocktail lounges, rooftop bars and speakeasies, as well as a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Kelly’s Logan House has been serving city patrons since 1864 and is a hub for Saint Patrick’s Day events.

Find the best time to visit Delaware

Weather in Delaware through the year

March – May: Vivid spring flowers bloom across the state’s countryside. In April, don’t miss brilliant displays at the du Pont family mansions and the Lewes Tulip Celebration.

June – August: Mild weather and sunny days make this the best time to visit Delaware for beach outings. August is typically the wettest month, so pack an umbrella or a light raincoat.

September – November: Autumn is the perfect season for hikes and scenic drives to see the colourful foliage. Layers are a good idea for cooler nights.

December – February: Low temperatures and moderate snowfall mark the winter months in Delaware. Most snow falls inland, and the north is usually colder than the south.

Events in Delaware

Dover Days Festival and Parade (May): Over the first weekend of May, Dover brings Delaware’s history and heritage to life with maypole dancing, historical re-enactments and a costumed parade. Food and craft vendors line the downtown streets.

Delaware State Fair (July): For 10 days, Harrington is the setting for one of the biggest annual events in Delaware. Gear up for carnival attractions, cooking contests, livestock exhibitions and concerts.

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival (September): This one-day event turns the boardwalk into an open-air showcase of local artists, including glassblowers, jewellery makers, painters and potters.

Sea Witch Festival (October): Rehoboth Beach celebrates Halloween with a colourful parade, dog costume contest, endurance races and kids’ entertainment.

Know before you go

Budget

Cheap holidays to Delaware are very doable in this budget-friendly destination. You can expect to pay less than 20 US dollars ($) for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant and under $5 for a local beer. When catching a taxi, you’ll generally pay around $15 for a short ride.

Health and safety

Lyme disease from tick bites is a potential risk in woodlands and areas with long grass. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and applying insect repellent. When swimming at beaches, follow local warnings and lifeguard instructions. Both guarded and unguarded beaches across the state are regularly tested for water quality to ensure safe conditions.

Free things to do

Catch free live music performances in summer and autumn during the Seaside Concert Series at Bethany Beach Bandstand. Strolling the colonial-era historic district of New Castle and visiting the New Castle Court House Museum is also free. And on Fenwick Island, the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum lets you explore Delaware’s maritime heritage free of charge, though donations are appreciated.

Family friendly

At Wilmington’s Brandywine Zoo, visitors of all ages can meet animals from around the world and join feeding or training sessions. Nearby, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science explores dinosaurs, ecosystems and global biodiversity. For seaside fun, head to Funland Rehoboth, packed with nostalgic arcade games and classic fairground rides.

Getting around Delaware

Delaware

Public transport

Buses: Delaware Transport Corporation (DTC) operates DART First State, which has 45 statewide bus routes. Fares can be paid in cash or with the Dart Pass mobile app. Daily, weekly and 30-day passes offer discounts for multiple rides.

Trains: Amtrak’s high-speed Acela and long-distance Northeast Regional stop in Wilmington, with the latter also serving Newark. Multiple daily departures make it easy to reach cities along the East Coast. For shorter trips, SEPTA’s Regional Rail connects Newark directly to Philadelphia.

Boats: Use the Cape May–Lewes Ferry to cross Delaware Bay between Lewes and New Jersey’s Cape May. Advanced reservations are recommended, no matter the season.

Domestic flights

Wilmington Airport is the state’s largest airport, with domestic connections to cities like Myrtle Beach, Orlando and Tampa. For international flights, some travellers prefer to fly into Philadelphia International Airport, about a 30-minute drive from Wilmington.

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Driving and car hire

Delaware may be the nation’s second-smallest state, but that makes it perfect for road trips. Route 13 runs the entire length of the state, shifting from rural stretches to busy highways. Scenic coastal roads offer easy access to beach towns — just watch for cyclists and pedestrians, especially during the busy summer season.

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FAQs about Delaware holidays

First-time visitors often choose Wilmington, with its vibrant riverfront, art galleries and museums. History buffs can wander cobblestone streets and colonial landmarks in New Castle. For sun and fun, Rehoboth Beach delivers sandy shores, a lively boardwalk and classic seaside entertainment.
You’ll want to spend at least three to four days exploring Delaware’s cities, historic sites and coastline. For a relaxed visit focused on enjoying the state’s beaches, consider a week-long visit.
Summer is one of the best times to visit Delaware, with warm days that are ideal for relaxing on the beaches. Or book your trip for the autumn to see the region’s famous foliage. Spring is also a great time to visit, as you’ll find pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Delaware is a safe state to visit and enjoys lower crime rates than elsewhere in the country. Still, use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. The state can sometimes experience coastal storms and flooding, so keep an eye on local news alerts when travelling.
English is Delaware’s official language, but you may also hear Spanish, Mandarin and Haitian Creole. Feel like learning some local slang? Try ‘baggin’ up’ (laughing), ‘bobos’ (generic trainers) and ‘tap MAC’ (withdraw money from an ATM).
You’ll be using the US dollar ($) when in Delaware. Debit and credit card payments are often preferred, but businesses are required by law to accept cash. Tipping 20% is normal at bars, cafes and restaurants.