Delaware gets a bad reputation for being boring, and I’ve never been able to figure out why! Sure, we’re a small state, but that just means that there’s so much adventure within driving distance. Between vintage locomotives, beautiful beaches, and stunning state parks, it’s impossible to sit around and do nothing in Delaware. The next time someone tells you “there’s nothing to do in this state” take them on one of the best day trips Delaware.

1. The Wilmington and Western Railroad
Wilmington and Western Railroad, Delaware, USA
Facebook / Wilmington and Western Railroad
The Wilmington and Western Railroad is one of the most underrated attractions in Delaware. Bring your family or friends on a steam engine train ride through the beautiful Red Clay Creek valley. There are dinner trains that will take you to a gourmet restaurant, mystery trains which put on a show, and holiday trains that are sure to entertain. The Wilmington and Western Railroad is definitely one of the best places to visit in Delaware.
2. The Ruins of Fort Miles
Fort Miles Historic Area, 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Flickr / Lee Cannon
Fort Miles Historic Area is hiding in Cape Henlopen State Park. Once, it was used as a fort for World War II soldiers! The Bunkers are available to tour, an observation tower can be climbed, and there's plenty of decommissioned military equipment worth exploring because you aren't going to see this anywhere else!
3. Delaware's Best Sanctuary - Three Palms Zoo
3 Palms Zoo, 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, DE 19734, USA
Facebook / 3 Palms Zoo
Meet Delaware's alligators, Tik Tok, Mr. Smee, and Wendy Darling at Three Palms Zoo. The animal sanctuary is one of a kind in Delaware, and you'll make so many friends! Be sure not to feed your fingers to Dominic the Donkey, and keep an eye out for Hatter, the gorgeous peacock that roams the grounds.
4. The Famous Riverwalk Farmers Market
Riverwalk Farmers Market, S Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963, USA
Facebook / RiverwalkFarmers Market
The Riverwalk Farmer's Market was named one of the best in the country! The vendors here offer fresh meats and seafood, beautiful flowers, homemade soaps and artwork, and farm-fresh produce.
5. Dover's Neverending Tulips
Dover, DE, USA
Mt. Cuba Center/Facebook
The City of Dover plants 40,000 tulips over the winter, and they dazzle visitors every spring. Enjoy our historic capital city as you stroll the streets looking for the next beautiful flower bed.
6. The Fairy Tale Town of Arden
Arden, DE 19810, USA
The Arden Club
Watch a Shakespeare Performance, enjoy some live music, or join the Dinner Gild for a night you won't soon forget. Arden is a utopian village and it feels like it's straight out of a fairy tale. If you're looking for "day trips near me," The Fairy Tale Town of Arden should be top-of-mind.
7. Pizzadili Vineyard
Pizzadili Vineyard & Winery, 1683 Peach Basket Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA
Facebook / Pizzadili Vineyard
Sometimes, the best Delaware day trip involves a big glass of wine. Enjoy local wines and gorgeous Delaware scenery on a day trip to any of our vineyards! Pizzadili Vineyard is one of the most charming in the state, and it's perfect for a little getaway.
8. The Underrated White Clay Creek State Park
White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center, 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA
Facebook / White Clay Creek
I can never get enough of White Clay Creek State Park! No matter how many times I visit, I seem to find something new - a trail, a critter, or even a new pond - to make my trip remarkable. White Clay Creek offers some of the best hiking in Delaware, so be sure to put this on your list.
9. The Enchanting Estate at Winterthur
Winterthur, Pennsbury Township, DE, USA
Flickr / Jim the Photographer
What can I say about the Estate at Winterthur that hasn't already been said? This enchanting, sprawling, 1000 acre estate is the most incredible of all of the DuPont Mansions. The gardens and grounds seem to go on forever, and just when you think it can't get any better, you'll stumble upon a fairy house and the entire enchanted woods.
10. Delaware's Wildflower Oasis, the Mt. Cuba Center
Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Facebook / Mt Cuba Center
Sometimes, you just want to get away from it all. An afternoon at the Mt. Cuba Center is exactly what we all need. This relaxing wildflower oasis will calm your soul as you stroll the paths and lay out a picnic on the soft meadow grass.
11. The Dolphin Cruises out of Lewes
Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
Hop a charter boat and take a a dolphin cruise out of Lewes! You'll learn a ton about these fascinating marine mammals and likely see a few of each. I've heard that the dolphins might come up close to the boat and spray the passengers... but I don't think they do it on porpoise.
12. Fenwick Island, The Underrated Beach Town
Fenwick Island, DE, USA
Flickr / Lee Cannon
When everyone else is heading up to Dewey Beach or Rehoboth, head south to Fenwick Island. You'll find a sparsely populated beach with soft white sand and crystal clear water - Delaware's own tropical paradise.
13. Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor
Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor LLC, 18864 Cool Spring Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA
Facebook / Lavender Fields
Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon among the rows of lavender at Lavender Fields! Visit the Soap Fairy on the property and spoil yourself with handmade soaps and fragrances. Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor belongs on your Delaware bucket list.
14. The Tiny Town Surrounded By Natural Beauty
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Laurel, Delaware is one of the best little day trips you can make. From a beautiful state park to some of the finest waterfront restaurants, this former shipbuilder's town is a dream come true.
15. Prime Hook
Prime Hook Beach, DE, USA
Flickr / Kim(ber)
Prime Hook isn't as well known as Bombay Hook, but the diversity of species here is hard to beat. You might even end up close with foxes! Plus, Prime Hook is home to a secret, isolated beach.
16. Dogfish Head Brewery
Dogfish Head Brewery Shipping, 25740 Cave Neck Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA
Flickr / Bernt Rostad
Dogfish Head might be Delaware's most famous export nowadays. With delicious beers and a brewery tour that's consistently named best in America, this is one Delaware day trip you don't want to miss.
17. Woodburn Mansion, Delaware's Most Haunted House
Woodburn: Governor's House, 151 Kings Hwy SW, Dover, DE 19901, USA
Flickr / Jeffrey
Woodburn Mansion is filled with the spirits of colonial and 19th-century ghosts! Learn about the many uses of this home prior to it being the Governor's residence, and schedule a tour to see some of the spooky happenings for yourself

Which of these day trips in Delaware looks like the most fun to you?

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More to Explore

Attractions in Delaware

Kim Magaraci | July 16, 2021

What are some must-visit attractions in Delaware?

The best attractions in Delaware are:

  • Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, Wilmington
  • The Well, Hockessin
  • Blackbird State Forest, Smyrna
  • Wilson's General Store, Georgetown

 

There's truly something for everyone in Delaware. History buffs can make a full day out of exploring our most historic towns. Walk around New Castle to see the Court House, Battery Park, and buildings that are older than this country. The town of Odessa is another one that's packed with historic homes and buildings. Of course, the Green in Dover is a great place to see the First State's history. Nature lovers will enjoy a day spent in White Clay Creek, Trap Pond, or Lums Pond State Park. If you prefer the coast, head to Bombay Hook or Prime Hook - our two National Wildlife Refuges! These are two of the most important bird refuges on the East Coast. For specific attractions worth visiting, make sure to see the Lightship Overfalls, the Indian River Lifesaving Station, and Fort Miles Historic Area - all down on the coast. For family-specific attractions, it's hard to top Jungle Jim's or Funland - two of our best amusement parks!

Where can you visit on the best day trips in Delaware?

The best day trips in Delaware are:

  • Winterthur
  • Cape Henlopen
  • Mt. Cuba Center

 

If you're looking to set aside a full day to enjoy the best of Delaware, you've got so many options! One that immediately comes to mind is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Spend the morning exploring Lewes, and then take a scenic ferry ride across the Delaware Bay to land at Cape May, New Jersey! Cape May is a great town to explore before heading back to Delaware. Other beachy day trips in Delaware include spending a day on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. You'll find food, shopping, amusements, and more - all in one spot! For some fun day trips in Delaware away from the coast, plan a visit to First State National Historic Park, which is a series of historic spots all linked together. The DuPont Estates like Winterthur, Hagley, and Nemours all make for excellent day trips in Delaware, too.

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