Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Delaware's most-visited destination — a classic mile-long Atlantic boardwalk with surf, Funland amusement rides, Thrasher's French Fries, and a vibrant summer resort atmosphere
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About Delaware
Delaware occupies a narrow peninsula between the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington, the largest city, blends a revitalized riverfront with the Brandywine Valley's world-class museums and DuPont legacy estates including Winterthur and Longwood Gardens (just across the Pennsylvania line). Dover, the capital, anchors central Delaware with its historic Green and NASCAR's Dover Motor Speedway. The Beaches — Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and Fenwick Island — draw millions of summer visitors and have earned Delaware a disproportionate coastal reputation. No sales tax makes the state a shopping destination in its own right. Delaware's role as the 'First State' to ratify the US Constitution in 1787 gives it deep historic resonance.
- Capital
- Dover
- Largest city
- Wilmington
- Population
- 1.03 million
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST)
Explore Delaware by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Delaware
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Henry Francis du Pont's 175-room mansion housing the premier collection of American decorative arts (1640-1860), set in 1,000 acres of naturalistic garden — one of America's great house museums
Cape Henlopen State Park
475-acre park at the confluence of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean with pristine beaches, World War II observation towers, a nature center, and fishing pier
Historic New Castle
America's best-preserved colonial town, with 17th and 18th-century architecture surrounding the 1682 courthouse green — the original colonial capital of Delaware
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
The legendary Milton brewery behind 60 Minute IPA and Off-Centered Ales operates daily tours and tastings — one of America's most influential craft beer destinations
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Delaware Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Delaware, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Delaware
- Days 1-2Delaware city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Delaware
- Days 1-3Delaware comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Delaware, departure
Where to stay in Delaware
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $75
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $500+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel du Pont
Check rates on Booking.comBoardwalk Plaza Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comInn at Canal Square
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Place Wilmington/Downtown
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Delaware
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
Ristorante Attilio
The Green Room (Hotel du Pont)
Lupo di Mare
Buckley's Tavern
Catch 54
Getting around Delaware
Delaware is compact enough to drive across in under 90 minutes. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL, 30 min from Wilmington) is the primary gateway; Baltimore/Washington International (BWI, 90 min) also serves southern Delaware. Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Acela stop at Wilmington Station. DART First State buses connect most of Delaware's towns. A rental car is strongly advised for exploring the beaches and Brandywine Valley estates.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $130 | $320 |
| Food (per day) | $22 | $50 | $120 |
| Transportation | $8 | $12 | $35 |
| Activities | $5 | $25 | $80 |
| Daily total | $75 | $200 | $500+ |
Best time to visit Delaware
Late spring and early fall offer the best combination of beach weather and manageable crowds. Summer is peak season at all Delaware beaches — book accommodations months ahead. Fall brings excellent conditions for Brandywine Valley museum visits and cycling.
Essential travel tips
- Delaware has no sales tax — budget shoppers and outlet hunters save 6-8% versus neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania
- The DART Beach Bus (302-652-3278, dartfirststate.com) runs Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach in summer — a stress-free alternative to driving Route 1
- New Castle's historic district is walkable in 2 hours and rivals Philadelphia's colonial sites with far smaller crowds
- Lewes is an underrated base for visiting both Cape Henlopen State Park and the Rehoboth beaches without paying Rehoboth accommodation premiums
- The Brandywine Valley museums (Winterthur, Delaware Art Museum, Hagley Museum) offer a world-class cultural cluster within 30 minutes of downtown Wilmington
Safety information
At Delaware beaches, always swim between the lifeguard flags and check the beach patrol's rip current flag system before entering the water
In Wilmington, stay in the revitalized downtown core, Christina Riverfront, and Trolley Square neighborhoods; avoid Southbridge and parts of East Side after dark
Delaware's roads can be congested on summer Friday afternoons as beach traffic builds — plan arrival before 2 PM or after 7 PM
Horseshoe crabs spawn on Delaware Bay beaches in May-June — avoid disturbing them but the event is a remarkable wildlife spectacle
No sales tax means retail stores get crowded on weekends — shop early or on weekdays for outlet malls
Frequently asked questions
Does Delaware have a sales tax?
No. Delaware has no state sales tax, making it a major shopping destination for residents of neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Prices are the sticker price — no tax added at checkout.
What is Delaware best known for?
Delaware is known as the First State (first to ratify the US Constitution in 1787), for its Atlantic beaches (Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey, Fenwick Island), the DuPont family's museum estates (Winterthur, Hagley), Dogfish Head Brewery, and tax-free shopping.
How do I get to Rehoboth Beach from Wilmington?
By car: Route 1 south from Wilmington, approximately 105 miles / 1.75 hours. By bus: DART Beach Bus (dartfirststate.com) runs seasonally between Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach; the ride takes about 2.5 hours and costs $4 each way. Book seats at dartfirststate.com or call (302) 652-3278.
What currency is used in Delaware?
The currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted almost everywhere including beach boardwalk shops. Farmers markets may be cash-only — carry small bills for outdoor markets.