Delaware, the First State, packs remarkable diversity into the nation's second-smallest state — from the cosmopolitan Wilmington riverfront and historic New Castle's cobblestone streets to the Victorian beach resort of Rehoboth Beach and the wild marshes of Cape Henlopen. Rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, home to major corporate headquarters and the DuPont dynasty's legacy estates, and bordered by Atlantic beaches, Delaware rewards visitors who look beyond its modest size.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Delaware.
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1
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to find street parking on side streets before lots fill · Funland operates on a cash or token system — bring small bills for rides ($1-3 each) · Cyclists must clear the boardwalk by 10 AM and may return after 5 PM in summer · Dogs are permitted on the boardwalk before 9:30 AM and after 5:30 PM in summer · The DART Beach Bus from Wilmington runs direct to Rehoboth Ave and avoids parking congestion
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2
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Tip: Book mansion tour tickets online in advance, especially on spring weekends when Azalea Woods are in bloom · Adult admission ($25) covers both the mansion tour and garden access; purchasing online skips the front desk queue · Arrive early on weekdays to join a morning tour before midday garden crowds build · The garden tram is the most practical way to reach distant garden areas on large-group or mobility-limited visits · The research library requires a separate advance appointment for scholarly access and is not part of the general visit
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3
Cape Henlopen State Park
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends — the main beach parking lots fill quickly and overflow requires a shuttle · A Delaware State Parks annual pass ($40) covers the vehicle entry fee and pays for itself after two visits · The Great Dune boardwalk is a short detour from the main beach road and takes only 15-20 minutes · Fort Miles Battery 519 is included with park admission; bring a small flashlight for the bunker interiors · The fishing pier at the point is accessible year-round without a vehicle fee outside of beach season
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4
Historic New Castle
Tip: Visit on a weekday — New Castle is a working residential town and weekend parking on Delaware Street fills quickly · Old New Castle Day in May opens normally private historic buildings; consider planning the trip around this event · The New Castle Court House is free to enter as a national park site and often overlooked by street-level visitors · The Amstel House and Old Dutch House charge modest admission fees of around $7; combined tickets are available · Bring a light jacket in spring and fall — Battery Park on the river can be noticeably breezy
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5
Hagley Museum and Library
Tip: Allow at least two to three hours minimum — the site requires considerably more walking than most museum visitors expect · Take the jitney tram up to the mill complex and walk back down to the visitor center for the best creek-side views · Check the museum's online schedule for costumed demonstration days, which significantly enhance the experience · Autumn weekdays are ideal: creek-side foliage is spectacular and visitor numbers are low · Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes; the powder yard has uneven stone and gravel surfaces throughout
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6
Dogfish Head Brewery Tour
Tip: Book tour tickets online in advance — summer and fall weekends frequently sell out days or weeks ahead · Weekday afternoon tours draw smaller groups and allow more direct interaction with brewing staff · Designate a non-drinking driver — the experience includes multiple tastings over the 1.5-2 hour visit · The Tasting Room serves food; plan to spend time there after the tour rather than rushing out · Non-drinkers and visitors under 21 are welcome on the tour itself at no charge — only tasting is age-restricted
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7
Delaware Art Museum
Tip: Wednesday evenings offer free admission for Delaware residents — arrive after 4 PM for the quietest experience · Begin with the Howard Pyle galleries to orient to the Brandywine School before moving to the broader American collection · The Pre-Raphaelite galleries are best viewed in the order of the gallery labels to follow the historical sequence · Parking is free in the museum lot on Kentmere Pkwy — no parking budget needed · Ask at the front desk for the family activity guide, which makes the illustration collections more engaging for school-age children
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8
First State National Historical Park
Tip: The Dover and New Castle units are 8 miles apart — plan the day with a car to visit both comfortably · Ranger-led programs vary by season; check the NPS website for current schedules before visiting · The Fort Christina unit in Wilmington is a quick 20-minute stop best combined with a Christina Riverfront visit · The John Dickinson Plantation is in a rural setting south of Dover — combine it with a Bombay Hook wildlife refuge stop on the same route · National Park passport stamps are available at each staffed unit for collectors
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9
Delaware State Museum Complex (Dover)
Tip: The Johnson Victrola Museum is the most distinctive collection in the complex — plan the most time there · Check the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs website for current temporary exhibitions in the Meeting House Galleries · Park free on Governors Avenue or in the museum lot off S Governors Ave · Combine with the nearby First State National Historical Park units in Dover for a full historical day · The complex is closed Sunday and Monday — confirm hours before making the trip
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10
Nemours Estate
Tip: Book tickets online well in advance — spring and fall tours sell out; walk-ins are rarely available on busy days · Tours depart on the hour; arrive 10-15 minutes early to clear entry and begin on time · Children under 7 are not permitted on the mansion tour — plan accordingly if visiting with very young children · Wear comfortable walking shoes; the formal garden allée is nearly a mile in length end to end · Garden-only tickets are available at a reduced rate for those who prefer to skip the interior tour
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.