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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Sunrise
Best time: 30 minutes before sunrise for golden light on empty boardwalk
Winterthur Garden — March Bank
Best time: Mornings on weekdays for soft light and fewer crowds
Cape Henlopen Great Dune and Observation Tower
Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon for long shadows on dune formations; golden hour from the WWII observation tower gives 360° views
Historic New Castle Green and Battery Park
Best time: Early morning for empty colonial streetscapes; golden hour for the Delaware River views from Battery Park
Bombay Hook NWR — Shorebird and Waterfowl Migration
Best time: Early morning light from the photography blinds near impoundments; check tide tables (incoming tide concentrates birds)
Lewes Canal and Waterfront
Best time: Golden hour in the evening for warm reflections on the canal
Delaware Seashore State Park — Indian River Inlet
Best time: Sunrise for fishermen silhouettes on the inlet; late afternoon for surf photography
Brandywine Creek State Park — Tulip Poplar Grove
Best time: Morning after rain for atmospheric fog along Brandywine Creek; afternoon light through the tulip poplar canopy
Nemours Estate — French Formal Gardens
Best time: Morning tours (first hour) when low sun illuminates the fountain pool axis
Funland Amusement Park at Night
Best time: Post-sunset (9-10 PM) for full ride light trails; late enough for blue hour sky
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.