Considering that you can start at the northern tip of the state of Delaware, and in just over 2 hours be at the southern end of the state, most people don’t think of Delaware as a day trip destination. When visitors zoom down the highways and skip right over the state, they’re missing out on history and attractions that are sure to delight any sort of day trip adventurer. If you’re looking for the best day trips in Delaware, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.
- Take a scenic drive down Route 9 in New Castle and Kent Counties and explore the history and nature of Delaware.
Berndt Rostad / Flickr We recommend starting off in Delaware City with a stroll through shops, a bite to eat and a brief introduction to our state’s history.
You’ll find beautiful marshes near Port Penn, and birdwatchers will want to stop here for a bit.
Patrick Nouhailler / Flickr The Port is a favorite spot for photographers who chase sunrises and sunsets to capture stunning natural beauty.
Stop just outside Smyrna at the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resources Education Center.
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife / Facebook Take a hike along the trails that lead you over and around the marsh. You can watch paddlers on Mallard Pond, too! Check out the Education Center’s website, here.
A bit further along, don’t miss the wonder of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
Thomas / Flickr Drive along the perimeter and stay in your car, or hop out for a climb up one of the observation towers.
Continue down Route 9 through the tiny towns of Leipsic and Little Creek until you’re almost at the end of the scenic portion of the route.
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr Drive down a mile long driveway to the St. Jones Reserve and take in one of the most underrated spots in the First State. Explore the nature center and hike along the trails to wrap up your day in Delaware’s wilderness.
- Take time to learn about historic methods of transport at Auburn Heights and the Wilmington and Western Railroad.
Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve History lovers always find plenty of things to do in Delaware! If you plan your trip right, you’ll be able to putter around in an old fashioned steam car at the Marshall Steam Museum!
The Marshall Steam Museum is located on the grounds of Auburn Valley State Park, which also boasts mansion tours and 360 acres of hikable land.
Auburn Heights Preserve / Facebook Auburn Valley is Delaware’s newest state park! Check their calendar and visit on one of their Steamin’ Days in the summertime.
Embark on a journey aboard the Wilmington and Western Railroad!
Mandy Jansen / Flickr Travel back in time when you enjoy a ride through the Red Clay Valley. You can plan a dinner train, scenic journey, or participate in one of their special event tours.
- Grab a designated driver and visit Delaware’s distilleries, all of which are pretty new to the scene.
Painted Stave Distilling / Facebook Painted Stave Distilling is located in Smyrna in an old movie theater. Be sure to snag a tour and a cocktail and explore the historic building.
Dogfish Head Brewery is most widely known for its craft beer, but years ago it dipped into craft distilling!
Dogfish Head Beer / Facebook Don’t forget to learn about their spirits when you tour the famous Milton location.
Beach Time Distilling is a great place to sample spirits if you’re in Lewes.
Beach Time Distilling / Facebook Join them for a distillery tour every Saturday at 11:00 am. Taste spirits and learn the art of making liquor for just $10 per person.
- From history, to shopping, outdoor adventures to fine dining, Lewes has a little bit of everything.
Bob Mical / Flickr Walk along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and shop along Second Street.
Start your journey at the Lewes Historical Society in the heart of the downtown area.
The Lewes Historical Society / Facebook You’ll be able to pick up a map of the city’s most historic spots, and the staff is happy to help you shape a delightful day in town. Some of the best day trips in Delaware happen here in the “First Town In The First State.”
If you’re a fan of the ocean, you’ll want to climb on to the Lightship Overfalls.
Mike Mahhaffie / Flickr There are just about a dozen lightships left in the United States, and Overfalls is one of the most famous. This landmark is open to visitors who want to learn about maritime navigation and rescue history.
The Zwaanandael Museum honors the heavy Dutch influence in Delaware, from the earliest days of the state’s discovery.
Zwaanandael Museum In the spring, the museum’s grounds are bright and cheerful thanks to thousands of tulips.
- The first capitol of the First State, Delaware, Old New Castle is bursting with historic charm.
New Castle Historical Society / Facebook The three houses and gardens of the New Castle Historical Society are open for tours most of the year.
You’ll find history and natural beauty along the shores of the Delaware River in Battery Park.
Ryan Keene / Flickr Visit the Green, too, and you’ll have an unparalleled view of Delaware history.
Historic Immanuel Episcopal Church rises above the treeline near the Green, and this landmark is one that many hold dear.
Ryan Keene / Flickr Do you remember when Immanuel caught fire? Now, it has been fully restored and remains one of Delaware’s most recognizable landmarks.
Berndt Rostad / Flickr
We recommend starting off in Delaware City with a stroll through shops, a bite to eat and a brief introduction to our state’s history.
Patrick Nouhailler / Flickr
The Port is a favorite spot for photographers who chase sunrises and sunsets to capture stunning natural beauty.
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife / Facebook
Take a hike along the trails that lead you over and around the marsh. You can watch paddlers on Mallard Pond, too! Check out the Education Center’s website, here.
Thomas / Flickr
Drive along the perimeter and stay in your car, or hop out for a climb up one of the observation towers.
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Drive down a mile long driveway to the St. Jones Reserve and take in one of the most underrated spots in the First State. Explore the nature center and hike along the trails to wrap up your day in Delaware’s wilderness.
Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve
History lovers always find plenty of things to do in Delaware! If you plan your trip right, you’ll be able to putter around in an old fashioned steam car at the Marshall Steam Museum!
Auburn Heights Preserve / Facebook
Auburn Valley is Delaware’s newest state park! Check their calendar and visit on one of their Steamin’ Days in the summertime.
Mandy Jansen / Flickr
Travel back in time when you enjoy a ride through the Red Clay Valley. You can plan a dinner train, scenic journey, or participate in one of their special event tours.
Painted Stave Distilling / Facebook
Painted Stave Distilling is located in Smyrna in an old movie theater. Be sure to snag a tour and a cocktail and explore the historic building.
Dogfish Head Beer / Facebook
Don’t forget to learn about their spirits when you tour the famous Milton location.
Beach Time Distilling / Facebook
Join them for a distillery tour every Saturday at 11:00 am. Taste spirits and learn the art of making liquor for just $10 per person.
Bob Mical / Flickr
Walk along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and shop along Second Street.
The Lewes Historical Society / Facebook
You’ll be able to pick up a map of the city’s most historic spots, and the staff is happy to help you shape a delightful day in town. Some of the best day trips in Delaware happen here in the “First Town In The First State.”
Mike Mahhaffie / Flickr
There are just about a dozen lightships left in the United States, and Overfalls is one of the most famous. This landmark is open to visitors who want to learn about maritime navigation and rescue history.
Zwaanandael Museum
In the spring, the museum’s grounds are bright and cheerful thanks to thousands of tulips.
New Castle Historical Society / Facebook
The three houses and gardens of the New Castle Historical Society are open for tours most of the year.
Ryan Keene / Flickr
Visit the Green, too, and you’ll have an unparalleled view of Delaware history.
Do you remember when Immanuel caught fire? Now, it has been fully restored and remains one of Delaware’s most recognizable landmarks.
The best day trips in Delaware show off history, culture, and nature! There’s never a reason to be bored here in the First State, so gas up the car and experience our endless discoveries.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Delaware City, DE, USAAddress: Port Penn, DE 19709, USAAddress: 2520 Lighthouse Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USAAddress: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 2501-2599 Refuge Entrance Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USAAddress: 818 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USAAddress: Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USAAddress: Wilmington & Western Railroad, 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808, USAAddress: 106 W Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977, USAAddress: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968, USAAddress: 32191 Nassau Rd #5, Lewes, DE 19958, USAAddress: Lewes Historic District, Lewes, DE 19958, USAAddress: Lightship Overfalls LV-118, 219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USAAddress: Zwaanendael Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USAAddress: 30 Market St, New Castle, DE 19720, USAAddress: Battery Park, New Castle, DE 19720, USAAddress: 50 Market St, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Delaware February 13, 2020 Kim Magaraci What is the best getaway spot in Delaware? It’s hard to top the Delaware beaches! Plan a trip just steps away from the ocean and you’ll find plenty of ways to relax, dine, shop, and entertain the whole family. Are there any other day trips to take in Delaware? Delaware is full of day trip destinations! For more traveling inspiration, read 12 Unforgettable Delaware Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year. Are there any free things to do in Delaware? Most of the beaches in Delaware are free, and the State Parks can be visited for a nominal fee. Otherwise, it’s free to browse many of the historic neighborhoods in Dover, Georgetown, Odessa and Lewes. For more affordable things to do, read Here Are 10 Awesome Things You Can Do in Delaware For $10 or Less.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Delaware
February 13, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What is the best getaway spot in Delaware? It’s hard to top the Delaware beaches! Plan a trip just steps away from the ocean and you’ll find plenty of ways to relax, dine, shop, and entertain the whole family. Are there any other day trips to take in Delaware? Delaware is full of day trip destinations! For more traveling inspiration, read 12 Unforgettable Delaware Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year. Are there any free things to do in Delaware? Most of the beaches in Delaware are free, and the State Parks can be visited for a nominal fee. Otherwise, it’s free to browse many of the historic neighborhoods in Dover, Georgetown, Odessa and Lewes. For more affordable things to do, read Here Are 10 Awesome Things You Can Do in Delaware For $10 or Less.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s hard to top the Delaware beaches! Plan a trip just steps away from the ocean and you’ll find plenty of ways to relax, dine, shop, and entertain the whole family.
Are there any other day trips to take in Delaware?
Delaware is full of day trip destinations! For more traveling inspiration, read 12 Unforgettable Delaware Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year.
Are there any free things to do in Delaware?
Most of the beaches in Delaware are free, and the State Parks can be visited for a nominal fee. Otherwise, it’s free to browse many of the historic neighborhoods in Dover, Georgetown, Odessa and Lewes. For more affordable things to do, read Here Are 10 Awesome Things You Can Do in Delaware For $10 or Less.
