Looking to save some money during your next vacation? Consider a trip to Delaware! Whether you are solo traveling or bringing the entire family along, use these ideas to plan your perfect getaway.
TRANSPORTATION
Delaware has many options when it comes to traveling to and around the state. Avelo Airlines has expanded its services to Wilmington Airport, welcoming more visitors to the state. If you are looking to spend some time on the water, the Cape-May Lewes Ferry Terminal provides ferry trips to and from Cape May, New Jersey, to Lewes, Delaware daily with shuttles available to ride during the summer.
To avoid paid parking, especially during the summer, utilize Delaware’s DART First State buses to navigate the state. Or, take a Cape Water Tours and Taxi boat ride from Lewes to Rehoboth that runs once a week during the summer. However, the ParkMobile app allows you to monitor and pay for your parking.
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
If you love shopping and finding great deals, Delaware is the place for you! With its tax-free shopping experience and abundance of unique small businesses, you can find one-of-a-kind goods at great prices. In Southern Delaware, explore Downtown Lewes, the Tanger Outlets, Downtown Rehoboth and Bethany Beach. If you are heading North, take advantage of Downtown Dover, Christiana Mall and Riverfront Wilmington.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Between its beaches, state parks and biking trails, Delaware has many outdoor activities to choose from. Rehoboth Beach and other municipal beaches are open to the public at no cost. Beaches under the Delaware State Parks include a $5 fee per vehicle for Delaware residents and a $10 fee for non-residents. This fee covers a day-long stay at the state park, as well as access to some of the other state parks, whether you intend to use the beach or other facilities.
If you choose to spend a day at one of Delaware’s many state parks, there are a variety of activities to explore. Between camping grounds, biking trails, historical monuments, nature centers, classes, programs and more, each park has something special to offer. Lums Pond offers a zip-lining course, and Cape Henlopen State Park includes WW2 monuments you can explore as well as a biking trail that will take you to Gordon’s Pond. Other biking trails to consider are the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and the Junction and Breakwater Trail in Rehoboth. Learn more about biking trails with Delaware Greenways.
AREAS TO EXPLORE
At little to no cost, there are many areas of Delaware that you can explore. Delaware’s capital city, Dover, includes public facilities such as the Delaware Public Archives and Legislative Hall. Stop by First State Heritage Park to view historic buildings and streets. Nearby, walk around Silver Lake for beautiful views and a taste of nature.
For more history, visit Odessa up North to view historic homes, grounds and museums. Also North, Rockford Park and Tower includes a 100-year-old tower that makes for an interesting view. Brandywine Park, outside of the city, is a 178-acre park along the Brandywine River with plants, bridges, fountains and gazebos.
Down South, Mary Vessels Park is a small but beautiful park. The Indian River Marina, with its large bridge, and Anglers Marina are great places for a stroll, especially if you are a lover of boats and nautical life. Finally, in the summer, there are many farmers markets and street fairs to explore! Keep up to date with Delaware’s events and festivals.
ATTRACTIONS
For budget-friendly attractions in Delaware, mini-golfing is a popular choice. Between the large Sea Shell Shop and Tre Sorelle Dolce ice cream and mini golf, have some fun testing your skills. For more action, explore Dover Motor and Speedway, Pirates of Lewes and Jungle Jim’s Water Park.
For more relaxed attractions, visit Lavender Fields or Brittingham Farms for beautiful floral landscapes and cute shops. A tour of Lightship Overfalls will also teach you something new, as will any of Delaware’s many museums. Between Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum, the Air Mobility Command Museum, the Indian River Life-Saving Station, DiscoverSea and the Cannonball House, Delaware’s history spans far and wide.
Finally, for live music, performances take place at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, the Freeman Arts Pavillion and the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, especially during the summer. For a theatrical performance, check out the Dickens Parlour Theatre that includes music and magic shows.