Day Trip to Delaware
Sandy beaches, scenic state parks, local craft breweries and historical sites – the state of Delaware is full of exciting discoveries waiting just for you. Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide to help plan your next day trip.
Northern Delaware
Morning: Explore Hagley Museum and Library along the banks of the Brandywine River and enjoy tours of its restored mills, workers’ community and ancestral home of the du Pont family.
Lunch: At Pizza by Elizabeths, you can dine on healthy pizzas made with fresh, all-natural ingredients, and then get your tax-free shopping fix at Greenville Center.
Afternoon: Kick back and relax with some games and a craft beer at Constitution Yards in Riverfront Wilmington.
Dinner: Head downtown in Wilmington to enjoy a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine at the James Beard nominated Bardea Food & Drink.
Where to stay: Stay along Riverfront Wilmington at the Homewood Suites for breathtaking views of the river and easy access to all of the city’s dining, shopping and entertainment.
Central Delaware
Morning: Rise and shine early to hike and paddle your way around Killens Pond State Park. Enjoy the 2.6 mile trail that loops around the millpond, or take to the water for a relaxing boat ride.
Lunch: Head to downtown Milford to dine on the sweet and savory offerings of My Sister’s Fault, a Puerto Rican inspired bakery serving up empanadas and delicious baked goods.
Afternoon: Visit the Air Mobility Command Museum on the grounds of the Dover Air Force Base to learn history behind World War II, airlift and air refueling.
Dinner: Stop by Brick Works Brewing and Eats for delicious food and drinks, including made-from-scratch favorites, and a rustic atmosphere.
Where to Stay: Try your luck at the tables at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. Stay overnight at the luxurious hotel onsite Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and indulge in the fine dining and first-class entertainment, or enjoy a massage at the Bali themed Toppers Spa and Salon.
Southern Delaware
Morning: Set out early in the morning to rent a canoe at Trap Pond State Park, where you can paddle through towering baldycypress trees on the water. Then, come ashore and hike the Bob Trail for more pondside views.
Lunch: Dine like a local at Old Mill Crab House in Delmar. Tuck into a pile of freshly steamed crabs, or cool off with a frozen cocktail topped with a popsicle.
Afternoon: Get inspired through the beauty of Delaware’s inland bays at the Delaware Botanic Gardens. Walk through the naturally inspired garden filled with plants and trees native to Southern Delaware.
Dinner: Located in the heart of downtown Laurel, Abbott’s on Broad Creek serves up fresh and innovative American cuisine while sourcing their ingredients from local area farms.
Where to stay: Travel back in time with a stay at Causey Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Designed and maintained with period-appropriate features, this property continues to serve weary travelers as it did back in the early days of Colonial America.
The Delaware Beaches
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at one of downtown Lewes' many restaurants, such as Eggcellent. Afterwards, explore the area's coastal boutiques and waterside canal.
Lunch: Dig into generous helpings of delicious barbecued meat at Bethany Blues BBQ. Known for authentic Texas-bulit wood-fired smoker, this southern Delaware BBQ joint incorporates savory styles from all across the county into their menu.
Afternoon: Tanger Outlets offers tax-free shopping and discount prices on designer names across their three shopping centers on Coastal Highway.
Dinner: Travel south to Bluecoast Seafood Grill in North Bethany Beach for fresh seafood imaginatively prepared with views of the bay. Afterwards, dance the night away at Dewey’s lively beach bars like the The Starboard and Bottle and Cork.
Where to stay: After a night of live music and dancing, stay at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach that offers a comfortable stay on the Rehoboth Bay and is just steps from the beach.
