The First State rests against the Atlantic Ocean, giving this coastal state its many beaches. While it should be the “first” on your list for summer vacation, Delaware is called “The First State” because it was the first to gain statehood. Delaware has no state tax, giving travelers more money to spend on experiences like dolphin watching, wine sipping, and so much more. Even the beaches are accessorized with boardwalks full of fun and special events such as bonfire nights and concert series. Keep reading to discover what makes Delaware the perfect state to spend summer vacation in 2025.
Picture Perfect Towns In DelawareDelaware has gradually transformed over the years to become one of the favored tourist destinations on the nation’s East Coast.
Lewes
To witness the liveliness that makes Lewes so special, take a Cape Water Tour. This cruise is the best way to experience the most cinematicly beautiful moments, from the sun setting behind the lighthouse to dolphins jumping from the water beneath a full moon. After getting to know the sealife, get to know the community at Historic Farmers Market, which is made of equal parts quality food and conversation. Shopping here means you can buy produce, seafood, and sweets while supporting local farmland and homesteaders.
Switch from the deep roots of the present to the past at Zwaanendael Museum, which showcases Delaware's first European colony by the Dutch. This small but impactful museum exhibits showcase Lewes' military, industrial, and social past. Reimmerse yourself in modern-day Lewes with a taste of the fruit it bears at Delaware's first and only award-winning winery, Nassau Valley Vineyards. Relax at this beautiful Vineyard and taste their 14 variety of wines, all made with locally grown fruit. Tour their facilities to see the equipment used to make the wine in your glass, as well as their art gallery, which shares work by regional artists.
Fenwick Island
Traveling to the south in Delaware takes you to Fenwick Island, with Fenwick Island State Park being the state’s southernmost beach. Upon these sands, visitors can find a World War II-era fire control tower that still watches over the land and sea below. Walk along the shore to meet the Ghost Crabs that call this beach their home, or kayak on the waves. Far beneath those waves, treasure has been found. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum displays a treasure trove of over 10,000 shipwreck artifacts with a hands-on approach to sharing maritime history. The displays are full of pieces that make up true stories of storms, battles, and travel.
Remain immersed in an aquatic world by splashing into Thunder Lagoon Waterpark. Slides and lazy rivers create a mix of fun and relaxation. For some fun on dry land, the park also has a go-kart track and a mini golf course. Return to the coast, where Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands tall. Venture inside the white brick structure to find a lighthouse-themed gift shop.
Rehoboth Beach
Known as the 'Nation's Summer Capital,' Rehoboth Beach is a popular summer vacation destination for East Coast travelers. If you get tired of walking on the warm sand, stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk instead. The boardwalk lines the sands, where you can find shops and restaurants. More thrills are only a three-minute drive away at Funland, a true source of fun for all ages. This amusement park has roaring rides and carnival-style games that vary from modern to retro. To take a break from the sunshine, head inside the arcade to play one of the games or try to win a souvenir from a claw machine.
Get back outside at Cape Henlopen State Park, where 5,000 acres stretch along where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay. Within the vast park, you’ll also find the commemoration of the coastal defense in World War II. Fort Miles Artillery Park and the Battery 519 Museum remind park visitors of Rehoboth Beach's prominence in the USA's independence and defense.
Bethany Beach
Between waves and wildlife, Bethany Beach is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s titular beach stretches along the Atlantic, welcoming all of its summer visitors with warmth. When you’re tired of walking on the warm sand, switch to the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. The 1/2 mile long stretches along the beach offer candy, food, and games. A block away from the boardwalk, fun and fantasy meet at Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf. While playing a game of golf, a fifty-foot pirate ship looms overhead. Look at all the details while playing, as wonders like a reclaimed California Redwood stump that is two thousand years old, are hidden in plain sight.
To see more prominent nature and wildlife, visit Bethany Beach Nature Center, the home of over 100 species of wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. The center is immersive and interactive, welcoming exploration and play for all ages. In the evening, see a seaside concert at the Bandstand on Thursdays and Saturdays. The concerts series spans showcases all genres of music to please all of Bethany Beach’s summer vacationers. Outside of concerts, The Bandstand also hosts movie nights and bonfire nights.
Milton
Equal parts serenity and entertainment, Milton has so much to offer. To start your summer vacation with serenity, visit Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor. The floral fields offer more than a peaceful walk. You can also shop for organic produce at their on-site farm stand, which sells soaps and other lavender products. For more locally crafted goods, go to Dogfish Head Brewery for spirits and beer brewed in-house. Tour the delightfully strange 200-bbl brewhouse that makes this brewery’s drinks so special. Taste experimental brews and new cocktails while exploring the surreal Steampunk Treehouse beside the brewery.
Even more stunning sights await at the local sanctuary. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect migrating birds. This is a great place to admire the 245 species of birds that have also chosen to spend their summer vacation in Milton. Head into the Historic Downtown District to see a show at Milton Theatre, a 100-year-old stage with deep roots in the community. The company prides itself on its dynamic and diverse programs that enrich the community and its guests. Their shows reflect the unique characters that you find on and off stage in this small town.
New Castle
Explore Historic Newcastle, where wooded trails meet the Delaware River at Battery Park. These trails provide hikers a great view of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, while the paved paths make for an easy walk along the vast River. Steps away from the park, find Delaware’s first court-turned-museum at Historic New Castle Court House Museum. The museum not only features important judicial moments in history, but also recounts the stories of past residents, such as one family's escape through the Underground Railroad. One of New Castle's oldest houses has been preserved as a museum known as The Dutch House, which showcases the earliest building traditions in North America. The 17th-century home is full of Dutch colonial antiques that fascinate visitors and historians. Similarly, the Amsel House is also a time capsule that is open to the public. This house was once home to one of the town's original settlers in 1651.
Laurel
Laurel has a diverse geography to explore, such as the baldcypress swamp at Trap Pond State Park. Tour the swamp on a pontoon boat to hear all about the fascinating plants and wildlife that call the swamp home. Or, rent a paddleboat to tour the wetlands solo. For a romantic lunch in nature, pack a picnic and head to Phillips Landing on Broad Creek. The smooth water makes a serene visual and an even better gentle surface for boating and boarding. To find locally grown goodies to pack for the picnic, browse through 25 acres of local vendors at Laurel Junction. This indoor/outdoor flea market has a huge variety of antiques, produce, collectibles, and more pieces of Laurel to look through, as well as a restaurant. Look through more artifacts, this time with a focus on the past. Located in a repurposed train station, the Laurel Heritage Museum contains local artifacts that focus on sharing the town’s development, as well as a historically significant collection of photographs.
These fun-filled yet relaxing towns are what make Delaware so cool. The warm beaches, niche artifacts found in museums, and real shipwreck treasures all create a trip so fantastical it sounds like it was born from the pages of a fairytale. Each town on this list has so much to offer, giving solo travelers and families plenty of ways to fill their summer days. Whether you enjoy evenings beside a beach bonfire or tucked into a century-old theater, visiting any of these towns in The First State will give you a summer vacation full of memories to carry far past 2025.
Share