10 Best Tourist Attractions in Delaware
Delaware is a small state (only Rhode Island is smaller), but it packs a lot into a small area. Three estates that you can visit date from the mid-1600s and chronicle the rising wealth of one of America’s richest industrialist families. Winterthur, one of these, is now America’s prestigious museum of decorative arts, and Wilmington’s outstanding Delaware Art Museum is not too far away.
Delaware is a small but mighty state, full of attractions that offer something for everyone. From thrilling water parks and exhilarating zoos to historical museums and picturesque outdoor trails, there are plenty of sights to explore in the First State. Here’s our list of the top 10 best Delaware tourist attractions to visit this year.
10. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
This is an elegant museum, which was founded by the Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur. The museum is known around the world for its fascinating and enriched collection of American decorative art. It’s one of the best tourist places in America where you will get to know how Americans arose how they lived in the early days and what is their decades-old culture.
Come take a stroll around the estate and explore the beautiful galleries and museums that proudly showcase American art and antiques from different eras. Learn about the lifestyle of the du Pont family, who resided here until 1959, as you make your way through beautiful rooms adorned with furniture, paintings, and other artifacts that tell their story. Guests can also visit the garden, a 60-acre oasis of natural beauty filled with lush gardens and trees.
9. Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington
Tourists who are in love of art and painting often make their tour to this museum. You will see the most unique paintings of most wide variety of artists. Your kids can participate at their painting, basic drawing, and sketching art program.
With a vast permanent collection and rotating modern exhibitions, this museum offers something for visitors of all ages and interests. I especially enjoyed perusing the outdoor sculpture garden, which featured works from some of the world’s most renowned sculptors. The museum also showcases pieces from local talent, such as the distinctive “Whistling Swans” installation. Inside the building, I discovered folk art exhibits that were quite captivating; these were my favorite part! But even if you’re not into art, the museum is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Riverfront.
8. Jungle Jim’s Water Park, Rehoboth Beach
It’s Delaware’s largest water park and lots of tourists come here every day. The relaxing lagoons and the stunning wave pools are perfect for your family vacation. The Go-Karts and Bumper Boats will give you a few rounds of miniature golf. The river cafes are there for your refreshment. You can also buy gifts from the Jungle Jim’s gift shops.
Filled to the brim with a variety of water rides, splash areas, and pools all themed around their jungle-inspired atmosphere, the park is teeming with fun and adventure. From thrilling tube slides and body slides to the lazy river and wave pool, everyone here is guaranteed to find something they love. And when you’re not splashing around in the park, there are plenty of other activities available such as beach volleyball, mini golf, game arcades, and even a go-kart track.
What really makes Jungle Jim’s stand out compared to other water parks is its friendly and welcoming staff who make sure that everyone has an amazing time during their visit. The environment here is incredibly relaxed and laid back – making it ideal for families with young children. With its vibrant and lively atmosphere, visiting Jungle Jim’s truly is a unique experience unlike anything else!
7. Cape May Lewes Ferry
It was a beautiful day for a visit to the Cape May Lewes Ferry! The sun was shining above, blue skies stretching as far as the eye could see. As we arrived at the harbor, our anticipation grew. We couldn’t wait to begin our journey across the Delaware Bay and experience one of the most unique stretches of coastline in the world.
From seagulls soaring by to families cooking up a barbecue lunch on deck, there was never a dull moment. As we cruised along, we had the opportunity to take in some of the amazing wildlife that call this area home. Dolphins were spotted swimming nearby, sea turtles were gliding beneath us, and majestic Bald Eagles soared overhead – a true natural wonderland.
Once the ferry landed, we jumped off and started exploring. We took in the picturesque lighthouses and strolled along the sandy beaches, basking in the warmth of the sun and surrounded by the beauty of nature. After a few hours, it was time to board the ferry once more, a little bit wiser and filled with lasting memories.
6. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington
Brandywine Zoo is a great place for spending some family time. Visiting the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington was an absolute delight! From its beautiful displays of exotic animals to its kid-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
My favorite part of the zoo was seeing the sloths up close. They were so incredibly cute and gentle, it was almost as if they were posing for my pictures! The gibbons were also entertaining to watch, as they showed off their amazing agility on display.
The Brandywine Zoo isn’t just about animals though; there are also plenty of interactive educational activities for kids. My nephew got to learn all about animal habitats and how zookeepers look after them in an enjoyable and hands-on way.
5. Frightland, Middletown
Visiting Frightland in Middletown was an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of Middletown, this amusement park is filled with thrilling rides, haunted attractions, and spooky surprises, offering something for everyone, even the faint of heart! We found that the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that our visit was memorable. It’s one of the scariest Halloween attractions in the entire America. It’s one of the most entertaining places in Delaware. You can enjoy their eight horrific items like Zombie Prison, the Attic, Ravenwood Cemetery, Horror Hayride, and more. I am pretty sure that you are going to remember this tour for a long time.
The attractions were all well maintained and incredibly detailed, providing a great atmosphere for a family outing or a night out with friends. We had a blast screaming on roller coasters and laughing hysterically through the haunted houses. All in all, Frightland provided a unique and exciting experience that we definitely plan to repeat next year!
4. Rehoboth Beach
The beautiful weather through the year and the gorgeous small town by Rehoboth Beach make the beach more favorite for tourists. I was especially impressed by the cleanliness of the beach – the sand was impeccably white and the water was crystal clear. The waves were gentle and inviting, making it an ideal place for swimming or playing in the surf. I also enjoyed exploring the boardwalk, lined with delicious restaurants and lively shops.
Spend a day here and you just might find yourself feeling as if you’ve been transported to a paradise. Take a leisurely stroll on one of the beachfront paths, work up an appetite for dinner while playing mini-golf, or take a ride on the iconic carousel—it’s all part of the charm of Rehoboth Beach. And let’s not forget about the fantastic seafood that is available all year round!
3. Wilmington River Walk
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Wilmington River Walk, and it was one of the most delightful experiences I have ever had. Situated along the Cape Fear River, this charming stretch of walkway is lined with beautiful trees, lush gardens, and impressive sculptures. The path itself is a combination of boardwalk, cobblestone streets, and brick paths, all meandering through Wilmington’s scenic downtown district.
As I walked along the River Walk, I was captivated by the city’s vibrant energy. People of all ages were out enjoying the day, stopping to admire the art, take a boat ride along the river, or simply sit in a nearby cafe and watch the world go by. The River Walk seemed to bring out the best in everyone—it was truly a place where it felt safe to relax and enjoy life.
2. Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington
Hagley Museum and Library is a good place to learn about American business, technology, and innovation. Explore the grounds and learn about the incredible history of this 19th-century industrial site with an extensive collection of artifacts, building structures, records, papers, photographs, and more. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds or take a guided tour to gain further insight into the past.
Don’t forget to check out the Du Pont family’s residence, as well as the many museums and attractions found on property. With so much to discover, you’ll have no shortage of fascinating facts and stories to share. We hope you enjoy your visit here at Hagley Museum and Library and leave inspired by its beauty and rich history.
1. Dover International Speedway
Visiting Dover International Speedway was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped into the magnificent grandstand to the mega-monitors playing all the thrilling on-track action, I was in awe of this historic motorsports track. The roaring engines as the drivers zoomed around the 1-mile oval track were enough to give me goosebumps, and it was an experience I will never forget.
The atmosphere of the speedway is unparalleled and being a part of the passionate race fans that have been gathering here for decades was truly special. From my seat in the grandstand, I could feel the rumble of the engine vibrations through my body as each car raced past! It was an amazing feeling and one that I’ll never forget.
We also did some souvenir shopping at the Dover Marketplace, where you can find all kinds of merchandise from t-shirts to hats, memorabilia, and much more. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or your favorite driver, there’s no shortage of great items here.