The Travelers’ Field Guide to Delaware
Discover Delaware’s Hidden Gems and Unique Attractions
Explore Delaware’s small-but-mighty charm with cool, hidden, and unusual experiences. From quiet bayside trails and quirky historic sites to offbeat adventures along the coast, there’s plenty waiting to be uncovered in the First State.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
Things to Do In Delaware
Delaware may be small, but it’s full of variety. Spend a day exploring local art and history, take a slow drive along a scenic byway, wander through quaint coastal towns, or get outside on trails, beaches, and bays. From lively festivals to quiet wildlife refuges, there’s plenty to keep your trip interesting. For planning help, start with Visit Delaware for statewide ideas, Delaware State Parks for maps and programs, Delaware Byways for road trip routes, the Delaware History Trail for historic stops, and event listings from DNREC and Southern Delaware Tourism to see what’s happening while you’re here.
Arts & Culture
Delve into Delaware’s creative side, where small-town galleries and community theaters sit alongside historic landmarks and celebrated museums. From the charm of local arts districts to sites that tell the stories of the First State’s past, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with culture here.
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The Delaware Contemporary – Wilmington, DE
A vibrant Riverfront museum with ever-changing exhibitions, 26 working artist studios, and community programs that invite visitors to engage with contemporary art in meaningful ways. With a focus on dialogue and education, The Delaware Contemporary creates a space where creativity and conversation come together.
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The Rehoboth Art League – Rehoboth Beach, DE
A historic coastal art campus with galleries, gardens, and classes that bring the community together through creativity. The Rehoboth Art League has been shaping Delaware’s arts scene since 1938, welcoming visitors to connect with both history and contemporary art.
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Biggs Museum of American Art – Dover, DE
A Dover museum showcasing three floors of American art, from 18th-century portraits and furniture to modern works by contemporary artists. With free admission and rotating exhibitions, the Biggs offers a fresh look at the nation’s artistic story every time you visit.
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New Castle Historical Society – New Castle, DE
The New Castle Historical Society preserves Delaware’s early history through museums, guided tours, and programs in Old New Castle. From the 1738 Amstel House to the 17th-century Dutch House, its sites let visitors experience colonial and Revolutionary-era life up close.
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3 Palms Zoo & Education Center – Townsend, DE
Delaware’s only rescue zoo, 3 Palms offers close-up encounters with animals ranging from goats and llamas to foxes, pelicans, and alligators. This family-friendly sanctuary combines fun with education, giving every animal—and every visitor—a story to take home.
Shopping
Browse Delaware’s mix of charming boutiques, outlet centers, and local markets, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted treasures to name-brand deals. With tax-free shopping statewide, it’s easy to pick up something special for yourself or a gift to take home.
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Seaside Country Store – Fenwick Island, DE
A Fenwick Island landmark, Seaside Country Store is part fudge shop, part gift emporium, and part boutique. From homemade cheese spreads and nostalgic candies to nautical décor and a year-round Christmas Shoppe, it’s a must-stop on the Delaware shore.
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The Little Treasure Shoppe – Newark, DE
A cozy Newark boutique featuring vintage finds, local art, and home décor. The Little Treasure Shoppe is a laid-back spot where browsing is encouraged and treasures are waiting to be found.
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Biblion – Lewes, DE
An inviting Lewes bookstore filled with new, used, and rare titles. Biblion offers a warm, personal experience that’s part bookshop, part community space.
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Antique Alley – Bridgeville, DE
A sprawling antique co-op in Bridgeville filled with vintage furniture, décor, and collectibles. Antique Alley of Bridgeville is part treasure hunt, part time capsule, and fully worth the stop.
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Kids’ Ketch – Lewes, DE
A beloved Lewes toy shop filled with books, puzzles, and imaginative playthings. Kids’ Ketch is a local favorite for families who want to bring a little seaside joy home.
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Dutch Country Farmers Market – Middletown, DE
An Amish-run market in Middletown with fresh foods, homestyle meals, and handcrafted goods. Open Thursday through Saturday, Dutch Country Farmers Market is a lively community hub where quality and tradition meet.
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Edie Bees Confection Shop – Lewes, DE
A cheerful downtown candy shop filled with jars of sweets, chocolates, and old-fashioned charm. Edie Bees is a must-stop for anyone strolling through historic Lewes.
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Fifer’s Farm Store – Camden-Wyoming, DE
A family-run farm market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal favorites. Fifer’s Farm Store captures the flavor of Delaware’s countryside and the warmth of four generations working the same land.
Events
Catch Delaware’s year-round calendar of happenings, from lively beach festivals and small-town fairs to live music, food events, and seasonal celebrations that bring communities together.
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Fifer’s Farm Store – Camden-Wyoming, DE
A family-run farm market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal favorites. Fifer’s Farm Store captures the flavor of Delaware’s countryside and the warmth of four generations working the same land.
Outdoor Adventure
From beaches and bays to quiet forests and cypress swamps, Delaware is made for getting outside. Paddle through bald cypress at Trap Pond, bike the boardwalk trails at Cape Henlopen, cast a line at the Indian River Inlet, or follow a scenic byway for wide-open views.