Five Amazing Day Trips: Delaware

The Mid-Atlantic state of Delaware is located on the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and is famous for many things, including world-class museums and the stretch of pristine beaches from Lewes to Fenwick Island. With only three counties, Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States. From the historic downtown to the riverwalk and nearly two miles of scenic boardwalk lined with outdoor cafés, local seafood restaurants, and boutique stores – there’s something for everyone in the largest city of Wilmington. Experience Delaware’s history in the historic towns of New Castle and Delaware City. A trip to the capital of Dover offers the excitement of a horse race at Dover Downs and professional car race at Dover International Speedway. During the summer months, the southern travel region explodes with visitors checking into resorts and charming inns to spend time at the beaches along the Atlantic Coast. Our day trips begin in Wilmington and explore some of the best destinations across the state.

Here are five great day trip across the First State:

Delaware City (Parks & Recreation)

A short 20-mile drive south of Wilmington and a ferry ride to Pea Patch Island brings you to Fort Delaware, the former harbor defense site built to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia. Today, the fort is the major attraction of Fort Delaware State Park, operated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. A visit to the fort, which is open April through September, takes you back to the summer of 1864, with costumed interpreters providing a glimpse of activities that would have taken place at the time. Take a self-guided tour of the parade grounds, officers’ quarters, barracks, kitchen, blacksmith shop, and ordnance room. Hear some of the interesting and amazing stories associated with the fort and watch a live gunpowder charge fired from the Columbia cannon. Pea Patch Island is a bird watcher’s paradise, offering one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast.

Courtesy of Grindstone Media Group

Dover Speedway (Sporting Events)

Located about 50 miles south of Wilmington is the “Monster Mile,” Dover International Speedway, owned and operate by Dover Motorsports. Attending a race on one of the largest concrete ovals means speeds in excess of 150 mph and spectator attendance in excess of 135,000. Mark your calendar – NASACAR racing returns to Dover International Speedway on May 16, 2021, hosting the exciting “Drydene 400” NASCAR Cup Series Race. While planning a visit, check out ticket options for access to Dover’s Hospitality Village, which also comes with preferred seating in the grandstand. There’s also a selection of Driving Experiences, providing any racing enthusiast a chance to get on the track and behind the wheel!! Dover hosts a number of national music acts— the famous Firefly Music Festival will return to the Woodlands at Dover International Speedway in 2021.

Fenwick Island (Parks & Recreation)

Located 110 miles south of Wilmington and past popular Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island is endearingly known as one of “The Quiet Resorts.” During the summer months, visitors flock to Fenwick Island State Park to enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and sailing. Take a break from the Atlantic Ocean and explore the picturesque Little Assawoman Bay with kayaks available for rent from Coastal Kayak. Paddle out to Cedar Island in the bay; local legend has it that it contains treasure buried by pirates. If pirate treasure is your thing, find it in Fenwick Island at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. The museum’s mission is to recover and preserve maritime history with its collection of 10,000 maritime artifacts, including authentic gold bars!! End this day trip with a little putt-putt or go-karts at Viking Golf & Amusements, the prefect ending to a summer day at the beach with the family.

Lewes (Small Town Experience)

Lewes proudly claims the title of “The First Town in The First State” and is located 90 miles south of Wilmington in the Cape Region of Delaware. The small town is the perfect getaway for outdoor activities, historic and cultural sites, and a charming downtown packed with boutique stores and a fabulous culinary scene. One of the most unique sites is the Zwaanendael Museum, an impressive building housing exhibits and artifacts showcasing the area’s rich heritage, maritime and military history. Lewes is a history buff’s paradise with many historic buildings around town. The Lewes Historical Society manages four interesting properties that are worth a visit— Cannonball House, Ryves Holt House, Lewes Life-Saving Station, and Shipcarpenter Street Campus. A day trip to Lewes would not be complete without spending a few hours downtown along the main streets filled with boutique shops, casual to fine dining, and local parks.

Winterthur (Museums & Attractions)

Located seven miles northwest of Wilmington is Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. The site is recognized as one of the most beautiful historic homes in the United States and displays a world-class decorative arts collection dating from 1640 – 1860. This day trip brings you on a guided tour of the 175-room mansion and accompanying 60-acre garden, formerly owned by collector and horticulturist, Henry Francis du Pont. Interestingly, the 90,000-piece decorative arts collection, which includes ceramics, glass, furniture, metalwork, paintings and prints, and textiles, is still intact. There are many beautiful historic homes in the United States, but what sets this one apart is the former owner’s passion for both collecting and horticulture. Don’t miss one of the extremely unique collections— the Dorrance Gallery features the truly unbelievable Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens.