Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the country, but there’s more here than meets the eye. From charming coastal towns and sandy beaches to historic communities, local seafood, and a growing craft beer scene, the First State offers plenty of reasons to take a detour. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, exploring small-town favorites, or simply following a recommendation to a good brewery, Delaware is worth more than a quick drive-through.
Our Delaware Adventure
We only spent one night in Delaware, but naturally, we made sure to fit in a few important stops along the way. Our first destination was Dogfish Head Brewery, where we were lucky enough to arrive during an event and enjoy a little extra excitement with our visit. It’s hard to think of a better way to kick off a Delaware adventure.
From there, we made our way north to Milford, where another brewery found its way onto our itinerary. And because apparently two brewery stops weren’t quite enough, we wrapped up the evening at Big Oyster Brewery with some incredible local seafood and, of course, a little more beer.
It was a short visit built around good food, great beer, and a few local discoveries. We didn’t see nearly enough of Delaware to claim we’ve explored it all, but we certainly found a few reasons to come back.
What You Could Experience in Delaware
Delaware might be small, but it offers a surprising mix of beach escapes, historic towns, outdoor adventures, and local food and drink. You can spend a weekend exploring the coast, discovering the state’s history, or following the Delaware beer trail from one local favorite to the next.
Explore Delaware’s beach towns. Coastal Delaware is one of the state’s biggest draws. Rehoboth Beach offers a lively boardwalk, restaurants, and plenty of shopping, while Lewes brings a quieter, historic waterfront feel. Head to Dewey Beach for a more energetic atmosphere or explore Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island for a laid-back coastal getaway.
Follow the craft beer trail. Dogfish Head is one of Delaware’s best-known craft beer names, but it isn’t the only reason to raise a glass here. Breweries and taprooms can be found throughout the state, making a brewery-focused road trip a fun way to explore. Milford, Wilmington, and the coastal communities all offer opportunities to discover local pours and new favorites. Delaware even has an official food and drink trail to help you find your next stop.
Discover historic towns and landmarks. Delaware’s history runs deep. Explore the colonial streets of New Castle, visit historic Dover, or spend time in Wilmington discovering the state’s cultural attractions. History buffs can also visit the Hagley Museum and Library, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and the First State Heritage Park.
Get outside and explore. Delaware’s state parks offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from beach days and coastal trails to kayaking, biking, and birdwatching. Cape Henlopen State Park is a great place to combine beach scenery with history, while Trap Pond State Park offers a completely different landscape with its distinctive bald cypress trees and waterways.
Make room for local seafood. With so much coastline, it’s no surprise that seafood is part of the Delaware experience. Look for fresh oysters, crab, fish, and other coastal favorites at restaurants throughout the beach towns and inland communities. Pair dinner with a locally brewed beer and you’ve got a pretty solid evening.
Slow down in the small towns. Places like Milford, Milton, and Lewes are worth more than a quick drive-through. Explore independent shops, historic downtown streets, local restaurants, and waterfront paths. These smaller communities can be some of the most enjoyable stops on a Delaware road trip.
Whether you’re looking for a beach weekend, a history-filled getaway, or a road trip with plenty of good food and local beer, Delaware has more ways to fill your itinerary than its size might suggest.
Official Delaware Travel Resources
Small State. Plenty of Reasons to Stay Longer
Our Delaware visit was short, but it delivered exactly what we love about a good road trip: a memorable brewery stop, unexpected discoveries, and an excellent meal with a local flavor. There’s still so much of the state we haven’t experienced, from its coastal towns to its historic communities and outdoor escapes.
Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a Delaware brewery tour, or a stop along a bigger East Coast adventure, there’s plenty here worth exploring.
Keep the Detour Going
Delaware is just one stop on our journey through all 50 states. There’s a whole lot more to explore.