10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Delaware
Head Out of Dover on a Road Trip to the Towns of Delaware
Delaware offers plenty to do in its small towns, including viewing historic sites, witnessing exciting battle reenactments at a standing military fort, and dining on fresh local seafood. Great for a family day out, you can even search for the buried treasure of a famous pirate.
Check out all the unique fun, excitement, and adventure you can have by getting off the beaten track in these must-visit small towns in Delaware.
1. Clayton
Enjoy serenity and peace in this isolated town
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura
Clayton in Kent County offers a wide range of outdoor activities that helps you get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The small town is a must-visit if you’re looking for a serene holiday in Delaware.
Some of the many opportunities for fun include the inland lake and beach at Lake Como, Blackbird State Forest’s extensive hiking, biking, and camping facilities, and kayaking along Blackbird Creek. Kids can see and learn about wild animals at the 3 Palms Zoo and Education Centre.
Clayton
2. Odessa
Explore the local history and attractions
Ideal para: História
The village of Odessa was founded in the 18th century as Cantwell’s Bridge. Today, it offers plenty of historic landmarks and family-friendly attractions year-round. Those interested in learning about the village’s history will want to visit landmarks like the Corbit Sharp House, the Liston Range Front Lighthouse, and the Historic Odessa Foundation museum.
The Frightland theme park offers thrill rides and haunted attractions, while natural wonders like the Augustine Wildlife Area and Blackbird Creek Reserve offer the chance to get out into nature and recharge your batteries.
Odessa
3. Bowers Beach
Explore a real plantation
Ideal para: Famílias, História
Bowers Beach is a small town that’s part of the Dover metropolitan area in Delaware. This town prides itself on its eclectic set of offerings, both historic and modern. You can visit the Air Mobility Command Museum to see vintage military aircraft up close in a restored hangar.
Explore the grounds of an authentic plantation that was once the home of Delaware statesman John Dickinson before head for the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum to learn all about the region’s seafaring history. Summer is a great time to visit the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, which offers beach recreation and wildlife viewing.
Bowers Beach
4. Bethel
Go fishing at the town’s pristine lakes
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias
Bethel in Sussex County is an attractive holiday spot for couples and families looking for a peaceful holiday. History buffs will enjoy a trip to the Bethel Heritage Museum, which contains artefacts, exhibits, and information about the history of the town.
If you’re looking for some freshwater activities, Records Pond and Craigs Pond are great for boating, fishing, and hiking. Cherry Beach Road offers a stretch of golden sand for you to relax and catch some rays.
Bethel
5. Bethany Beach
Great for a beach getaway in Delaware
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Compras, Alimentação
Bethany Beach is a coastal town that’s part of the Delaware Beaches area, in eastern Sussex County. It’s quite popular due to its proximity to Rehoboth Beach, located about 13.5 miles away. The boardwalk-backed beach tends to be a bit quieter than many areas in Delaware – you’ll see miles of golden sand and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can often catch pods of dolphins swimming close to the shore. Bethany Beach has plenty of small shops and some of Delaware’s best seafood restaurants. You can head for the Holts Landing State Park to hike in the forested wilderness and spot wild birds like ospreys and herons.
Bethany Beach
6. New Castle
Go back in time on the streets of this historic town
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
New Castle is a historic town that has long played a vital role in Delaware’s legacy. Much of it is a living museum with walkable cobblestone lanes, stately townhomes dating back hundreds of years, and even costumed street performers.
If you’re looking to explore a town where the past still lives today, New Castle may be one of the best options in the USA. Notable landmarks include the 18th-century New Castle Court House Museum, the Amstel House Museum, and the Read House and Gardens.
New Castle
7. Delaware City
Attend a battle reenactment in Fort Delaware
Ideal para: História
Delaware City lies along the eastern end of the 14-mile-long Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. You’ll find plenty of shopping, dining, and seasonal festivals year-round in this historic waterfront town.
A must-do is taking the weekends-only Forts Ferry Crossing to Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island. The still-standing military fortress often hosts reenactments of historic battles, which are popular for families looking to enjoy an exciting and historic experience. This takes you back in time to the early days of European settlement in the Colonies.
Delaware City
8. Arden
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Viagens alternativas
Arden is a small village and functioning art colony in Delaware’s New Castle County. It was founded in 1900 by architect Will Price and sculptor Frank Stephens, sitting on 160 acres of land.
Just minutes away from city centre is the Gothic mansion and hiking trails of Rockwood Park. You can tour the du Pont family’s Nemours Estate and Gardens and go fishing at a vast lake within the Bellevue State Park.
Arden
9. Kitts Hummock
Search for buried treasure on the beach
Ideal para: Famílias, História
Kitts Hummock lies on the picturesque Delaware Bay, making it a popular summer holiday spot away from crowds. The coastal town was founded in 1738 and named after the famous 17th-century pirate, Captain William Kidd.
From a land grant, Kitts Hummock grew to include a tavern, a hotel, and eventually the village it is today. The beach is great for spotting horseshoe crabs in summer, but legend has it that Kidd buried his treasure in the area.
Kitts Hummock
10. Millsboro
A small town centred around a 101-acre pond
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
The small town of Millsboro is known for its centrepiece namesake, Millsboro Pond, where you can explore on a kayak or canoe. You can head for the 57-acre Ingram Pond for more outdoor activities, including fishing.
Families and couples can enjoy a serene, romantic, and peaceful excursion at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Pepper Creek. Tackle the well-maintained trails with views of a shaded, lush green canopy and natural flowers. If you want to learn about the region’s indigenous people, the Nanticoke Indian Museum has interesting exhibits and artefacts dating back to pre-European times.
Millsboro
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