Delaware holidays

Timeless boardwalk meets golden shoreline and a first-rate restaurant scene at the self-styled ‘Nation’s Summer Capital’. Welcome to the perfect Mid-Atlantic coastal getaway.

Delaware’s largest city is a cultural powerhouse with fascinating museums, unique galleries and lively music festivals. And it’s the perfect base for wine tasting in the Brandywine Valley.

The du Pont family made its fortune in the gunpowder business in Delaware in the 1800s. Today, many of their estates and mansions still stand, offering a glimpse into their life in Wilmington. Visit the opulent Nemours Estate, a French Neoclassical mansion. And in the Brandywine Valley, tour the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s vast collection of American decorative arts.

One of the best things to do in Delaware is to explore its idyllic river and ocean islands. Fenwick Island is known for its Atlantic beaches, marlin fishing and the state’s oldest lighthouse. And Burton Island in Indian River Bay is a go-to for birdwatchers with its variety of species like herons, ospreys and snowy egrets.

Time your visit with one of Delaware’s annual festivals celebrating everything from food and music to art. In July, Harrington’s 10-day Delaware State Fair features concerts, games and food trucks. And September sees the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival take place. Are you a history buff? Experience the Dover Days Festival and Parade, featuring maypole dancing, an artisans’ village and historical re-enactments.

Beaches are a big deal in this coastal state. Families love Rehoboth Beach for its inviting sands and boardwalk lined with restaurants, confectionery shops and whirring arcades. Cape Henlopen State Park offers a great day out with its sandy shoreline, fishing jetty and hiking trails. Want to surf? Fenwick Island and Dewey Beach are known for their waves.

Beyond Delaware’s beaches, there’s a lot more nature to explore. Hike through Brandywine Creek State Park past streams and old-growth forests. And combine nature with culture in Wilmington State Parks, home to the 100-year-old Rockford Tower and a collection of war memorials. For a unique natural experience, canoe or kayak through Trap Pond State Park’s bald cypress swamp.

Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware’s cuisine showcases fresh seafood like blue crab and clams. The state is also known for its chicken farms, so expect plenty of poultry at restaurants in Delaware. If you have a sweet tooth, try a slice of peach pie and pick up some saltwater taffy from a seaside stand.

The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is one of the best museums in Delaware for art lovers. On Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware dates back to 1859 and was once used as an American Civil War prison. Interested in music history? Visit the Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, dedicated to Delaware native Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a leading phonograph producer.

Summer is one of the best times to visit Delaware, with warm days that are ideal for relaxing on the beaches. Or book your trip for the autumn to see the region’s multicoloured foliage. Spring months like May are also a great time to visit, as you’ll find pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Cheap holidays to Delaware are very doable in this budget-friendly destination. You can expect to pay less than 20 US dollars ($) for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant and under $5 for a local beer. When catching a taxi, you’ll generally pay around $15 for a short ride.