Wilmington
The largest city, close to the Brandywine Valley.
Points of interest
- Riverfront
- Hagley Museum
- Winterthur
- Nemours
State guide
Things to do in Delaware
The first state: tax-free shopping, the beach towns of Rehoboth and Lewes, the gardens and mansions of the Brandywine Valley, and the colonial streets of New Castle.
1
Hostels across its 3 main cities
9.3
Average, from 40 reviews
1–3
Days, or add it to Philadelphia
The First State
Delaware is the second-smallest state, and the first to ratify the US Constitution in 1787, which is why it calls itself the First State. It has no sales tax, so shoppers from neighbouring states come to buy, and it sits conveniently between Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.
In the north, Wilmington is the largest city, close to the Brandywine Valley, where the du Pont family built mansions and gardens that are now museums, including Winterthur and Nemours, and Longwood Gardens is just over the border in Pennsylvania. New Castle is a well-preserved colonial town on the Delaware River. In the south, the Atlantic beaches of Rehoboth, Dewey and Lewes are the summer escape for the whole region, and Cape Henlopen State Park has dunes, trails and a beach.
Give Delaware one to three days, or add it to a trip to Philadelphia or Washington. Summer is the season for the beaches, and spring and autumn are best for the gardens.
Where to base yourself
Wilmington for the north, and Rehoboth or Lewes for the beaches.
Rehoboth Beach
A beach town with a boardwalk and a lively scene.
Points of interest
- Boardwalk
- Beaches
- Dogfish Head
- Cape Henlopen nearby
Lewes
1 hostel · dorms from $23
A historic, quieter beach town at Cape Henlopen.
Points of interest
- Cape Henlopen State Park
- Historic district
- Cape May–Lewes Ferry
Regions of Delaware
Gardens and history in the north, farmland in the middle, and beaches in the south.
Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley
Gardens, mansionsThe largest city and the du Pont estates nearby.
New Castle
Colonial historyA preserved colonial town on the Delaware River.
Dover and Central Delaware
Capital, farmlandThe capital and the quiet farmland around it.
The Delaware Beaches
Beaches, boardwalk, summerRehoboth, Dewey, Lewes and Cape Henlopen.
Things to do
Things to do in Delaware
In the Brandywine Valley, visit Winterthur, a du Pont estate with a huge collection of American decorative arts and a large garden, and Nemours, another du Pont estate with French-style gardens. Longwood Gardens, just over the state line in Pennsylvania, is one of the great gardens of the USA. The Hagley Museum shows the original du Pont gunpowder works by the Brandywine River.
Walk the colonial streets of New Castle, part of the First State National Historical Park, and the Wilmington Riverfront.
In summer, head to the beaches. Rehoboth Beach has a boardwalk and a lively LGBTQ+ community, Dewey Beach is the party town, and Lewes is a quieter historic town. Cape Henlopen State Park has dunes, cycling trails and a World War II observation tower.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Shopping is free of sales tax. New Castle's historic streets and the Wilmington Riverfront are free to wander.
Rehoboth's boardwalk and the beaches are free, though parking is not. Cape Henlopen State Park charges entry for cars in season.
The gardens and estates charge entry.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Delaware has blue crabs and seafood from the bay, scrapple at breakfast, and boardwalk fries and saltwater taffy at the beaches. Rehoboth has a surprisingly good restaurant scene.
Dogfish Head, one of the best-known craft breweries in the USA, started in Rehoboth and brews in Milton.
The state is famous for chicken, and summer peaches are a treat.
Nightlife
Going out
Dewey Beach is the party town in summer, with bars and live music. Rehoboth has bars and a lively LGBTQ+ scene.
Wilmington has bars on the Riverfront and downtown.
Outside summer, the beach towns are quiet.
Getting around
Getting around
Amtrak stops in Wilmington on the line between Washington, Philadelphia and New York. Philadelphia's airport is the nearest major airport, around 30 minutes from Wilmington.
In summer, DART buses run to the beaches, and the Beach Bus links the beach towns. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry crosses to New Jersey.
A car is the easiest way to get around, especially between north and south.
Costs
What Delaware costs
Delaware has no sales tax, which helps. Beach towns are expensive in summer, with few budget beds, so book early. Wilmington is cheaper.
There is a tax on accommodation. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Gardens and estates charge entry.
Safety
Safety and scams
Delaware is generally safe. Take normal city care in parts of Wilmington at night.
Swim only at beaches with lifeguards, as rip currents are common. Ticks are common in grass and woods.
Health insurance is essential in the USA. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Beach summers and film and jazz festivals.
November
Rehoboth Beach Film Festival
Rehoboth Beach
A film festival in the off season.
October
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
Rehoboth Beach
Jazz across the town.
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Beach season
Delaware beaches
The beach towns at full volume.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels across Delaware and the region, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
Summer is beach season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Spring and autumn are best for the gardens. Winter is cold and the beaches are quiet.
Jan
Cold
Feb
Cold
Mar
Cool
Apr
Gardens bloom
May
Beach season opens
Jun
Summer
Jul
Peak beach season
Aug
Peak beach season
Sep
Warm, quieter
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Festive
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Wilmington, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Delaware prices.
Treat these as a guide. Beach towns cost more in summer.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Delaware questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is there sales tax in Delaware?
No. Delaware has no sales tax.
Is Delaware worth visiting?
Yes, for the Brandywine Valley gardens, New Castle and the beaches. It is easy to add to Philadelphia or Washington.
How do I get to Delaware?
By Amtrak to Wilmington, or fly into Philadelphia.
What are the best beaches in Delaware?
Rehoboth for the boardwalk, Dewey for nightlife and Lewes or Cape Henlopen for quieter beaches.
How many days do you need in Delaware?
One to three days.
When is the best time to visit Delaware?
May to September, with summer for the beaches.
Can I reach Cape May from Delaware?
Yes, on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry from Lewes.
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