It’s easy to find a great Delaware summer day trip – after all, everything is within driving distance in our tiny state! If you’re making up your Delaware summer bucket list, be sure to include these 12 spots for unforgettable summer fun. We’re featuring fantastic hiking spots, tea rooms, places to paddle, and so much more. If you haven’t really gotten out to explore Delaware yet, what are you waiting for? There are so many adventures hiding right in your own backyard. Here are just a few of the best day trips in Delaware.
- Killens Pond, Felton
Facebook / Killens Pond State Park Killens Pond in Felton is full of fun for the entire family. Not only is it one of the nicest campgrounds in the state, but the miles of gorgeous trails will take you right to a hidden water park! This is one of the top summer destinations in Kent County, and it’s the perfect place for a short summer hike or paddle and a picnic. Read more about Killens Pond in our previous article. Killens Pond State Park Entrance, Killens Pond State Pk Entrance, Delaware 19943, USA
- Paddle Prime Hook, Milton
Flickr / Michele Dorsey Walfred If you’re up for some physical activity, rent a canoe or kayak and drop in at tiny Waples Pond. Once you paddle under Route 1, you’ll be immersed in a true paradise as you paddle the Prime Hook Creek into Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. If you take only one of these Delaware summer day trips, make it this one. It is lifechanging.Get all the details about paddling Prime Hook Creek in a recent article. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 11978 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA
- Afternoon Tea in Delaware
Yelp / AC If you would rather relax and avoid the more physical Delaware summer day trips, perhaps afternoon tea is more your style! Delaware’s tearooms in Wilmington, New Castle, Newark and Dover will treat you to a perfect afternoon tea. Check out some of the best Delaware tearooms in our previous article.
- Hagley Museum, Greenville
Facebook / Hagley Museum Watch history come alive at the first DuPont mill and home in Delaware! You’ll be transported straight to the past with a trip to the Hagley Museum! Explore the working mills, the stunning gardens, or the museum of American Industry throughout the grounds. Plan your visit on the official website of the Hagley Museum. Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
- The State Fair, Harrington
Flickr / Lee Cannon It’s not summer in Delaware without making a trip down to the State Fair in Harrington! This is the ultimate destination for foodies, for sure. Plus, the rides and games will remind you of the fun you’ve had at carnivals and fairs when you were younger. Does anyone else get addicted to fair games like ring toss, water races, and Plink? No? Just me?Get all of the details about the State Fair in Harrington in our previous article. Harrington, DE 19952, USA
- The Charming Town of Lewes
Flickr / Bob Mical You don’t need an excuse to visit Lewes, but if you want one, just add it to your list of must-go Delaware summer day trips. The first town in the first state is full of history and charm, and the restaurants are absolutely unforgettable.Take a peek at why Lewes is the perfect summer day trip by reading a previous article.
- The Enchanted Woods at Winterthur, Wilmington
Facebook / Winterthur Museum Make your child’s summer magical with a trip (or two, or five!) to the Enchanted Woods at Winterthur. This unbelievable playground features fairy houses, oversized birds’ nests, story stones and more. Don’t forget the Fairy Wings!Our previous article takes you on an enchanted journey to Winterthur. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA
- Delaware’s Scenic Byways
Flickr / Ken Martin Maybe you just want to get away, to nowhere in particular, and drive around the First State. Avoid beach traffic and drive along Delaware’s scenic byways for a relaxing trip that will show you the best of Delaware’s views and towns.Go on a scenic Delaware road trip, detailed in previous article.
- Trap Pond State Park, Laurel
Facebook / Trap Pond State Park Paddle out among the Bald Cypress trees, take a hike around the pond, watch for wildlife and set up a picnic during your day trip to Trap Pond! This is my favorite Delaware State Park for so many reasons - if you’ve never been, get down here soon!Plan your trip to Trap Pond in Delaware by checking out our previous coverage. Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
- Auburn Valley State Park and Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn
Facebook / Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve For some truly interactive fun, head over to the Auburn Valley State Park on one of their Steamin’ Days! Get up close with vintage automobiles and ride the 1/8 scale steam engine train, and finish your day off with a stroll around the beautiful estate.See what makes Auburn Valley State Park so special by reading a previous article. Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
- A Quick, Scenic Hike
Facebook / Bellevue State Park In Delaware, it’s easy to visit a park and take a short hike. Even if you have no experience with longer hikes, there are plenty of hikes under 3 miles, like the trails in Bellevue State Park, that will show you jawdropping views.What Delaware hike will you go on next?
- Bethany Beach
Town of Bethany Beach We have to include at least one beach town, right? Bethany Beach made the cut, and if you visit just one beach town this year, make it Bethany! Check out the nature center and the events going on downtown all summer long. Read all about the adorable town of Bethany Beach in a previous article. Bethany Beach, DE, USA
What’s on your Delaware summer bucket list? What do you think are the best day trips in Delaware in the summer? We’d love to hear from you, so nominate your favorite spots in the First State and we’ll get out and explore all of your suggestions! We’re so happy to find all of the hidden gems that Delaware has to offer, and we love sharing them with you!
Facebook / Killens Pond State Park
Killens Pond in Felton is full of fun for the entire family. Not only is it one of the nicest campgrounds in the state, but the miles of gorgeous trails will take you right to a hidden water park! This is one of the top summer destinations in Kent County, and it’s the perfect place for a short summer hike or paddle and a picnic. Read more about Killens Pond in our previous article.
Killens Pond State Park Entrance, Killens Pond State Pk Entrance, Delaware 19943, USA
Flickr / Michele Dorsey Walfred
If you’re up for some physical activity, rent a canoe or kayak and drop in at tiny Waples Pond. Once you paddle under Route 1, you’ll be immersed in a true paradise as you paddle the Prime Hook Creek into Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. If you take only one of these Delaware summer day trips, make it this one. It is lifechanging.Get all the details about paddling Prime Hook Creek in a recent article.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 11978 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA
Yelp / AC
If you would rather relax and avoid the more physical Delaware summer day trips, perhaps afternoon tea is more your style! Delaware’s tearooms in Wilmington, New Castle, Newark and Dover will treat you to a perfect afternoon tea. Check out some of the best Delaware tearooms in our previous article.
Facebook / Hagley Museum
Watch history come alive at the first DuPont mill and home in Delaware! You’ll be transported straight to the past with a trip to the Hagley Museum! Explore the working mills, the stunning gardens, or the museum of American Industry throughout the grounds. Plan your visit on the official website of the Hagley Museum.
Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Flickr / Lee Cannon
It’s not summer in Delaware without making a trip down to the State Fair in Harrington! This is the ultimate destination for foodies, for sure. Plus, the rides and games will remind you of the fun you’ve had at carnivals and fairs when you were younger. Does anyone else get addicted to fair games like ring toss, water races, and Plink? No? Just me?Get all of the details about the State Fair in Harrington in our previous article.
Harrington, DE 19952, USA
Flickr / Bob Mical
You don’t need an excuse to visit Lewes, but if you want one, just add it to your list of must-go Delaware summer day trips. The first town in the first state is full of history and charm, and the restaurants are absolutely unforgettable.Take a peek at why Lewes is the perfect summer day trip by reading a previous article.
Facebook / Winterthur Museum
Make your child’s summer magical with a trip (or two, or five!) to the Enchanted Woods at Winterthur. This unbelievable playground features fairy houses, oversized birds’ nests, story stones and more. Don’t forget the Fairy Wings!Our previous article takes you on an enchanted journey to Winterthur.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA
Flickr / Ken Martin
Maybe you just want to get away, to nowhere in particular, and drive around the First State. Avoid beach traffic and drive along Delaware’s scenic byways for a relaxing trip that will show you the best of Delaware’s views and towns.Go on a scenic Delaware road trip, detailed in previous article.
Facebook / Trap Pond State Park
Paddle out among the Bald Cypress trees, take a hike around the pond, watch for wildlife and set up a picnic during your day trip to Trap Pond! This is my favorite Delaware State Park for so many reasons - if you’ve never been, get down here soon!Plan your trip to Trap Pond in Delaware by checking out our previous coverage.
Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Facebook / Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve
For some truly interactive fun, head over to the Auburn Valley State Park on one of their Steamin’ Days! Get up close with vintage automobiles and ride the 1/8 scale steam engine train, and finish your day off with a stroll around the beautiful estate.See what makes Auburn Valley State Park so special by reading a previous article.
Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Facebook / Bellevue State Park
In Delaware, it’s easy to visit a park and take a short hike. Even if you have no experience with longer hikes, there are plenty of hikes under 3 miles, like the trails in Bellevue State Park, that will show you jawdropping views.What Delaware hike will you go on next?
Town of Bethany Beach
We have to include at least one beach town, right? Bethany Beach made the cut, and if you visit just one beach town this year, make it Bethany! Check out the nature center and the events going on downtown all summer long. Read all about the adorable town of Bethany Beach in a previous article.
Bethany Beach, DE, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Delaware May 04, 2022 Kim Magaraci What are some unique things to do around Delaware? Despite its small size, Delaware is packed with fun things to do. Try walking the Wilmington Riverfront, visiting a hidden water park, or standing in three states at once. There is even a mythical spring hidden in our woods! You’ll never think Delaware is boring again once you get out and get to know your own backyard. If I live in Delaware, where are the best getaway spots near me? Delaware is home to a lot of great weekend getaway destinations. In New Castle County, the Inn at Montchanin Village is a great spot for a relaxing weekend in the gorgeous Brandywine Valley. Down south, campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, and Trap Pond make for great escapes, too! For a spooky, haunted hideout, stay at the Addy Sea Inn on the coast. There’s truly something for everyone. What are the best day trips in Delaware for foodies? If you’re looking to explore the culinary side of the First State, we’ve got a great list for you! One of the top foodie destinations in Delaware is Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood, where you’ll find a cheese cave, homemade pasta, and so much more. Other top culinary spots are Fifer Orchards, the entire town of Georgetown, and the only restaurant in the country where the staff is entirely robotic.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Delaware
May 04, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are some unique things to do around Delaware? Despite its small size, Delaware is packed with fun things to do. Try walking the Wilmington Riverfront, visiting a hidden water park, or standing in three states at once. There is even a mythical spring hidden in our woods! You’ll never think Delaware is boring again once you get out and get to know your own backyard. If I live in Delaware, where are the best getaway spots near me? Delaware is home to a lot of great weekend getaway destinations. In New Castle County, the Inn at Montchanin Village is a great spot for a relaxing weekend in the gorgeous Brandywine Valley. Down south, campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, and Trap Pond make for great escapes, too! For a spooky, haunted hideout, stay at the Addy Sea Inn on the coast. There’s truly something for everyone. What are the best day trips in Delaware for foodies? If you’re looking to explore the culinary side of the First State, we’ve got a great list for you! One of the top foodie destinations in Delaware is Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood, where you’ll find a cheese cave, homemade pasta, and so much more. Other top culinary spots are Fifer Orchards, the entire town of Georgetown, and the only restaurant in the country where the staff is entirely robotic.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Despite its small size, Delaware is packed with fun things to do. Try walking the Wilmington Riverfront, visiting a hidden water park, or standing in three states at once. There is even a mythical spring hidden in our woods! You’ll never think Delaware is boring again once you get out and get to know your own backyard.
If I live in Delaware, where are the best getaway spots near me?
Delaware is home to a lot of great weekend getaway destinations. In New Castle County, the Inn at Montchanin Village is a great spot for a relaxing weekend in the gorgeous Brandywine Valley. Down south, campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, and Trap Pond make for great escapes, too! For a spooky, haunted hideout, stay at the Addy Sea Inn on the coast. There’s truly something for everyone.
What are the best day trips in Delaware for foodies?
If you’re looking to explore the culinary side of the First State, we’ve got a great list for you! One of the top foodie destinations in Delaware is Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood, where you’ll find a cheese cave, homemade pasta, and so much more. Other top culinary spots are Fifer Orchards, the entire town of Georgetown, and the only restaurant in the country where the staff is entirely robotic.
