Exploring Delaware

Outdoor Recreation

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Explore Delaware beaches!

Delaware Beaches

• Bethany Beach
  • This quiet and friendly beach that is great for quality time with family

• Cape Henlopen State Park
  • A secluded beach with lighthouse views, right there the bay meets the ocean

• Delaware Seashore State Park
  • This beach sits on a beautiful, natural coastline that is perfect for water sports and sun bathing

• Dewey Beach
  • Exhilarating night life and lively restaurants make this beach perfect for he young at heart.

• Fenwick Island
  • A calm, laid-back beach town with plenty of opportunities for fun

• Lewes
  • This charming and historic town along the beach is perfect for relaxing weekend getaways

• Rehoboth Beach
  • A Delaware classic, and a great beach for family entertainment in the sand or on the boardwalk

Delaware State Parks

Parks by County

• Alapocas Run
• Auburn Valley
• Brandywine Creek
• Bellevue
• Fort Delaware
• Fort DuPont
• Fox Point
• Lums Pond
• White Clay Creek

Wilmington State Parks

• Brandywine Park
• H. Fletcher Brown
• Rockford

• First State Heritage Park - National Historical Park Services Orientation Film
• Killens Pond

• Cape Henlopen
• Delaware Seashore
• Fenwick Island
• Holts Landing
• Trap Pond

Kayak in Sussex County's beautiful Trap Pond.

Delaware State Park Attractions

• Brandywine Zoo
• Deerfield Golf & Tennis
• Fort Miles Museum & Historical Area
• Garrisons Lake Golf Course
• Go Ape Treetop Adventure
• Indian River Life-Saving Station
• Killens Pond Water Park
• Port Penn Interpretive Center

Reservations

Reserve a:

• Banquet/Special Event Venue
• Cabin
• Cottage at the Indian River Marina
• Pavilion/Picnic Area
• RV and tent camping site
• Yurt

Trails

Use the Delaware State Park’s Find a Trail to locate trails by recreational category and by state park.

Outdoor Recreational Licenses

Some outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, boating, and conservation access using a motor vehicle require a license or permit. You may purchase your license in person at one of these locations.

You also have the option to purchase and print hunting licenses, fishing licenses, deer tags, wildlife area lottery permits, water fowl (duck) stamps, trout stamps, and vehicle conservation access passes online.

Hunting

Delaware hunting licenses cover the period of July 1 through June 30. More information on license fees and other costs.

All persons born after January 1, 1967 must complete the approved Hunter Education Course before applying for a Delaware Hunting License. To sign up for a course, visit the Hunter Education Program.

To access your Delaware Hunter Safety License, visit Hunter Education Online Access.

Don't forget to get your fishing license!

Fishing

Recreational anglers and shell fishersmust purchase an annual Delaware Fishing License. This license covers fishing in both fresh and tidal waters.

Fees and other related costs

Conservation Access Pass

Any registered motor vehicle that is used to access State Wildlife Areas for the purposes of hunting, bird watching, photography, and similar activities are required to have a Conservation Access Pass.

• The Conservation Access Pass is valid July 1 through June 30.

For prices, Conservation Access Pass required locations, and frequently asked questions, visit Conservation Access Pass.

Register a Boat

Delaware law requires all motorboats, including those powered by electric motors, to be registered.

• Download the mail-in boat registration application
• or visit one of these private boating and license agents.
• Renew your license or update your information

For registration fees and other information, visit Delaware Boat Registration Information.

Visit the Division of Fish and Wildlifefor more services and information regarding recreational licenses, permits, and passes.

History

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Delaware History Trail

The Delaware History Trail features locations throughout the state that are significant to the history of Delaware and to our nation.

Find a Historic Site

Use this history and heritage tool to locate one of Delaware’s many historical sites.

First State National Historical Park

The First State National Historic Park is comprised of seven different historic sites. These locations highlight Delaware’s role in establishing the United States of America.

• Beaver Valley
• Fort Christina
• Old Swedes Church

• New Castle Court House

• The Green, Dover
• John Dickinson Plantation

• Ryves Holt House

Historic Homes

Explore some of Delaware’s best historic homes and museums

Amstel House

2 E 4th St, New Castle, DE 19720

The Dutch House

32 E 3rd St, New Castle, DE 19720

Read House and Gardens

42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720

Hale- Byrnes House

606 Stanton Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713

Historic Houses of Odessa

201 Main St, Odessa, DE 19730

Belmont Hall

217 Smyrna Leipsic Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977

John Dickinson Plantation

340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901

Parson Thorne Mansion

501 NW Front St, Milford, DE 19963

Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation

23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973

Cannonball House

118 Front St, Lewes, DE 19958

Ryves Holt House

211 Mulberry St, Lewes, DE 19958

Arts and Culture

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Dining

Find Delaware eateries by category.

Museums

Delaware Favorites

1. Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library

Tour the fascinating 175 room du Pont estate and museum or take a stroll through 60 acres of splendid gardens.

2. Hagley Museum and Library

Be transported to the days of the American Industrial Revolution! Enjoy historical exhibitions and live demonstrations on the site of an original gunpowder mill.

3. Nemours Mansion and Gardens

Take a tour of the spectacular French-inspired du Pont mansion, gaze out over the vista, and explore the gardens lined with sculptures, fountains, and trees.

4. Delaware Museum of Natural History

Investigate science and nature through outdoor trails, a pollinator garden, and seven galleries highlighting habitats from around the globe.

5. Delaware Art Museum

View collections of art and architecture, take studio classes, or attend a cutting edge performance.

6. Delaware Children’s Museum

Explore the worlds of science, math, and technology in a fun and creative learning space!

7. Johnson Victrola Museum

Learn about the life and accomplishments of Eldrige Reeves Johnson, a Delaware native and trailblazer in the sound-recording industry.

8. Air Mobility Command Museum

Commemorate the men and women airmen who aided in war efforts, view over 30 historical aircraft, and test your skills in the flight simulators.

9. Biggs Museum of American Art

Enjoy some of America’s the finest collections of sculptures, images, paintings, furniture, and silver.

10. Zwaandendael Museum

Learn about Swanendael, Delaware’s first European colony, established by the Dutch in 1631.

List of Museums by County

Delaware Art Museum

2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806

Delaware Children’s Museum

550 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Delaware History Museum

504 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807

Delaware Sports Museum Hall of Fame

801 Shipyard Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801

Fort Delaware

45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706

Hagley Museum and Library

200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807

Iron Hill Science Center

1115 Robert L. Melson Lane Newark, DE 19702

Kalmar Nyckle and Copeland Maritime Center

1124 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Nemours Estate

850 Alapocas Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803

New Castle Court House Museum

211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720

New Castle Historical Society

30 Market St, New Castle, DE 19720

Pencader Heritage Museum

2029 Sunset Lake Rd, Newark, DE 19702

Rockwood Museum

4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809

University Museum at the University of Delaware

18 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711

Winterthur Museum. Gardens, and Library

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735

Air Mobility Command Museum

1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902

Barratt’s Chapel and Museum of Methodism

6362 Bay Rd, Frederica, DE 19946

Bigg’s Museum of American Art

406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901

Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

866 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

Delaware Public Archives

121 M.L.K. Jr Blvd N, Dover, DE 19901

Delaware State Police Museum

1425 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

First State Heritage Park

102 S State St, Dover, DE 19901

Harrington Historical Society Museum

108 Fleming St, Harrington, DE 19952

Johnson Victrola Museum

375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901

Milford Museum

121 S Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963

The Old State House

25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901

Smyrna Museum

11 S Main St, Smyrna, DE 19977

Star Hill Museum

357 Voshells Mill Star Hill Rd, Dover, DE 19901

Woodburn: Governor’s House

151 Kings Hwy SW, Dover, DE 19901

Bethany Beach History Museum

214 Garfield Parkway Bethany Beach, DE 19930

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum

708 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944

Lewes Life-Saving Station

2 Shipcarpenter St, Lewes, DE 19958

Lewes Historical Society Museum Store

302 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958

Nanticoke Indian Museum

27073 John J Williams Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966

Rehoboth Beach Museum

511 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Seaford Museum

203 High St, Seaford, DE 19973

Treasures of the Sea

21179 College Dr, Georgetown, DE 19947

Zwaanendael Museum

102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958

Theater and Performing Arts

View our full list of theaters and performing arts venues in Delaware.

Find beauty in New Castle County

Events and Festivals

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Calendar

Check the Visit Delaware Events Calendar to stay up to date on events in Delaware.

Delaware State Fair

The Delaware State Fair has been a community tradition filled with family fun since 1919. The fair is an annual 10 day event consisting of carnival rides, live concerts, food, drink, livestock showcases, and more.

Firefly Music Festival

FireFly Music Festival is the largest music and camping festival on the east coast. Firefly is an annual summer festival, taking place every June in the Woodlands of Dover.

For tickets and information visit: https://www.visitdelaware.com/listing/firefly-music-festival/6571/

Professional Sports

Sporting events are fun for the whole family! Check out Delaware's professional teams:

NBA G League Basketball

• Delaware Blue Coats

Minor League Baseball

• Wilmington Blue Rocks

Professional Hockey Club

• Delaware Thunder

Attractions

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Browse Attractions

Browse all attractions by category.

Tax Free Shopping

Malls and Outlet Centers

• Christiana Mall

132 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE 19702

• Concord Mall

4737 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803

• Dover Mall

1365 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

• Tanger Outlets

36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Find more tax free shopping.

Trails of Discovery

Delaware Trails of Discovery each provide a unique way to learn about our state’s history and culture.

How to follow a trail: