Best things to do in Delaware

Enjoy the fresh sea air, take a leisurely stroll, or go for a bike ride along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Like the entire town, the wooden boardwalk is known for its easy-going atmosphere. You'll find several places to grab a quick snack, as well as restaurants where you can sit down for a meal. Ice cream is the local specialty. The boardwalk is lined with shops selling everything from jewelry to beach gear. During high season, the boardwalk can get crowded, and it might be tricky to find a parking spot nearby.

With a 24-hour fishing pier and nearby campgrounds, Cape Henlopen State Park attracts seaside nature enthusiasts. The rest of the park has set hours, morning to sunset, for activities like playing disc golf, horseback riding, kayaking, and swimming. Head to the northern beach, which features a modern bathhouse with showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. You can also explore the park on one of the many bicycle and walking paths. If you'd like to get up close to local fish and learn more about the park's habitats, stop by the Seaside Nature Center. Entrance to the park is free in the off-season, and a fee is charged per vehicle during the peak summer months.

Relax on the sand at Rehoboth Beach Public Beach, a spot with beautiful surroundings and clear, calm waters. Explore the quaint and eclectic boutiques on the busy boardwalk and enjoy the wide selection of independent restaurants. The waves are great for body surfing or boogie boarding, and there are lots of activities for kids in this family-orientated beach community.

Air Mobility Command Museum celebrates the rich heritage of the United States Air Force, highlighting the stories of men and women who have flown and maintained military aircraft. Located inside one of the hangars of an operational Air Force base, the museum features a collection of 30 restored aircraft. To learn the little-known facts behind these historical airplanes, take a tour of the hangar with one of the volunteer guides, (many of whom are retired pilots, flight engineers, and navigators who participated in actual events involving these craft). Before you leave, stop by the museum store to find Air Force-themed caps, T-shirts, and patches.

Surrounded by lush gardens, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library houses an eclectic collection of artworks and everyday items from the past. The 404 hectare (1000 acre) estate used to be the home of antiques collector and botanist Henry Francis du Pont. He established the museum, and its collection kept growing even after his death in 1969. Although the museum displays about 90,000 artifacts from all over the world, its main focus is on American cultural heritage. The library holds hundreds of thousands of publications, including some very rare books and periodicals. The museum garden has more than 7,500 plant species and features play areas for kids and families.

Hagley Museum And Library presents the history of the DuPont family, their famous company, and their employees and long-time servants. Check out the museum's interactive exhibits, videos, and dioramas to learn about various DuPont innovations, such as nylon, Teflon, NASCAR products, and kevlar, and how the company's and family's lifestyle changed during the Industrial Revolution. The library houses a major research collection of manuscripts, archives, photographs, and books documenting the history of American business and technology. The site provides free parking, lunch facilities and picnic areas, plus complimentary transportation to the three major areas of the site.

Explore the family amusement center located right on the boardwalk at Funland. Originally opened in 1962, the park now features a variety of classic rides like the carousel and more modern rides such as the superflip and the freefall. With over 19 rides, both young and old visitors will find lots to do. The center also features games, an arcade, and skeeball.

Witness one of the finest examples of Louis XVI-Rococo architecture outside of Europe at Nemours Estate. Alfred l. du Pont commissioned the 121 hectare (300 acre) country estate in 1909 as a gift for his second wife and in celebration of his French heritage. The chateau-style mansion and expansive French formal gardens can be explored through a guided tour. Inside, visitors are treated to valuable 18th-century French furniture and artworks by European masters, while the outside reveals imposing fountains, reflective pools, and lush woodland. Be sure to wear sensible shoes to ensure your comfort when exploring the large property. Garden tours must be booked in advance.

Learn about the story behind one of America's most popular and fastest-growing craft beer brewing companies at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Started in 1995 by Sam Calagione, the brewery now boasts an annual production of 175,000 barrels of beer, including IPAs and Ancient Ales, which are sold in 31 states. Take the free brewery tour to get an up-close look at their process and facilities, and have the chance to sample four beers. Show up early to get a spot, as they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Grab a snack at their signature food cart before or after your tour, and try out one of their specialty soups or bratwursts.

Delaware Seashore State Park is located near Dewey Beach, in Delaware, United States. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. The park covers 2,825 acres (1,143 ha). It is a major attraction for millions of visitors who come to the Delaware Beaches for water-related activities. Delaware Seashore State Park was created in 1965.

Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profit botanical garden located in Hockessin, Delaware, near Wilmington, in the gently rolling hills of the Delaware Piedmont. Its woodland gardens produce some of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in the mid-Atlantic region. Mt. Cuba is open to the public from April through November for general admission, guided tours and special programs. Education courses, including a Certificate in Ecological Gardening, are offered year-round.