Delaware
Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Delaware Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Discover some of the best road trips in Delaware, perfect for any season or duration.

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Does the idea of hitting the road and exploring the state sound thrilling to you? If you're in the mood for an adventure, there's nothing quite like jumping in the car and heading to some new-to-you places, or even places you've been to before but want to revisit and explore again. If you need some Delaware road trip ideas, we're here to help. Here are some of the best road trips in Delaware you can take:

1-Day Road Trip In Delaware

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delawarebayshorebyway.org
  • Route: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Little Creek Wildlife Area > Kitts Hummock > DuPont Nature Center > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Redden State Forest > Trap Pond State Park
  • Distance: 92.7 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours 17 minutes

This scenic Delaware road trip packs in quite a bit of beauty in just 90 miles. You'll stop at wildlife refuges, gorgeous beaches, and a state forest. What better way to see the variety of ecosystems in the state?

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3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Delaware

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mdgmorris/E+ via Getty Images
  • Route: New Castle > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Dover > Cape Henlopen State Park > Lewes
  • Distance: 97 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours
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How about exploring some small towns plus the state's capital on an awesome long weekend road trip through Delaware? While you'll cover less than 100 miles, over the course of three days, you'll have plenty of time at each stop. This is easily one of the best road trips in Delaware.

Delaware Roadside Attractions Road Trip

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Tom Hart/Flickr
  • Route: Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church > Dover Motor Speedway > Old Mill Crab House > The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House > Futuro House > Dogfish Head Craft Brewery > Meding's Seafood
  • Distance: 168 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours 43 minutes

Want to see the quirkier side of Delaware? Then this road trip is for you! This Delaware road trip itinerary has stops at some of the strangest, most fascinating hidden and not-so-hidden gems around the state. And it's one that's fun for the whole family!

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Seven Wonders Of Delaware Road Trip

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Kevin Fleming/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
  • Route: Winterthur > New Castle County Courthouse > Chalybeate Spring > Fort Delaware > Trap Pond State Park > Indian River Inlet > Cape Henlopen
  • Distance: 168 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours 43 minutes

Whether you want to see natural or man-made wonders, there are both on this Delaware road trip itinerary. From the stunning, fairytale-like Winterthur to Fort Delaware, Cape Henlopen, and more, this is one adventure you won't soon forget!

Best Delaware Road Trip For Spring

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Bob Mical/Flickr
  • Route: Lucky's Coffee Shop > Winterthur > Riverfront Market > Woodland Beach > Wheelhouse
  • Distance: 111 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours 46 minutes
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Spring is the perfect time to take a road trip, and you can take this Delaware road trip itinerary for some wonderful stops. You'll start out at Lucky's Coffee Shop in Wilmington, DE to fill up on caffeine and breakfast before heading to the fairy tale destination of Winterthur in Brandywine Valley. Then pick out some produce at Riverfront Market before checking out Woodland Beach. Your trip will end with a wonderful seafood dinner in Lewes. Doesn't that sound like a wonderful springtime adventure?

Best Summer Road Trip In Delaware

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Leo Ang/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
  • Route: Herring Point > Rehoboth Beach > Dewey Beach > Lewes > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge >
  • Distance: 51.8 miles
  • Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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What better idea for a summer Delaware road trip than visiting several beaches and beach towns in one trip? When beach season is upon us, it's imperative to hang out on a gorgeous sandy beach, play in the surf, and take in the sunshine. Also, beach towns like Rehoboth are also great places to explore. (Rehoboth Beach also has a boardwalk you can spend some time on.) Find a delicious seafood restaurant, buy some souvenirs, and grab some ice cream, too!

Best Delaware Road Trip For Fall

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zizzybaloobah/Flickr
  • Route: Trap Pond State Park > Killens Pond State Park > The Green > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Lums Pond State Park > Newark > Mt. Cuba Center > Winterthur
  • Distance: 121 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours

From September to November, fall in Delaware appears like a fireworks show on the trees of our state parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Even the major cities turn a beautiful shade of amber and orange, and it's one of the best times to tour the Diamond State. This fall road trip in Delaware will be the best scenic drive you can take!

Best Winter Road Trip In Delaware

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Kevin/Flickr
  • Route: Wilmington > Hockessin > New Castle >Townsend > Odessa > Milford > Cape Henlopen State Park > Rehoboth Beach
  • Distance: 132 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours
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During the holiday season, it's practically a requirement to check out some of the most unbelievable light displays in the state! From small towns with quaint, lit shopping districts to Santa's very own house, these light stops will surely brighten your holiday season. This Delaware holiday lights road trip will put you in the spirit of the season.

Family-Friendly Delaware Road Trip

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Qun Li/Google Local
  • Route: Winterthur > Hagley Museum > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Bowers Beach Maritime Museum > Abbott's Mill Nature Center > Cape Henlopen State Park
  • Distance: 120 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours 26 minutes
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Have you ever wanted to discover some of the most magical places around the First State? If so, you should consider taking the

fairy tale road trip through Delaware. This trip will keep the entire family enchanted along the way and create memories your children will cherish. Don't be surprised when you consider this one of the best road trips in Delaware.

Road Trip to Delaware Landmarks & Natural Wonders

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Delaware State Parks/Facebook
  • Route: Alapocas Run State Park > White Clay Creek State Park > Woodland Beach > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Cape Henlopen State Park > Trap Pond State Park > Killens Pond State Park > Augustine Wildlife Area > Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge
  • Distance: 261 miles
  • Trip Time: 5 hours 41 minutes

Starting at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, DE, this road trip is full of natural wonders around the state. If there's one must-do road trip in Delaware it's certainly this one as you'll get to see some of the most beautiful spots on the east coast.

Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Delaware

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Smallbones/Wikimedia Commons
  • Route: Claymont > Hockessin > Odessa > Wyoming > Riverview > Milford > Seaford > Millsboro > Selbyville
  • Distance: 152 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours
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Delaware's small towns are lively and charming, with a sense of community that really resonates with all of those who visit. Check out some of the tiniest towns in the state during the spring on this Delaware road trip, and enjoy all of the friendly faces (and delicious restaurants) that these little towns proudly show off.

So, which Delaware road trip adventure resonates with you the most? The best weekend road trips in Delaware? Quick road trips in Delaware? What are some of your favorite places to visit in the state? What do you consider to be the best road trips in Delaware? Tell us in the comments!

For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can't forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.

If you love exploring all that Delaware has to offer, take a look at our state's most stunning natural wonders:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/delaware/11-natural-wonders-in-delaware/

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Everyone In Delaware Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

Discover the scenic and historic beauty of Delaware on a relaxing road trip down Route 9.

Updated Aug 12, 2024

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

With the weather starting to get chillier, it's the perfect time to schedule a relaxing road trip. The drive down Route 9 is one of the most underappreciated rides in the state, and you'll love seeing a part of Delaware that's always overlooked. Gas up the car and head out on this short jaunt this weekend! It's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware!

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If you've been searching for "scenic drives near me," the Scenic Bayshore Byway, also known as Delaware Route 9, takes you past some of the most beautiful places in Delaware.

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Google Maps

Use this Google Maps link to follow the route on this Delaware scenic drive.

Start off in New Castle, with a visit to the historic Green at the center of town.

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Flickr / Ron Cogswell

Next, Delaware City is a great place to catch a glimpse of the Delaware Bay, and across to Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.

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Flickr / amdougherty

As you wind your way down the coast, you'll spot salt marshes as far as the eye can see.

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Facebook / Visit Delaware

Bombay Hook is right off the highway, and this National Wildlife Preserve is one of the most incredible, breathtaking places on the entire East Coast.

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Flickr / James O/Guinn

In the fall and winter, thousands of migratory birds make appearances along the side of Route 9.

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Facebook / Jon Jř (with permission)

Technically, the last stop on the byway is the John Dickinson Plantation. This historic home is open for tours, and the grounds are gorgeous. It's a great way to end your drive along one of the prettiest scenic byways in Delaware.

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Flickr / Karen

However, if you continue on a bit, you'll discover a beautiful beach. Make it to Kitts Hummock at the end of your trip, and head out of the car to catch a glimpse of the bay. This abandoned beach is a great place to get some fresh air.

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Flickr / Jeffrey

Have you driven along this route before? Would you agree it's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware? Let us know!

If you'd rather hit up a few more beaches along the way, you can use Delaware Route 9 to travel The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Delaware Like Never Before. What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the First State!

Before you head out on any road trip, take a look at our handy Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need!

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Take A Haunted Road Trip To Visit Some Of The Spookiest Places In Delaware

Discover the most haunted places in Delaware through an adventurous road trip.

Updated Sep 7, 2023

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

If you're not afraid of the Delaware ghost stories that you grew up hearing, gather your bravest friends and set off to discover the most haunted places in Delaware. In order to make this road trip list, these places all had to be explorable, so you won't just be driving around looking at places that someone claims were haunted. Get the full Delaware haunted road trip experience - if you dare.

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See the spookiest places in Delaware by following the directions below.

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Google Maps - Click Here for Directions

This trip will take you from Fort Delaware, down to Lewes, over to Frankford and back up to Bear, with several stops along the way. Get the full directions on Google.

1. Of course, we've got to start at Fort Delaware.

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Flickr / Simon

Not only is Fort Delaware considered one of the most haunted places in Delaware, but many call it among the most haunted places in the world! Fort Delaware was once a Confederate prison, and today they are open for tours. There have been reported hauntings here for decades, thanks to a dark history of torture and terrible conditions experienced by the prisoners. In the fall, you can even experience an overnight excursion, if you dare.

2. Running from Fort Delaware Ghosts will work up an appetite - go have lunch at Crabby Dick's.

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Facebook / Crabby Dick's

The restaurant is located in the old Delaware City Hotel, which is another one of the most haunted buildings in Delaware. What is it with Del City? Don't be surprised if you find orbs and shadows in your photos here. Ghost hunters have logged strange paranormal readings here, too, and many guests hear unexplained noises and see objects being moved or flung about. You'll hear many Delaware ghost stories if you ask around.

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3. After lunch, head down to the Smyrna Museum.

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Google Street View

Previously, the building was used as a Civil War recruiting house. Apparently, some soldiers regretted their decision to sign up, because they just won't leave. Visitors talk about how they feel watched, see furniture move, and hear unexplained noises and voices when they're in the museum. These eerie ghosts in Delaware like to linger and tell others of their sad and hopeless fate.

4. Make sure you stop at Woodburn, the Governor's House.

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Flickr / Jeffrey

Woodburn is one of the most haunted places in Delaware, and many of the most famous Delaware ghost stories come from this spooky Governor's mansion. Nearly every resident of Woodburn Mansion has reported ghosts, spirits, or strange happenings in the house. Luckily, the ghosts of Woodburn seem pretty friendly, and they prefer drinking the owners' wine more than they like to jump out and scare people. Read more about the Woodburn Ghosts here.

5. From Woodburn, it's time to head to the beach town of Lewes.

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Flickr / Lee Cannon

Nearly everyone knows where this house is located in Lewes, but did you know about the paranormal history of the home? The Cannonball House survived the shelling of Lewes during the war of 1812, and apparently some spirits who did not have now flocked to the house for safety. Screams, footsteps and voices have been heard by many, many people over the years here. It's one of the most talked about Delaware hauntings if you ask the locals for their creepiest stories.

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6. Catmans' Grave in Frankford might be the end of your road trip, if you aren't careful.

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Facebook / Paranormal Apocalypse

Catman's Grave at Long Cemetery in Franford is one of the spookier places to check out on your Delaware Haunted Road Trip. The Catman is a gravekeeper who had catlike features, watches over the cemetery. Local legend says if you disturb his rest, he'll tinker with your car, and you might not be able to leave. This is one of the few haunted places in Delaware that you'll hear about over and over again, no matter where you go.

7. Before you head back upstate, take a quick detour over to Seaford to see Maggie's Bridge.

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Facebook / Maggie's Bridge

Maggie's Bridge, on Rt 78 in Seaford, is named after a pregnant woman who died here in a car accident. If you want to summon her ghost, stand on Maggie's Bridge at night and shout "Maggie, I have your baby!" you'll hear the rustling of a mother trying, at last, to find peace.

8. Lums Pond is where you'll finish your Delaware Haunted Road trip - hopefully, it's dark out by now.

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Flickr / Mandy Jansen

We dare you to explore Lums Pond after the sun goes down - but not before first reading about the dark history of this famous Delaware ghost whose screams can still be heard from the Swamp Trail today. The trail is one of the eeriest haunted places in Delaware, and you can almost feel a sad stillness in the woods on a clear and quiet night.

Hopefully, after you visit the most haunted places in Delaware, you'll make it back home with some great ghost stories. You can also modify it and check out just a few places, or make a weekend out of it and stay overnight somewhere in between. If you're really brave and want to pitch a tent and stay in the woods between all of these spooky locations, check out our guide to the best camping sites in Delaware. Just don't forget a trusty flashlight!

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