Now that summer is just around the corner, the weather is looking perfect for beach season! While a full vacation at the Delaware beaches isn't in the cards for everyone, you can still experience some of the best of the coast on just one day by cruising through this Delaware Beach Road Trip.
On this perfect day trip, you'll enjoy the best of Delaware's beaches without having to travel far.
Following your delicious lunch, you'll want to relax for a bit. Head to the beach here to lay in the sunshine on the soft sand.
The afternoon is yours! Dewey's beach offers great surfing and skimboarding, or you can just relax with a great beach book.
After a long day in the sun, you've probably worked up quite the appetite! Head to Gilligan's Waterfront Restaurant in Lewes for an elegant meal.
Their grilled salmon BLT is a crowd favorite, but their extensive menu includes items like salads, scallops, burgers and fresh-from-the-sea fish dishes.
Finally, end your trip by heading over to catch a sunset at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
There's nothing like watching the sky turn red, yellow and gold above the beautiful protected marshlands of the Delaware coast.
So - what are you waiting for? Gather up your friends, lather on the sunscreen, and get to the beach!
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.
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.
Next, Delaware City is a great place to catch a glimpse of the Delaware Bay, and across to Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.
As you wind your way down the coast, you'll spot salt marshes as far as the eye can see.
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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In the fall and winter, thousands of migratory birds make appearances along the side of Route 9.
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.
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.
Have you driven along this route before? Would you agree it's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware? Let us know!
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:
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1-Day Road Trip In Delaware
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?
3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Delaware
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!