The 17 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Delaware

Delaware gets a bad reputation for being boring, and I've never been able to figure out why! Sure, we're a small state, but that just means that there's so much adventure within driving distance. Between vintage locomotives, beautiful beaches, and stunning state parks, it's impossible to sit around and do nothing in Delaware. The next time someone tells you "there's nothing to do in this state" take them on one of the best day trips Delaware.

1. The Wilmington and Western Railroad

The Wilmington and Western Railroad is one of the most underrated attractions in Delaware. Bring your family or friends on a steam engine train ride through the beautiful Red Clay Creek valley. There are dinner trains that will take you to a gourmet restaurant, mystery trains which put on a show, and holiday trains that are sure to entertain. The Wilmington and Western Railroad is definitely one of the best places to visit in Delaware.

2. The Ruins of Fort Miles

Fort Miles Historic Area is hiding in Cape Henlopen State Park. Once, it was used as a fort for World War II soldiers! The Bunkers are available to tour, an observation tower can be climbed, and there's plenty of decommissioned military equipment worth exploring because you aren't going to see this anywhere else!

3. Delaware's Best Sanctuary - Three Palms Zoo

Meet Delaware's alligators, Tik Tok, Mr. Smee, and Wendy Darling at Three Palms Zoo. The animal sanctuary is one of a kind in Delaware, and you'll make so many friends! Be sure not to feed your fingers to Dominic the Donkey, and keep an eye out for Hatter, the gorgeous peacock that roams the grounds.

4. The Famous Riverwalk Farmers Market

The Riverwalk Farmer's Market was named one of the best in the country! The vendors here offer fresh meats and seafood, beautiful flowers, homemade soaps and artwork, and farm-fresh produce.

5. Dover's Neverending Tulips

The City of Dover plants 40,000 tulips over the winter, and they dazzle visitors every spring. Enjoy our historic capital city as you stroll the streets looking for the next beautiful flower bed.

6. The Fairy Tale Town of Arden

Watch a Shakespeare Performance, enjoy some live music, or join the Dinner Gild for a night you won't soon forget. Arden is a utopian village and it feels like it's straight out of a fairy tale. If you're looking for "day trips near me," The Fairy Tale Town of Arden should be top-of-mind.

7. Pizzadili Vineyard

Sometimes, the best Delaware day trip involves a big glass of wine. Enjoy local wines and gorgeous Delaware scenery on a day trip to any of our vineyards! Pizzadili Vineyard is one of the most charming in the state, and it's perfect for a little getaway.

8. The Underrated White Clay Creek State Park

I can never get enough of White Clay Creek State Park! No matter how many times I visit, I seem to find something new - a trail, a critter, or even a new pond - to make my trip remarkable. White Clay Creek offers some of the best hiking in Delaware, so be sure to put this on your list.

9. The Enchanting Estate at Winterthur

What can I say about the Estate at Winterthur that hasn't already been said? This enchanting, sprawling, 1000 acre estate is the most incredible of all of the DuPont Mansions. The gardens and grounds seem to go on forever, and just when you think it can't get any better, you'll stumble upon a fairy house and the entire enchanted woods.

10. Delaware's Wildflower Oasis, the Mt. Cuba Center

Sometimes, you just want to get away from it all. An afternoon at the Mt. Cuba Center is exactly what we all need. This relaxing wildflower oasis will calm your soul as you stroll the paths and lay out a picnic on the soft meadow grass.

11. The Dolphin Cruises out of Lewes

Hop a charter boat and take a a dolphin cruise out of Lewes! You'll learn a ton about these fascinating marine mammals and likely see a few of each. I've heard that the dolphins might come up close to the boat and spray the passengers... but I don't think they do it on porpoise.

12. Fenwick Island, The Underrated Beach Town

When everyone else is heading up to Dewey Beach or Rehoboth, head south to Fenwick Island. You'll find a sparsely populated beach with soft white sand and crystal clear water - Delaware's own tropical paradise.

13. Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor

Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon among the rows of lavender at Lavender Fields! Visit the Soap Fairy on the property and spoil yourself with handmade soaps and fragrances. Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor belongs on your Delaware bucket list.

14. The Tiny Town Surrounded By Natural Beauty

Laurel, Delaware is one of the best little day trips you can make. From a beautiful state park to some of the finest waterfront restaurants, this former shipbuilder's town is a dream come true.

15. Prime Hook

Prime Hook isn't as well known as Bombay Hook, but the diversity of species here is hard to beat. You might even end up close with foxes! Plus, Prime Hook is home to a secret, isolated beach.

16. Dogfish Head Brewery

Dogfish Head might be Delaware's most famous export nowadays. With delicious beers and a brewery tour that's consistently named best in America, this is one Delaware day trip you don't want to miss.

17. Woodburn Mansion, Delaware's Most Haunted House

Woodburn Mansion is filled with the spirits of colonial and 19th-century ghosts! Learn about the many uses of this home prior to it being the Governor's residence, and schedule a tour to see some of the spooky happenings for yourself

Which of these day trips in Delaware looks like the most fun to you?