We've all heard outsiders proclaim that our state is boring, that there's nothing to do here, and that the only reason to visit Delaware is to relax on the beach. Well, luckily for us Delawareans, none of that is true! Delaware may be tiny, but there are so many cool, hidden gems that we might take for granted. If you want to see some of the strangest sights around, take this quirky Delaware road trip to spot the oddest roadside attractions around.
Get ready to see the weird side of the First State on this Quirky Delaware Road Trip!
A local artist named Charles Parks began making these statues for churches around the country. Holy Spirit raised the money and prayed nearly one million rosaries until they were able to get one of their own! You can spot this one from the Delaware Memorial Bridge, but an up-close look is even more impressive.
Next, head down Route One until you see Miles the Monster's big red eyes.
Miles stands outside of Dover International Speedway! He's the largest monster in the world and weighs more than 20 tons. That's equivalent to THREE T-Rexes. Luckily, he's pretty friendly. Read more about this giant landmark right here.
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By the time you make it to Delmar, you just might be hungry enough to eat the giant crab outside of Old Mill.
Do yourself a favor and just take a picture with the big guy. You'll find much better crabs inside! If you're really hungry, you'll be glad to hear that Old Mill serves the best all-you-can-eat crabs in Delaware.
After lunch, hit the road again and head up to Lewes.
The Cannonball House is one of the only homes that survived the bombardment of Lewes in 1812, and it has the scars to prove it! There's still a cannonball lodged in the side of the house, which is quite a sight to see.
As you head back north, you'll want to stop to see a bizarre spaceship waiting to take off at the Eagle Crest Airport.
Okay, okay, so it's not exactly a spaceship, but it sure looks like one! This odd Futuro home is one of only a few of these quirky modular homes still in existence. Can you imagine living here?
Stop by one of the coolest spots in Delaware next. The Steampunk Treehouse that lives at the Dogfish Head Brewery is about as off-center as you can get!
This nifty creation was once located at Burning Man on the West Coast, but the Dogfish crew knew they had to have it. Now, it serves as their brainstorming room.
Your final stop is a historic one! Meding and Sons Seafood has a piece of American History parked right out front.
When the USS Shangri-La was scrapped in 1991, the owner of Meding and Sons Seafood wanted to be sure it would always be remembered. He bought the ship's enormous propeller from an auction and has created a memorial in front of the area's favorite seafood shop.
Have you seen each of these Delaware oddities up close? What's your favorite roadside attraction in Delaware?
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.
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.
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:
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?
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.
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!
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?
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
