9 Tiny Towns in Delaware That Come Alive in the Summertime

Delaware is full of fun things to do in the summer. The Wilmington Riverfront is quickly becoming a top destination thanks to all of the fine dining and the Constitution Yards Beer Garden, and our state parks in Felton, Laurel, and Bear host thousands of kayakers and paddlers when the weather gets hot. The best part about summertime in Delaware is watching our small towns light up and come alive while they show off the spirit that makes our state so special. Which of these little towns in Delaware is your favorite summer destination?

1. Milford

Milford, Delaware, is the little town with BIG summer plans. If you love music, there's plenty of it at Abbott's Mill Nature Center on select Thursdays throughout the summer. In addition to music, there will be food trucks and a cash bar. Just bring chairs, blankets, lawn games, and the fam for this outdoor event. Check the Music at the Mill Summer Concert Series schedule to see who's playing this summer.

And you can't forget the Riverwalk Farmer's Market—it's one of the country's best! Check out all that Milford has to offer on the town's Event Calendar.

2. Selbyville

Selbyville is the perfect little beach town if you're looking to skip the largest beach crowds. You'll have a blast at its annual classic car show, Old Timers' Day, and other downtown festivals, but the real draw here is the fresh seafood. Delicious restaurants like Captain Mac's Fish House & Seafood Market, Yellowfin's Bar & Grill, and CCF Bayside all open their doors in the summer and serve up the freshest, most delicious crabs, crabcakes, and other seafood in the state. Put Selbyville on your list of small Delaware towns to visit this summer.

3. Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach might be the coolest town in the U.S.! With bonfires and movies on the beach, events all summer long, and some of the best dining you can find, you'll have the time of your life in Dewey, and that's even before checking out the legendary bar scene. Bands like the Drive By Truckers and Old 97s make their appearances here often, and we have to guess that the fun-loving crowds and legendary venues draw them to Dewey.

4. Bethany Beach

On the other hand, Bethany Beach is a more family-friendly town where you'll never run out of things to do. From movie nights to art festivals, this town is one of the best places to spend the summertime in Delaware! Enjoy the nature center, the clean sand and cool water, and the delicious restaurants on every corner. Find out for yourself why Bethany Beach is one of the best coastal towns in the U.S.

5. Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is, of course, the most famous resort town for a fun summer in Delaware. With Funland Amusement Park, White Water Mountain, and Jungle Jim's waterparks, a world-famous boardwalk serving delicious treats, and a bustling bandstand hosting live music all summer long, there's nothing more you could want from a small town. Summer in Rehoboth Beach is absolutely magical.

6. Fenwick Island

Fenwick Island is usually a stopover town on the way to Ocean City, Maryland, but those who just drive through are really missing out! The beaches here are pristine and quiet, and the town itself is full of great shops, restaurants, and the thrilling Thunder Lagoon Waterpark! If you want a quieter summer spot that really keeps the hometown feel, even though it lights up in the summer, Fenwick is your destination.

7. Middletown

Middletown is a picture-perfect example of small-town Delaware, and Main Street comes alive in the summer. With plays and performances every weekend at the Everett Theater and festivals on Main Street like the Middletown Peach Festival, there's so much to see and do here. Take advantage of some great weather and get out and about - the shops and boutiques here will steal your heart.

8. Lewes

Lewes is a historic, charming town that captures everyone's heart in the summer. The Canalfront Park is the perfect place to sit and watch the ships roll in, filled with fresh seafood or families excited about their whale watching adventures. You can even charter a boat and search for dolphins in the Delaware Bay. This charming town is so full of history that you'll never be bored. If you're looking for a great place to dip your toes in the water, you'll love the beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park—it's one of the best places to be for family summer fun in Delaware!

9. Delaware City

Delaware City is a small New Castle County town that's right on the water and often overlooked. There's a lot going on downtown every weekend, from live music to art fairs to farmers markets. You should also spend time exploring Fort Delaware at Fort Delaware State Park, one of the state's most fascinating and unique parks.

Of course, Delaware's small towns are often overlooked for the larger towns, but that doesn't seem to get them down! If you love the small-town feel and are looking for an excuse to keep exploring our little state, check out 10 of the most charming small towns in Delaware.