10 Things to do in Delaware for First Time Visitors

Generally speaking, the state of Delaware isn’t one of the more popular choices when the topic of U.S. tourism comes up. This is perhaps unsurprising because said state isn’t one of the more prominent states in the popular imagination, which hasn’t been helped by its status as the second smallest state in the union. However, it is important to note that not talked about isn’t the same as not worth seeing, which is why interested individuals shouldn’t dismiss Delaware out of hand without having considered some of its possibilities.

1. Rehoboth Beach

Delaware sits on the Delmarva Peninsula, so it should come as no surprise to learn that it boasts a stretch of coastline with beaches of interest. For example, people who want a resort with plenty of facilities to support their vacation plans might want to check out the city of Rehoboth Beach, which gets top marks in beach-time fun not just by Delaware standards but by U.S. standards as a whole.

2. Lewes

With that said, it is important to note that Delaware’s beaches can see a fair amount of variation, which should make them that much more interesting to a wider range of visitors. For proof, considering Lewes, which was founded in 1631. Due to this, it is as much a site of natural interest as it is a site of historical interest, which is a fascinating combination that offers a lot of possibilities to interested individuals.

3. Dover International Speedway

For motor sport enthusiasts, the Dover International Speedway is worth checking out. In part, this is because of its motor sports events. However, it should also be noted that Dover International Speedway offers interested individuals the chance to get behind the wheel of a stock car, which can be rather exciting to say the least.

4. Delaware Art Museum

Found in Wilmington, the Delaware Art Museum is focused on a couple of things. First, it is focused on American artworks from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Second, it is focused on Pre-Raphaelite artworks, which refers to the creations of a group of English artists from the 19th century who strove to emulate the sincerity that they could see in the artworks of Italian artists predating the great Raphael.

5. Air Mobility Command Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum is situated in Dover, which makes sense because it is connected to the Dover Air Force Base. Like its name suggests, the museum covers aircraft, a wide range of artifacts related to aircraft, and the history of the Dover Air Force Base, thus making it a must-visit place for vintage airplane enthusiasts.

6. Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park exists for the sake of birds and other endangered species living in the region. However, it has plenty of facilities for human visitors. One example is its nature trails, with an excellent example being the Sensory Trail that is accessible for people with visual impairments. Another example is the Brandywine Zoo, which specializes in endangered animals.

7. The Grand

The Grand in Wilmington is a Victorian theatre that has since been converted into an opera house. As a result, it has been home to everything from burlesque and vaudeville to operas, music concerts, and other forms of live entertainment.

8. Hagley Museum and Library

Hagley Museum and Library exists for the purpose of educating interested individuals about the connections between early industrialization and early American history. It does so by examining the experience of the Du Pont family as well as the Du Pont conglomerate, which is now a subsidiary of DowDuPont. Curiously, no one is sure why Hagley is called Hagley because it was already called thus when a member of the Du Pont family bought the land.

9. Nemours Mansion and Gardens

Speaking of the Du Pont family, there is another site of interest connected to them in the state of Delaware. In short, the Nemours Mansion started out as a gift from Alfred du Pont to his wife Alicia, but has since become open to the public in certain months. Some people might be interested in its French garden, while other people might be more interested in the vintage cars in its Chauffeur’s Garage.

10. John Dickinson Plantation

For people who are curious about the Founding Fathers, the John Dickinson Plantation is a good place to visit, seeing as how it was the home of the Penman of the Revolution. On top of that, it is the place to learn about a particular kind of life in 18th century America.