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7-Day Delaware Itinerary

The Perfect Delaware Family Vacation: A 7-Day Road Trip Packed with History, Beaches & Outdoor Fun

Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but it offers big family-friendly adventures - perfect for an unforgettable road trip with kids!

Day1

Arrive in Wilmington & Explore

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) & drive to Wilmington (30 min).

Top Things to Do in Wilmington

  • Visit Nemours EstateA stunning French-style mansion with gorgeous gardens.
  • Walk Through Brandywine Park & Brandywine ZooA scenic riverside park in the heart of the city.
  • Tour the Hagley Museum & LibraryExplore the site of the original DuPont gunpowder mills.
  • Dinner on the RiverfrontTry seafood at Banks' Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar.

Overnight in Wilmington.

Day2

First State National Historical Park & Historic New Castle

Drive from Wilmington to New Castle (15 min).

Top Things to Do in First State National Historical Park

  • Visit the Old New Castle Courthouse MuseumWalk the same streets as the Founding Fathers!
  • Explore the John Dickinson PlantationHome of one of the U.S. Constitution's signers.
  • Stroll the Historic New Castle WaterfrontCobblestone streets & colonial charm.
  • Grab a Drink at Jessop's TavernA colonial-style restaurant with great craft beer.

Overnight in New Castle.

Day3

Dover - Delaware's Capital & Air Force History

Drive from New Castle to Dover (45 min).

Top Things to Do in Dover

  • Visit the First State Heritage ParkWalk through historic colonial sites.
  • Explore the Air Mobility Command MuseumSee vintage military aircraft & climb inside planes.
  • Try Your Luck at Dover Downs CasinoFor some evening entertainment.
  • Dinner at Grey Fox Grille & Public HouseGreat spot for a local meal.

Overnight in Dover.

Day4

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge & Outdoor Adventures

Drive from Dover to Bombay Hook (30 min).

Top Things to Do in Bombay Hook

  • Go BirdwatchingOne of the best birding locations on the East Coast!
  • Take the Wildlife DriveA scenic road through marshlands & tidal flats.
  • Walk the Boardwalk TrailsPerfect for spotting eagles, herons, and deer.
  • Catch Sunset Over the RefugeStunning reflections on the water.

Overnight in Smyrna or drive to the beaches.

Day5

Rehoboth Beach & Cape Henlopen State Park

Drive from Smyrna to Rehoboth Beach (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach

  • Relax on the Beach & BoardwalkA classic East Coast beach town with fun shops & arcades.
  • Get Ice Cream at Kohr Bros.A famous frozen custard spot.
  • Bike Through Cape Henlopen State ParkA mix of forests, dunes, and coastal views.
  • Visit Fort MilesA historic WWII military site with old bunkers and cannons.

Overnight in Rehoboth Beach.

Day6

Lewes & Bethany Beach - Coastal Charm

Drive from Rehoboth to Lewes (20 min).

Top Things to Do in Lewes & Bethany Beach

  • Take a Boat Tour on the Delaware BaySpot dolphins and lighthouses.
  • Visit the Zwaanendael MuseumLearn about Delaware's Dutch colonial history.
  • Kayak at Delaware Seashore State ParkGreat for paddling through scenic salt marshes.
  • Dinner at Bluecoast Seafood GrillDelicious coastal cuisine.

Overnight in Bethany Beach or Fenwick Island.

Day7

Fenwick Island & Depart from Wilmington

Drive from Bethany Beach to Wilmington (2 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Funland in Rehoboth BeachA family-friendly amusement park on the boardwalk.
  • Stop at Fenwick Island State ParkA quiet beach with fewer crowds.

Fly home from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

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Header photo: Nolabob, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.