Living in Delaware definitely has its pros and cons, but there is one for sure benefit: if you're stuck here for the summer, you won't be bored. This may sound crazy to some non-Delaware residents that don't even know Delaware is a state, but there are definitely fun things to do. And if not in Delaware there are some within driving distance. Plus, having all of theses fun things to do can make Delaware a great place for a summer vacation!
1. Rehoboth Beach
Delaware has 7+ beaches that are only a short drive away including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, and more. Rehoboth beach is probably the most visited as it has a boardwalk with shops, food, arcades, and Funland: an amusement park for all ages. My favorite nook in Rehoboth is Browseabout Books - a great local bookstore that has the newest books, souvenirs, and a cozy location to sit down and read. Not only is there a great selection of literature, just a short walk down the boardwalk you can get Thrasher's fries and Dolle's salt water taffy. These are just a few iconic snacks sold down in Rehoboth, along with Grotto Pizza and Candy Kitchen.
2. Cape Henlopen State Park
Whether you enjoy a day at the beach, a walk on a trail, or the historical sights from WWII, Cape Henlopen state park located in Lewes, Delaware is a great place for everyone in the family. Walking and bike trails are located inside the park with many different stops to picnic or play frisbee golf. The beach is included with admission to the park, and offers a great spot to spend the day. This beach does not have a boardwalk or any shops like Rehoboth, so if you're looking for a relaxing day, Cape Henlopen is the place to go.
3. Delaware State Fair
Once a year for 10 days, Harrington, DE is home to the Delaware State Fair and all its antics. The fair is stock piled with all kinds of food from the Krispy Kreme Donut Burger, to the classic fried alligator. Along with all the typical fair food there are all kinds of sweet treats like ice cream, funnel cakes, and slushies. So grab some food and head on down to the concert of the night. For 10 days there are pop stars, country singers, demolition derby's, and more that come out to little old Delaware. The fair has had stars like Train, Victoria Justice, Rascal Flatts, and Luke Bryan. And if concerts aren't your thing, there are amusement park rides and carnie games everywhere. Roller coasters, carousels, and pirate ship rides bring lots of excitement to kids off all ages. The fair also showcases the 4-H and FFA members' work from the year.
4. Killens Pond State Park
5. Washington D.C.![]()
D.C. is one of the closest major cities to Delaware besides Philadelphia and Baltimore. A short drive will land you in a historic, eventful, and bustling place full of plenty of things to do. Some of the most popular activities include visiting the many historic buildings on The National Mall, touring and learning in the Smithsonian museums, or even catching one of six professional sports teams in D.C. There are plenty of sights to see in the city and if you love animals, the National Zoo is a great place to see pandas, great apes, reptiles, and more. If you'd rather relax, sit back and soak in the views of the city, take a bus tour around the city and learn its history, or take a boat ride on the Potomac. There's also a slew of great eateries and coffee shops. Washington D.C. is a great place for a day trip away from Delaware.
6. New York
One of the great things about Delaware is that it's in the center of a multitude of amazing travel destinations. If you're willing to go the extra mile, New York City remains one of the most iconic places anyone can visit. It's a melting pot of world culture, fantastic food, and events unique to the city. The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Freedom Tower are a few of the most popular sites listed in New York. Not everything in New York costs money though. Central Park is a great place to visit and relax or explore, and there are plenty of site-seeing to experience. You can enjoy all the amenities of the city without spending the night if you so decide. There are plenty of busing services that run on a regular schedule to New York City for extremely low prices that let you avoid infamous grid-lock traffic and high road tolls. It might be a considerable drive, but it's worth
7. Busch Gardens
One of the nicest parks in the vicinity of Delaware is Busch Gardens. Open between March and January, there are plenty of major events throughout the park year. From Howl-O-Scream in October to the 8 million lights at Christmas Town, there's always something to enjoy at the park. There are seven roller coasters to enjoy at Busch Gardens and plenty of other smaller rides, various shows, and of course, plenty of food. During the summer, various artists play in the park during the summer. There are animal enclosures and a sky-ride that goes around the park during the whole day The park is beautiful and fun packed. It's a little bit of a drive to Williamsburg, Virginia, but it's well worth the journey and it's still close enough to make a single day trip from your hometown in Delaware.
Even if you can't travel far, you can still have a great summer in Delaware!


























