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!

Day 1: Arrive in Wilmington & Explore

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

Top Things to Do in Wilmington:

Visit Nemours Estate – A stunning French-style mansion with gorgeous gardens.

Walk Through Brandywine Park & Brandywine Zoo – A scenic riverside park in the heart of the city.

Tour the Hagley Museum & Library – Explore the site of the original DuPont gunpowder mills.

Dinner on the Riverfront – Try seafood at Banks' Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar.

Overnight in Wilmington.

Day 2: 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 Museum – Walk the same streets as the Founding Fathers!

Explore the John Dickinson Plantation – Home of one of the U.S. Constitution's signers.

Stroll the Historic New Castle Waterfront – Cobblestone streets & colonial charm.

Grab a Drink at Jessop's Tavern – A colonial-style restaurant with great craft beer.

Overnight in New Castle.

Day 3: 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 Park – Walk through historic colonial sites.

Explore the Air Mobility Command Museum – See vintage military aircraft & climb inside planes.

Try Your Luck at Dover Downs Casino – For some evening entertainment.

Dinner at Grey Fox Grille & Public House – Great spot for a local meal.

Overnight in Dover.

Day 4: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge & Outdoor Adventures

Drive from Dover to Bombay Hook (30 min).

Top Things to Do in Bombay Hook:

Go Birdwatching – One of the best birding locations on the East Coast!

Take the Wildlife Drive – A scenic road through marshlands & tidal flats.

Walk the Boardwalk Trails – Perfect for spotting eagles, herons, and deer.

Catch Sunset Over the Refuge – Stunning reflections on the water.

Overnight in Smyrna or drive to the beaches.

Day 5: 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 & Boardwalk – A 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 Park – A mix of forests, dunes, and coastal views.

Visit Fort Miles – A historic WWII military site with old bunkers and cannons.

Overnight in Rehoboth Beach.

Day 6: 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 Bay – Spot dolphins and lighthouses.

Visit the Zwaanendael Museum – Learn about Delaware's Dutch colonial history.

Kayak at Delaware Seashore State Park – Great for paddling through scenic salt marshes.

Dinner at Bluecoast Seafood Grill – Delicious coastal cuisine.

Overnight in Bethany Beach or Fenwick Island.

Day 7: Fenwick Island & Depart from Wilmington

Drive from Bethany Beach to Wilmington (2 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Funland in Rehoboth Beach – A family-friendly amusement park on the boardwalk.

Stop at Fenwick Island State Park – A quiet beach with fewer crowds.

Fly home from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 8-10 hours of driving across Delaware.