Day 1: Wilmington and Brandywine Valley
Morning:
- Nemours Estate: Begin your visit at the Nemours Estate, a grand mansion surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. This historic estate offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century.
- Address: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Notes: Allow 2-3 hours to tour the mansion and gardens.
Late Morning:
2. Hagley Museum and Library: Explore the birthplace of the DuPont Company. This museum features the original DuPont family home, gardens, and the first DuPont gunpowder mills.
- Address: 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours here to fully appreciate the historical exhibits and scenic grounds.
Afternoon:
3. Brandywine Creek State Park: Enjoy a picnic and some outdoor activities like hiking or bird-watching in this scenic park.
- Address: 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
- Hours: 8 AM – sunset
- Notes: Ideal for a 2-3 hour visit, with various trails to explore.
Evening:
4. Riverfront Wilmington: End your day with a stroll along the Wilmington Riverfront. Enjoy dining options, shops, and the scenic views of the Christina River.
- Address: 1 S. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours exploring the riverfront area and dining.
Day 2: New Castle and Newark
Morning:
- Historic New Castle: Start your day in this charming colonial town. Visit sites like the Old New Castle Courthouse and the Amstel House.
- Address: Historic District, New Castle, DE 19720
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours exploring the historical sites and enjoying the quaint streets.
Late Morning:
2. New Castle Battery Park: Take a relaxing walk along the Delaware River at this picturesque park.
- Address: Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720
- Notes: Allow 1-2 hours for a leisurely walk and enjoying the river views.
Afternoon:
3. University of Delaware, Newark: Head to Newark to explore the University of Delaware campus. Visit the Mineralogical Museum and the beautiful campus grounds.
- Address: 210 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours touring the campus and its attractions.
Evening:
4. Main Street, Newark: Enjoy dinner and shopping on Main Street. This vibrant area is filled with restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.
- Address: Main St, Newark, DE 19711
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Dover and Kent County
Morning:
- First State Heritage Park: Begin your day at Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” in Dover. Visit the Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum.
- Address: 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Notes: Allocate 2-3 hours for the historical sites.
Late Morning:
2. Biggs Museum of American Art: Discover a fine collection of American fine and decorative arts.
- Address: 406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Notes: Spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits.
Afternoon:
3. Air Mobility Command Museum: Explore aircraft and exhibits related to airlift and air refueling history.
- Address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover, DE 19902
- Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Notes: Plan for 2-3 hours to see the museum’s extensive collection.
Evening:
4. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino: If you enjoy gaming or live entertainment, spend your evening at Dover Downs.
- Address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the casino and amenities.
Day 4: Southern Delaware – Beaches and Nature
Morning:
- Rehoboth Beach: Start your day at this popular beach destination. Enjoy the boardwalk, shops, and the beach itself.
- Address: Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours relaxing on the beach and exploring the boardwalk.
Late Morning:
2. Cape Henlopen State Park: Explore the natural beauty of this state park with its beaches, trails, and historic World War II observation towers.
- Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
- Hours: 8 AM – sunset
- Notes: Allocate 2-3 hours to enjoy hiking, biking, or beach activities.
Afternoon:
3. Lewes: Visit the historic town of Lewes, known as “The First Town in the First State.” Explore the Zwaanendael Museum and stroll the charming streets.
- Address: Lewes, DE 19958
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours touring the historic sites and shops.
Evening:
4. Dogfish Head Brewery: Conclude your day with a visit to this famous brewery in Milton for a tour and tasting.
- Address: 6 Village Center Blvd, Milton, DE 19968
- Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Notes: Allow 1-2 hours for the tour and tasting.
Day 5: Scenic and Unique Spots
Morning:
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Start your day with some bird-watching and wildlife photography at this expansive refuge.
- Address: 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours exploring the trails and observation towers.
Late Morning:
2. John Dickinson Plantation: Visit the home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States.
- Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Notes: Plan for a 1-2 hour visit.
Afternoon:
3. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center: Explore the trails and the historic mill at this nature center in Milford.
- Address: 15411 Abbott’s Pond Rd, Milford, DE 19963
- Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Notes: Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the natural surroundings and exhibits.
Evening:
4. Milford Riverwalk: End your day with a leisurely walk along the scenic Mispillion Riverwalk in downtown Milford.
- Address: Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963
- Notes: Spend 1-2 hours exploring the riverwalk and nearby shops.
This itinerary covers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and unique attractions, giving you a comprehensive experience of Delaware’s diverse offerings.