10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Delaware

Clayton in Kent County offers a wide range of outdoor activities that helps you get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The small town is a must-visit if you're looking for a serene holiday in Delaware. 

Some of the many opportunities for fun include the inland lake and beach at Lake Como, Blackbird State Forest's extensive hiking, biking, and camping facilities, and kayaking along Blackbird Creek. Kids can see and learn about wild animals at the 3 Palms Zoo and Education Centre. 

The village of Odessa was founded in the 18th century as Cantwell's Bridge. Today, it offers plenty of historic landmarks and family-friendly attractions year-round. Those interested in learning about the village's history will want to visit landmarks like the Corbit Sharp House, the Liston Range Front Lighthouse, and the Historic Odessa Foundation museum. 

The Frightland theme park offers thrill rides and haunted attractions, while natural wonders like the Augustine Wildlife Area and Blackbird Creek Reserve offer the chance to get out into nature and recharge your batteries.

Bowers Beach is a small town that's part of the Dover metropolitan area in Delaware. This town prides itself on its eclectic set of offerings, both historic and modern. You can visit the Air Mobility Command Museum to see vintage military aircraft up close in a restored hangar. 

Explore the grounds of an authentic plantation that was once the home of Delaware statesman John Dickinson before head for the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum to learn all about the region's seafaring history. Summer is a great time to visit the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, which offers beach recreation and wildlife viewing.

Bethel in Sussex County is an attractive holiday spot for couples and families looking for a peaceful holiday. History buffs will enjoy a trip to the Bethel Heritage Museum, which contains artefacts, exhibits, and information about the history of the town. 

If you're looking for some freshwater activities, Records Pond and Craigs Pond are great for boating, fishing, and hiking. Cherry Beach Road offers a stretch of golden sand for you to relax and catch some rays.

Bethany Beach is a coastal town that's part of the Delaware Beaches area, in eastern Sussex County.  It's quite popular due to its proximity to Rehoboth Beach, located about 13.5 miles away. The boardwalk-backed beach tends to be a bit quieter than many areas in Delaware – you'll see miles of golden sand and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 

You can often catch pods of dolphins swimming close to the shore. Bethany Beach has plenty of small shops and some of Delaware's best seafood restaurants. You can head for the Holts Landing State Park to hike in the forested wilderness and spot wild birds like ospreys and herons.

New Castle is a historic town that has long played a vital role in Delaware's legacy. Much of it is a living museum with walkable cobblestone lanes, stately townhomes dating back hundreds of years, and even costumed street performers. 

If you're looking to explore a town where the past still lives today, New Castle may be one of the best options in the USA. Notable landmarks include the 18th-century New Castle Court House Museum, the Amstel House Museum, and the Read House and Gardens.

Delaware City lies along the eastern end of the 14-mile-long Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. You'll find plenty of shopping, dining, and seasonal festivals year-round in this historic waterfront town.

A must-do is taking the weekends-only Forts Ferry Crossing to Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island. The still-standing military fortress often hosts reenactments of historic battles, which are popular for families looking to enjoy an exciting and historic experience. This takes you back in time to the early days of European settlement in the Colonies.