Delaware USA Travel Guide
Delaware is a special place in American history, earning its nickname as the "First State" when it became the first of the thirteen colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This deep historical root is woven into the fabric of its cities and towns, offering visitors a window into the past. Beyond its historical significance, Delaware boasts a varied landscape. Northern Delaware features rolling hills and the Brandywine Valley, home to impressive estates and gardens. Central Delaware holds the state capital, Dover, with its own collection of heritage sites.
Delaware sits along the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey and the Atlantic to the east, and Maryland to the west and south. This its position on the map grants it a diverse natural setting, despite being one of the smallest states. The state stretches approximately 96 miles from north to south and ranges from 9 to 35 miles across. Its modest size means travel between different regions is quick and easy, allowing visitors to experience various landscapes within a single trip.
The state consists of three counties, each offering unique geographical characteristics. New Castle County, in the northernmost part, features gentle hills and the Brandywine Valley. Kent County occupies the central portion, characterized by flatter terrain and agricultural expanses. Sussex County, the southernmost county, extends to the Atlantic Ocean, featuring extensive flatlands and wetlands with popular beach towns. Delaware’s extensive coastline is a defining feature, shaping its climate and recreational offerings.
Delaware is a deep and rich history, earning its "First State" nickname on December 7, 1787. On this date, it became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, a pivotal moment in American nation-building. The first permanent European settlement was established by the Swedes in 1638 at Fort Christina, near present-day Wilmington. In 1655, the Dutch conquered New Sweden. In 1664, the English seized New Netherland, and Delaware became part of William Penn's Pennsylvania colony. For many years, Delaware shared a governor with Pennsylvania but maintained its own assembly.
As tensions with Great Britain grew in the mid-18th century, Delaware's residents became increasingly active in the movement for independence. In June 1776, Delaware declared its separation from Great Britain and Pennsylvania, becoming an independent state. The post-Revolutionary period saw Delaware continue to assert its independent identity. Its quick ratification of the U.S. Constitution solidified its place as the "First State". Throughout the 19th century, Delaware’s economy was shaped by agriculture and industry. The DuPont Company, established in 1802 along the Brandywine River, began as a gunpowder manufacturer and grew into a global chemical giant. During the Civil War, Delaware, though a slave state, remained loyal to the Union. Today, Delaware remains a hub for corporate registration.
Swedish settlement at Fort Christina.
Dutch conquest of New Sweden.
English take control of the Lower Counties.
Delaware declares independence.
First state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Delaware offers a compact yet comprehensive travel experience, appealing to a wide range of visitors. From its northern reaches, home to a bustling urban center and opulent estates, to its central farmlands and historic capital, and finally to its popular southern beaches, the state has a varied landscape. A visit combines open-air activities, delving into the past, cultural immersion, and tax-free shopping.
Consider a trip to Northern Delaware to explore the rich legacy of the DuPont family. Here, discover magnificent estates like Winterthur, Nemours Estate, and Hagley Museum and Library. These sites offer insights into American decorative arts, French formal gardens, and the industrial origins of a global company. Nearby, the historic town of New Castle takes you back in time with its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
Southern Delaware attracts visitors with its famous Atlantic coastline. Beach towns like Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island offer miles of sandy shores, boardwalk amusements, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Delaware’s state parks, including Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore, provide opportunities for biking, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The state’s natural beauty extends to its inland cypress swamps at Trap Pond State Park, an unique ecosystem.
One of Delaware’s most appealing features is its tax-free shopping. The absence of a sales tax makes it a popular destination for purchasing clothing, electronics, and other goods. Large outlet malls, especially in The Nation's summer capital, draw shoppers from neighboring states. Beyond shopping, Delaware’the city's cuisine offers everything from fresh seafood to traditional regional dishes like scrapple. The state also has a growing craft beverage industry.
Delaware's small size turns it into an ideal destination for short trips, allowing visitors to experience the coast, countryside, and history without extensive travel time between locations. Traveling around Delaware is straightforward.
While public transportation, mainly DART First State buses, serves urban and shoreline areas, a rental car provides the most flexibility in discovering the state’s diverse regions and rural attractions. Major airports in Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore (BWI), and Newark, NJ (EWR), offer convenient access to Delaware. From these airports, train services connect directly to Wilmington, making arrival seamless. Delaware provides a welcoming and accessible destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, nature, and coastal charm. Plan your trip and discover the numerous facets of the First State.
A rental car provides maximum flexibility for exploring diverse areas beyond the main cities.
Major airports like PHL, BWI, and EWR offer convenient access with direct train services to Wilmington.
Visit the coast, countryside, and historical sites without extensive travel time.
Delaware's small size makes it an ideal destination for short trips, allowing allows you to experience the coast, countryside, and past without extensive travel time between spots. Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility, specifically if you plan to visit diverse areas beyond the main cities.
