tourist attractions in wilmington delaware

Top Things to Do in Wilmington, DE

Places to visit in wilmington, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wilmington.

Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens Private -Small group Tour

Visita a Washington desde Nueva York en el día

Full Day Tour to Washington from New York

Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Flavors of Philly Food Tour

Top attractions in wilmington.

Other Top Attractions around Wilmington

What travellers are saying

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Wilmington

Things to do in wilmington, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wilmington.

Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens Private -Small group Tour

Visita a Washington desde Nueva York en el día

Full Day Tour to Washington from New York

Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Flavors of Philly Food Tour

Top attractions in wilmington.

Other Top Attractions around Wilmington

What travellers are saying

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Delaware (DE) » 15 Best Things to Do in Wilmington (DE)

15 Best Things to Do in Wilmington (DE)

Wilmington, Delaware, was founded in the early 1600s, making it one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited municipalities.

Now, Wilmington is the state’s most populous city, and it’s located in a unique area that’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the neighboring states of Maryland , Pennsylvania , and New Jersey .

Delaware is home to an impressive variety of historical sites, as well as state parks, art, and cultural attractions. Some of the east coast’s most scenic and family-friendly beaches are also just a relatively short drive south from Wilmington.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Wilmington, Delaware .

1. Nemours Mansion and Garden

Many of Delaware’s most visited historical and cultural attractions are related to the wealthy DuPont Family.

The Nemours Mansion and Garden is located near downtown Wilmington and was once one of the family’s many homes; its architecture mimics that of a French chateau.

The impressive home includes dozens of rooms filled with art, furniture, and housewares that were considered the height of luxury by the standards of the day. The sprawling grounds feature beautiful gardens and natural areas connected by paved paths.

Admission is reasonable, and guided tours of the home and grounds are offered regularly as well.

2. DuPont Environmental Education Center

The DuPont Environmental Education Center is a year-round attraction that’s set amid nearly 200 acres of undisturbed land, marshes, and gardens on Delmarva Lane in downtown Wilmington.

Not only is the education center conveniently located, but it’s free to visit, making it an especially popular attraction for those traveling with inquisitive little ones in need of mental stimulation.

Most visitors spend about an hour inside the education center checking out the interactive exhibits before heading outdoors to explore the outdoor portions on foot.

The center’s staff often host special programs like hiking tours and children’s events, so check online to see what’s on their schedule before heading out.

3. Delaware Children’s Museum

The Delaware Children’s Museum is a unique area attraction that offers both children and adults an array of engaging, educational, and entertaining exhibits that touch on science, animals, art, technology, and history, to name just a few.

It’s the perfect attraction for when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor activities, and along with its convenient location and reasonable admission cost, it usually ends up being one of the most memorable stops for many traveling families.

Many guests choose to show themselves around at their own pace, but the museum’s staff offer a number of fun events that are usually big hits.

4. Delaware Museum of Natural History

The Delaware Museum of Natural History is located on Kennett Pike in Wilmington and features an impressive collection of exhibits centered on dinosaurs, geology, plants, animals, and evolution.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary ones periodically as well. Throughout the year, it offers a variety of special events and programs, many of which are geared specifically toward kids.

Previous guests have noted that the cost of admission was reasonable and that the museum far exceeded their expectations.

Take a look at their website to see what’s on their calendar of events before making a special trip.

5. Alapocas Run State Park

Even in small states like Delaware, savvy, outdoor-loving travelers are never far from a state or local park. For those visiting Wilmington, Alapocas Run State Park is one of the most popular.

The park is open year-round and is spread across more than 400 acres of natural environments. It offers visitors a variety of recreation options such as hiking, bird watching, and biking.

The park’s natural rock formations are favorites of climbers and rappellers as well, especially considering Delaware is almost uniformly flat.

For history lovers, there are also several historic sites inside the park that are interesting and educational.

6. Stitch House Brewery

Stitch House Brewery is a big hit with lovers of craft beer, and unlike many of their competitors, Stitch House offers a full menu of hearty fare that’s reasonably priced and goes great with their beers.

Their beer selection runs the gamut from traditional to contemporary and often includes unique flavors not typically found in beer, like coconut and aromatic wood smoke.

They’re located on North Market Street, and diners and drinkers can watch the brewing process through a glass partition.

For those who aren’t sure which beer they’ll prefer, it’s wise to try a sampler that includes many flavor profiles.

7. Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum’s collection includes more than 10,000 individual pieces, and most are from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

The museum features art from all over the country done in a variety of mediums, and local and regional folk artists are represented as well.

During the warm summer months, the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden is a big hit with art lovers looking to stretch their legs, and it’s spread over more than ten scenic acres.

Throughout the year, the museum’s staff offer a variety of workshops for budding artists and art enthusiasts, and many of them are appropriate for children.

8. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge

The Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge is located near downtown Wilmington but has a way of making visitors feel like they’re much farther away from civilization than they really are.

The refuge includes expansive grounds and a visitor’s center that’s worth checking out first. It’s full of interactive exhibits and will give guests an overview of the grounds’ layout and things to see and do while on-site.

Much of the park lies along the city’s riverfront, and it’s common to see a variety of animals along the trails, especially near the marshy areas.

The trails are easy and well-marked, and there are a number of vista areas that offer great views.

9. Hagley Museum and Library

For travelers with limited time who prefer to get the most bang for their hard-earned dollars, the Hagley Museum and Library would be a great place to spend a few hours.

The museum and library are located on a sprawling 200-acre campus that includes historic buildings, beautiful views of Brandywine Creek, and a ton of historic memorabilia that dates back centuries to the time when Delaware became the country’s first state.

The grounds include extensive gardens and multi-tiered terraces that are particularly beautiful during the spring bloom. There are a variety of exhibits pertaining to the DuPont family’s role in the state’s history as well.

10. Read House and Gardens

Located just a few miles south of Wilmington, New Castle is a historic town that offers a variety of attractions, making it a popular day-trip option for those who don’t mind a short drive.

Read House and Gardens is one of the city’s premier historic sites and was built as the home of a prominent Delaware lawyer more than two centuries ago.

The home has been renovated over the years and is now in near-original condition. It’s included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Guided tours are offered from April to December, but not every day, so check their website before heading out.

11. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

With more than 170 rooms and sprawling grounds that include acres of forests, cultivated gardens, and a network of walking paths, Winterthur is one of the state’s most popular attractions.

Winterthur was once the palatial home of Henry Francis DuPont but is now open to the public. For those who’d like a behind-the-scenes look at the home and its history, signing up for a guided tour is the best way to get it.

The facility includes a museum and café, as well as several gift shops that sell everything from history books and art to potted plants and cards.

12. Delaware Children’s Theater

Located on Delaware Avenue in Wilmington, the Delaware Children’s Theater is a unique attraction that offers year-round, community-based productions in some fun genres.

The historic building in which the theater is housed dates back to the later years of the 19th century. Though their kid’s productions are the big draws, there are also a number of adult performances too.

Tickets to popular shows tend to sell out quickly, especially during the holiday season, so it’s a good idea to purchase yours online well in advance of your visit, especially if that’s when you plan on seeing a show.

13. Delcastle Golf Course

The Delcastle Golf Course in Wilmington was first opened in 1971. Since then, it’s been consistently ranked as one of the state’s best golf values for experienced players and beginners alike.

The 18-hole, par 72 course is known for its well-manicured fairways and greens, treed areas, and strategically placed sand and water hazards that make it scenic and moderately challenging.

The course’s amenities include a full-service bar and grill, chipping and putting practice areas, and a driving range.

For those in need of professional instruction before hitting the links, the staff offer several lesson packages appropriate for most ages and skill levels.

14. Rehoboth Beach

Though it’s more than an hour south of Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach is one of the state’s most-loved warm-weather attractions.

It’s particularly well-known for its relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, abundant outlet malls, and variety of dining options that range from swanky and pricy to comfortable and affordable.

Rehoboth is also known as a regional art hot spot, and the town hosts a number of annual music, food, and art events that draw visitors from many surrounding states.

The boardwalk is the perfect place for a morning or afternoon stroll. When the sun’s too hot during the middle of the day, many beachgoers escape to the restaurants and bar just a few yards inland.

15. Relax on the Wilmington Riverfront

The best way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening is with a stroll along the Wilmington Riverfront. After a long day, you can simply find a nice place to sit down and enjoy the scenery and laid back atmosphere, or you can explore this mile-long stretch on the banks of the Christina River.

Several restaurants, a beer garden, mini-golf, and ice cream shops can be found along the way.

15 Best Things to Do in Wilmington (DE):

• Nemours Mansion and Garden
• DuPont Environmental Education Center
• Delaware Children’s Museum
• Delaware Museum of Natural History
• Alapocas Run State Park
• Stitch House Brewery
• Delaware Art Museum
• Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Read House and Gardens
• Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
• Delaware Children’s Theater
• Delcastle Golf Course
• Rehoboth Beach
• Relax on the Wilmington Riverfront

10 Top Things to Do in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is Delaware's largest city and is centrally located halfway between Washington, D.C. and New York City. With convenient access to I-95, the Greater Wilmington area offers miles of country roads taking visitors past historic villages, garden properties, and scenic waterfronts.

Visitors can learn about the legacy of the du Pont family by visiting the region's internationally-acclaimed estates and museums. Wilmington is a great destination for a weekend or week-long getaway with a wide range of attractions and events that appeal to the whole family. 

Visit the Hagley Museum

The du Pont family had a huge impact on the Wilmington area. To learn all about their legacy, start your visit at the Hagley Museum, the site of the original gunpowder mills founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802. Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River, the historic landmark is educational and offers stunning views. 

The grounds include indoor and outdoor exhibits connected by a shuttle bus that stops at the major interpretive areas. At the Visitor Center, you'll learn about the region's early history and the story of the main du Pont family business, the manufacture of gunpowder in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Tour the Eluetherian Mills and Garden , the first du Pont family home, and learn about the family's five generations. Be sure to go to the Powder Yard which features demonstrations of the water-powered machinery and 19th-century metalworking tools. 

Annual events at the property are fun too and include a variety of hands-on and visual activities. You can look forward to events such as the Invention Convention, Victorine’s Valentine’s Day,  Maker Fest, Bike & Hike & Brews, Fireworks, Antique Car Show, Craft Fair, Hayrides, Twilight Tours, and the Holidays at the Hagley. 

Explore Longwood Gardens

Russel Ditablan / Getty Images

Built in 1919, the 1,077-acre garden is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, and is the most renowned attraction in the Wilmington area. With 20 outdoor garden areas, four acres of indoor conservatory gardens and 11,000 different types of plants, Longwood is a spectacular place to visit. You can attend classes and workshops, flower shows, gardening demonstrations, garden walks, and other special events.

The 30-minute Illuminated Fountain Performance set to music and the annual "Longwood Christmas" are not to be missed. Attend a theatrical performance at the Open Air Theatre or a concert year around.

Seasonal events include the Orchid Extravaganza (winter), Spring Blooms (spring), Festival of Fountains (summer), and Chrysanthemum Festival (fall). Longwood Gardens is a popular attraction and tickets sell out during busy seasons so buy your tickets in advance.

Tour Winterthur

This 1,000-acre estate of Henry Francis du Pont is a spectacular historic property with a 175-room mansion. Home to four generations of the du Pont family from 1839 to 1969, Winterthur is known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, a natural garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture.

Take a narrated garden tram ride to discover garden highlights and the history of the estate or a house tour to see some of the finest early American antiques filling the rooms where the du Ponts entertained. 

Explore the roads and walking paths through the meadows to discover beautiful vistas and see more of the estate, including the old train station and barns. You may also customize your visit with a private tour tailored to your interests.

Guide Yourself Through Nemours Mansion & Gardens

The 300-acre estate of Alfred I. du Pont, built in 1907, includes a 77-room mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and lawns. 

Shuttle buses run between the Visitor Center and Nemours Mansion, and also take visitors around the property with stops at key points of interest. Visits are self-paced and self-guided. Interpretive staff members are on site to answer questions. The estate is closed on Mondays. 

Get in Touch With Nature

 Jumping Rocks/UIG/Getty Images

The DuPont Environmental Education Center is set on the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, one of the few urban wildlife areas in the country. With 212 acres located on the Wilmington Riverfront, the refuge offers a unique and natural destination where you can walk and look for wildlife. The tidal marsh is home to bald eagles, ospreys, beavers, dragonflies, turtles, butterflies, wild rice, hibiscus, and other plants and wildlife.

The site is open to the public year-round and features nature programs for groups and individuals. The nature center features a 10-acre ornamental garden, a quarter-mile pond loop through a freshwater tidal marsh, and a four-story environmental center with panoramic views of the refuge, the Christina River, and the Wilmington skyline. 

Experience the Wilmington Riverfront

The Wilmington Riverfront is a great destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The scenic shoreline along the Christina River was converted into parkland and a spacious gathering area for concerts, festivals, and community celebrations. 

Major attractions include the Delaware Children's Museum, Frawley Stadium, the Chase Center, City Theater Company, Penn Cinema IMAX, Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, OperaDelaware, Riverwalk Mini Golf, the Wilmington Riverboat Queen, and much more. Riverfront restaurants include Big Fish Grill, Cosi, Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, Firestone, Harry's Seafood Grill, Iron Hill Brewery, Joe's Crab Shack, River Rock Kitchen, Timothy's, and Ubon Thai Cuisine.

Visit the Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is best known for its large collection of works by Wilmington native Howard Pyle and fellow American illustrators. The collections include a British Pre-Raphaelite art, urban landscapes by John Sloan and his circle, and a survey of American art from the early 19th century through the present.

Guided museum tours are available every weekend. Be sure to take a stroll through the outdoor Copeland Sculpture Garden, too. During the summer months, the museum hosts a summer camp program for children ages 6 to 12, divided into two age groups, and focuses on drawing, painting, ceramics, and more. 

Walk Historic New Castle

Historic New Castle is a charming historic town with roots dating back to the 1600s. The town was briefly the capital of Delaware, was the original Penn’s Landing, and was home to early settlers from the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Sweden.

Today, it is a great place to stroll the cobblestone streets, shop for antiques, enjoy casual dining, and walk along the riverfront park. You can tour Colonial-period homes such as Dutch House and Amstel House, visit the Old New Castle Court House, and the picturesque Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green.

Wander Through the Historic Houses of Odessa

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, the small town of Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Appoquinimink Creek as a grain shipping port. Today, you can stroll along the tree-lined streets, tour the beautifully restored historic houses, wander through the lushly landscaped gardens and dine at the historic Cantwell's Tavern.

A 90-minute tour includes a guided walk through five historic properties and their gardens including the Corbit-Sharp House, Wilson-Warner House, Collins-Sharp House, Cantwell's Tavern, and Odessa Bank. Visit during the holiday season and step back in time to enjoy a candlelight tour and learn about 18th-century traditions.  

Experience Living History at Fort Delaware

Fort Delaware is part of  The Delaware History Trail , with locations dating back to 1859. Take a half-mile ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island to visit the Civil War fortress that was built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia and housed Confederate prisoners of war.

Today, you can enjoy hands-on history as interpreters take you back in time. Help the blacksmith hammer out new parts for a cannon or work with the laundress. Be on hand when the eight-inch Columbiad cannon fires a live gunpowder charge. Hear the stories of escape attempts from Fort Delaware.

The island is home to herons, egrets, and ibis making this a great place for photography and birding. Note that the ferry is open May through September. Paranormal tours are especially popular in October. 

11 Best Things to Do in Brandywine Valley, Delaware

Top 12 Day Trips from Philadelphia

10 Things to Do in Delaware for the Holidays

9 Historic House Museums in Washington, D.C.

20 Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

The Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

The Best Staycation in Every State

The Top 15 Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

17 Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington

The 10 Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa

20 Best Things to Do in Vermont

Your Guide to the U.S. Route 12 Road Trip

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

3 Magnificent Portuguese Mansions in Goa that You Can Visit

20 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

The 20 Best Things to Do Near Disneyland in California

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Wilmington

Things to do in wilmington, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wilmington.

Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens Private -Small group Tour

Visita a Washington desde Nueva York en el día

Full Day Tour to Washington from New York

Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Flavors of Philly Food Tour

Top attractions in wilmington.

Other Top Attractions around Wilmington

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Wilmington - Wilmington Must-See Attractions

Things to do in wilmington, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wilmington.

Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens Private -Small group Tour

Visita a Washington desde Nueva York en el día

Full Day Tour to Washington from New York

Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Flavors of Philly Food Tour

Top attractions in wilmington.

Other Top Attractions around Wilmington

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Wilmington, DE - Wilmington Must-See Attractions

Things to do in wilmington, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wilmington.

Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens Private -Small group Tour

Visita a Washington desde Nueva York en el día

Full Day Tour to Washington from New York

Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Flavors of Philly Food Tour

Top attractions in wilmington.

Other Top Attractions around Wilmington

What travellers are saying

10 Things To Do In Wilmington: Complete Guide To Delaware's Largest City, From Gardens To Breweries

The complete guide to Wilmington features serene nature escapes, historical museums, flavorful eats, and interesting things to do.

For an enchanting getaway in America's second-smallest state, look no further than Wilmington, Delaware. Originally a borough—having been granted a charter by the King of England in 1739 —Wilmington officially became a city in 1832. Today, the bustling city is known as America's Corporate Capital for being the financial, industrial, and commercial center of the state.

But it's much more than that. Of all the beautiful places to visit in Delaware , this charming gem of a town tops the list, proving that DE definitely isn't boring . Wilmington has everything a tourist needs for an unforgettable adventure in the Mid-Atlantic, from historical museums and elegant gardens to local craft breweries and a flavorful culinary scene.

Top Things To Do In Wilmington, Delaware

The picturesque city—which lies at the junction of two rivers, the Christina River and the Brandywine River—even has a riverwalk, which stretches for a little over a mile along the former river.

For travelers looking to plan the perfect escape, here's a complete guide to Delaware's largest city.

1 Marian Coffin Gardens At Gibraltar

The U.S. is home to some of the oldest gardens . Those looking to explore historic grounds should make it a point to visit the Marian Coffin Gardens. In 1909, husband and wife Hugh Rodney Sharp and Isabella Mathieu du Pont Sharp purchased the sprawling estate , which included a 19th-century mansion and 80 acres of land.

In 1916, the latter hired Marian Cruger Coffin to design the gardens, which have been restored and preserved today. Visitors can take in the ground's breathtaking architecture, lotus pond, and weathered statues at no charge.

• Address: 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
• Hours : Open sunrise to sunset

2 Hagley Museum And Library

Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, visitors can learn about hundreds of years of Wilmington's history.

Enjoy a self-guided tour to see the Brandywine River, the DuPont Home and Gardens, and even a 19th-century gunpowder factory.

• Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE, 19807
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (62+), $10 for children (ages 6-14)

The last admission is 4 pm, and the museum encourages visitors to arrive before 3 pm. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the Hagley Visitor Center.

3 Delaware Art Museum

From its impressive collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art and American illustrations from the 1850s to 1950s to its Copeland Sculpture Garden and live performances, the Delaware Art Museum is a perfect destination for any day spent in Wilmington.

The museum also holds a number of programs, such as painting workshops, clay classes, and British afternoon tea experiences.

• Address: 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806
• Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm from April to December); closed Mondays and Tuesdays
• Cost: $14 for adults, $6 for children (ages 7-18), children under 6 are free
• Prices vary; check the website for availability and fees

The museum is closed on most major holidays. Admission is free on Sundays and on Thursdays from 4 pm – 8 pm (from April to December).

4 Brandywine Tour Boat

Experience Wilmington on the water with a public tour or private charter along the city's historic Christina River. Boats offer seating for 40, a restroom, and a bar for a fun-filled day spent drifting downstream.

Choose from a 90-minute evening skyline cruise, an exclusive, two-hour boat charter, and a one-hour scenic river cruise, among others. Fun awaits.

• Address: Located at Public Dock, behind Iron Hill Brewery
• Hours: Hours vary depending on the season
• Cost: Ticket prices vary, check the website for pricing information

Public tours commence mid-April; Private Charter reservations can be booked now on the website.

5 Wilmington State Parks

The U.S. has some of the best nature parks , including Wilmington State Parks.

Featuring a cluster of parks—Brandywine Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park, and Rockford Park, as well as Hobbs Property and the half-mile-long greenway Kentmere Parkway—the expansive green spaces are all perfect for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more.

Founded in 1883, visit Brandywine Park, which features the Sugar Bowl, a structure that was erected on the land that General George Washington’s army occupied during the Battle of the Brandywine. Head to Rockford Park, which is home to a 100-year-old, historic stone water tower.

Additional attractions include Josephine Fountain, Jasper Crane Rose Garden, and other historic monuments.

• Address: Addresses vary per park; check the website for the exact locations
• Hours: Parks are open daily from 8 am to sunset
• Cost: Entrance to Brandywine Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park, and Rockford Park are free

6 DuPont Environmental Education Center

There are many awesome things that visitors can do in Delaware , including a trip to this environmental education center. The center is nestled along the Christina River near the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, which spans 212 acres.

From river otters and beavers to dragonflies and freshwater turtles, the center even features a 10-acre garden and a 5.5-mile long trail for nature lovers and outdoorsy adventurists alike.

• Address: 1400 Delmarva Ln, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Hours: Closed on Mondays; open from 10 am to 3 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays; Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm

The center has a quarter-mile handicap-accessible trail that takes visitors on a serene jaunt around the Pond Loop, which is open daily from dusk until dawn. Hours shift from April to October (11 am to 4 pm).

7 Grand Opera House

Prepare to be delighted at The Grand. Established in 1871, the opulent, 1,208-seat theater is brimming with history and entertainment.

From live music performances and comedy shows to Broadway productions and other variety acts, the concert hall is a quintessential stop for any vacation.

• Address: 818 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE 19801
• Hours: Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm; closed on Sundays
• Cost: Ticket prices vary; check the website for more details

8 Riverfront Wilmington

The Western U.S. has many scenic riverwalks , and the Mid-Atlantic region is no different. Take a walk on the scenic side and enjoy the fresh air during a relaxing stroll on the Riverfront, which runs for 1.3 miles along the Christina river.

Access a variety of restaurants, the Penn Cinema IMAX theater, and the Frawley Stadium, home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team.

• Address: River Walk, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Hours: Open 24 hours

9 Best Time To Go To Wilmington, Delaware

Delaware has a relatively moderate climate year-round, making it the ideal vacation spot any time of year.

During the winter months, the city experiences daily high temperatures of around 45°F , on average. The warmest months to visit are during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Visitors looking for the best time to visit with ideal weather should plan their trips to occur between mid-spring and summer. Keep in mind, the spring and summer months do experience the greatest chance of rain, with the wettest days being in July and the driest months lasting from August to March.

10 Best Ways To Get Around

The closest airport, the Philadelphia International Airport, is only 20 miles away from the city, meaning travelers visiting Wilmington can opt to forego a rental car, instead getting to and from the city via the Super Shuttle Express or carshare services like Uber or Lyft. (Prices vary.)

Once in the city, tourists can navigate the charming town with ease. Due to the fact that the city is incredibly compact, navigating on foot couldn’t be easier.

Tourists can also opt to get around town via Wilmington’s bus system, the Delaware Administration for Regional Transit (DART). The city has a variety of bus stops throughout the city (clearly marked with a blue and white sign) that will take sightseers to and from museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and more.

Daily passes for the DART bus system can be purchased for $4 (one zone) via the DART Pass mobile app or from the bus driver before paying the standard fare. Check the website for bus schedules and more information.

11 Where To Eat

Wilmington's eateries are just as varied as its local attractions. Here's where to go for the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus drinks).

Green Box Kitchen

• Address: 400 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Plant-forward smoothies, breakfast, and lunch options to-go

Lucky’s Coffee Shop

• Address: 4003 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
• Cuisine: Retro eatery serving staples like omelets and breakfast burritos

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub

• Address: 400 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired eats, craft beer, and margaritas

Mikimoto's

• Address: 212 Washington St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Asian cuisine, including sushi

Le Cavalier

• Address: Hotel Du Pont; 42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Modern, French brasserie from restaurateur Tyler Akin
• Address: 421 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Intimate bistro serving globally-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients

Drink Options

Chelsea Tavern

• Address: 821 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Local gastropub; highlights include made-from-scratch comfort food and a big craft beer selection

Stitch House Brewery

• Address: 829 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Cuisine: Craft brewery and restaurant serving classic, American fare

Related: Book These 10 Iconic Delaware Resorts For Your Next Vacation In The State

12 Where To Stay

Staying in Wilmington can be affordable, cozy, and even luxurious.

Affordable Accommodations

Days Inn By Wyndham Wilmington/Newark

• Address: 5209 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
• Amenities: Fitness center, free parking, business center, pets allowed on request

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley

• Address: 1807 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803-2901
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, business center, fitness center, free parking

Mid-Tier Hotels

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown

• Address: 422 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Amenities: Fitness lounge, bar/lounge, restaurant, business center

Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown

• Address: 1102 North West Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Amenities: Fitness lounge, bar/lounge, coffee shop, restaurant, business center

Upscale Hotels

Hotel Du Pont

• Address: 42 West 11th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Amenities: Spa and wellness center, restaurant, room service, coffee shop, fitness center, bar/lounge, valet parking

The Quoin Hotel

• Address: 519 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Amenities: Restaurant, room service, bar/lounge, valet parking

Related: Winter Escapes: Check Out These 10 Unique Delaware Beach Getaway Destinations

13 Tips To Know When Visiting

Visitors should pay extra attention to bookings when planning their Wilmington retreat. That's because there are four cities and seven towns with the same name throughout the country, from Wilmington, North Carolina to Wilmington, Ohio.

Wilmington, Delaware is bustling with adventure, hosting a number of festivals and other events year-round, from fairs and art exhibits to live music events and craft fairs.

The city also has many historical museums throughout, including the Delaware Contemporary, the Delaware History Museum, and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage.

Good news for shoppers: Delaware does not have a state or local sales tax, meaning tourists can avoid paying taxes on items at souvenir shops and other retailers.

Related: Take These 10 Out-Of-This-World Day Trips In Delaware

14 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Wilmington

First, indulge in a nourishing breakfast at any one of the city's many delectable restaurants and cafés, such as Milk and Honey Coffeehouse & Gallery or Green Box Kitchen.

For an exciting afternoon, check out the city's assortment of museums, including the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Children's Museum, the Hagley Museum, and the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. After a satisfying and nutritious lunch, tourists can spend a relaxing day strolling through one of the town's many parks.

Related: 8 Things To Do In Rehoboth Beach: Complete Guide From Boardwalk Strolls to Beachside Views

After the sun sets, catch a wholesome dinner and then a musical or play at the Grand Opera House, which has been a cherished Wilmington landmark for over 140 years.

Q: Is Wilmington, Delaware worth visiting?

Wilmington is one of Delaware's most enchanting towns. It's bustling with adventure, hosting a number of festivals and other events throughout the year.

Plus, Delaware doesn't have a state or local sales tax, meaning tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping.

Q: Is Wilmington a walkable city?

There are a number of walkable cities in the U.S. , including Wilmington. Once in the city, tourists can navigate the charming town with ease. Due to the fact that the city is incredibly compact, navigating on foot couldn’t be easier.

Q: What is Wilmington known for?

Of all the beautiful places to visit in Delaware , the state's largest city tops the list. Wilmington lies at the junction of two rivers, the Christina River and the Brandywine River. It even has a riverwalk, which stretches for a little over a mile along the former river.

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Delaware

Written by Lura R. Seavey Updated Apr 13, 2023

Delaware, the home state of President Joe Biden, may be small—only Rhode Island is smaller—but it packs a lot into a small space.

Historic homes date from the mid-1600s, and three estates that you can tour chronicle the rising fortunes of one of America's wealthiest industrialist families. One of these, Winterthur, is now America's premier museum of decorative arts, and another outstanding collection is not far away, in Wilmington's excellent Delaware Art Museum.

The state's tourist attractions are not all history and culture: you can find plenty of things to do year-round. Some of the finest beaches on the Atlantic coast stretch almost the entire length of the Delaware coast, providing summer playgrounds for residents of Washington, D.C. , Wilmington, and Philadelphia .

Discover fun and interesting places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Delaware.

1. Rehoboth and Delaware Beaches

2. nemours estate, wilmington, 3. winterthur museum and gardens, 4. air mobility command museum, dover, 5. hagley museum and library, 6. delaware art museum, wilmington, 7. john dickinson plantation, 8. brandywine creek state park, 9. the nanticoke indian museum, 10. delaware's old state house, 11. grand opera house, 12. cape henlopen state park, map of tourist attractions in delaware.

Stretching much of the length of the state's 28 miles of Atlantic coastline are Delaware's white-sand beaches . If you're looking for a beach close to Washington, D.C. , these are within a reasonable drive.

Rehoboth Beach is consistently listed among the best vacation spots on the East Coast thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, boutiques, restaurants, and wide stretch of white sand. It's also home to some of Delaware's best resorts, which makes it ideal for a weekend getaway .

One of the most popular attractions at Rehoboth Beach is Funland , a local institution since 1962. This amusement park is perfect for families with its rides of varying scariness, suitable for children of all ages, and a midway with games.

To the south is action-packed Dewey Beach , then the Delaware Seashore State Park (with water access on the ocean side and the bay side of a long barrier island), then the family-friendly Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island . North of Rehoboth is Cape Henlopen State Park and the charmingly old-fashioned Lewes .

Built in the early 1900s, Nemours Estate in Wilmington was a gift from Alfred du Pont to his wife Alicia. This beautiful 77-room home is complemented by equally impressive gardens, the largest formal French gardens in North America .

This is one of Wilmington's top tourist attractions , offering nearly 200 acres of lawns, meadows, and woodlands to explore. Follow the Long Walk to the Reflecting Pool, where intermittent jets of water shoot into the air. The Chauffeur's Garage holds a collection of vintage automobiles, and the stunning conservatory is a must-see, with its ornate walls, parquet floors, and giant windows.

Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware

Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur was built as a showcase for his collections of priceless antiques and art, and also as a place to use, and entertain family and friends. Winterthur is considered America's finest museum of decorative arts .

The 175 rooms were designed to be as historically accurate as possible, with antique furniture, needlework, textiles, silver, glass, paintings, prints, and ceramics appropriate to specific periods.

With nearly 90,000 objects to choose from, curators can not only furnish the rooms authentically, but mount special exhibits in the galleries to follow themes such as artistic mediums, techniques, and decorative styles and influences. Because of the house's size, no tour covers more than small sections; you will need to return several times to see everything.

Surrounding the house is a 1,000-acre park, where du Pont indulged another passion — plants. Here, he created a botanical garden of plants and trees from all over the world, planning their arrangement with a mind to colors and blooming season, so that the garden would be beautiful from late winter through late fall.

Fern-bounded woodland paths lead to grand vistas of lawns and flower beds and to the Enchanted Woods, a three-acre children's garden where kids can step into the world of woods fairies.

Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware

Aviation buffs will want to visit the Air Mobility Command Museum to view its fine collection of vintage aircraft.

The collection of over 30 retired military craft includes early biplanes, World War II legends like the B-17 Flying Fortress, helicopters, and even an F-101 Voodoo fighter jet. For many of them, you can climb the stairs and explore inside to get a feel for what the planes are truly like.

Wander the hangar and lot out front to see the artifacts that reflect airlifting, air refueling, and the history of the Dover Air Force Base. Exhibits include an in-depth look at how a control tower works, as well as insights into airlift operations during the Vietnam and Korean wars.

Address: 1301 Heritage Road, Dover, Delaware

The Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington encompasses the site of the original du Pont gunpowder mills, as well as an estate and gardens. The first du Pont family home, Eleutherian Mills, was built by E. I. du Pont in 1803 and sits overlooking a restored French-style garden.

Five generations of du Ponts lived in this Georgian-style home, and their family business grew around them. In the visitor center (and the library if you're interested in further research), you can learn how the industry developed along the Brandywine River as the technology for using water power evolved.

You can also see a collection of vintage vehicles in the barn, including a Conestoga Wagon that was used to transport black powder to the port of Wilmington. In the Science & Discovery Center , you can try on a space suit and learn about the du Pont materials that went into making it.

Address: 200 Hagley Road, Wilmington, Delaware

Located in Wilmington, the collection at the Delaware Art Museum focuses on American Art of the 19th through the 21st centuries and English Pre-Raphaelite art of the mid-19th century. The museum is especially known for the premier collection of the works and papers of American artist Howard Pyle , who illustrated books by Mark Twain and Robert Lewis Stevenson.

Pyle is best known for his ethereal mystical etchings, drawings, and paintings of mythological and medieval chivalry scenes, and for the images of pirates for Treasure Island . You'll see the originals of his works alongside those of Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, and other familiar illustrators.

A highlight of the collections is the complete cycle of murals Pyle painted for the dining room of their home in Wilmington, displayed as intended in an intimate room of paneled walls. Other special collections at the Delaware Art Museum include posters from American poster designers and jewelry and metalwork made by English craftsmen in the Arts and Crafts style.

As you approach the building, you can't help seeing the Dale Chihuly arrangement of brilliant glass flowers , each several feet across. Displayed in front of a large window and visible from below in the museum's atrium, the flowers are also visible close-up from a walkway between the two wings of the building.

Outside on the lawns is the Copeland Sculpture Garden , with nine works, highlighted by Tom Otterness' 13-foot Crying Giant and Three Rectangles Horizontal Jointed Gyratory III by George Rickey, which moves in the least breeze.

Address: 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware

John Dickinson was known as the "Penman of the American Revolution," and he was attributed with drafting the Articles of Confederation in 1778. His 1740s brick house, outbuildings, and slave/tenant house in Dover are part of the farm complex at the John Dickinson Plantation .

The farm makes for an educational family outing, with costumed interpreters roaming about the property performing duties that would have been commonplace in the 16th century.

One of the most interesting buildings to visit is the granary. Here, six intact historical machines (an inclined plane, a wedge, a screw, a pulley, a lever, and a wheel and axel) are explained in great detail. In the welcome center, the life and times of five residents of the plantation are chronicled on display panels and provide excellent insight into what life would have been like back then.

Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Delaware

Brandywine Creek State Park encompasses 933 acres and is among Delaware's most beautiful places to photograph . The park's most popular feature is the Brandywine Zoo, which specializes in North and South American endangered species, and the park's habitat is an important area for birds and other wildlife.

Be sure to bring your fishing rod and get your recreational fishing license — a variety of species, including bluegill, smallmouth bass, and crappie, can be found in Brandywine Creek. Other popular things to do on the creek include canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. If you don't have your own gear, local outfitters will get you set up and on the water in no time.

Hiking, walking, and running are all popular pastimes in the park, and two of the best trails are the Rocky Run trail and the Brandywine trail, which winds its way along the creek. Brandywine is ideal for visually impaired visitors, who can enjoy nature by walking the Sensory Trail.

Brandywine Creek State Park is especially known for its majestic stand of tulip poplar trees that are close to 200 years old . A level, loop trail meanders under these giants, and leaves from the Nature Center. While you stroll along, keep an eye out for songbirds, deer, and other forest critters.

Address: 41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, Delaware

The Nanticoke Indian Museum , in Millsboro, is housed in a former one-room schoolhouse and is listed as a National Historic Landmark . The museum's collections include a variety of Nanticoke artifacts, from arrowheads and spears to pottery and textiles, with some items dating back to 8000 BCE. One of its most impressive items is a traditional wooden canoe.

In addition to these displays, there is a section that demonstrates daily life for the Nanticoke before their land was colonized, and more information about their heritage. You will also see examples of Nanticoke art, and you can purchase authentic handcrafts and other items at their gift shop.

Address: 27073 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, Delaware

The Georgian-style Old Delaware State House in Dover was completed in 1792. It contains the Governor's presentation and ceremonial office, as well as the 18th-century courtroom and legislative chambers on the first floor.

Various artifacts, historical photographs, and documents are on display and detail the 224 years of usage the building has seen. One of the most interesting paintings is of George Washington, painted by Denis A. Volozan. This massive painting measures seven feet by five feet and dates from 1802.

Address: 25 The Green, Dover, Delaware

The Grand Opera House in Wilmington is a restored 1871 Victorian theater with a cast-iron façade. Over the years, the Grand has hosted Victorian melodramas, burlesque, vaudeville, variety shows, musical recitals, symphonies, and operas. This gem of a performing house seats 1,140 people comfortably with excellent sight lines.

The Grand is the hot place to visit for culture and performances in town, with over 75 shows a year. Classical concerts and dance are the focus of today; the Grand Opera House is home to the Delaware Symphony, Opera Delaware, and First State Ballet Theatre.

Address: 818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park occupies over 5,000 acres along the Delaware shore, situated just north of Rehoboth Beach. If you want to know more about the area's diverse wildlife and ecosystems, make a stop at the Seaside Nature Center , where you can also sign up for guided walks and even dolphin-watching and seal-spotting programs.

Kids especially love the 300-gallon touch tank, but if you're there in the summer, they will likely want to head to the swimming beach . It's staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Mobi-Mats are available at the Lewes entrance.

The water off Cape Henlopen is also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

If you want to do some sightseeing inland, you can hike or cycle the Gordons Pond Trail , which offers 3.2 miles of fully accessible boardwalk that traverses the park's varied habitats, from coastal dunes to forests. If you didn't bring your own bike, don't worry — visitors can borrow a bike for free to explore the park.

Military history buffs will also enjoy a visit to the Fort Miles Historic Area , a former WWII defense base.

Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, Delaware

More on Delaware

New Castle County invests $100,000 from ARPA funds in sports tourism

New Castle County gives $100,000 in ARPA funds to the Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau to support sports tourism.

The money will be used to create a video marketing the county’s sports tourism assets like the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington and the STATS Sports Complex in Bear.

Greater Wilmington CVB Executive Director Jennifer Boes says the video campaign will also highlight other things to do in New Castle County like dining, tax-free shopping, and other attractions like the Wilmington Riverfront.

“It’s a big investment in sports tourism, especially when you consider the $12 million sports tourism capital fund that the state created," Boes says. "So together, the capital fund creates the space and the money that we just got from the county executive creates the marketing arm of it.”

The Delaware Tourism office received 18 applications totaling $54 million all looking for a piece of that $12 million to build new facilities.

Tourism Office Director Jessica Welch says annual state sports tourism revenue over the last several years is estimated to have surpassed $20 million, and the state wants to remain competitive in the region.

“We might not have a Lincoln Financial Field to host a giant event like that, but we have really great facilities here in New Castle County and throughout the state," Welch says. "Teams can come here and save a lot of money compared to if they go to Maryland or Pennsylvania or New Jersey or New York.”

County Executive Matt Meyer says even small investments in sports tourism can yield a big return.

“The goal of this is not necessarily to attract ‘the big one,’ like another BMW Championship, another big golf, tennis tournament, but if it does that’s not so bad either. And keep in mind a single investment like this, if it attracts a single event like that we are making the money back for the taxpayer many times over." Meyer says. "$100,000 investment brings one or two tournaments, we’re probably getting a return on it.”

Meyer notes the county is actively working to build an indoor track facility in the coming years and is also considering a proposal to build an olympic size swim facility.

Cheap Must-See Tourist Attractions in Each State

Posted: April 13, 2024 | Last updated: April 13, 2024

A Virtual Cross-Country Tour

Whether you're in the midst of planning a road trip or looking at a map for the first time to decide where to go, you can count on finding plenty of free or cheap attractions across the country. We've taken an in-depth look at tourist destinations and found one site in every state — and Washington, D.C. — that's sure to delight travelers on a budget.

The search factored in ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, whether in rural or urban settings. We did not set a specific price ceiling for the attractions, but where fees are imposed, they're generally less than $25 for adults and cheaper for children, seniors, military members, and sometimes for students; stated price ranges reflect these discounts or different tour options. 

Alabama: Civil Rights History

Birmingham is home to many inexpensive museums and historical sites. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute costs $15 for adults, but is free or discounted for seniors, college students, and youth. Across the street, the 16th Street Baptist Church offers tours for $10 a person for adults; entrance to the church is by donation.   

Alaska: Denali National Park and Dog Sledding

Dog-sled teams are a symbol of the region and an important part of the area's history, and still used in Alaska. You can learn about the sled dogs at the Denali Kennels during the summer or winter. The kennels are located within the Denali National Park , which charges a $15 entrance fee for visitors 16 and older.

Arizona: The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a destination for travelers from around the world, and it's worth fighting the summertime crowds in the South Rim area. The visit can be as inexpensive as you make it; camping and grocery stores are friends to anyone on a budget. Take the time for a short hike, along the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles) or Skeleton Point (3 miles), for example, and enjoy stunning views of the canyon from a different perspective.

Related:   19 Money-Saving Tips for Visiting National Parks

Arkansas: Little Rock Landmarks

The capital of Arkansas is filled with historic sites, shopping options, restaurants, and more. Visitors can see a lot by taking the Downtown Little Rock One-Day Walking Tour . The tour includes the Old State House Museum, the River Market District, the Clinton Library, and more.

California: San Francisco

Although the cost of living in San Francisco may be high, there are some surprisingly cheap and fun attractions to experience in the city. Watch a Giants' game for free from the waterfront promenade; tour the Mission District's street murals; walk across the Golden Gate Bridge; make faces at the sea lions at Pier 39; or take in a view of the city by riding up the glass elevator the Westin St. Francis hotel in Union Square. The rest of the Golden State is also packed with budget attractions . 

For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters .

Colorado: Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings

Mesa Verde National Park in Montezuma County is a must-see if you're in southwest Colorado. Entrance to the park costs $30 a vehicle from May through September ($15 otherwise) and is valid for seven days; guided tours for the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House cost $8 a person. This extra fee gives you access to the largest archeological preserve in the country, with structures that are at least 700 years old.

Connecticut: Gillette Castle

The Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam boasts a 24-room mansion that looks like a medieval castle. Completed in 1919, the state of Connecticut bought the grounds and castle from the estate of William Hooker Gillette (a distinguished thespian of the time) in 1943. The site is fun, interesting, and enjoyable for all ages, according to TripAdvisor reviews. Parking and entrance to the park are free, but there's a $6 fee for ages 13 and up and $2 for ages 6 to 12 to enter the castle. 

The One Absolutely-Can't-Miss, Must-Do Thing in Every State

Delaware: Hagley Museum and Library

The Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington has something for everyone. History buffs can learn about the evolution of the DuPont Co. while nature lovers will enjoy a tour of the estate. Entrance for children aged 6 to 14 is $10, adults pay $20, and students and seniors pay $16.

District of Columbia: The Smithsonian Museums

When you're in the nation's capital, the range of free and cheap things to do is almost endless. The Smithsonian museums are mandatory, and each of the constituent parts offers something different (e.g., air and space, natural history, American art).

Florida: The Everglades

Everglades National Park , the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, is just an hour west of Miami. The entry fee is $30 per car and it's good for seven days, leaving plenty of time to explore the park's fantastically diverse environment, which includes mangrove swamps, freshwater sloughs, and cypress forests. The park is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, ranging from crocodiles, manatees, and panthers to more than 350 species of birds and 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish.

Georgia: Historic Savannah

One of Savannah's biggest attractions — a stroll through the city's downtown historic district — costs absolutely nothing. With cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and many places to stop and grab a beer or coffee, this is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. If strolling isn't your thing, hop aboard downtown's free shuttle, which will ferry you around the historic district.

Hawaii: Volcanoes National Park

Lying on the beach, hiking, and snorkeling are all favorite pastimes in Hawaii, and none cost much. Visitors to the Big Island should stop by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a chance to get up close to an active volcano. Enter with a vehicle for $30 (good for seven days) and drive to the lookout points. There also are hikes for any fitness level or desired duration.

Idaho: Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey

Near Boise, the Peregrine Fund's center is an 850-acre site with breeding facilities, offices, a research library, and educational facilities. Visitors enjoy getting a close look at, and learning about, birds of prey from around the world. Entrance is $7 to $12 a person.

Illinois: Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo in northern Chicago is free. New residents include three African lion cubs born this year: Pesho, Sidai, and Lomelok. Parking at the zoo can be costly, but four city buses stop near or at the entrance and the Brown or Purple rapid transit lines can drop you off at Armitage station, about 1 mile away.

Indiana: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Racing enthusiasts shouldn't miss their chance to visit the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Auto Racing Hall of Fame. "Kiss the Bricks" tours take visitors on a 30-minute narrated trip around the 2.5 mile track; $25 for adults, $24 for seniors, $15 for kids 6-15. Admission to the speedway's museum is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $8 for kids 6-15.  

Iowa: The High Trestle Trail

The High Trestle Trail just north of Des Moines is 25 miles long, but you can skip to the main attraction — a 13-story bridge over the Des Moines River between the towns of Madrid and Woodward. The trail is free to explore, and the half-mile-long bridge is a work of art, with intentionally placed steel cribbing and blue LEDs that light up the structure at night.

Kansas: Botanica

Wichita's Botanica gardens are a favorite attraction for residents and tourists alike. Admission is $8 to $10, and there are 29 different gardens to explore, including one inspired by Shakespeare. Stroll across the meadows and through woodlands, or amble about the indoor greenhouse or butterfly house, the peony garden or the children's garden.

Kentucky: Maker’s Mark Whiskey Tour

A little more than an hour's drive south of Louisville, the Maker's Mark distillery offers a tour and tasting for $22. You'll learn about the history of bourbon and how it's made today. While visiting, you can buy a bottle of Maker's White, a 1-day-old white whiskey. Some say the unaged spirit is more novelty than anything else. 

Louisiana: New Orleans

With more than 9 million visitors a year, New Orleans is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and it’s also full of free fun . Keep things cheap by enjoying the street music and take a free tour through Algiers Point, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and many cemeteries. The India House Hostel is just a few minutes from a streetcar stop and offers dorm or private rooms from $31 to $75 per night. 

Maine: Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Free to the public, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art features a mix of permanent and special exhibits. The painting and drawing collection dates back to 1811, but over the years, donations and acquisitions have added more than 20,000 pieces in a myriad of styles and media from around the world.

Maryland: Fort McHenry

If you're stopping in Baltimore , don't miss the chance to visit Fort McHenry . The inspiration behind "The Star-Spangled Banner," the fort is accessible by public transportation. Entrance is $15 for those 16 or older, and there are free daily ranger talks throughout the day.

Massachusetts: The Freedom Trail

Take a history-filled adventure and walking tour of Boston along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail , which winds through the city's neighborhoods, with stops at more than 16 sites; many are free to enter. Purchased online, guided tours cost $8 for children, $17 for adults, and $15 for seniors or students, but you can enjoy a free self-guided tour by reading information at each site and using the official Freedom Trail Foundation app.

Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park offers fun for children and parents alike. Climb, roll, and sled down the sandy embankments, then go for a dip in Lake Michigan. Entrance to the National Park is $25 a vehicle for a 7-day permit. Keep other costs in check with our money-saving tips for visiting national parks .

Minnesota: Mall of America

The Mall of America is filled with more than just retail stores — there's an aquarium, movie theater, house of comedy, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, mirror maze, and Lego store with a 34-foot Lego robot. Although walking around the mall is free, you're not likely to leave empty handed. Check the Mall of America's website for current promotions from retailers.

Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park

The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the battle of Vicksburg and the larger Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War. Reviews on TripAdvisor give high marks to the audio tour and the historical artifacts, including a gun boat, cannon display, and fortifications. The visitor center offers a 20-minute orientation video. Entrance is $20 a vehicle, and a guided tour (in your car) costs another $60 for up to two hours.

Missouri: The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum

In the Missouri side of Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free for all visitors, which also offers free guided drop-in tours. There's an outdoor sculpture garden, visiting exhibits, and a permanent collection with works of art from around the world and throughout history. Reviews on TripAdvisor praise the museum for its variety of art and say that there's something for everyone.

Montana: Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks

In Montana, the outdoors draws more visitors than any museum. Between Yellowstone ($35 entrance fee, good for seven days) and Glacier National Park ($35 entrance fee, good for seven days), there's no way to choose a "best" destination, so go with the one that suits your itinerary and interests.

Nebraska: Gene Leahy Mall

Walk through Gene Leahy Mall in the central part of Omaha and enjoy the new gathering space and play space. Hear concerts at the amphitheater during the summer and marvel at the thousands of lights adorning the park in winter. One highlight not to be missed: two large slides that children and adults like to race down.  

Nevada: Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of Nevada's most popular destinations, and for travelers with some self-control it's an inexpensive destination. Shows, drinks, and museums are free or cheap in Vegas . If you're not set on a specific hotel, even accommodations at the big names are relatively affordable.

New Hampshire: Portsmouth's Harbour Trail

Tour the historic sites in Portsmouth by following the Harbour Trail . Choose among the three sections — downtown and the waterfront, the commercial and residential South End, or State Street to Haymarket Square — or take it all in. 

New Jersey: The Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City lacks the glamour of Las Vegas, but boy, does it have history. The iconic boardwalk was a first in the United States; this is the birthplace of salt water taffy; and the city was known as "the world's playground" during the two decades before World War II. Sign up for the casinos' loyalty programs; even if you don't gamble, they offer benefits off the floor, such as discounted parking.

New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns

The Carlsbad Caverns beneath the Guadalupe Mountains contain more than 117 limestone caves. Entrance to the park costs $15 for those 16 and older (free for younger visitors), which includes self-guided tours through the caves; ranger-led tours cost an extra $8 and up for adults and $4 and up for children, but only the King's Palace tour is currently offered. Time your visit to coincide with the bats' flight out of the caverns in the evening and you can catch the free Bat Flight talk by a park ranger.

New York: Big Apple Freebies

A well-known secret among New Yorkers who regularly show the sights to out-of-towners, the free Staten Island ferry floats right past the Statue of Liberty for a view of the iconic lady. Many of the city's top attractions, such as Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center, are free to enter . Summer visitors can take advantage of the no-cost concerts and free movies presented in parks throughout the five boroughs.

North Carolina: The Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive the scenic 252-mile Blue Ridge Parkway for total immersion in the Blue Ridge Mountains and make pit stops along the way. Buy a treat at the Mast General Store (the oldest continuously operating general store in the country) in Valle Crucis, ride horseback through the woods on the Dutch Creek Trail in Sugar Grove, and take home a memento from the famous Folk Art Center in Asheville.

North Dakota: Heritage Center and Museum

Located next to the capitol building in Bismarck, the  Heritage Center and State Museum is one big, free history lesson. Looking back at prehistoric times through to the era of the Northern Plains Indians to the present and on to the future, you'll get an extensive education about the area you're visiting. This is a must-see attraction, according to reviews on TripAdvisor.

Ohio: Aviation Heritage Park

Dedicated to the Wright brothers and the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park offers visitors free tours and entrance to several museums and historic buildings. See Dunbar's home, the Wright brothers' bicycle shop, a flight simulator, and a historic flying field.

Oklahoma: The Conoco Museum

In Ponca City in northern Oklahoma, the Conoco Museum will appeal to some travelers. Admission is free, and the museum gives an in-depth history of the oil and gas company ConocoPhillips, the state's oil industry, and the oil and gas industry in general.

Oregon: The Portland Rose Garden

The Portland International Rose Test Garden , a.k.a. the Portland Rose Garden, boasts more than 650 varieties of roses and more than 10,000 flowers when in full bloom (that would be June). Entrance is free, as are the daily tours at 1 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Pennsylvania: Gettysburg Military Park

Visit the battlefield and learn about a fraught era in American history at the Gettysburg National Military Park . The park and museum are free to enter. Once inside, you can watch the film "A New Birth of Freedom" narrated by Morgan Freeman and see the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting, but there is a fee for the movie: $13.75 for children (ages 6-12) and $18.75 for adults.

Rhode Island: The Waterfire Bonfire Display

An outdoor art performance that's become a tradition in Providence, WaterFire features more than 80 bonfires that burn along the city's waterways mostly on Friday and Saturday evenings in the spring, summer, and fall. Walk along the river and enjoy the scene with the crowd, which can reach 100,000 people.

South Carolina: Historic Charleston

Charleston is a charming city filled with history — this is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. It’s also a city filled with affordable fun. Take a name-your-own-price tour through Charleston with Free Tours by Foot , which offers several thematic tours, including ghost, architecture, food, and Civil War.

South Dakota: Mount Rushmore and the Badlands

Many of South Dakota's popular sites are clustered in the state's southwest. Wall Drug Store, the Badlands , Mount Rushmore ,  Custer State Park, and The Mammoth Site can all be visited over several days. The national and state parks aren't expensive, and if you camp out, the total cost of the trip will be fairly cheap.

Tennessee: Nashville

You can't visit Nashville without catching a few live shows. There are free summer concerts in Centennial Park; free bluegrass on Sundays at the Station Inn; and a wide variety of free performances at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. To get around, hop aboard the Music City Circuit, the free downtown-area bus service.

Texas: The Alamo

Join the more than 2.5 million people who drop by the Alamo every year. Free to visit, the several remaining structures are fully supported by donations and proceeds from the gift shop. The historic site in San Antonio is conveniently located near the River Walk and is widely hailed a must-see in TripAdvisor reviews.

Utah: Zion and Bryce Canyon Parks

Tackle two top sites in one trip by visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks . It's worth taking several days at each to get the full experience. Unfortunately, the parks' popularity comes at a cost: Accommodations can be limited and the entrance fee for each is $35 a vehicle (valid for seven days).

Vermont: Hildene

Hildene in Manchester, Vermont, was the summer home of President Lincoln's eldest son. The house remained in the Lincoln family until 1975, and was purchased soon after by the Friends of Hildene. Admission costs $23 for adults and $6 for youth and includes access to the house, farm, and gardens.

Virginia: Space Museum and Arlington Cemetery

Depending on your mood, there are two free sites to see in northern Virginia — Arlington National Cemetery and the Udvar-Hazy Center , part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of hundreds of thousands American military members, with remains of soldiers from every conflict since the Revolutionary War. At Udvar-Hazy Center, you can see a wide range of aircrafts, including a Concorde, SR-71 Blackbird, and the space shuttle Discovery.

Washington: Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market in Seattle is free to enter, but you likely won't leave without buying a nosh. This is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country and spans 9 acres. Watch fish fly at the Pike Place Fish Market, sip a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks or maybe a pint at Pike Brewing Co., or have a sweet bite at the Daily Dozen Doughnut Co.

West Virginia: Highland Scenic Highway

The Highland Scenic Highway traverses numerous changes in elevation measuring more than 2,000 feet. Scenic viewpoints of the state's rugged Allegheny Mountains abound along the route's 52 miles. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area in Hillsboro showcases the diverse animal and plant life of the mountainous wetlands.

Wisconsin: The Basilica of St. Josaphat

Construction on the Basilica of St. Josaphat began more than 100 years ago and today the church stands as one of the top tourist attractions in Milwaukee. Admission is free, and the visitor center is open daily. Self-guided tours are always an option, but the visitor center is open Monday through Saturday.

Wyoming: Another Route to Yellowstone

A visit to Yellowstone shoots to the top of many bucket lists despite the $35 vehicle entrance fee, which is good for seven days. Even if you can't find a vacant campsite or cabin within the park, you can lodge nearby and spend all day sighing at the bounteous natural wonders.

This article was originally published on Cheapism

More From Cheapism

• The Best Seafood Restaurant in Every State
• 24 Best Places to Travel After Christmas
• From Crab Croquettes To McSpicy Paneers: Here Are 25 Fan Favorites From McDonald's International Menu
• 11 Things to Know About Costco Car Rental
• Is Spirit Airlines Safe, and Why Is It So Cheap?

Like Cheapism's content? Be sure to follow us .

More for You

These Republicans Say They Support Donald Trump Guilty Verdict

Alton Brown’s Burger Recipe Blew My Mind

Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match postponed

Older People Are Holding Nothing Back About What It's Really Like To Get Old

The Social Security COLA Forecast for 2025 Was Just Updated. Here's the Good News and Bad News for Retirees

This Subtle Form of Cheating Could Be Why You're Not Happy in Your Relationship

Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about a dangerous mistake

Trump Media shares fall after Donald Trump's hush money conviction

Stamp prices are going up again this July with one of USPS' biggest hikes

18 Behaviors That Make People Lose Respect For You

Sleep experts say brushing your teeth right before bed is a common nighttime routine mistake — here's why

Joe Biden Gets Good Sign from New Poll

A Sprinkle Of This Popular Spice Will Keep Roaches Out Of Your House

My New Employee Keeps Leaving Early

15 Non-Flimsy Bralettes for Women Who Need a Little More Support

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest doubles down on UiPath as software firm’s stock price crashes

How Does a Walk on a Treadmill Compare to a Walk Outdoors?

Netflix fans discover ‘absolutely brilliant’ under-the-radar Irish dark comedy series

You Should Really Think Twice Before Killing That Earwig

International reaction to Donald Trump's criminal conviction

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

12 Incredible Attractions. One Amazing Price.

Free things to do, read our blog, get our e-newsletter, visitors guide, discount pass, follow us #visitwilm, wilmington & the brandywine valley fun for the entire family, family friendly things to do in wilmington and the brandywine valley.

Enchanted woods. Parasaurolophus bones. Giant kid-sized mazes. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley offer endless opportunities for families to explore, play and discover the unexpected together.

Discover the Enchanted Woods at  Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library , which are designed to look like they were created by fairies. Kids will find several play areas to climb in, on and over, including a Faerie Cottage with a thatched roof, a giant bird’s nest and a tearoom for make-believe tea parties. 

The  Delaware Museum of Nature and Science invites you to meet dinosaurs up close in the PaleoZone, marvel at The Tree of Life in the museum’s Skylight Atrium — and see if you can spot Dude, the museum’s resident cat.

You’ll find even more opportunities to explore science and technology (and a giant maze) at the  Delaware Children's Museum  on the Wilmington Riverfront. With interactive exhibits like the engineering-themed Structures and the transportation-themed Training Wheels, there’s hours of fun to be had.

Sail alongside the pirate crew on board  Kalmar Nyckel , an authentic replica of the tall ship that brought the first settlers to our shores more than 375 years ago.

Spend a summer night with the  Wilmington Blue Rocks  at Frawley Stadium or strap on your skates for family fun weekends at the University of Delaware’s Fred Rust Ice Arena . 

Search Family Friendly Attractions in Wilmington, DE

Spotlight on wilmington.

Protect Your Trip »

The 50 best tourist attractions in the u.s..

See which American landmarks are worthy of your bucket list.

(Getty Images) |

From national parks to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, these popular and highly regarded U.S. tourist attractions cannot be missed.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama

Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California

Pikes Peak: Cascade, Colorado

(Courtesy of Mystic Aquarium) |

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: Fenwick Island, Delaware

(Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort) |

Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida

(Courtesy of Coca Cola) |

World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia

Road to Hana: Hana, Maui, Hawaii

(Courtesy of Idaho Tourism) |

Kirkham Hot Springs: Lowman, Idaho

Chicago River: Chicago, Illinois

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis, Indiana

The Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa

(Courtesy of Oz Museum) |

Oz Museum: Wamego, Kansas

Kentucky Horse Park: Lexington, Kentucky

French Quarter: New Orleans, Louisiana

Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine

National Aquarium: Baltimore, Maryland

Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts

Mackinac Island: Michigan

(Courtesy of Mall of America) |

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

(Courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace) |

Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Tupelo, Mississippi

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri

Glacier National Park: West Glacier, Montana

Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Bayard, Nebraska

Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Cape May: New Jersey

White Sands National Park: Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

Statue of Liberty: New York City, New York

Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio

(Courtesy of First Americans Museum) |

First Americans Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mount Hood: Oregon

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, South Carolina

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) |

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville, Tennessee

The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

Zion National Park: Utah

(Courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Resort) |

Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont

Colonial Williamsburg: Williamsburg, Virginia

Space Needle: Seattle, Washington

White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

You might also be interested in:

• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Hiking Trail in Every State
• Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions
• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best travel neck pillows.

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

The Best Underseat Luggage

Rachael Hood May 28, 2024

The Best Miami Boat Tours

Gwen Pratesi May 28, 2024

The Best Travel Purses

Rachael Hood May 24, 2024

The Best Beach Games

Gwen Pratesi May 24, 2024

The Best Branson Shows

Carrie A. Back May 23, 2024

The Best Beach Toys for Kids

Amanda Norcross May 23, 2024