Delaware, while not the smallest of the United States of America, was the first state to ratify the US Constitution and is known as the "First State". It's one of five Middle Atlantic States in the United States of America, bordered by the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its appeal as a no-tax state draws travelers to stay and experience the beauty and leisure found in every corner.

Get In

By air
Commercial airline service into the state of Delaware is limited, but areas of the state are reasonably close to major international airports in either Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, or the District of Columbia. The Wilmington area is served by a limited number of Delta flights into the New Castle County Airport (ILG), located less than 10 minutes from downtown Wilmington. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 20 miles or about a half hour to the northeast of downtown Wilmington and serves as the main commercial aviation gateway for most visitors to Delaware. Other airports used by Delaware visitors include Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), less than 90 minutes from Wilmington, and Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) which serves many visitors to southern Delaware's beaches and is located about an hour south and west of Rehoboth Beach, DE.

By train
The Amtrak station in Wilmington is a major stop on the system's Northeast Corridor, with frequent high-speed connections throughout the day to NYC, Boston, and D.C. The station is located on Front Street between French and Walnut Streets in downtown Wilmington. It has one inside level which has stores, a cafe, Amtrak and SEPTA ticket offices, a car rental office, and a post office; passengers board their trains on the second story train platforms. It is served by Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor going south to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and going north to Philadelphia and New York. It is also served by SEPTA's R2 Regional Rail Line with service to Philadelphia and Newark, Delaware. Like all stations in Delaware, SEPTA service is provided under contract and funded through DART First State, which also provides extensive local bus service.

By bus
Greyhound has a limited number of bus terminals throughout the state.

Attractions

Delaware's rich history and culture is evident in its expansive selection of museums. Several choices await in the city of Wilmington including the Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, Delaware Toy and Miniature Museum and the World War II Aviation Museum. At the Delaware History Museum, you'll have the chance to see the world's largest frying pan. This pan was for the Delmarva Chicken Festival from 1950-1988 and can cook up to 800 chicken quarters and 180 gallons of cooking oil.

Other museums across the state include:
 • Museum of Small Town Life (Dover)
 • Delaware Archeology Museum (Dover)
 • Nanticoke Indian Museum (Millsboro)
 • The Old Library Museum (Newcastle)
 • Delmar Railroad Museum (Delmar)
 • Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum (Fenwick Island)

 • The Historical Society of Delaware in Wilmington encompasses the Delaware History Museum, Wellington Square, Read House and Gardens and Old Town Hall. Your visit here will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and heritage of the "First State".  
 • The state also boasts of beautiful Botanical Gardens including the Delaware Center for Horticulture, Mount Cuba Center, University of Delaware Botanic Gardens and Winterthur Museum and Grounds.

If you're searching for some rest and relaxation stop by one of Delaware's beautiful beaches. The more popular ones are:

 • Rehoboth Beach (known for being gay friendly)
 • Lewes (known for its historic district)
 • Dewey Beach (popular with college students)

Some other interesting stops in Delaware may include a night at the state's only remaining drive-in theatre, the Diamond State Drive-in in Felton, where you can watch two movies for the price of one at the regular movie theatre. You can also take a romantic air-balloon ride from Magical Mystery Flights in the town of Media where you'll experience a one-hour balloon ride on your three-hour scenic adventure. Feeling really ambitious? Take a leap skydiving with professional instructors from its base at the Laurel Airport.

For the sports-minded, Delaware is also home to numerous golf courses and its very own race track, the Dover International Speedway. At Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson in New Castle, you can take a look at the only Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be ridden around the world and view more than 300 bikes in stock.

The kids may enjoy visiting Jungle Jim's Amusement Park and the River Safari WaterPark in Rehoboth Beach. There is also a themed waterpark on Fenwick Island, Thunder Lagoon WaterPark as well as a 18-hole miniature golf course, the Viking Golf Theme Park that the whole family may enjoy.

As a highlight, if you'd like to taste something unique stop by the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Smyrna which serves muskrat to the bravest diners.

Accommodations

Charming bed and breakfasts, stately historic homes and hotels for all budgets are some of the choices for where to stay. Due to its size, Sussex County offers the widest range of choices with the popular spots being Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. Wilmington, Dover and Newark are also popular destinations offering ample selection.

Campgrounds aren't as easy to come by in Delaware, with the majority being located in the southern part of the state. However, if you will be traveling to this area, it is the perfect spot to bring your tent or RV because the ideal climate and beauty of the ocean make it a memorable destination.

Stay Safe

Staying safe in Delaware is a matter of staying smart. In Wilmington, city officials and downtown merchants have formed (armed with two-way radios but not guns) private security patrols that wander the restaurant and entertainment districts in the downtown area--but "patrols" are few and far between. Most restaurants will summon a security person to escort you to your car, if requested. Neighborhoods turn sketchy fast in Wilmington. Sometimes it's a mater of crossing the street. Listen to your inner voice. If it's telling you that you've wandered into a "bad" area, you probably have. In general, it's best to avoid walking alone after dark in the downtown area. Interestingly enough, Wilmington has one of the highest concentrations of remote security cameras of any city its size. Of course, these cameras are best at identifying criminals AFTER the fact, so don't take much comfort in their presence.

Despite the above advice, Delaware has less crime than most other states due to its small population. A visit anywhere in the state is safe. Like everywhere else, common sense needs to be used.