Delawareans know that the First State is rich in history and natural beauty, but you don’t always see that side of the state by sticking to the main roads. If you want to experience some of Delaware’s best scenery and historic sites, get off the beaten path and take the Delaware Bayshore Byway. You’ll travel along the Delaware River and Bay Estuary, meandering along on a two-lane road that allows you to really take in the sights. Only just designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021, the Delaware Bayshore Byway invites you to explore historic river towns, coastal marshlands, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the landmarks and natural beauty you’ll see along this road less traveled...

Beginning in New Castle and traveling all the way to Lewes, the Delaware Bayshore Byway is approximately 100 miles long, depending on what points of interest you decide to check out along the way.

The New Castle Court House Museum, built in 1732, is a wonderful first stop for those interested in Delaware history. It's located of course in beautiful New Castle, a charming destination in itself with cobblestone streets and over 600 historic buildings. The New Castle Court House is one of the oldest courthouses in the entire country, and today operates as a museum with an array of interesting exhibits to explore different aspects of Delaware's past.

Our next stop is Fort Delaware State Park. Located on Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware was constructed in the 1800s and served to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia from attacks all the way through World War I.

During the Civil War, it actually housed captured Confederate soldiers. Today, you can step back in time at Fort Delaware - with the help of costumed historical interpreters - to the summer of 1864, when the fort housed both Confederate prisoners of war and Union soldiers.

Another wonderful place to stop along the Delaware Bayshore Byway is the Port Penn Interpretive Center, where you'll take another look back into the past and get a glimpse into the lives of the people of the Delaware River area up through the 1930s.

You can also take tours of Port Penn's historic homes and the beautiful surrounding marshlands.

Charming Odessa is one must-see stop for history buffs, especially if you enjoy historic architecture.

Though it was founded as Cantwell's Bridge back in the 1700s, Odessa was later named after the city in Ukraine. With a population of less than 400, this is a tiny, tiny town but well worth a visit. Pictured is Cantwell's Tavern, which opened in 1822 and operated as a pub and hotel for a century before closing its doors for a time. It reopened in the early 2000s in its new incarnation as a tavern and restaurant serving New American fare. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy a meal before hitting the road again!

Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is a great stop for nature lovers. With over 6,000 acres dedicated to wildlife management, Woodland Beach includes tidal marsh, forest, and more. Located within Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is the Aquatic Resource Education Center, which has an interpretive trail, accessible boardwalk, and aquariums and other educational displays within the education building.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is another must-do. A refuge for migratory birds, Bombay Hook spans 16,000 acres of mostly marsh. It's a nationally recognized birding spot! The easy, half-mile Bombay Boardwalk Trail is an excellent way to stretch your legs and take in the sights.

Aviation enthusiasts, this one is for you! Once home to various fighter squadrons from the 1950s to the 1970s, the Air Mobility Command Museum is the only museum dedicated to airlift and air refueling history. The museum is now home to over 30 historic aircraft, including a 1934 biplane.

Next on our list is the John Dickinson Plantation. Once home to United States Constitution framer and signer John Dickinson, it was also the home of indentured servants, and free and enslaved Black men, women, and children. Their stories are told by historical interpreters who lead tours of the plantation. This is an important look into oft-forgotten Delaware history.

This is just a small selection of all the many historic sites and scenic destinations you can visit along the Delaware Bayshore Byway.

Have you ever driven along the Delaware Bayshore Byway? What did you think of your trip along this Delaware treasure? And don't forget to check out our road trip essentials before your drive!

For more scenic drives in Delaware, check out the Historic Lewes Byway.