Delaware is full of fun things to do in the summer! The Wilmington Riverfront is quickly becoming a top destination thanks to all of the fine dining and the Constitution Yards Beer Garden, and our state parks in Felton, Laurel and Bear host thousands of kayakers and paddlers when the weather gets hot. The best part about summertime in Delaware is watching our small towns light up and come alive while they show off the spirit that makes our state so special. Which of these little towns is your favorite summer destination?
1. Milford
Milford is the little town with BIG summer plans! Every third Thursday, join the town's food trucks and artists helping to keep Milford "alive after 5" right downtown. There's also plenty of live music, whether it's a brewgrass festival or acoustic evenings at Abbott's Mill.
And you can't forget the Riverwalk Farmer's Market, which is one of the best in the country! Check out all that Milford has to offer on their Event Calendar.
2. Selbyville
Selbyville is the perfect little beach town if you're looking to skip the largest beach crowds. You'll have a blast at their annual Old Timer's Day and other downtown festivals, but the real draw here the seafood. Scrumptious restaurants like Captain Macs, Yellowfins, Crabcake Factory Bayside all open their doors in the summer and serve up the freshest, most delicious crabs, crabcakes and other seafood in the state.
3. Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach might be the Coolest Town in the Country! With bonfires and movies on the beach, events all summer long, and some of the best dining you can find, you'll have the time of your life in Dewey, and that's even before checking out the legendary bar scene. Bands like the Drive By Truckers and Old 97s make their appearances here often, and we have to guess that it's the fun loving crowds and legendary venues that draw them to Dewey.
4. Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly town where you'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do. From movie nights to art festivals, this town is one of the best places to spend summertime in Delaware! Enjoy the nature center, the clean sand and cool water, and the delicious restaurants on every corner.
5. Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is, of course, the most famous resort town for a fun summertime in Delaware. With Funland Amusement Park, White Water Mountain and Jungle Jim's waterparks, a world-famous boardwalk that serves up delicious treats, and a bustling bandstand that hosts live music all summer long, there's nothing more you could want from a small town. Summer in Rehoboth Beach is absolutely magical.
6. Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is usually a stopover town on the way to Ocean City Maryland, but those who just drive through are really missing out! The beaches here are pristine and quiet, and the town itself is full of great shops, restaurants, and the thrilling Thunder Lagoon Waterpark! If you want a quieter summer spot that really keeps the hometown feel even though it lights up in the Summer - Fenwick is your destination.
7. Middletown
Middletown is a picture-perfect example of small town Delaware, and Main Street comes alive in the summer. With plays and performances every weekend at the Everett Theater and festivals on Main Street like the Middletown Peach Festival, there's so much to see and do here. Take advantage of some great weather and get out and about - the shops and boutiques here will steal your heart.
8. Lewes
Lewes is the historic, charming town that captures everyone's heart in the summer. The Canalfront Park is the perfect place to sit and watch the ships roll in, filled with fresh seafood or families excited about their whale watching adventures. You can even charter a boat and go searching fordolphins in the Delaware Bay! This charming town is so full of history that you'll never be bored. If you're looking for a great place to dip your toes in the water, you'll love the beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park.
9. Delaware City
Delaware City is a small New Castle County town that's right on the water - and often overlooked. There's a lot going on downtown every weekend, from live music to art fairs to farmers markets. Don't miss Delaware City Day, where the streets come alive with vendors and performances, and the night wraps up with some of the best fireworks you'll ever see. This year, the festival is on Saturday, July 15, 2017 starting at 11:00 am. Mark it on your calendar now!
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maryland, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Of course, Delaware's small towns are often overlooked for the larger towns, but that doesn't seem to get them down! If you love the small town feel and are looking for an excuse to keep exploring our little state, check out our feature on dining in Delaware: Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Delaware Have AMAZING Restaurants!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!