Wilmington is a convenient launch point to explore Northern Delaware and the Brandywine Valley. With charming nearby towns, historic estates and gardens, and scenic landscapes, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit that are just a short drive (or bike ride) away. If you’re in Wilmington for a weekend, it’s easy to add a day trip to your stay to experience more of what the region has to offer.
Explore the history of the First State at the Old Court House Museum, where Delaware voted to break away from Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1776, and historic homes and gardens before taking in views of…
Another charming colonial village, Odessa, features five historic 18th and 19th-century houses that can be toured to better understand the region’s history, including its role in the Underground Railroad. Afterward, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Cantwell’s Tavern, an upscale casual spot known for its farm‑to‑table offerings and beautifully restored setting within the Historic Brick Hotel.
Tour the Historic Houses of Odessa, including the Corbit-Sharp House, a National Historic Landmark and Network to Freedom site on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad. Afterwards enjoy an…
For a pleasant riverside excursion, head to Delaware City. Take a ferry to Pea Patch Island to tour Fort Delaware, a former Civil War prison. Enjoy a picnic at Fort DuPont State Park, walk the Riverview Trail past military batteries, and learn more about the fort’s role in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. End your day with some shopping and ice cream.
Explore the shops of this quiet river-side town, take a ferry to Pea Patch Island to tour Fort Delaware State Park, or hike and bike along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail
While Newark is best known for being home to the University of Delaware, this college town also features eclectic boutiques and shops, making it a great place to do some sales-tax-free shopping. Main Street has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to explore, too, including local favorites like Bing’s Bakery, Delaware’s longest‑running bakery, and Bing’s Bake & Brew for coffee and sweet treats. For a sit‑down meal, Caffé Gelato offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu known for its creative dishes and house‑made gelato. You may also be able to catch a performance by the Resident Ensemble Players or the Chapel Street Players.
Visit this Great American Main Street year round for its shops, restaurants and post-game entertainment, after Delaware Blue Hens win or an amazing performance by University’s Resident Ensemble…
The quick drive to Kennett Square is well worth it to experience Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s great public gardens. With six distinct districts filled with plants, fountains, and conservatories, you’ll find endless beauty and innovative displays that change with each season, meaning there’s something new to see each time you visit.
Plan a visit to the Delaware Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of British Pre‑Raphaelite art and illustrations by Wilmington native Howard Pyle. The museum also features American works spanning the 18th to 21st centuries. Beyond the galleries, you’ll find a spacious sculpture garden and seasonal exhibitions that make it easy to spend a full afternoon immersed in art and the surrounding landscape.
The historic Winterthur Estate is impressive in its own right and houses an extensive collection of American artwork and craftsmanship. A variety of guided and self-guided tours allow you to experience the history, architecture, and beauty of the estate and its grounds. Be sure to explore the garden or take a tram ride through this masterpiece of color and design.
Follow the Delaware River along Route 9, also known as the Delaware Bayshore Byway to experience the East Coast’s largest preserved coastal marshland. The 50-mile drive between the New Castle County Courthouse and the John Dickinson Plantation takes roughly an hour and will allow you to see the many sides of Delaware, including coastal towns, farms, forests, and marshlands.
If you’re more interested in culture and history, the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway will take you past many estates, gardens, and museums, which you can easily pop off to explore. Start on Rodney Square in Wilmington and then take Routes 52 and 100 to the Delaware-Pennsylvania State Line.
To better understand the region’s role in the abolitionist movement, follow the Harriet Tubman Underground Railway Byway to known Underground Railroad locations across the state. The Delaware portion begins at the Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area in Willow Grove and continues through Dover, Smyrna, Odessa, New Castle, and Wilmington. Many sites include museums and monuments that provide historical context to your journey.
Other destinations invite a slower, more immersive visit. Places like Delaware City, Historic New Castle, or the Harriet Tubman Underground Railway Byway offer enough to fill a full day of exploration. No matter how you structure your plans, Wilmington serves as an easy and flexible home base. Riverfront walks, bike rides, and nearby excursions make it simple to balance local experiences with day trips, all without packing too much into a single weekend.
