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
Delaware has a variety of green spaces, including Wilmington’s Marian Coffin Gardens.
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.
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Address:
1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806 -
Hours
: Open sunrise to sunset -
Cost:
Free
2 Hagley Museum And Library
Learn about Wilmington’s history at the 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.
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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
Wilmington, Delaware is rich with history.
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.
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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
Aerial view of the incredible buildings and architecture of downtown Wilmington.
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.
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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
5 Wilmington State Parks
Take a walk through nature at Brandywine Creek State Park.
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.
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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
The DuPont Environmental Education Center is a wildlife haven.
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.
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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 -
Cost:
Free
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
Wilmington is located at the junction of two rivers.
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.
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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
Take a relaxing stroll along Wilmington’s Christina River.
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.
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Address:
River Walk, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Hours:
Open 24 hours -
Cost:
Free
9 Best Time To Go To Wilmington, Delaware
Waterfowl species are found commonly throughout in 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
Although it’s a bustling hub, Wilmington is still abundant in nature.
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
Enjoy an afternoon walk through one of Wilmington’s many green spaces.
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).
Breakfast
Green Box Kitchen
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Address:
400 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Plant-forward smoothies, breakfast, and lunch options to-go
Lucky’s Coffee Shop
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Address:
4003 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 -
Cuisine:
Retro eatery serving staples like omelets and breakfast burritos
Lunch
Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
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Address:
400 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Mexican-inspired eats, craft beer, and margaritas
Mikimoto’s
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Address:
212 Washington St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Asian cuisine, including sushi
Dinner
Le Cavalier
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Address:
Hotel Du Pont; 42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Modern, French brasserie from restaurateur Tyler Akin
La Fia
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Address:
421 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Intimate bistro serving globally-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients
Drink Options
Chelsea Tavern
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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
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Address:
829 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 -
Cuisine:
Craft brewery and restaurant serving classic, American fare
12 Where To Stay
Horse in Carousel Park in Wilmington, Delaware
Staying in Wilmington can be affordable, cozy, and even luxurious.
Affordable Accommodations
Days Inn By Wyndham Wilmington/Newark
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
Mid-Tier Hotels
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown
Upscale Hotels
13 Tips To Know When Visiting
Geese roaming around the sprawling property of Carousel Park.
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.
14 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Wilmington
Wilmington skyline reflected on the Christina River.
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.
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.
FAQ
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.
