• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-2787963713
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/delaware",
  "destination": "Delaware",
  "title": "delaware",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Mid-Atlantic-States",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Delaware

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Cold dawn at Hidden Lake

Getty Images/Flickr RF

Overview

Tiny Delaware, the nation's second-smallest state (96 miles long and less than 35 miles across at its widest point) is overshadowed by its neighbors – and often overlooked by visitors to the region. And that's too bad, because Delaware has a lot more on offer than just tax-free shopping and chicken farms.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Delaware? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

highlights

  1. 1Unwinding Scandinavian-style with saunas and cold plunges at a beloved Nordic spa
  2. 2Visiting a local oyster farm to taste fresh shellfish straight from the source
  3. 3Sailing Penobscot Bay as the sun sets on Camden Harbor
from $3,795

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-130159339763
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/delaware",
  "destination": "Delaware",
  "title": "delaware",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Mid-Atlantic-States",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

The tiny US state of Delaware punches above its weight, with relaxed beach towns, historic estates and a buzzing food scene. Here are the top things to do.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-486354513743
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/delaware",
  "destination": "Delaware",
  "title": "delaware",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Mid-Atlantic-States",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Delaware

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-231042909883
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/delaware",
  "destination": "Delaware",
  "title": "delaware",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Mid-Atlantic-States",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}