The 15 Best Things To Do In Wilmington, Delaware

As the country’s oldest state, you won’t find a place more steeped in history than Delaware. Though the state is small, only beat out by Rhode Island on a list of the tiniest places, there’s plenty to see and do, from Atlantic Coast beaches to the quaint capitol city. If you’re looking for the perfect long weekend, set your sights on Wilmington, the state’s largest city and one of its oldest, having been settled and 1638 and incorporated in 1731. Like its counterpart in North Carolina, Delaware’s Wilmington is bolstered by its riverfront location. Both the Delaware River and Christina River run through the city; the later provides a gorgeous backdrop for a meandering 1.3-mile pedestrian Riverwalk. From great dining to a lively downtown and some of the most ornate and lush public gardens you’ll find anywhere, there’s always more to explore in Wilmington. Here are the 15 best things to do.

What To Do

Learn About the du Ponts

The city was largely built on the successes of one family, the du Ponts, who first established a gunpowder mill in the city in 1802. The family went on to build many industries in the city, creating a cultural and corporate capital. Today, you can see their private homes and gardens at several iconic sites.

The Hagley Museum and Library is on the site of the du Pont’s former gunpowder mill. Nemours Estate allows guests to take self-guided tours of the French chateu-inspired mansion, chauffer’s garage, gardens, and grounds that Alfred I. du Pont had built for his second wife. The crowned jewel of the du Pont collection is  Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont. It covers 1,000 acres and includes protected meadows, woodlands, and ponds, plus a 60-acre garden and 175-room mansion. You could spend all day touring the massive house and never-ending gardens and still not see the half of it. Did we mention the site also includes a museum with 90,000 pieces of art, furniture, and fine works?

Visit the Delaware Art Museum

Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Delaware Art Museum has been a city staple for more than 100 years. The museum is best known for its collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art, but there are also typically four rotating exhibits that focus on modern art in all kinds of mediums. An outdoor contemporary sculpture garden is another museum favorite.

delart.org; 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806; 302-571-9590

See Stunning Gardens

The unbelievably grand Longwood Gardens began with a 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk built by Pierre S. du Pont in the early 1900s and today encompasses more than 200 acres of strollable gardens. Each season at Longwood brings something new. The Festival of Fountains which runs from May through October includes daily fountain performances set to music, as well as illuminated fountain shows at night. Find more lush greenery and blooming beauty at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanic garden that’s dedicated to conserving native plants.

Take a Scenic Train Ride

If you need to rest your legs after walking the expansive grounds of Wilmington’s many estates and gardens, hop aboard the Wilmington & Western Railroad. The heritage railroad offers several scenic rides that range from two to four hours. Special theme rides range from the Autumn Leaf Special to Brews on Board, where you can sip on craft brews as you take in the beautiful and ever-changing views.

wwrr.com; 2201 Newport Gap, Wilmington, DE 19808; 302-998-1930

Explore Market Street

Downtown’s hub of activity is centered around a 10-block portion of Market Street. The area is home to some of the city’s best small businesses and boutiques, galleries, theaters, and restaurants. See a show at The Queen, a historic theater turned popular music venue. Enjoy the historic architecture of buildings that now house places like independent bookstore Huxley & Hiro and Town & Shore Handcrafted, where you’ll find artisan leather handbags and more.

Stroll the Riverwalk

Take your time meandering down Wilmington’s 1.3-mile Riverwalk which starts at the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, which honors famous Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman, passes by the Shipyard Shops outlet mall, and terminates at the Markell Trail. At roughly the trail’s halfway point, you’ll find Hare Pavilion, which is a great place to catch your breath and soak in the views.  

Outdoor Pursuits

Go Birdwatching

If you’re looking to check off a few new species in your birdwatching app or journal, head to the Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The nature preserve encompasses 212 acres of freshwater tidal marshland that abuts the Christina River. Witness the majesty of American bald eagles, red-winged blackbirds, and ospreys taking flight. You might also get a glimpse of land and water creatures like beavers, river otters, and turtles, too.

delawarenaturesociety.org; 1400 Delmarva Lane, Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-656-1490

Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel

Enjoy the river from a different vantage point aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the 1600s-era ship that brought Delaware’s first European settlers over from Sweden. A 1.5-hour cruise along the Christina River includes the opportunity to hear more about the city’s history, help steer the ship, and take part in family friendly activities.

kalmarnyckel.org; 1124 E 7th Street Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-429-7447

Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park

Take a deep inhale of fresh forest air at Brandywine Creek State Park. The park’s rolling meadowlands and old-growth forest are home to 14 miles of trails; a creek where you can fish for smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill; and Wilson’s Run, where trout fishing is popular. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities here.

destateparks.com/brandywinecreek; 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807; 302-577-3534

Where To Eat And Drink

Have Dinner at a James Beard-Nominated Favorite

The dynamic duo of restaurateur Scott Stein and chef Antimo DiMeo make a winning combination at Bardea, a beloved downtown Wilmington restaurant that specializes in inventive Italian-inspired cuisine, but often draws influence from around the world. Creative appetizers range from a burrata pop tart with fennel and sweet onion jam to fried calamari served with peppers, olives, and tamarind agrodolce. If you’re dining with a few others, order off the Feed the Table portion of the menu which offers delicacies like a whole or half heritage chicken with a Szechuan, lavender, and honey soy au jus or a bone-in ribeye with mojo citrus rub.

bardeawilmington.com; 620 N Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-426-2069

Savor a Café Breakfast

Start your day with a morning meal and coffee at Milk & Honey Cafe and Gallery. The three-in-one coffeehouse, art gallery, and event space is located in the heart of the city, which means you’ll be sipping your latte and munching on blueberry lemon zest pancakes alongside the city’s most supportive locals.

facebook.com/milkandhoneycoffeehouse; 807 N. Union Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-654-3738

Choose Your Own Lunchtime Adventure

If you’ve ever been in the sticky predicament of having opposite cravings from your travel companions, The Chancery Market is the simple solution to your lunch hour woes. The food hall and bar curated by award-winning chef and restaurateur Akhtar Nawab can you take you on a culinary journey around the world and back again. Options include authentic Mexican cuisine, Indian street food, vegan cuisine, homemade pasta and pizza, poke, classic burgers, and more.

thechancerymarket.com; 1313 N Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801

Cheers with an Outdoor Brew

Join the masses of happy beer drinkers at Constitution Yards, where the outdoor space is ample, the taps are always flowing, and the vibes are just right. The seasonal beer garden located in Wilmington’s lively Riverfront area serves craft beer, as well as canned seltzers and cocktails and classic snacks and meals to pair. Expect live music on Fridays and Saturdays. If you get tired of chatting and sipping, try your arm at axe throwing at onsite Wilmo Axes.  

Where To Stay

Spend the Night in a Historic Hotel

It’s no surprise that one of the city’s most iconic buildings is also associated with the ever-influential du Pont family. Hotel Du Pont was once the headquarters for the DuPont Company. It has been a hotel for more than 110 years and shows off the best of Italian Renaissance architecture and sparkling Gilded Era elegance. More than 12 former presidents have signed in as guests of the landmark hotel. Spring for a night or two in the grand dame of Wilmington. Even if you don’t, be sure to make reservations at legendary on-site restaurant Le Cavalier, a modern French brasserie.

hoteldupont.com; 42 W. 11th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-594-3100

Stay in the City’s Hippest Hotel

For more contemporary feel, reserve a room at The Quoin, a modern boutique hotel built into a historic bank building downtown. Each of the hotel’s 24 rooms features a different design full of textures and colors that feel effortlessly stylish but still comfortable. The highly social property is all about providing spaces to gather. Take advantage of happy hour on the patio every Tuesday through Friday; live music during the summer; and even yoga on the rooftop.

thequoinhotel.com; 519 N Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801; 302-446-5600