What are the things to do in Wilmington Delaware and the Brandywine Valley?
If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone! It’s exactly what I wondered at the prospect of a visit. Come to find out there are a lot of Wilmington things to do for a whole range of interests. Don’t you just love discovering hidden gems when you travel?
Whether you’re a history-lover or someone who swoons over gorgeous mansions, you want to visit Wilmington, Delaware. Do you get giddy over endless displays of gardenias and gladiolus? Or are you looking for a scenic pocket of the U.S. that’s part natural beauty, part Americana?
Look no further than Wilmington, Delaware and the surrounding Brandywine Valley.
Where is Wilmington, Delaware?
Wilmington, Delaware is in a geographic sweet spot, making it easy to reach and include in your travel itinerary. By car, it’s just under 2 1/2 hours to Wilmington from either New York City or Washington, D.C. From Baltimore or Philadephia, it’s just 1 hour 15 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively.
Whether you’re located along the East Coast and looking for a getaway or want to plan a longer East Coast road trip or travel itinerary, Wilmington, Delaware makes sense logistically, not to mention all the amazing places to visit!
16 Surprising Things to Do in Wilmington Delaware
1. Discover Old New Castle
Delaware takes its First State patriotic pride seriously whether you’re in Dover or the Wilmington area. And, Old New Castle Delaware, just outside of Wilmington, is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the United States…not to mention one of the best-kept secrets, too!
With historic homes and buildings dating back to 1700 and the related colonial and revolutionary history to go along with it, it’s easy to see why New Castle is a National Historic Landmark.
Begin your New Castle visit at the Arsenal, just behind the Old Court House, for information on guided tours and the town’s history.
The Old Court House, dating back to 1730, sits along the town green which was planned by the first Dutch settlers. It was here where the colony’s assembly members met in June of 1776 and decided to break away from England (and Pennsylvania).
The Old “Dutch” House, Amstel House, the Arsenal, and the Episcopal Church on the Green are great places to start exploring historic New Castle. Then, wander the cobblestone streets to see the historic houses and discover alleyways where countless important people have walked.
Have lunch at Jessop’s Tavern where the vibe is colonial and the building is the former home and workshop of a cooper from 1724. Afterward, stroll down to the Battery where you’ll see the Delaware River and what made New Castle a perfect spot for a fledgling colony.
2. Tour the Read House and Gardens.
Also, located in historic New Castle, Delaware, the Read House was built along The Strand between 1801 and 1803.
The house was built for George Read II who was a successful lawyer and businessman and whose father was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
This Federalist-style house has more than 20 rooms covering 14,000 square feet and has been named a National Historic Landmark. The house has been restored and preserved to show what life was like for the Reads, as well as what daily life was like for the staff and indentured servants who kept the house running.
During the tour, you’ll get to hear all about the people who used to live in the house. From Mr. Read to the Laird family, each story will give you a glimpse into what life was like back then. My favorite part about the Read House was exactly this. I loved hearing about the folks who shaped the house’s history.
Read House history tours are available April-December, Thursday to Sunday, with tours starting on the on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
ProTip: New Castle isn’t the only historical site in the area. Other Wilmington Delaware points of interest include the Kalmar Nyckel, a full-scale replica of the 1638 ship that brought Swedish settlers to Delaware.
Experience American Aristocracy at the DuPont Mansions.
The DuPont family settled in Wilmington, Delaware just after the American Revolution. This is also where they built their fortune and their gorgeous homes.
3. Visit Nemours Mansion.
Alfred DuPont built Nemours Mansion for his second wife, Alicia, in a late 18th-century French style.
A shuttle from the Visitor’s Center takes you to the gates just outside Nemours. And, at first glance, you may think you’re in French château country but you’re actually still in Wilmington, Delaware!
You can tour Nemours at your own pace without a guide and stroll the Versailles-inspired formal French gardens surrounding the mansion. It’s every bit as extravagant and formal as you can imagine but Nemours still feels like a home.
The bedrooms have personal touches and the rooms on the ground floor and lower level show the DuPonts’ hobbies. Alfred DuPont was a true Renaissance man who was not only a banker, manufacturer, and businessman, but also a photographer, violinist, and dog-lover to name a few of his other interests.
My absolute favorite room was the Conservatory! I could just imagine using this room to read the day away while overlooking the gardens and sipping something refreshing.
Aside from the house itself, there is a classic car garage just a short walk from the mansion itself. The Visitor’s Center also shows a brief movie about Alfred DuPont and has a detailed timeline of his life. I was really impressed to learn about his philanthropic work which even today still involves helping children get needed medical care.
Even if you have just a day in Wilmington, make sure Nemours Mansion is on your list of things to do in Delaware!
4. Tour Winterthur Museum and explore the Estate Gardens.
Winterthur is the former home of Henry Francis DuPont. It’s now a museum and library with vast historical collections. In its prime, Winterthur was an American version of Downton Abbey, complete with farmers who tended cattle herds on the estate.
An estate in every sense of the word, too, with nearly 1,000 acres of naturalistic gardens and a house with 175 rooms decorated with the finest American antiques (dating back to 1640!) you’re likely to find anywhere.
Walking through the dining room, our guide pointed out several notable features and items in each room. She finished by pointing out silver tankards made by Paul Revere. Yes, that Paul Revere. The one on his horse doing the midnight ride to warn of redcoats!
Winterthur is huge and deciding where to start might seem confusing. So, I recommend taking the garden tram ride first.
You’ll get a good overview of the gardens and some history of the estate before it drops you at Winterthur’s entrance. From there, you can join small group guided tours to see specific rooms and learn about the family. Afterward, stroll through the areas of the garden most of interest to you.
For a more in-depth look at specific aspects of Winterthur, its design, the collections, and the DuPont family, you can also reserve a themed tour.
5. Stroll through spectacular Longwood Gardens.
Whether you love to garden or not, the Longwood Gardens is the perfect place to marvel at the 1000+ acres of beautiful flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs.
In colonial times, a lot of the land was the farm of George Pierce. But, his heirs planted trees that spread out across 15 acres. Years later, when the land was about to be bought and sold for timber, Pierre DuPont purchased the land to save the trees.
What resulted is arguably the most beautiful botanical garden in the country. Admire the formal, elegant flower and green arrangements.
Lose track of time in the spectacular conservatory which is draped in floor-to-ceiling flower displays and overlooking a garden of fountains. Or just wander through the original Peirce’s Woods for some forest bathing as a way to de-stress and clear your mind.
ProTip: Aside from the formal gardens at Nemours, Winterthur, and Longwood, the Mt. Cuba Center is another of the places to see in Wilmington, Delaware. It’s a botanical garden with 500 acres of native plant gardens and a mission to support Delaware’s natural plant species.
6. Explore Downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
Who knew that downtown Wilmington had so much charm for a bigger city? Well, we certainly didn’t, but we were pleasantly surprised! From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by nice restaurants, charming shops, and wonderful local folks.
One of the things that impressed us the most was the variety of stores tucked away in every nook and cranny. You could spend hours just wandering from store to store, discovering hidden treasures along the way.
Downtown Wilmington continues to grow and develop. For visitors, Wilmington’s historic Market Street and the recently developed Wilmington Riverwalk are the main attractions.
The tourism board has a great Market Street walking itinerary to draw your attention to the history along Market Street and the Art Deco architecture.
7. Learn more about our first state, Delaware.
Along Market Street, the Delaware History Museum tells the story of Delaware, from its pre-colonial days when the Lenape lived, hunted, and fished in the area and through the decades as Delaware experienced the Civil War, both World Wars, the industrial period, Civil Rights, and more.
The exhibits are not only informative but also engaging, featuring updated diorama displays and interactive exhibits designed to educate visitors of all ages. The museum’s information about the underground railroad and its connection to Wilmington Delaware was fascinating!
If you grew up and went to school in the U.S., you likely learned about your own state’s history. So, it was nice to connect what I know about New York and Connecticut state history and put it in context with what I learned about Delaware.
8. Walk the Riverfront in downtown Wilmington.
Located along the beautiful riverfront, Wilmington’s waterfront promenade is a lovely place to visit. Take a relaxing walk along the peaceful boardwalk and enjoy the scenic views. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
The Riverfront pathway follows the Christina River for just over a mile, with activities, food, and drinks to make everyone happy. I enjoyed a fantastic lunch on the terrace at Bank’s Seafood Kitchen before strolling along the waterfront path.
There was the really fun-looking Constitution Yards Beer Garden made from old shipping containers, mini-golf, places to buy ice cream cones, and even a AAA minor league baseball stadium. After spending time at some of Wilmington’s cultural attractions like Nemours Estate, the Wilmington Riverfront is a great place to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and have some fun!
9. Explore History and Innovation at Hagley Museum and Library.
Hagley Museum and Library is a treasure trove of history, innovation, and natural beauty, as well as one of the top things to do in Wilmington. Located along the banks of Brandywine River, this museum offers a peek into Delaware’s industrial past with its restored mills, patent museum, scenic estate, and ancestral house of the DuPont family.
Your journey starts at the main building where you’ll find the patent museum. The museum showcases real models of inventions from when people first applied for patents. Seriously, seeing how inventive folks were across different eras is mind-blowing!
After checking out the patent museum, you can keep going on foot or catch the handy shuttle. The estate has lots of old buildings used for making gunpowder, giving you a glimpse into the area’s industrial past. Bonus, there’s a shuttle that passes by every 15 to 20 minutes, which makes getting around the grounds a breeze.
Also, don’t forget to visit the main house! It’s where the DuPont family used to live and features well-preserved architecture and furnishings. The guides are happy to share stories about the house and its previous residents, making your visit even more interesting.
Hagley Museum is open 6 days a week except Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to explore. Just a heads up, the last admission is at 3 p.m., so try to get there before 2 p.m. to make sure you have enough time to see everything.
10. Drive the Brandywine Scenic Byway.
Driving along the Brandywine Scenic Byway, it’s easy to see how the area could and did inspire artists. The winding road allows just enough for cars to pass on either side before giving way to towering trees, green as far as the eye can see, and rural landscapes.
Start from Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington and follow routes 52 and 100 for a 12-mile scenic drive just along (and across) the Pennsylvania border.
Along the way, plan a stop along the Brandywine Wine Trail for a tasting or enjoy a delicious meal on the rooftop deck at Buckley’s Tavern.
11. Spend time at the Brandywine River Museum of Art.
The Wyeth family were just such artists who found peace and inspiration from the natural landscapes of the Brandywine Valley.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art has galleries specifically featuring the works of these American artists, Andrew Wyeth and N.C. Wyeth. Along the way, you’ll also discover art by other Wyeth family members and special exhibitions by artists with a connection to the Wyeths.
The museum is small and intimate, not at all overwhelming, and set in the very area where these artists lived and worked. If you’re someone who appreciates museums with a focus on a particular artist or period and/or loves American art, you’ll not want to miss the Brandywine River Museum of Art.
If time allows, the museum also offers tours of N.C. Wyeth’s House and Studio, as well as Andrew Wyeth’s Studio.
12. Immerse in Arts and Culture at the Delaware Art Museum.
Another great art museum in the Wilmington area is The Delaware Art Museum. It focuses on American artwork created between the 19th and 21st centuries, as well as pieces considered pre-Raphaelite.
Not an art scholar? Me neither. I wasn’t sure what that meant when I planned my visit so I looked it up. Apparently, during the mid-1800s, a group of British artists created paintings to reintegrate some of the details and rich colors they felt had been lost because of Raphael’s influence.
The large collection of British pre-Raphaelite paintings at the Delaware Art Museum is among the top reasons to visit. It’s one of the biggest and best collections of these works outside of the United Kingdom. And quite simply, they were spectacular and left me feeling like I had learned a little bit about this particular art movement.
The museum sits on Kentmere Parkway about 10-15 minutes away by car from the Grand Opera House or the Riverfront area. What’s great is that the museum isn’t overly big. You can spend as little as 1-2 hours which is just the right amount of time before museum fatigue sets in.
Don’t miss the sculpture garden outside. The pieces are fun and interesting to look at and the setting is green and peaceful. If you need a snack while you’re at the museum, there’s a small cafe serving drinks and small bites. It’s a perfect quick stop to refuel before continuing your day.
The Delaware Art Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their website if you’d like. The museum also has a few hours for free entry during the week and other special discounts so check their website before you go.
13. Catch a Show and Marvel at the Architecture of The Grand Opera House.
Looking to experience nightlife in Wilmington? If you’re like me, seeing live music, musicals, and plays are super fun ways to spend a night on the town. And, the Grand Opera House in Wilmington is the best place to go for live shows. Not to mention, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Wilmington.
What’s really striking is the well-preserved architecture since it was built in 1871 with vintage furnishings and a cast-iron facade. And the acoustics? Top-notch. You’re in for a real treat no matter what type of show you see.
The Grand Opera House hosts everything from Broadway shows to musical performances and cultural events. They also throw themed dance parties and comedy shows for those looking for a good laugh. One of the best parts about The Grand Opera House is its reasonable ticket prices. If you time it right, you could see a Broadway touring production of your favorite show!
ProTip: If you want to see a show, check out their official website to see their show schedules and get your tickets in advance!
14. Go on a Scenic Nature Walk in One of Wilmington’s State Parks
Need some nature therapy? Wilmington State Parks are where it’s at! These urban parks are your ticket for fun outdoor activities and a place to take advantage of the area’s natural beauty.
Brandywine Creek State Park
The Brandywine Creek State Park winds alongside the Brandywine River, located 3 miles north of Wilmington and just a few minutes by car from Winterthur. Established back in 1886, it’s the largest urban park in Delaware.
Strolling through this park, I felt like I was back in Central Park in NYC. Turns out, it owes its origins to none other than Frederick Law Olmstead, the mastermind behind Central Park itself!
This sprawling 72-hectare park is a nature lover’s paradise. It has well-maintained trails winding through wooded areas and wetlands and there’s access to the river throughout the park. Plus, it houses Brandywine Zoo and has great picnic spots, perfect for a family day out or if you’re visiting Wilmington with kids and need a break from estate houses and museums.
As you explore the park, you’ll be treated to views of waterways, and see a variety of bird species and native plants. Perfect for picnics, hiking, biking, and jogging, Brandywine Creek State Park is one of Wilmington’s best outdoor spaces.
Alapocas Run State Park
Nestled right in the heart of Wilmington is the Alapocas Run State Park which is also connected to Brandywine Park. This peaceful oasis features beautiful trails leading to small waterfalls and historical spots in Delaware.
Walking through the Alapocas Woods, it was so peaceful I forgot that this nature escape was right in the middle of the city. When you visit, keep your eyes peeled for the Delaware Blue Rock Cliffs peeking through along your hike. They’re so pretty but also make you feel world’s away from downtown Wilmington. Plus, there is a rock climbing area if you’re into this kind of sport!
Other than outdoor activities, the Blue Ball Barn which was built in 1914 also sits within the park. It’s now home to a collection of folk art from local artists.
Bellevue State Park
Another beautiful park, located on the outskirts of Wilmington, is Bellevue State Park, which is home to a historic DuPont Mansion.
Whether you’re into walking, jogging, or fishing, there’s something here for everyone. The fitness track around the pond is perfect for a workout, and the hiking trails are just begging to be explored. And if you’re more of a cyclist, they’ve got paths for both paved and unpaved adventures.
Plus, with its beautiful scenery, Bellevue State Park is a popular spot for picnics. They also host summer concerts at the park’s bandshell, so keep that in mind if you want some fun entertainment in the park.
15. Take a Trip Back in Time at Rockwood Park and Museum
Rockwood Park and Museum is another historic gem in Wilmington dating back to the 1850s. Its beautifully preserved mansion has Gothic architecture and is furnished with vintage items. On the east side of the mansion is where you’ll find the museum, filled with a collection of artworks showcasing the city’s heritage, like paintings and sculptures.
I recommend going on one of their guided tours of the house to learn more about the families who lived there. Our guide knew so many details that really gave a fuller picture of the families who used to live here.
After exploring the museum, stroll through the gardens surrounding Rockwood Park. It has a 2-mile paved walking trail that winds through almost 75 acres of woodlands.
You can also join tours and events to fully experience this historic site (they even have a paranormal tour if you’re a thrill-seeker!). The museum is open from Thursdays to Sundays, offering guided and self-guided tours.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of free admission on the first Sundays of the month to explore this historical treasure.
16. Listen to Fascinating Historic Stories at Old Swedes Historic Site
If you’re a history-love, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Old Swedes Historic Site. It was one of my favorite things to do in Wilmington! The site takes you back on a journey to the early days of the first Swedish settlement along the Christina River in the 1600s.
The Old Swedes Church, also known as Holy Trinity Church, is not only a special historic site in Wilmington but it’s also recognized as one of the oldest standing churches in the United States! Also part of the site is the Hendrickson House with its original foundation and structure still intact from the early 1700s. Both historic buildings showcase centuries-old architecture and give a glimpse of life in colonial America.
During your visit, be sure to take a stroll through the adjacent cemetery. You’ll see centuries-old tombstones and markers of the earliest settlers buried here, as well as notable people from Senators to those who later fought for Women’s Suffrage. It made me think of Trinity Cemetery in lower Manhattan where you can see the graves of Alexander Hamilton, Hercules Mulligan, and other colonial figures.
While you can opt for a self-guided tour to explore the area at your own pace, I highly recommend joining a guided tour for a more immersive experience. Expert guides will tell you stories that bring the site’s past to life.
The tours at Old Swedes happen on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 2 p.m. Otherwise, access their self-guided cemetery tour app to an interactive element to your visit. Old Swedes is open from Thursdays to Saturdays, welcoming visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where to Stay in Wilmington Delaware
The Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront is in an ideal location on the Christina River. The hotel is just steps away from restaurants along the water, the Delaware Children’s Museum, and the DuPont Environmental Education Center. The Hyatt Place has a modern decor and comes with free breakfast.
The hotel’s rooms are more like studios with a sofa and kitchen area. It’s great if you need to store things in the refrigerator or want to bring back leftovers or snacks for the room. The hotel also includes free parking, which is important since you’ll need one to drive around the Wilmington, New Castle, and Brandywine areas.
Overall, it’s a convenient, comfortable, and scenic place to stay in Wilmington! You can check current prices here.
Top Things to Do in Wilmington, Delaware Bottom Line
Wilmington Delaware has so much to offer! From exploring historic sites and enjoying riverfront attractions to indulging in cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of things to do in Wilmington.
I’ll even bet that you’ll wonder how this gem in between New York City and Washington, D.C. stayed off your radar up to now!
So, what would you like to see and do in Wilmington, Delaware?
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