From scenic inland golf courses to endless blue skies over the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware is home to the most picturesque cities and towns perfect for recharging over Memorial Day weekend. The end of May means the start of summer with longer days and warm temperatures. Whether your ideal weekend getaway involves unwinding on the beach or embarking on a hike through a state park, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal state. Book a stay at a Delaware vacation rental for your upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway. Check out the most noteworthy destinations in Delaware.
1. Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach helps you escape the daily grind in a friendly, family atmosphere. Pull up a chair under a cabana at Jungle Jim’s Water Park and watch the kids kick up their heels on the slides, rides, and splash features. Keep them happy and busy with miniature golf, batting cages, and the water park. For a change of pace, Penny Lane is an open-air mall downtown where you can browse quaint shops before heading over to the boardwalk. Funland includes amusement park rides, plenty of eateries to dine-in or take-out, candy shops, and ice cream stands. The boardwalk is about a mile long with plenty of benches to relax on while you take in the ocean view.
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2. Smyrna
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city is easy when your Smyrna vacation rental is near the 16,251 acres Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Some visitors drive the 12-mile loop, which includes stopping points with viewing platforms. The salt marsh boardwalk takes you out into the marsh and to three observation towers. The visitor center has maps to help you plan your tour of the refuge. Relax with a craft beer at Blue Earl Brewing, and savor a good sandwich, served by one of the food trucks at the taproom.
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3. Lewes
Lewes hosts several Memorial Day events, including a sea battle between two tall ships, fireworks, and a parade, all to commemorate the town’s 17th-century history. The battle between the Kalmar Nyckel and the Half Moon takes place near the ferry terminal, with public tours of the ships available. The Memorial Day ceremony at 1812 Park precedes the parade of the fife and drum corps. In between the festivities, try the Cape Water Tours and Taxi East End Lighthouse tour, which includes an opportunity to learn about the history of the area and a tour of the tower.
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4. Bethany Beach
The long weekend at Bethany Beach starts with morning yoga for the early birds. The Nature Center entertains the kids with a museum and a 26-acre park with paths and trails to explore, a picnic area, and a playground for the kids. Family-friendly nightlife includes the Bandstand Summer Concert Series, which begins Memorial Day weekend. The Memorial Day service takes place on the boardwalk Bandstand, hosted by the town officers and the VFW members. Before heading home, cross the canal to eat at Royal Zephyr Restaurant in a 1930s dining car from the old Queen Anne’s Railroad.
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5. Dover
NASCAR fans look forward to the sounds of the engines and the beauty of the track at Dover International Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend. Watch your favorites speed around the Monster Mile, the world’s fastest one-mile oval. It’s near Dover Downs, the state’s leading venue with a casino, concerts, and harness racing. On Memorial Day, there’s a morning service and the downtown parade, which includes military groups, bands, and floats.
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6. Wilmington
To commemorate Memorial Day in a big way, make Wilmington your vacation destination. After the parade, the Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen members of all wars takes place at the Civil War Monument. The city has plenty of attractions and activities, including museums, gardens, zoos, and lots of restaurants. Just steps from the heart of downtown, you find the Peterson Wildlife Refuge, a 212-acre urban wildlife area along the riverfront. Stroll along the boardwalk around the marsh and linger in the ornamental gardens. There are a small waterfall and a nice garden with rocks that kids enjoy climbing.
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7. Delaware City
Saddle up for some fun at Cozy Quarters Farm in Delaware City, where tour guides welcome riders age six and older to join a one-hour guided walking trail ride to see the town. Back at the farm, treat the little tots to pony rides, led by experienced equestrian guides. To experience fresh island breezes, check out Pea Patch Island in the middle of the Delaware River. The ferry departs from Delaware City for a 20-minute ride to the island, where you get to explore a wildlife preserve and a historical fort. A transport carries you from the dock to Fort Delaware, where you step back in time to the 19th century to hear the stories of life on the island during the Civil War era.
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8. Long Neck
Make room for those golf clubs in the car for your Memorial Day weekend at Baywood Greens golf course. It includes eight bridges, two tunnels, 27 acres of ponds, and more than 300,000 wildflowers, plants, and trees. This public course includes practice facilities, a putting and chipping green, showers, a pro shop, and a restaurant. Five sets of tees accommodate all skill levels for the 18-holes with two distinctive nines. To spend some time on the water, Malone’s Bayside Marina, on Long Neck Road, includes boat slips, docks, and a bait shop.
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9. Fenwick Island
Your Fenwick Island vacation rental offers a relaxing escape from the daily grind. Just to the north of town, Fenwick Island State Park features both ocean beaches and bay shorelines, bathhouses, a gift shop, and a concession stand. For a change of pace, Viking Golf family park includes an 18-hole miniature golf course, a go-kart track, and Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, all set to open on Memorial Day weekend. The concessions include traditional beach goodies, including beach fries, funnel cakes, burgers, and ice cream treats. Check out DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum’s vast collection of about 10,000 recovered shipwreck artifacts from around the world. The other 80 percent of the total collection rotates among international museums.
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