Delaware

"The First State"

Delaware's compact size and proximity to major cities of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region make it easy to access and explore. Only in Delaware can you view the world’s most extensive collection of Early American furniture and decorative arts, listen to a Caruso recording on an early-model Victrola, learn to cook over an open fire, and visit the place where the famous U.S. Constitution was first ratified all in the course of one day! Delaware's natural beauty, one reason Thomas Jefferson dubbed it "the Diamond State," is its most prized possession. Waves roll up on the State's 25 miles of sandy beach, inviting visitors to get their feet wet. Woodland trails, peaceful waterways, and vast nature preserves create the perfect setting for wildlife watching and enjoying the great outdoors. The many museums and historical sites found throughout the State are a testament to its pivotal role in American history. Delaware is also well known for its professional and college sports, renowned NASCAR racing, gambling, and horse racing facilities. Tax-free shopping at one of the State's retail outlet centres is another popular pastime. For those looking for something a bit different, shops specialising in antiques, chic apparel' and local artistry can be found throughout the State so whatever a visitor's interest, there is something for all.

Visitors can look forward to miles of pristine beaches and fun coastal towns. Then enjoy a tax-free shopping spree, or indulge in a bygone era at regal DuPont mansions.

Experience some off-the-beaten-path excitement at such insider favourites as Fort Delaware, Mount Cuba Nature Center, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and Trap Pond State Park.

Land Area: 1,982 square miles

Population: 796,165

State Capital: Dover

Largest City: Wilmington

Local Time: EST – 5 hrs behind the UK

Moderate climate year round

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

There are 2 National Parks and 17 state parks

From opulent mansions to crystal-clean beaches to tax-free shopping, Delaware is the state that delivers so much adventure in so little time and for such little expense. Whether you start at the regal Du Pont family estates in the north or the family-friendly ocean resorts in the south, Delaware gives time-pressed and budget-conscious travellers the kinds of options they simply couldn’t find anywhere else on the US East Coast. It’s all right in the middle of the action-packed Mid-Atlantic with easy access from nearby international airports, Interstate 95 and AMTRAK rail lines. Select your flavour of fun, and savour the land of endless discoveries.

Paddle a kayak through the bald cypress trees at Trap Pond State Park. Swing from the treetops at Go Ape! adventure zip-line course. Explore a scenic wildlife refuge teeming with migratory birds, or take a fishing trip or a paddleboard exploration through Delaware’s peaceful inland bays.

Discover how the tax-free advantage gives you more fun for your money with a shopping trip to Tanger Outlets’ brand-name shops, Christiana Mall’s luxury retailers or the artsy boutiques of Delaware’s intimate beach resorts and charming small towns.

Go back to the golden age of regal opulence at one of Delaware’s Du Pont family mansions, and see endless rooms of antiques at Winterthur and ornate formal gardens at Nemours. Visit Hagley Museum, where the DuPont Co. launched an industrial dynasty at a well-preserved gunpowder-mill village by the banks of the Brandywine, then stroll amid the Wyeths and pre-Raphaelite classics at the Delaware Art Museum.

Explore the historic treasures of Old New Castle or downtown Dover, and you’ll see how Delaware’s Colonial past never really went away. See how air power helped lead the USA to victory at the Air Mobility Command Museum, or discover the fascinating stories of Revolutionary passions told at Delaware’s new National Monument.

Coastal vistas and the soft splendour of gently rolling hills define Delaware’s natural charms, best appreciated at such pristine preserves as Ashland Nature Center, Mount Cuba botanical gardens or along the surf, where it kisses the dunes at Cape Henlopen State Park.