Retirement frees up plenty of time for travel lovers to visit their bucket list destinations and relax without a care in the world. When that working clock stops ticking, the state of Delaware is one of the best destinations to retire and enjoy adventures. Bordered by iconic features like the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, this state boasts a long list of laid-back cities and towns, historical landmarks, parks, and stunning beaches, among other travel destinations to make retirement blissful. Additionally, the state has a peaceful atmosphere, moderate temperature year-round, and is super tax-friendly. With all that said, here are 10 incredible destinations in the first state to visit today for a fulfilling retirement.
Milford
River walk in Milford, Delaware.
Milford is a scenic small city along the Mispillion River with historic museums, quaint streets, picturesque galleries, and historic architecture. These features offer just the right blend of arts, nature, and history to steal the heart of most retirees. The Mispillion Riverwalk, one of the town’s highlight attractions, is a beautiful walking path that runs through the downtown area for a mile and is ideal for leisurely walks with views of the smooth-flowing river.
Retirees with a flair for arts can always stop by the Mispillion Art League or Gallery 37 to admire artworks or visit the Riverfront Theatre to watch community shows and performances. The town also hosts the Milford Museum, a great place to feel the vibes of the area’s bygone era and roots through exhibits and museum events. Meanwhile, every weekend, the Farmer’s Market invites everyone to shop, wine, and dine outdoors.
Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington
Beautiful fall foliage by a picnic table near Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington, Delaware.
Just 3 miles north of Wilmington, the Brandywine Creek State Park stands as a sanctuary for reserved retirees seeking a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The 933-acre state park offers activities such as kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and tubing on the Brandywine Creek. For hikers, the 1.8-mile Rocky Run or the 2.9-mile Brandywine Trail along the Creek are fine trails to explore and capture the area’s natural splendor.
While exploring the forest, retirees will be entertained with the sights of many birds, wildflowers, and deer. The park also hosts the Tulip-tree and Flintwood Nature Preserves, with pedestrian-only loop trails to explore both forests of tall trees and hardwoods.
Lewes
Lewes, Delaware. Beach town, fishing port and waterfront residential homes along the canal. Editorial credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock.com
Lewes is renowned as the “First Town in the First State,” being the oldest town founded in Delaware in 1631. Hence, the city is significantly historic, even as Delaware Bay endows it with natural beauty, waterfront attractions, and beaches. For starters, the beautiful and mostly laid-back Lewes Beach is the perfect spot for retirees to admire the ocean, stroll on smooth sands, and watch the sunset.
For history lovers, the Zwaanendael Museum captures the town’s historic essence as the oldest in the state and invites visitors to browse through various exhibits and artifacts. More history about the town and its maritime heritage are lavish at the Lewes Historical Society Museum and Maritime Museum. For seniors who love the arts, the Peninsula Gallery is a great stop, while the Farmer’s Market is open every weekend for local shopping and dining experiences.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
The Gordons Pond Trail wanders through nature at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Located just adjacent to the town of Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park is one of Delaware’s foremost tourist attractions that’s perfect for retirees seeking fun in nature away from the crowds. The park sits on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a swimming beach, fishing pier, camping facilities, and miles of hiking trails to explore. The park even has beach wheelchairs for those in need.
The Point Overlook is also in the park, offering enchanting vistas of the meeting point of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. History buffs are not left out of the fun as the park hosts the Historic Fort Miles, an old WWII fort offering historic tours within its museum and interpretive programs for visitors.
Lake Como, Smyrna
Lake in Delaware.
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Delaware and also one of the few lakes where swimming is permitted in the state. For some laid-back retirees who find it hard to swim on the state’s beaches because of the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this charming lake is an incredible alternative. Here, retirees will have a swimming area to splash away, as well as picnic tables and pavilions to relax and watch others. Additionally, retirees can boat, kayak, canoe, and fish in the waters. Even better, admission is free so visitors can spend their money on snacks.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Delaware at Sunset.
Rehoboth Beach is a vibrant destination famed for its namesake beach along the Atlantic Ocean. This town is perfect for seniors looking for an ideal summer beach destination to bask in ocean views, sunbathe, promenade, catch the sunset, and enjoy picnics. The town also has a mile-long boardwalk where visitors can stroll and patronize merchants along the way while enjoying the sights of the charming blue ocean.
If the beach seems too crowded, Silver and Gerar Lakes are laid-back alternatives to bond with nature and enjoy picnics with water views. For the history buffs, Rehoboth Beach Museum offers more than a glance into the town’s rich history and marine heritage through artifacts and exhibits.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Winterthur
1934 Packard dual-cowl phaeton automobile parked at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library. Editorial credit: H M Thompson / Shutterstock.com
The Winterthur Museum and Estate in Winterthur is one of Delaware’s highly esteemed cultural and historical attractions. It is a recommended destination for retirees to get lost perusing artifacts and feeling the chilling nostalgia of yesteryears. The museum houses one of the largest collections of objects and things related to or characteristic of America and its people. It is also home to the world’s largest collection of American decorative arts and furniture. It currently features 90,000 decorative artifacts objects and artifacts across several buildings, including the Main Museum, the galleries, the visitors center, a stone cottage, and a research center. Also, there is a 1,000-acre botanical garden around the museum and estate, planted by the museum’s founder and art curator, Francis du Pont.
Dover
Historic Dover Delaware, USA, Dover, Delaware.
Dover is the capital and second most populous city in Delaware. Yet, it is always on the list of retirement-friendly destinations in the First State for its relaxing atmosphere and scenic natural beauty. Once in this town, retirees can start an adventure by visiting Silver Lake Park to fish, boat, walk, and enjoy picnics with water views. Next, enjoy history and art at the First Heritage State Park, home to the Biggs American Museum of Art, where art collections from the state and beyond reside. The park also hosts the Old State House—Delaware’s first permanent capitol, built in 1791, as well as the 1798-built Woodburn and Hall House—the guest house of the state’s governors since 1965. More iconic attractions retirees in Dover will love include the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village with its 1890s artifacts and Parke Green Galleries, featuring local art and gift items.
Lums Pond
Looking across Lum’s pond at the dock on the other side.
Lums Pond is the largest freshwater pond in Delaware and offers ample recreational space for retirees who love nature and water bodies. This 200-acre pond is housed inside a 1,720-acre state park, offering year-round recreation and scenery. While swimming is not allowed, other available activities include kayaking, sailing, boating, canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Meanwhile, a 6.4-mile Swamp Forest trail courses through the lush woodlands around the ponds for hikers to explore while listening to the sounds of ospreys and other birds flying above. The park also has picnic spots near the water and a nature center featuring live animal exhibits and an aquarium.
First State National Historic Park, New Castle
The historic New Castle Green which dates back to 1655. Editorial credit: George Wirt / Shutterstock.com
The First State National Historical Park is a destination perfect for history and culture-driven retirees as it preserves the state’s cultural, natural, and colonial history. One of its highlight attractions is the John Dickinson Plantation, the boyhood home to one of America’s founding fathers, John Dickinson. The Old Swedes Church is another iconic point of interest in the park, built in 1698 and representing one of the nation’s oldest churches.
Also, check out the Brandywine Valley, renowned for its scenic forests, farmsteads, and greenery along Brandywine Creek. This section of the park offers activities such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and biking. Meanwhile, the New Castle Court House (1732) and the 17th-century Hendrickson House are also within the park to explore. Don’t miss a stroll along the Green and remember to admire Fort Christiana along its namesake river, where Swedish and Finnish settlers first landed 375 years ago.
Conclusion
Delaware is one of the best states for retirees in the US and for good reasons. From a mild climate, less chaotic towns, and low taxes for seniors to the gorgeous beaches of the Atlantic and historic and cultural attractions, the list is extensive. Seniors will find the First State alluring and cozy, making it the perfect getaway from it all and a fortress of beauty, peace, serenity, and warmth. Quit waiting and head to these destinations in Delaware today for a satisfying work-free life full of pleasures.
