Fun fact: At one point in life, my brother and I lived in dueling Wilmingtons. I was with my family in coastal Wilmington, and he was living in New England Wilmington. That meant we could shake off the sand now and then, hit the road, and experience the sights of a very different Wilmington.
Today, my brother lives in Charlottesville, too (what can we say? Charlottesville really is that great). But I look back fondly on all the memories Wilmington, Delaware, gave us.
Not only did we enjoy Wilmington itself, but we used it as a base to visit New York City (see here and here) and Philadelphia (which I never even shared here on the website). This is a great city, in a good location all around, and it’s no wonder that so many choose to make their home here.
Wilmington also sits in the middle of so much of American history – the underground railroad, the burgeoning industrial era, some of the richest families in America, Civil and Revolutionary War meetings and people – a place within a stone’s throw to yet a refuge from Philadelphia. If you are thinking about an America250 road trip, think about including Wilmington.
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About Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is the home of banking and corporations… the home of the Bidens… It was originally called New Sweden, and while it’s a small state crammed between a lot of heavy-hitters, Delaware has a personality and pride all its own.
Wilmington sits on the banks of the Delaware River and is a riverfront town (which I tend to love). The city boasts a population of 71,000 people – all living within 17 square miles (6.2 of that being water). It is dense, but the way it is laid out, it does not feel crowded at all.
In fact, the thing I was most surprised by during my visits to Wilmington was how expansive the green spaces, outdoor recreation areas, and natural areas are. In the fall, autumn colors pop. In the summer, rose gardens abound. The Brandywine River weaves through Wilmington, Delaware. There are state parks, conservation areas, historic areas, art museums, and even a small zoo!
I was surprised by Wilmington. And I think you might be, too. I thoroughly enjoyed the times I spent in the city and feel lucky to have had the chance to explore “the First State.”
Things to do in Wilmington, Delaware
Table of Contents
Alapocas Run Park
This was my favorite place to explore during our visits to my brother. This park was basically outside his back door, and it felt like such a treat to meander through it.
Alapocas Run Park is a 359-acre public recreation area located along Brandywine Creek and its tributary. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors here, including a publicly accessible climbing wall. We laced up our tennis shoes and walked – at one point our bikes took us there.
Brandywine Zoo
We did this when the kids were little and it was a huge hit. The Brandywine Zoo isn’t large, but it is incredibly affordable (they have free days during the week) and has been there for over 120 years. Located in Brandywine Park, it covers less than five acres. It protects endangered animals and has a fun petting zoo.
- Brandywine Zoo: brandywinezoo.org
- 1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE
Nemours Estate
Delaware and the Wilmington area have hosted extravagant wealth through the centuries. Barons and tycoons built estates here, in the shadow of New York City and Philadelphia but with room to breathe. Nemours Estate is such a place.
They write:
“Experience our extraordinary 47,000-square-foot Mansion. Constructed in 1910 by notable architects Carrère and Hastings, the Mansion was completed in just 18 months and features 77 rooms of remarkable collections that include art, furniture and technology. See how the duPonts worked, played, and entertained, and hear the fascinating stories of the staff tasked with running the house.”
Nemours Estate has over 200 acres of gardens.
- Nemours Estate: www.nemoursestate.org
- 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
- Nemours Estate is opening after renovations on April 1, 2026.
The Riverwalk
We had lovely evenings on the Riverwalk in Wilmington, where businesses and restaurants meet, and people mingle. When the weather is just right, live music floats out and it feels perfect.
- For a list of businesses and restaurants, visit: www.visitwilmingtonde.com
- The Wilmington Riverwalk is a 1.3-mile walking path along the Christina River. It begins at the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park and travels to the DuPont Environmental Education Center.
Constitution Yards
This is such a fun place to hang out! With outdoor food stalls, seating areas, live music on the weekends, and a huge beer garden, we loved spending time here. There are yard games, as well, and this is the first place I ever tried ax-throwing.
- Constitution Yards: www.constitutionyards.com
- 303 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
- As of the writing of this post, Constitution Yards is temporarily closed for renovations as they expand.
Bike
Wilmington is very bike-friendly. One afternoon, we got some cruisers and enjoyed the greenway system. We eventually found our way to a neighborhood restaurant to have lunch and drinks before pedaling home. It was a perfect way to spend a day.
- Get maps here: www.visitwilmingtonde.com
- “The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail links Bellevue State Park and Brandywine Park and the City of Wilmington through a series of trails that travel some of the most beautiful landscapes in Delaware. Travelers pass by two historic estates, Bellevue Hall and Rockwood Mansion, and are a stone’s throw from Nemours Mansion & Gardens. They travel along the Brandywine River, past the Brandywine Zoo, and are offered views of dramatic rock faces and waterfalls.” (source)
- More on the Northern Delaware Greenway: delawaregreenways.org
Fort Christina
Part of the National Park system, this is a fun little stop for history and trivia lovers. Over 375 years ago, the first Swedish and Finnish American settlers aboard the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip landed here. They founded the first American Swedish colony, New Sweden.
There isn’t too much to see here, so a visit won’t last long, but I found it interesting.
- Fort Christina NPS page: www.nps.gov/frst/planyourvisit/fort-christina
- 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Fort Kristina is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Oyster House
I have great memories of eating here. They have a great happy hour and good vibes.
- Trolley Square Oyster House: trolleysquareoysterhouse.com
- 1707 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE
With More Time
Again, Wilmington packs a punch for a city most people tend to overlook! You could easily spend a few days visiting this area. Some other ideas:
- Winterthur Estate and Gardens: Childhood home and legacy of Henry DuPont
- Hagley Museum + Library: A historical collection in the original DuPont gunpowder yards
- Delaware Art Museum
- The Delaware Contemporary Museum
- Tour of the Underground Railroad: Place of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
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