Delaware Small Towns Perfect for a Magical Day Trip

Delaware is brimming with delightful small towns that are perfect for a magical day trip. As the summer winds down, taking a weekend to explore a local small town could make for an exciting mini-vacation. So, which Delaware small towns are best for a quick day trip?

Frankly, any small town in Delaware could be a great spot for a day trip. But, a few stand out. The first town I'm highlighting is Milton, because I have a friend who lives there and loves it. Milton is super small, with only around 2,000 residents, and is located on Broadkill River. Being on the river makes Milton an especially good spot to get away for a weekend, because you can spend the day on a river cruise, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching or just enjoying the views. Milton is also close to the popular Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve. "Spectacular in its own right, the Edward H. McCabe Preserve features a wide range of habitats, plants and animals within a relatively small pocket of the Delmarva Peninsula," the Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve describes. They add that, "Whether arriving by land or by river, visitors have the opportunity to really escape into a natural environment that gives true meaning to the word 'preserve.'"

Another great small town for a magical day trip is Dewey Beach, Delaware, which has been recognized as one of the best small towns to visit in America. Dewey Beach has an edge charm, with VisitDelaware.com calling it a "rock-and-roll soul" and "young-and-restless attitude." The town also has ocean beaches on one side and a broad bay on the other side, plus tons of great local restaurants and shops.

One more great small town of note is Bethany Beach, which offers beautiful shorelines brimming with plenty of activities. VisitDelaware.com notes that at Bethany Beach, you'll experience "a quiet sense of calmness," which is always a good thing. "Imagine, you breathe in the ocean air, and you can suddenly feel that this is your coastal home away from home," they add. "Bethany is the kind of place that's perfectly suited for beach house gatherings of extended families who find their sunny days filled with an endless array of do-as-you-please activities – sunning or running on the broad beaches, shopping tax-free at the boutiques on the boardwalk or savoring a gourmet coastal meal." Bethany Beach is also close to the James Farm Ecological Preserve, with plenty of wildlife opportunities.