9 Reasons Delaware Has the Best Summers in the Country

It’s hard to deny that Delaware experiences some of the most amazing summers. From the cityscape sunsets by the Riverfront to the refreshing ocean breeze, this state has plenty to offer tourists after a long winter. The state caters to singles and families looking for interesting places to visit during the warmer months. There is plenty of recreational activities to keep everyone entertained, guarantying a fun and relaxing vacation. So, without further ado, here are 9 reasons Delaware has the best summers in the country.

1. Outdoor Recreation

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to outdoor recreation in Delaware. If you like hiking, water sports, and fishing, the state does not disappoint. For example:

Driving on the Beach

Fishermen love that they can drive onto the beach with their rods and reels from Fenwick Island State Park to Delaware Seashore to Cape Henlopen; vehicles are allowed on the beaches. However, a surf fishing and four-wheel drive permit is required.

Cape Henlopen State Park

People flock to Cape Henlopen State Park in the summer for sunbathing, disc golfing, and fishing. In addition, the park offers breathtaking views of the bay, meeting the ocean.

Trap Pond State Park

If you don’t feel like going to the beach, take a trip to Trap Pond State Park, which is home to a forest of bald cypress trees. Furthermore, this park offers magnificent paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking spots.

2. Pleasant Weather

While the summers are quite warm in Delaware, the ocean makes it feel cooler than it actually is. Delaware’s summer usually arrives in June and lasts till September, with July and August experiencing the most rain. Summer temperatures range from 80 °F to 90 °F. Unfortunately, summer is Delaware’s rainy season, but luckily, it usually rains in the afternoons, so people are free to explore the outdoors in the fresh morning air.

3. Vibrant Festivals and Events

Delaware has several vibrant festivals and events, which include the following:

Bethany Beach Concert Series

If you are ever in Bethany Beach during the months of June to August, you are in for a treat. Head to the Bandstand for a free concert on a warm summer’s evening. There is nothing better than listening to good live music at the beach. The concerts take place on Thursdays and typically begin at 7:30 pm. While you may be dancing to pop, rock, country, or jazz, you should bring your own chair to sit during the concert.

Rocking the Docks Concerts @ Grain on the Rocks

When visiting the town of Lewes, Delaware, be sure to check out Rocking the Docks concerts on Wednesday night at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. The concerts take place at Grain on the Rocks restaurant. Audiences are treated to local openers, national acts, and plenty of space to dance.

Dewey  Bonfires on the Beach

While bonfires on the beach might sound like something from the past, Dewey Beach hosts bonfires on the beach on Wednesdays from June 21^st to August 23^rd. The fires are lit from 7 pm and last till 9 pm, and the whole family is welcome, and guests bring marshmallows and glow sticks. However, should you forget, there is a store that sells everything you need to make delicious smores.

Wilmington Ladybug Music Festival 

This unique festival celebrates women in music and takes place in Wilmington, Delaware, in June. The festival has a brilliant lineup of female artists, and luckily, it’s free!

Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival

Get in touch with your creative side and attend the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival in Lewes, Delaware. The festival takes place in June and includes a children’s educational area, lecture series, maritime interpreters in historical attire, food, art vendors, the Sussex Tavern, and various sea and antique glass collectors.

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival

If you are looking for good music and food, then St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is a must-see. It takes place from June 11^th to June 18^th, and admission is free. This popular event serves up delicious traditional Italian cuisine, like cannoli, freshly made pasta, and delectable Italian wines. In addition, there is music and dancing, and a fun carnival for the kids.

4. Natural Wonders

The best Delaware summers are spent outdoors, so naturally, residents and tourists flock to the state’s many natural wonders, like:

Cape Henlopen State Park

If you are looking for a beautiful scenic drive, the dunes of Cape Henlopen will provide you with serene views of the World War II towers on the sand and lighthouses. It’s also a good place to explore, so put your hiking gear on and get some fresh air!

Delaware’s Bayshore Beaches

While many flock to popular Delaware beaches in the hot summer months, the state’s Bayshore beaches offer fresh air, nature, and calm, as it does not attract the same crowds as the southern beaches.

Fenwick Island State Park

If you find yourself in Sussex County during the summer, visiting Fenwick Island State Park is a must! As its name suggests, it is an island and state park providing visitors with soft, sandy beaches, clean water, and tranquility.

Trap Pond State Park

Explore Trap Pond State Park with its bald cypress swamp. Visitors can hire boats and bask in the glory of everything this park offers. Once you get to the middle of the swamp, there is a pond, hence the name Trap Pond.

5. Culinary Delights

Residents of Delaware will tell you they have some of the best regional food in the USA, and they might be right. Delaware is famous for its fresh seafood, but one can’t forget about its exceptional peach pie and saltwater taffy. Here are some incredible farmers’ markets and food festivals guests must visit in the summer.

Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market

The Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market in Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach, offers fresh, local produce, flowers, food, handmade goods, and much more.

Historic Lewes  Farmers Market

The Historic Lewes Farmers Market provides the community with a gathering place that is family-friendly and where residents and tourists can purchase fresh local food. Furthermore, this market offers alternative educational and marketing opportunities for farmers who want to learn about sustainable food systems.

Apple Scrapple Festival

The Apple Scrapple Festival celebrates everything about the First State, including the famous Delaware dish, Apple Scrapple, made from cornmeal, flour, minced pork meat, sage, thyme, and black pepper. However, if you are not a fan of apples, the festival offers a variety of other food options.

New Castle County Ice Cream Festival

The New Castle County Ice Cream Festival is dedicated entirely to ice cream. So if you have a sweet tooth and looking for something to do in Delaware during the summer, this festival is perfect. This popular festival accommodates over 12,000 guests who enjoy the shopping, live music, and of course, all the ice cream.

6. Family-Friendly Activities

• Brandywine Zoo
• Funland
• Jungle Jim’s
• Wilmington Riverfront
• Cozy Quarters Farm
• 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center
• Frawley Stadium
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Delaware Children’s Museum
• Viking Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Waterpark

7. Cultural Heritage

On June 15^th, 1776, the First State declared independence from Great Britain. Furthermore, it became independent from Pennsylvania. There are several Festivals that celebrate Delaware’s history, including:

Freedom Festival & Parade, Wilmington 

This festival commemorates the honor of African American emancipation. It begins with a parade, and once over, the festival starts, which includes vendors, games, food, and performances.

Maxima Hispanic Fest, Georgetown 

The Maxima Hispanic Fest celebrates Hispanic heritage. It is a popular festival that attracts over 20,000 people. The Maxima Hispanic Fest offers guests traditional food, dancing, performances, and arts and crafts.

8. Scenic Drives and Road Trips

One can take many scenic drives and road trips in Delaware in the summer. For example, the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway offers incredible views through New Castle County and Auburn Heights Preserve. Delaware’s Bayshore Scenic Byway is also a good option. This road takes you through the largest preserved coastal marshland on the east coast. Lastly, the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway is a good option if you like to stop and explore, as there are various sights and attractions on this road. For example, this road has many duPont Mansions and Gardens like Nemours, Gibraltar, Goodstay, and Hagley.

9. Welcoming Atmosphere

Delaware is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles, so there is a little something for everyone in this state. For example, the coastal areas have a more laid-back approach to life, while cities like Dover and Wilmington are fast-paced, exciting, and vibrant. Furthermore, Delawareans are progressive and accepting of other religions, preferences, and cultures. For example, there’s a strong LGBT community in Rehoboth Beach that welcomes tourists and guests.

Summary of 9 Reasons Delaware Has the Best Summers in the Country

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/ymn