Delaware is a delightful place to visit, boasting beautiful beaches, lots of history, scenic state parks, and amazing regional cuisine. Despite its size — Delaware is 96 miles long, making it the second-smallest state in the United States, after Rhode Island — this state is rife with day trip opportunities. Feeling stressed out? Head to the Sussex County for a beach day. Looking to learn something new (pun intended)? New Castle is a history lover’s dream-come-true. And if you’re craving outdoor adventure and reprieve, head to Kent County. This day trip to Kent County is one of the best you can take in Delaware.
If there’s one word that describes Kent County, it would be parks.
Delaware State Parks/Facebook First State Heritage Park is one of the newest in the Delaware State Park system – but it includes some of the oldest established public spaces in Delaware. This site is centered on the Dover Green, which was laid out in 1717, back when Delaware was still a part of Pennsylvania.
The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s fist urban “park without boundaries,” located in the historic Kent County district of Dover, which has been Delaware’s capital city since 1777.
Google Maps/First State Heritage Park You’ll definitely want to visit this outdoor space in the spring. The City of Dover plants 40,000 tulips over the winter, and each spring, Downtown Dover comes alive with the most breathtaking, colorful blooms.
The John Dickinson Plantation is another living history museum in Kent County.
57RRoberts/TripAdvisor John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” was one of America’s founding fathers who wrote of “freedom and liberty for all” - while being a slave owner himself. The plantation is a testament to the paradoxical story of America. Today, the John Dickinson Plantation has been converted to a museum where visitors can tour the grounds and interact with staff dressed in period costume.
Outside Dover, Kent County’s Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is breathtakingly beautiful.
Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges/Facebook The 16,000-acre refuge provides excellent views of myriad habitats, as well as opportunities to view birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects in their natural setting. There are several walking trails and observation areas.
The refuge provides a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images Each season brings different birds to the refuge looking for feeding, resting, or nesting areas. Bombay Hook is known nationally as an excellent bird watching refuge along the Atlantic Coast.
For a scenic Delaware hike, look no further than Kent County’s Killens Pond State Park.
Marilyn Cox/AllTrails The centerpiece of Killens Pond State Park is the eponymous 66-acre millpond, which was established in the late 1700s.
Killens Pond is a natural oasis you won’t believe is just minutes from Delaware’s bustling state capital.
kerber926 via Visit Delaware/TripAdvisor The woods provides solace and comfort for those looking to wander in peace and quiet.
Visitors can even go glamping at the state park.
Killens Pond State Park/Facebook If you’ve never been camping before, “glamping” offers a less rugged, more comfortable experience! And the cabins at Killens Pond are both charming and rustic.
Kent County truly is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Delaware.
Henryk Sadura via Getty Images Make it a day trip or weekend getaway; there’s lots of natural beauty to behold in this oft-overlooked state.
Are you feeling all heart-eyed for Kent County yet? The First State truly ranks first in terms of natural beauty, in our humble opinion. A day trip to Kent County is one of the best you can take in Delaware; you’ll be charmed and awestruck by all the area has to offer. For more unforgettable day trips in Delaware, here are five unique day trips you can take.
Delaware State Parks/Facebook
First State Heritage Park is one of the newest in the Delaware State Park system – but it includes some of the oldest established public spaces in Delaware. This site is centered on the Dover Green, which was laid out in 1717, back when Delaware was still a part of Pennsylvania.
Google Maps/First State Heritage Park
You’ll definitely want to visit this outdoor space in the spring. The City of Dover plants 40,000 tulips over the winter, and each spring, Downtown Dover comes alive with the most breathtaking, colorful blooms.
57RRoberts/TripAdvisor
John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” was one of America’s founding fathers who wrote of “freedom and liberty for all” - while being a slave owner himself. The plantation is a testament to the paradoxical story of America. Today, the John Dickinson Plantation has been converted to a museum where visitors can tour the grounds and interact with staff dressed in period costume.
Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges/Facebook
The 16,000-acre refuge provides excellent views of myriad habitats, as well as opportunities to view birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects in their natural setting. There are several walking trails and observation areas.
Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Each season brings different birds to the refuge looking for feeding, resting, or nesting areas. Bombay Hook is known nationally as an excellent bird watching refuge along the Atlantic Coast.
Marilyn Cox/AllTrails
The centerpiece of Killens Pond State Park is the eponymous 66-acre millpond, which was established in the late 1700s.
kerber926 via Visit Delaware/TripAdvisor
The woods provides solace and comfort for those looking to wander in peace and quiet.
Killens Pond State Park/Facebook
If you’ve never been camping before, “glamping” offers a less rugged, more comfortable experience! And the cabins at Killens Pond are both charming and rustic.
Henryk Sadura via Getty Images
Make it a day trip or weekend getaway; there’s lots of natural beauty to behold in this oft-overlooked state.
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Address: Kent County, DE, USA
