Seven Delaware towns and cities have been featured in a report by WorldAtlas as ranking among the favorites for visitors. You can probably guess where most of the places are, with the draw of Delaware’s coast, but some might surprise you.
WorldAtlas is “one of the largest publishing resources in geography and other topics,” including sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel, serving over 165 million readers around the world, according to its website.
The company serves both educators and students, and “those who are simply curious about the world they live in.”
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WorldAtlas cited a Delaware Tourism Office study released in March, reporting that a record-breaking 29.3 million people visited the state in 2023, more than the entire population of Australia. The 2023 numbers were the latest available because “the process of gathering Delaware’s tourism statistics requires time and several data sources, including public and private,” according to the Tourism Office.
“Given how small Delaware is, these figures are remarkable,” WorldAtlas said.
So the company looked at where all those visitors were traveling and then highlighted seven places in a report, "These 7 towns in Delaware were ranked as US favorites in 2025," although some prefer to be called cities.
These places “have ranked time and time again as some of the state’s most beloved gems, offering miles of beaches, 18th-century historic landmarks and award-winning restaurants that bring forth the best side of the First State,” WorldAtlas said.
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What are the seven places WorldAtlas featured? We’ll start in the southern part of the state at the beaches and then head north.
People enjoy a summer day along Fenwick Island Beach on Aug. 16, 2025.
WorldAtlas listed Fenwick Island State Park, Viking Golf Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Water Park and a variety of seafood restaurants among the attractions for visitors in Fenwick Island.
“After a day on the beach or at the theme park, head to the Fenwick Crab House for dinner, which is famous for serving ‘The Perfect Crab Cake,’” WorldAtlas said.
Bethany Beach was noted as a “small, yet lively coastal community that makes the most of its seaside location” in the WorldAtlas report.
Mourners gather to bid farewell to the summer of 2025 at the annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, held on the boardwalk in Bethany Beach on Labor Day, Sept. 1. This year's event was especially significant as it marked the 40th anniversary of the tradition.
Recommended places to visit in the report included the boardwalk with its restaurants and shops, the Bethany Surf Shop and the Beach Life Gallery which “showcases works celebrating the beach and sea.”
WorldAtlas said Rehoboth Beach is “arguably one of the top destinations for outdoor recreation in Delaware,” with beaches, including those at nearby state parks, along with trails for walking, jogging and bicycling.
People enjoy the Labor Day holiday along the beach and boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach on September 1, 2025.
In addition to food and fun on the boardwalk, there's a wide a variety of shops and top-rated restaurants throughout town.
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“For a meal with a view, head to Above The Dunes,” WorldAtlas recommended.
More Rehoboth news: Italian sandwich shop to get new name, partners and refreshed look
“Established in 1631, Lewes is Delaware’s oldest settlement, full of history, and is on the coast,” WorldAtlas said, recommending a tour of the historic buildings. Museums in town include the Lewes History Museum & Archives, the Cannonball House Maritime Museum, the U.S. Life-Saving Service Boat House and the Zwaanendael Museum.
A Cape May-Lewes Ferry is set for another run as people take advantage of Savannah Beach in Lewes on Sept. 2, 2023, during the unofficial end to summer, Labor Day weekend.
“If you prefer to focus your trip on water recreation, check out Fisherman’s Wharf, a local outfitter offering dolphin tours, seal and whale watching, fishing charters and sunset cruises,” WorldAtlas said. “Visitors can unwind at the end of the day by checking into the Inn at Canal Square, a Nantucket-style inn on the canalfront.”
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The town is also where visitors can board the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a scenic trip to New Jersey.
In Smyrna, WorldAtlas highlighted Lake Como, “one of the only public swimming lakes in the state” and for for fishing and boating. Helen’s Sausage House just north of town was recommended for its famous sausage sandwiches.
Smyrna Opera House underwent a $3.6 million, five-year restoration.
“The town also has an exciting performing arts scene,” WorldAtlas said, with concerts and art exhibits at the Smyrna Opera House, built in 1870 and renovated after a fire.
Another nearby draw for tourists is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite spot for bird watching.
“Founded in 1651, New Castle has over 600 historic structures, making it a paradise for history lovers,” WorldAtlas said.
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Visitors can see sites like the 1776 New Castle Court House, part of the First State National Historical Park, and The Read House and Gardens.
Blaise Glowiak, site interpreter is featured, portraying Captain Enoch Anderson of the 1st Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army, on the second floor of the New Castle Court House Museum, Friday, March 1, 2024. The museum was declared a National Landmark in 1972 and is part of the First State National Historical Park.
On the Delaware River, New Castle is on the southern end of the Jack Markell Trail which connects with the Wilmington Riverfront. Events and festivals are held at Battery Park, and a farmers market operates on Saturdays from May to October.
WorldAtlas recommends travelers “conclude their day with a beer at Jessop’s Tavern, a colonial tavern and restaurant.”
More ideas for recreation in Delaware: Looking for places to bicycle? Here are 12 treks to check out
“With the energetic University of Delaware at its heart, 33 parks and 17 miles of trails, Newark has plenty to do,” WorldAtlas said.
The University of Delaware Marching Band brass members parade through the stands to play in the second half of the Blue Hen football team's 35-9 win against Delaware State University at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Sept. 10, 2022.
The report highlights White Clay Creek State Park on the edge of town as a place for fishing, disc golf, hiking and birding.
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“The town also boasts award-winning restaurants, including Home Grown Café,” WorldAtlas said.
At the university, visitors can experience sporting events, concerts, plays and musicals.
More about the record-breaking Delaware tourism numbers
The Delaware Office of Tourism said the 29.3 million visitors in 2023 was a 2.4% increase above 2022, according to reports from Rockport Analytics and Longwoods International.
Visitor spending in Delaware topped $7 billion in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022. Tourism contributed $4.7 billion, more than 5%, to the state's gross domestic product in 2023.
The tourism industry generated $724 million in tax revenue. Without it, each Delaware household would pay an additional $1,826 in state and local taxes, the Tourism Office said.
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“These numbers are important to our office and speak volumes about the significant contribution the tourism industry makes to our state’s economy and overall quality of life,” said Jessica Welch, director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “It comes as no surprise that our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses continue to provide a memorable and unique experience for our visitors.”
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: WorldAtlas names top 7 Delaware towns for visitors
[SRC] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/worldatlas-names-7-popular-delaware-093355961.html
