Delaware is a beautiful state, and the popular state parks are no exception. But sometimes you want to get away from the usual places and find a new oasis. We’ve explored quite a bit of the state, and decided to share these 14 lesser-known places with you. So pack your sunscreen and bug spray and go walk in the woods, among the wetlands, and through these stunning parks, beaches and wildlife areas.
1. Augustine Wildlife Area, Port Penn
The Augustine Wildlife Area just above Port Penn consists of over 3100 acres of preserved land. Visit the Thousand Acre Marsh or walk the Port Penn trail. Watch yourself during hunting season, though - wear hunter orange, or just go on a Sunday.
2. Rockford Park, Wilmington
Lay out in the grass around the beautiful stone Rockford Tower or meander through the tree-lined paths - you can't go wrong with an outing to Rockford Park.
3. Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area, Frankford
Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the beaches in the summer. It's always quiet and there are so many birds you can spot on a walk around the marshes.
4. Ted Harvey Wildlife Management Area, Dover
Ted Harvey WMA is mainly a hunting grounds, but if you show up between seasons or on a Sunday in-season, you'll be treated to some amazing birding and a whole lot of peace and quiet.
5. Fowler Beach
Fowler Beach is just east of Prime Hook, and because it's off of the beaten path, it's one of the quietest beaches in Delaware. Walk along the water on a nice summer day and enjoy the beauty that the Delaware bay has to offer.
6. Woodland Beach
Woodland Beach is another quiet seaside spot. Wander around and try to spot heron and other birds that are usually too spooked by the large crowds to gather at the busier beaches.
7. Alapocas Park, Wilmington
Enjoy the sound of a Brandywine Creek waterfall in Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington. While it's hard to imagine a nature sanctuary in the middle of the city, Alapocas pulls it off, and it's a beautiful spot to spend a day in nature.
8. Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington
When you think of Delaware State Parks, Cape Henlopen and White Clay Creek often come to mind first. Many people don't realize how absolutely stunning Brandywine Creek State Park truly is.
9. Silver Lake Park, Dover
Silver Lake is a natural oasis in Dover. There are a lot of amenities, like a boat ramp, plenty of fish, several grills and beautifully maintained walking paths. The views around the lake are stunning.
10. Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is an isolated beach where you can really enjoy the bay. Windsurfing is popular here - give it a try.
11. Fort Miles, Lewes
While not traditionally thought of as a very 'natural' place, Fort Miles is so peaceful and serene while you walk between artifacts of WWII that we had to include it. Take an afternoon to really explore and enjoy one of the most historic places in Delaware.
12. Monigle Park, Dewey Beach
Step away from the party scene in Dewey Beach to enjoy an afternoon at Monigle Park.
13. Prime Hook National Wildlife Preserve
Prime Hook is a National Wildlife refuge created for migratory birds in the 1960s. It's recognized as an internationally significant wetlands, too! Open year round, you can walk throughout the refuge or participate in educational lectures that they frequently put on.
14. Legislative Mall, Dover
Another unexpected, non-tradtional place to escape and let nature relax you is right in the heart of Dover. Have you ever taken the time to walk up and down the Legislative Mall, rest under the big beautiful trees, and just observe the happenings in the Capital city? If not, I highly recommend taking a few hours to get away from it all - right in the middle of all the action. There's something to be said about just watching the hustle and bustle from your own private patch of grass.
There are so many more local parks, too, that we haven’t even touched on! We’re so lucky that Delaware remains so natural and rural. Which of these places are you putting on your Day Trip list?
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