Known as Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington is the hub for the local dining scene, small businesses, and the state’s rich history. With a unique blend of old and new, the city thrives on its historic buildings like the Old Swedes Church, which was built in 1698, and its newer residential structures.
Take a stroll along Market Street, Union Street, and Trolley Square to experience the city’s exquisite foodie scene. Or, if art is more your thing, Wilmington has numerous local museums like the Delaware Art Museum, Nemours Estate, and the Hagley Museum. Each museum offers unique tours and guides of the various exhibits. Plus, catch a live theater performance, comedy show, or concert at The Grand Opera House and The Queen to see unique talents spanning multiple genres.  Â
For prospective day trips to Wilmington, there’s plenty to do right in town or a short drive away. Take a look at our guide, then plan your own ideal trip to Wilmington. Don’t forget to tag @DelawareTodayMagazine on Instagram if you visit any of these spots!  Â
8 a.m. — Start the day with breakfast and coffee at Scout Cafe
With great coffee, a variety of breakfast items, and a cozy atmosphere ideal for conversing over a morning meal, Scout Cafe is the perfect kick-off to your day in Wilmington. A popular breakfast item is The Scout sandwich, made with smoked bacon, eggs, Havarti cheese, sprouts, and a drizzle of house-made smoked pepper and coffee hot sauce. Or, enjoy a classic bacon, egg, and cheese; a variety of bagels and pastries from the local Hell’s Belles Bake Shop; toasts, and more. Pair your breakfast with espresso drinks, matcha, or tea as desired.Â
P.S. For more coffee shop options in Wilmington, check out our guide to Delaware coffee shops.
2316 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington | 524-4223
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9:30 a.m. — Take in the picturesque views of the Brandywine CreekÂ
Known for its meadowland and blue gneiss stone walls, the latter which were built in the late 1800s, Brandywine Creek State Park offers beautiful views, 14 miles of walking trails, and more. Located within northern Delaware’s Piedmont region, the park oversees four nature preserves, including Flint Woods, Carney Tract, Tulip Tree Woods, and Freshwater Marsh. There are numerous events that take place at Brandywine Creek State Park throughout the year. Â
41 Addams Dam Road, Wilmington
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11 a.m. — Join a class at the Delaware Art Museum and check out its new art exhibitsÂ
For $18 per person, Delawareans can experience incredible art exhibitions featuring pre-Raphaelites, contemporary artists, and more. The Delaware Art Museum even offers classes like ceramics, photography, and printmaking. During the warm months, you can also catch outdoor happy hours at the Delaware Art Museum on Thursdays.Â
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington | 232-3714Â Â
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12 p.m. — Dine at DE.CO Food Hall or The Chancery Market for a variety of lunch optionsÂ
Wilmington is home to two bustling food halls complete with full bars and a wide variety of lunch options. At DE.CO, find pizza by the slice, pasta, sushi, and tacos.
The Chancery Market is home to Rooted AF, one of Wilmington’s only all-vegan eateries, as well as authentic Indian street food, tacos, a Mediterranean deli, poke bowls, and more.
DE.CO | 111 West 10th Street, Wilmington
The Chancery Market | 1313 North Market Street, Wilmington
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1:30 p.m. — Explore the heart of Wilmington through its historic museums and estates
Visit the Nemours Estate with its 77 rooms, large formal French gardens, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and lawns. Previously owned by Alfred I. du Pont, the mansion is designed in the late 18th-century French style with a mix of modern touches. The gardens, however, are the real masterpiece, with a vista designed with French sculptures and lined with Japanese cryptomeria.
You can also stroll the 235-acre historic grounds of the Hagley Museum, founded by E.I. du Pont in 1832, with its early American exhibitions, restored mills, powder yard, and incredible home and gardens. Plus, guests can participate in one of the numerous tours and guides provided by the estate.
Winterthur is another great option, with 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. Along with the gardens, explore the museum housed inside the historic mansion of Henry Francis du Pont. Browse objects that share America’s diverse stories, from functional furniture produced by the Shakers to opulent masterworks of 18th-century craftsmanship. Rotating exhibits also share the lesser-known stories of people and events that shaped our region and nation.Â
Nemours Estate | 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington | 651-6912
Hagley Museum | 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington |Â 658-2400
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library | 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur | 888-4775
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4 p.m. — Sample the craft beverages of Wilmington’s diverse brew scene
After you’ve explored a sprawling du Pont estate, wind down with some unique sips. Choose a local brewery to try, or embark on your own craft beverage trail through Wilmington. Start in northern Wilmington at Wilmington Brew Works. The repeat Best of Delaware winner is beloved for both traditional beers and experimental small-batch brews, with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Next, head to the Riverfront to hit Iron Hill Brewery for a flight of beer and appetizers. Drive down Old Capitol Trail to visit Bellefonte Brewing Company, a cozy taproom with plenty of unique craft brews. On your way back into the city, stop by Liquid Alchemy Beverages for a flight of mead to complete your craft beverage exploration.
Wilmington Brew Works | 3129 Miller Road, Wilmington
Iron Hill Brewery | 620 Justison Street, Wilmington
Bellefonte Brewing Company | 3605 Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington
Liquid Alchemy Beverages | 28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
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7 p.m. — Sit down at Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar for a fresh seafood dinner Â
Enjoy an upscale seafood dinner with a side of riverfront views at Banks. Raw bar specialties include options like jumbo shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna tartare, a ceviche sampler, sashimi selections, and more. A variety of steamer pots also makes a great start to a delightful seafood dinner experience. Enjoy entree options like lobster and shellfish, surf and turf, pan-seared rockfish, and grilled branzino.Â
101 South Market Street, Wilmington | 777-1500
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8:30 p.m. — Finish your day out on the town with a craft cocktail from The Quoin’s Simmer Down Cocktail Lounge Â
Named one of the best bars in America by Esquire in 2024, this basement cocktail lounge is a must-visit in Wilmington. The Quoin is a boutique hotel housed in a historic bank, and Simmer Down is inside what used to be the money room. The brick-ceilinged room once stored luxurious furs, silks, and gold. Now it’s home to a swanky, speakeasy-style lounge serving up impressive craft cocktails in a luxurious atmosphere. A room-spanning hand-painted mural by the Rev. Michael Alan graces the walls. The 1,200-square-foot artwork boasts pop culture references, famous Delawareans, and local landmarks. The cocktails suit the atmosphere with thoughtful flavor combinations and impressive presentations.
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Want to discover more charming towns in Delaware? View the rest of our 24-hour day trip guides here.
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