Delaware may be small, but it’s full of character. Between its quiet beaches, colonial towns, and tree-lined streets, the First State has a way of surprising visitors who slow down long enough to see it. You won’t find crowds or chaos here : just friendly locals, fresh seafood, and towns where the pace of life feels just right.

Visit Delaware with HomeExchange

From coastal hideaways to historic main streets, here are 10 small towns in Delaware that capture the state’s heart and coastal soul.

Town Region Best For What Makes It Special
Lewes Southern Delaware History & seaside charm Delaware's first town with maritime beauty
Rehoboth Beach Southern Delaware Family fun & food Boardwalk joy, boutiques, and beach sunsets
Milton Southern Delaware Nature lovers Rivers, trails, and local breweries
New Castle Northern Delaware History buffs Cobblestone streets and colonial homes
Bethany Beach Southern Delaware Peaceful escapes A quiet, family-friendly beach town
Odessa Northern Delaware Architecture fans 18th-century homes and old-world charm
Laurel Western Sussex County Outdoor adventures Rivers, parks, and small-town friendliness
Dewey Beach Southern Delaware Music & nightlife Live bands, surf vibes, and coastal sunsets
Smyrna Central Delaware Local culture Markets, art, and community warmth
Georgetown Southern Delaware Heritage & food Small-town pride and multicultural flavor

Lewes: Where History Meets the Sea

Known as “The First Town in the First State,” Lewes blends maritime history with breezy coastal living. Stroll along Second Street, where cafés, boutiques, and old brick homes line the sidewalks, or head to the Zwaanendael Museum for a peek into Delaware’s Dutch past.

The nearby Cape Henlopen State Park offers miles of beach, bike paths, and lighthouses. At sunset, the golden light over the dunes feels like something out of a painting : calm, timeless, and unmistakably Delaware.

Rehoboth Beach: Classic Boardwalk Magic

Rehoboth Beach is where generations of families have come to make summer memories. Its mile-long boardwalk buzzes with old-fashioned charm : think saltwater taffy, amusement rides, and the sound of waves mixing with laughter.

Off-season, the town slows down and shines in a new way. You can wander the boutique shops, enjoy local restaurants, or join the locals for one of the many food and film festivals that fill the calendar.

Milton: Rivers, Trails, and Craft Beer

Set along the Broadkill River, Milton is a peaceful town surrounded by nature. Kayakers drift past cypress trees, and the Milton Memorial Park becomes a gathering place for families and festivals.

It’s also home to Dogfish Head Brewery, one of Delaware’s most famous exports. Grab a local pint, take a tour, and explore the quiet charm that makes Milton such a hidden gem.

New Castle: Cobblestones and Colonial Charm

Step into New Castle and it feels like stepping back in time. This riverside town was founded in the 1600s, and much of it looks beautifully untouched. Walk its cobblestone streets, visit the Old Court House, or sit by the Delaware River and watch the world drift by.

Every September, Separation Day celebrates Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania, turning the quiet town into a lively festival filled with music, food, and fireworks.

Bethany Beach: Peaceful and Perfectly Relaxed

While nearby beaches can get busy, Bethany Beach keeps things calm. It’s known for its gentle waves, family-friendly atmosphere, and sense of community that feels like summer camp for all ages.

Grab an ice cream cone, rent a beach cruiser, or enjoy a sunrise walk along the shore. Bethany is proof that sometimes the quietest places leave the loudest impressions.

Odessa: History on Every Corner

Tucked along the Appoquinimink River, Odessa is one of Delaware’s best-preserved colonial towns. The Historic Odessa Foundation maintains several 18th-century homes, complete with gardens and period furnishings that bring the past vividly to life.

In December, Odessa turns magical during its Christmas Candlelight Tour, when the entire town glows with holiday warmth. It’s small, elegant, and steeped in stories.

Laurel: Rivers, Parks, and Pure Small-Town Spirit

Set along the Broad Creek, Laurel is the kind of place where everyone waves when you drive by. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, from Trap Pond State Park : famous for its bald cypress trees : to quiet riverfront trails perfect for walking or kayaking.

Downtown, you’ll find a few small shops, good food, and that easy friendliness that defines southern Delaware living.

Dewey Beach: Music, Energy, and Ocean Air

Dewey Beach may be small, but it’s packed with personality. Known for its lively music scene and laid-back beach culture, it’s where friends gather for long weekends filled with sunshine and sea breezes.

During the day, you’ll find paddleboarders on the bay; at night, the sound of live bands drifts from the bars and patios. Dewey’s motto says it all: “A way of life.”

Smyrna: Community and Creativity

Right in the heart of Delaware, Smyrna offers a little bit of everything : local art, historic buildings, and a growing food scene. Its Opera House hosts concerts and plays throughout the year, while nearby farms and markets keep the town’s agricultural roots alive.

It’s big enough to stay busy but small enough to know your neighbors, and that balance gives Smyrna a personality that’s both modern and heartfelt.

Georgetown: Heritage, Food, and Friendly Faces

Georgetown might be best known for its annual Return Day, a post-election festival where everyone : no matter their politics : comes together to “bury the hatchet.” It’s a beautiful symbol of Delaware’s community spirit.

The town’s historic circle, international restaurants, and year-round events make it feel welcoming and diverse. Georgetown reminds visitors that small towns can have big hearts.

Experience Delaware’s Heart With HomeExchange

Delaware’s charm isn’t found in resorts or skyscrapers : it’s in porches, markets, and sunsets shared with neighbors. With HomeExchange in Delaware, you can skip the hotels and stay in real homes, whether it’s a cozy cottage near Lewes, a family house in Milton, or a seaside retreat in Rehoboth.

You’ll wake up to the sound of seagulls, shop at local farmers markets, and live like a Delawarean for a few days : relaxed, connected, and surrounded by simple beauty.

Because in Delaware, the best memories don’t come from sightseeing. They come from belonging.

Discover how HomeExchange works

Delaware’s Small Towns at a Glance

Category Towns Why Go
Historic & Colonial New Castle, Odessa, Georgetown Cobblestones, heritage, and timeless stories
Coastal & Relaxed Lewes, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach Ocean air, calm beaches, and seaside charm
Artistic & Friendly Milton, Smyrna Creativity, breweries, and community feel
Adventurous & Outdoorsy Laurel, Dewey Beach Rivers, parks, and sunny fun