What to Do as a Nature Lover in Delaware
The ocean scenery, vast forests and countless species of wildlife make Delaware a popular destination among nature lovers. With an endless selection of things to do in Rehoboth Beach and other popular areas in Delaware, take some time to find activities that enhance your passion for natural beauty.
Nature lovers in Delaware can enjoy hiking, visiting state parks, fishing and hunting and getting to know the beautiful coast. As you plan your next visit, consider the following activities to add to your to-do list.
Hiking the Delaware Coast
Delaware has a gorgeous coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views leave tourists and locals in awe when they take in the breathtaking nature of the water and the trails in the area. You can observe these wonders by hiking in Delaware along popular tracks.
The best hiking trails along the coast include:
Gordon's Pond Trail: This trail is perfect for beginners or leisure hikers with its flat terrain and 5.2-mile distance. Gordon's Pond Trail stretches between Lewes and Rehoboth so that you can surround yourself with water with each step.
Georgetown-Lewes Trail: A beautiful 8-mile trail with a continuous expansion by the state of Delaware. The flat terrain is perfect for cyclists and beginner hikers and will one day reach over 17 miles.
Seaside Natural Trail: For those who love learning about wildlife and walking along the beach, the Seaside Natural Trail is a perfect hiking destination. Although shorter in distance than the two previous trails, with 0.8 miles from start to finish, this trail is a continuation of Gordan's Pond Trail and ends at the Seaside Nature Center. During this hike, you can enjoy views of the ocean and surrounding wildlife.
See the Local Wildlife
Animal lovers have unique opportunities to explore local wildlife while visiting Delaware. With numerous habitats for animals of all species to reside, such as forests, swamps, tidal zones, the salt marsh and the Chesapeake Bay, there is always the possibility of crossing paths with another creature.
On Land
Delaware wildlife lives in land habitats for locals and tourists to view daily. There are 19 wildlife areas in Rehoboth. You can enjoy hunting, fishing or observing animals in their natural habitats per each area's regulations.
Bird watching is a popular activity for all visitors. In the small forests scattered around the state, you can find eagles, herons and egrets who build their nests in this wet habitat.
On your visit to Delaware, you might encounter common mammals, including deer, coyotes, otters, foxes and the occasional black bear. During your stay, see if you can spot the state bird, the blue hen chicken or the state wildlife animal, the gray fox.
In the Ocean
Delaware is home to marshes, swamps, wetlands, the bay and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If you enjoy fishing or boating, you will likely encounter a variety of marine life. During your time on the water, you will most likely come across mussels, bass, tuna, perch and turtles.
In the wetlands, you can find Striped Bass, herring, eels and American Shads. Along the beach, you can find different species of crabs and the Diamondback Terrapin that occupy the sandy terrain. As you walk along the coast, try to spot the state marine animal, the horseshoe crab.
See the State Parks
Delaware has 17 gorgeous state parks for all visitors to enjoy. You can take in the natural scenery in all areas of the state.
State Parks in Northern and Central Delaware
In Northern Delaware, you can visit the following state parks:
Alapocas Run: Hike, bike, climb and play with the hills and forests surrounding Alapocas Run State Park.
Auburn Valley: Visiting museums and riding in a steam-powered car are only a few fun activities to do in Auburn Valley. You can also hike the 1.1-mile Farm Trail and fish along the creeks.
Brandywine Creek: The hiking trails and natural creeks are perfect for fishing, photography and exercise.
Bellevue: This state park holds many one-of-a-kind concerts during the summer. You can enjoy the hiking and running trails in the woods all year round.
Fort Delaware: Learn the rich history of Delaware's role in the Civil War with experienced reenactors.
Fort DuPont: Surrounded by the Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, this state park is perfect for those bringing their boats for a relaxing day of fishing on the water.
Fox Point: This park is excellent for families of young children who can enjoy the nearby playgrounds while parents view bald eagles and shipping vessels passing by on the Delaware River.
Lums Pond: There is never a dull moment at Lums Pond with hiking trails, zip lines, kayaking and a wildlife center.
White Clay Creek: With beautiful colors of nature year-round from the creeks and forestry, this state park is perfect for photographers and explorers.
Wilmington State Parks: Visit beautiful stone structures at this state park, including the Rockford Tower, African-American Medal of Honor Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Winged Victory Monument and the Sugar Bowl.
Central Delaware is home to two state parks — First State Heritage Park and Killens Pond. Indulge in the rich history of the country's first established state in First State Heritage Park through walking tours and reenactments. Ponds, hiking trails, a nature center and a waterpark are only a few fun things to do at Killens Pond. Fish for bass or sunfish as you take in the natural beauty of this state park.
State Parks in Southern Delaware
Southern Delaware has five state parks near Rehoboth, including:
Cape Henlopen: This state park offers numerous fun activities for visitors of all ages. Biking trails and scenic overlooks of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean make this destination perfect for nature lovers. Kids can enjoy the touch tanks at the Nature Center to explore the area's wildlife.
Delaware Seashore: Forests, salt marshes and the ocean make their home along the Delaware Seashore State Park. You can spend the day fishing, hiking and kayaking while getting a gorgeous view of the water.
Fenwick Island: Avid beach lovers treasure their time on Fenwick Island. Visitors can explore 3 miles of shorelines and rent a kayak for the day.
Holts Landing: Animal lovers can view land and aquatic wildlife in this unique state park. You can go crabbing and bring along your boat for a relaxing day of fishing. You can also hike the Seahawk Trail to catch glimpses of herons, hawks and osprey.
Trap Pond: With beautiful water surrounding the park, you can spend time kayaking, paddle boarding and taking a ride on the pontoon boat. Visitors can also camp in this park to enjoy the sounds of nature during the early mornings and late nights.
Hunting and Fishing Opportunities
Hunting and fishing are favorite activities among tourists and locals alike. Finding safe and legal areas to hunt in is crucial when planning your trip.
Before going fishing, you must apply for and obtain your fishing license in Delaware. Having this license on hand will allow you to fish near Rehoboth Beach and catch game in the various parks around Delaware.
After obtaining your Delaware fishing license, you can travel to Killens Pond State Park in Felton, DE. This location is popular for its highest catch per angler hour rate. You can catch small- to medium-sized fish at this destination, including catfish, bluegills, largemouth bass, pickerel, carp and perch. For larger catches, you can find different species of tuna, sharks, marlins and flounder at the Indian River Marina in the Delaware Seashore State Park.
You will also need to obtain a hunting license for the state of Delaware. You can hunt deer at these state parks:
Auburn Valley
Brandywine Creek
Cape Henlopen
Delaware Seashore
Holt's Landing
Killens Pond
Lums Pond
Trap Pond
White Clay Creek
You can also hunt ducks at Delaware Seashore and Cape Henlopen State Park. Trap Pond State Park permits hunting small game such as squirrels, rabbits and quail.
Download the Full Coastal Delaware Guide
Whether planning to travel to Delaware for the first time or revisit, you can download the Full Coastal Delaware Guide to gain more insight into the fun activities across the state. Enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean, forestry and wildlife. You can also gain tips for finding hidden gem locations to make your experience as unique as possible.
Top off your exploration with a delicious meal and one-of-a-kind craft beer from Thompson Island Brewing. Conveniently located in Rehoboth Beach, you can get a taste of life on the coast with our locally inspired culinary options and rotating tap. Sit down for a beer with family and friends while you take in the scenery of Delaware.
For more information, contact our team today.