Dover Explore Local With RVshare

Delaware’s state capital is a small city with a population of less than 40,000 — but a big personality. Here are some of our favorite things to see, do, and explore in Dover, Delaware!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

One of the best things about living in a state as small and scenic as Delaware? You can get to just about all the beautiful wildernesses this place has to offer in an easy day-trip drive! Here are just a few of the best state and national parks to add to your to-do list in and around Dover.

Blackbird State Forest

The northernmost state forest in Delaware and home to more than 40 miles of trails perfect for everything from hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, Blackbird State Forest is one of the most popular outdoorsy getaways for folks from throughout the northeast. The park also contains a 2,200-foot paved nature trail that makes getting outside accessible for those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers, and it also offers a few primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Preserving one of the largest remaining tidal salt marshes on the eastern seaboard, the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge serves as a home base for a wide array of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Species of concern that find rest and shelter here include American black ducks, salt marsh sparrows, and sharp-tailed sparrows.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Serving in some way or another as a public land in America since all the way back in 1682, present-day Cape Henlopen State Park has a long history of bringing comfort and joy to visitors. Covering more than 5,100 acres of beautiful Delaware countryside and beachfront, this park is sought out for ocean swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking and biking, and has also installed equipment that allows those in wheelchairs or pushing strollers to access the beach from the boardwalk. 

Delaware Seashore State Park

The aptly-named Delaware Seashore State Park doesn’t just include stunning Atlantic Ocean views — though you can count on those, too. Rather, this 2,800+ acre park also offers sweeping vistas of the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays, which is to say, if you’re craving a beach day, you’ve come to the right place. Along with its undeniable natural beauty, this park is also a historically rich location: it’s home to the Indian River Life-Saving Station, which was part of the life-saving mission to aid shipwrecked sailors back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, there is plenty of year-round programming to introduce you to this one-of-a-kind living museum.

Killens Pond State Park

Since its original opening back in 1965, Killens Pond State Park has served as a community gathering place for more than half a century, offering miles of hiking and biking trails as well as a disc golf course, fun and informative Nature Centure, and a 66-acre pond that means boating and fishing are available activities here, too. Its on-site campground is open year-round, and offers water and electric hookups for RV campers as well as primitive tent-camping sites. 

Redden State Forest

Historically a hunting retreat for big-wig railroad executives, today, Redden State Forest is known for its diverse network of trails, with more than 40 miles of scenic forested tracts to meander. Along with hiking, biking, horseback riding and bird watching, this area is still favored by deer hunters, and the small onsite pond is open to catch-and-release fishing. Be sure to check out the historical lodge and carriage house, which today offer information and lodging. 

Trap Pond State Park

Encompassing more than 3,600 acres, Trap Pond State Park is a lot bigger than its name might imply! Its namesake body of water is large enough for a wide variety of activities, such as paddling, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, just to name a few. There’s plenty to get into landside, too — hiking and biking are great options, the park also offers a volleyball court and horseshoe ring. Its onsite campground fills up quickly, but there are plenty of other campgrounds to choose from in the area.

You don’t have to travel west of the Mississippi to find great hiking opportunities. In fact, there are plenty very close to Dover itself! Here are some of the best places near Dover to get your boots on the ground, whether you’re after a short jaunt or a longer trek.

Hunn Nature Trail

At just a mile and a half in length and seeing negligible elevation gain, Hunn Nature Trail is beloved by locals thanks to both its easiness and its proximity to town. A great option for beginning hikers as well as hikers heading out with their kids or friendly, leashed dogs in tow, this trail features elevated wooden boardwalks, riverside views, and plenty of local flora. 

Killens Pond Loop Trail

If you’re heading out to Killens Pond State Park, the Killens Pond Loop Trail is one of the best ways to get familiar with the wilderness all at once. Running two and a half miles and seeing only about 80 feet in elevation gain, this hike falls into the easy-to-moderate category and is accessible to adventurers of many fitness levels. Plus, it offers a great mix of forest cover and waterside views.

Tybout Tract Red Loop Trail

At four miles in length and 100 feet in elevation gain, the Tybout Tract Red Loop is another area trail that fits well into the easy-to-moderately challenging category, and is one of the most charming hikes to tackle in the Blackbird State Forest. Along with its tree-lined path and calming atmosphere, this trail is also known amongst local birdwatchers for its wildlife-spotting potential, and since it’s located deep in the woods, it’s generally pretty empty — a great spot if you’re looking to get away from everything and everyone.

Gordons Pond Trail

A trail of just over five miles tucked into Cape Henlopen State Park, the Gordons Pond Trail is longer than anything else on this list, but still in the easy-to-moderate category thanks to its relative flatness. In fact, parts of this pathway are both wheelchair and stroller friendly, making the area’s lush greenery and sweeping waterside views accessible to a wider range of explorers. 

Walking Dunes Trail

Measuring a little more than two and a half miles and seeing about 60 feet in elevation gain, Cape Henlopen State Park’s Walking Dunes Trail is a popular choice for getting more familiar with the area. The trail ranges from flat pavement to gravel and natural terrain, so some parts of it are more wheelchair- and stroller-accessible than others. Along the way, you’ll experience marshlands, pine forests, beachfront, and wonderful fresh air! 

Working up an appetite while exploring Dover? There are plenty of delicious things to eat in town! Here are some of the best restaurants in the Dover area, no matter what you’re hankering for.

Roma Italian Ristorante

An Italian eatery with a casual atmosphere, Roma Italian Ristorante is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Dover, Tuscan or otherwise. Serving up classic favorites like chicken parmigiana and stuffed shells as well as more inventive fare like vegetarian risotto and ahi tuna, pretty much everything on the menu is a slam dunk.  

SEED Eatery 

Technically located a bit north of Dover in the neighboring town of Rehoboth Beach, SEED Eatery is one of the best spots for vegetarian and vegan eats — whether you generally follow a plant-based diet or are simply trying something new for a change. Offering healthy bites in a fast-casual atmosphere, you can rest assured this kitchen is free from gluten, sugar, eggs, and dairy… but the dishes are still as yummy as they come!

Chaiyo Sushi & Thai

Looking for the best Asian restaurant in Dover? You can find it all at Chaiyo Sushi & Thai, an Asian fusion restaurant that offers all your favorite dishes and rolls as well as some new craveable classics. Enjoy freshly-prepared fare in a beautiful and simple dining room area, or enjoy your meal as takeout or delivery. Either way, you’ll certainly come back again and again.

La Hacienda 

A small chain of Mexican restaurants local to Delaware, La Hacienda is known for serving up some of the best spicy and satisfying south-of-the-border eats in all of Dover, and does so with a smile. Choose from crowd-pleasers like quesadillas and huevos rancheros or mix it up with some ceviche or taco salad. Don’t forget to add some corn cakes on the side. Thank us later!

Flavor of India

Serving authentic and freshly-made Indian cuisine in the heart of Dover, Flavor of India is the local go-to for all things eastern. Whether you’re craving Tandoori dishes, butter chicken, samosas, or something else entirely, choose from a la carte options or its sumptuous, all-you-can-eat buffet. You certainly won’t leave hungry! 

Getting familiar with the great outdoors and enjoying the fine dining in town are just the very start of the cool things to see, do, and experience in Dover. Here are some of our top picks for the weekend and beyond. 

For Kids and Families

There are plenty of fun opportunities for all ages! Consider these family-friendly hits. 

Delaware Agricultural Museum

Farming is what made our country into what it is today, and to this very day farms sustain our most basic everyday needs. The Delaware Agricultural Museum explores the history of this vital practice, displaying a wide range of artifacts such as old farming tools and tractors, as well as a replica 1890s village complete with a barn, a windmill, and other typical structures. Exhibits and events specifically designed for kids get the whole family in on the fun!  

At Night

It may be easy to decide what to do during the blazing Delaware daytime, but what about after night falls? Here are our favorite after-hours options in Dover.

Painted Stave Distilling

Going out for a drink isn’t exactly a novel after-hours idea… but when you head to Painted Stave Distilling, you’re not just imbibing, but participating in local history. One of the first distilleries producing its very own handcrafted spirits in the neighboring town of Smyrna, Delaware, this spot offers a beautiful tasting room in which to get a sense of the local flavors.

Cheap and Free Things to Do in Dover

You can get familiar with Dover while keeping your wallet nice and fat. In fact, in many cases, you won’t have to pay a single dime! Here are some of the best free and affordable things to do in town. 

Johnson Victrola Museum

A museum you might not have heard of — ironically enough — is the Johnson Victrola Museum, whose namesake is responsible for some of the earliest audio recordings in human history. Along with founding the Victor Talking Machine Co, Johnson Victrola was a pioneer in the sound-recording industry and helped develop many of the technologies we know and love today. 

The Old State House

Built back in the late 1700s, the Old State House is the historic capitol building of Delaware, and was an important site during many significant moments in U.S. history. Today, the building and its contents are open and accessible to public visitors, and best of all, admission is 100% free of charge. 

First State Heritage Park

A “park without boundaries” linking the many historically and culturally relevant sites in Dover, exploring First State Heritage Park is a unique way to get more familiar with the town both as it is and as it was. Along with giving visitors the option to guide themselves along the way, guided walking tours are also available, and many events, such as market fairs, are scheduled in park locations throughout the year. Prices vary based on what you’re doing, specifically, but most activities are very affordable.

Delaware Public Archives

The largest public archive of its kind in the country, the Dover Public Archives give visitors free access to more than 95,000 square feet of genealogy, government, and historical records. The archives date back to 1905, so we mean it when we say you can easily spend a rainy afternoon — or several — without getting bored. There’s so much to see, read, and discover! 

Spas in Dover

Need some “me time”? Here are the best day spas and salons in Dover to help you take care of yourself from head to toe.

Body, Mind and Soul Massage and Day Spa

The name says it all! At Body, Mind and Soul Massage and Day Spa in Dover, practitioners are dedicated to ensuring your health and resilience in all parts of your being. Along with massage in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, this spot also offers both bodily and facial skin care and even guided meditations to help you get in the right frame of mind — which is just as important as the body, after l.

The Upper Cut

Dover’s local Aveda salon, The Upper Cut offers haircuts (of course), as well as color, styling, nail care, body treatments, and more, all using only the finest naturally-derived ingredients. This spot has been a community anchor for more than 30 years, so if you’re in need of a new ‘do, you know what to do!

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

Staying in shape will help you stay grounded and calm, not to mention the physical benefits. Here are the best places in Dover for a quick (or not so quick) sweat session.

Dover Gym

A homegrown fitness center offering a comprehensive range of equipment for both cardio and strength training exercises, Dover Gym has been the local gym-rat’s go to for years. Along with making it easy to use the DIY approach to fitness, this spot also offers boxing classes and bootcamps for those who need a little bit of external motivation and community.

Shakti Yoga

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing vinyasa flow, an energizing buti yoga practice, or a more relaxed and restorative yin moment, Shakti Yoga offers a class suited to your needs. Plus, this inviting space is inhabited by professional and empathetic teachers who’ve been on both sides of the mat and know how to help you find your personal strength and center. 

As awesome as Dover itself is, there are a great many day trippable locations that are worth adding to your itinerary! Here are some of our top contenders.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eat a cheesesteak, say “hello” to the Liberty Bell, and simply luxuriate in the one-of-a-kind energy that this powerhouse northeastern town has to offer. It’s all located less than an hour and a half from Philadelphia — or Philly, should we say? 

Baltimore, Maryland

Also known — for good reason, as you’ll come to realize if you visit — as Charm City, Baltimore is a sometimes-overlooked gem of a city with an incredible diversity of historical and cultural attractions, as well as some excellent restaurants. You’ll also want to visit the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which  was the inspiration for none other than our very own national anthem, Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Dover that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Dover? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.