Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Seaford, Delaware

Seaford is situated in Sussex County, Delaware, in the southwestern region of the state, adjacent to its border with Maryland.

The surrounding area is predominantly flat and rural, characterized by agricultural land; however, commercial fishing also plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly within the region’s tidal rivers and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Travelers to Seaford can easily access remarkable beaches in both Maryland and Delaware. In addition, the region is rich with historic sites and offers various outdoor recreational activities including golf, fishing, and cycling.

The following are 15 noteworthy activities to consider while visiting Seaford and its vicinity.

1. Seaford Museum

The Seaford Museum has been operational for nearly twenty years, housing one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts representing the area’s cultural, historical, and economic heritage.

The exhibits encompass the Native American inhabitants who settled in the area long before it was officially colonized, along with representations of the canning, shipbuilding industries, agriculture, and railroads.

Additionally, the museum features displays highlighting the contributions of African Americans and women throughout history. Most guests report that their visit was both informative and engaging. Allocate approximately one hour for your visit before proceeding to other attractions.

2. Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival

The Eastern Shore African American Festival (AFRAM) is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of August, a period when the weather in The First State is typically ideal for outdoor events.

Renowned for its diverse range of activities, the festival stands out on its own. Past participants have characterized it as a distinctive blend of a state fair, family reunion, and business networking opportunity.

The AFRAM Festival is especially noted for its remarkable cuisine, arts and crafts, and live performances featuring gospel, blues, jazz, and reggae.

If you intend to enjoy the music while relaxing on the lawn, it is advisable to bring a blanket or lawn chair due to limited seating availability.

3. Davellis Bagel Café

While many travelers often favor well-known national chain restaurants, a growing number choose to patronize local establishments such as Davellis Bagel Café in Seaford.

Davellis operates daily, excluding Sundays, from 6:30 AM until mid-afternoon. It is celebrated for its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and homestyle meals that are affordably priced.

Almost everything served at Davellis is prepared fresh daily on-site; their soups, sandwiches, and salads remain among the most favored menu items.

A common criticism from visitors is that they do not offer dinner service. If your itinerary allows, consider stopping by for breakfast prior to your excursions, or enjoy a late lunch following a busy day.

4. Nanticoke Riverfest

The Nanticoke River stretches from central Delaware and flows into the Chesapeake Bay in neighboring Maryland.

In many respects, it represents the core of the region, serving as both a recreational area and a critical resource for the local community.

The Nanticoke Riverfest takes place in July and has become a highly anticipated annual event for nearly two decades.

This family-friendly gathering features races, games, arts and crafts, an array of delectable food and beverages, and live entertainment throughout the day.

For families with children, the event includes a youth-exclusive fishing tournament, guided treasure hunts, and a spectacular boat parade.

5. Ross Mansion and Plantation

The Ross Mansion and Plantation was historically the residence of the state’s Governor and encompasses over a dozen acres of land that date back to the Civil War era, a period when many local farms employed slave labor.

The plantation home showcases impressive architecture and features several outbuildings, including slave quarters and workshops, each with its own unique and profound history.

Both the house and grounds offer exhibits and memorabilia that provide visitors with rare insights into the lives of those who inhabited and worked on the plantation, as well as the pivotal events that shaped some of the nation’s most significant years.

6. Bethany Beach Jazz Festival

Bethany Beach is located a short drive east of Seaford, making it an ideal day trip for many visitors.

The Bethany Beach Jazz Festival, taking place in September, is a complimentary event that welcomes families.

This festival showcases local musicians performing both traditional and contemporary jazz. The performances are hosted at the bandstand on the boardwalk, providing an opportunity for guests to enjoy a few hours of music, food, and drinks combined with beach leisure.

Typically, the crowds of summer have departed by September, alleviating concerns regarding parking and accommodation.

7. Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park ranks among Delaware’s most frequented coastal destinations. Notably, it remains a natural and undeveloped area, enriched with historical significance.

The park spans over 7,000 acres, primarily bordering the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Popular activities at the park include swimming, sunbathing, and cycling; additionally, several campgrounds are operational year-round.

History enthusiasts value the park’s numerous concrete towers, which served as lookout points for enemy submarines during World War II, while fall fishing from the 24-hour fishing pier can be particularly fruitful.

8. Delaware Wine and Ale Trail

Despite being a small state, Delaware boasts a surprisingly high number of microbreweries. Furthermore, the wine and distilled spirit industries have undergone revitalization in recent years.

The Delaware Wine and Ale Trail is the colloquial name often attributed to the route traversing the state’s adult beverage producers. While many enthusiasts prefer to explore this trail independently, several professionally guided tours are also available. These tours typically include historical narratives and stops for dining and sightseeing.

As of the latest count, more than a dozen locations are featured along the trail.

9. Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tours

Notably due to its rural landscape and unspoiled coastlines that inspire creativity, Delaware has long enjoyed a thriving local art community.

The Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tours is another annual event that draws visitors from the local area as well as from neighboring Mid-Atlantic states such as Maryland and New Jersey.

This event occurs over two days at the end of November and has been a successful tradition for over twenty years.

Numerous local artists, galleries, and studios participate by opening their doors to art enthusiasts, with the number of participants steadily increasing each year.

10. Historic Lewes Farmers Market

The relatively small town of Lewes hosts an impressive number of farmers’ markets, organized by a non-profit entity focused on connecting local farmers with consumers from the region.

Two of the town’s three markets operate during the summer months—one at George H.P. Smith Park and the other at Crooked Hammock Brewery.

The market at the park is open Saturdays from 8 AM to noon from early May to late September, while the brewery market operates Wednesdays from 8 AM to noon from early June to late August.

A fall market is also available, open from early October until late November.

11. Rehoboth Boardwalk

For numerous beachgoers, boardwalks offer an ideal setting to unwind after a full day under the sun.

These promenades often evoke nostalgia for a bygone era, characterized by ski-ball and cotton candy before the advent of modern technology.

The Rehoboth Boardwalk is one of the most iconic attractions in the town. Although it features its share of lively activities and excitement, it is notably more tranquil than some other boardwalks at nearby resorts like Ocean City, Maryland.

The boardwalk is replete with games, rides, mini-golf, arcades, souvenir shops, and a plethora of delectable dining options.

12. Trap Pond State Park

Covering nearly 4,000 acres, Trap Pond State Park ranks among the largest parks in Delaware, located just outside Laurel, close to Seaford.

This park is recognized as the northernmost bald cypress forest in the United States; thus, for many visitors, it provides a unique experience reminiscent of the deep South without the lengthy journey.

Park-goers can engage in numerous activities including hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing, and volleyball.

Birdwatching is also a favored pastime, particularly in the swampy areas among the cypress trees.

13. Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park is positioned in Rehoboth, where the Atlantic Ocean converges with Delaware Bay.

The park encompasses approximately 3,000 acres and is surrounded by vast waters, making it a particularly favored spot for those seeking to evade the often crowded commercial beaches.

Two stone jetties extend into the water and are excellent for fishing. In designated areas of the park, visitors may drive their vehicles onto the beach for surfing, swimming, and fishing.

Additionally, the park hosts various annual events, and amenities such as chairs, umbrellas, and rafts are available for rental on-site.

14. Tanger Outlets

Anyone familiar with southern Delaware can attest to the fact that Tanger Outlets seem to proliferate, especially in Rehoboth Beach, where they appear at almost every intersection.

The outlet malls feature prominent national brands such as Izod, Eddie Bauer, and Gap. Due to the absence of retail sales tax in the state, these outlets provide an excellent opportunity to purchase items at reduced prices.

The offerings encompass a variety of products, including clothing, footwear, books, toys, sporting goods, and electronics. Additionally, the outlets provide numerous dining options.

Complimentary shuttle services are also available, so it is wise to consult online for specific information.

15. Rehoboth Beach Museum

Situated on Rehoboth Avenue, the Rehoboth Beach Museum was established in the mid-1970s with the purpose of promoting and preserving the area’s rich history, much of which traces back over two hundred years to the Revolutionary War and the founding of the nation.

The museum features impressive collections of historical artifacts including clothing, tools, weapons, and documents, spread across two distinct buildings.

Admission is complimentary, although donations are appreciated and welcome. The majority of visitors concur that, despite its modest size, the museum ultimately became one of the highlights of their experience in southern Delaware.