Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Clayton, Delaware

Clayton is a quaint town in rural Delaware, spanning both Kent and New Castle Counties.

This town, with a population of approximately 4,000, is positioned between Middletown to the north and Dover to the south. It is conveniently located just off US Route 13, which is the largest north-south highway in the state.

Although the town itself is modest in size and the region predominantly agricultural, it offers a variety of attractions within a short distance.

Visitors can engage with numerous museums, historical sites, and state parks, in addition to gaming venues, auto racing, and picturesque beaches.

Listed below are 15 noteworthy activities to pursue in and around Clayton, which many travelers recommend.

1. Taste of New York

Although it has only been operational for a little over a year, Taste of New York in nearby Smyrna has quickly gained a dedicated customer base.

The establishment’s founder previously honed his craft in the restaurant industry in New York City before relocating to Delaware, resulting in a menu brimming with classic American cuisine.

Feedback from patrons highlights the restaurant’s authentic New York ambiance and diverse menu, which encompasses everything from Reuben sandwiches and steaks to oxtail soup and pasta.

Taste of New York is especially acclaimed for its Maryland-style crab cakes, which are prepared using fresh Delaware crabs during their seasonal availability.

2. Brick Works Brewing and Eats

Delaware is known for its significant number of locally owned and operated dining establishments. Beyond offering homestyle meals, many of these restaurants feature delicious locally produced beers.

Brick Works Brewing and Eats in Smyrna is a cherished choice that attracts both locals and vacationers seeking a laid-back dining experience. In addition to an inviting interior, there’s also a cozy outdoor seating area that becomes particularly popular during spring, summer, and early fall.

The brewery’s selections range from light and refreshing options to darker, maltier varieties, with menu items thoughtfully crafted to complement various beers.

3. Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

Agriculture has historically played a pivotal role in Delaware’s economy and continues to employ a substantial portion of the state’s workforce.

The Delaware Agricultural Museum, situated on North DuPont Highway in Dover, houses thousands of artifacts related to farming, many of which are over a century old.

The outdoor segment of the museum features historic structures like a schoolhouse and barns, alongside an exhibition of vintage tractors and farming tools.

The museum’s operational hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and admission is very affordable.

4. John Dickinson House

While perhaps not as commemorated as other historical figures such as George Washington and John Hancock, John Dickinson was instrumental in the nation’s founding.

The John Dickinson House, located on Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, served as the residence for one of the Constitution’s framers over two centuries ago.

Historically, Dickinson’s plantation primarily relied on slave labor, prompting visitors to reflect on the stark historical juxtaposition of a wealthy individual advocating for liberation from colonial oppression while simultaneously enslaving others.

5. Cape Henlopen State Park

Southern Delaware is frequently associated with its family-friendly beach resort towns and expansive natural areas. For many tourists, these locales represent primary destinations during their stay.

Cape Henlopen State Park, situated in Lewes at the juncture of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, provides visitors with various recreational opportunities, often keeping them engaged for several days.

Popular activities within the park include swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Moreover, the park features a disc golf course, basketball courts, and multi-use trails that navigate through diverse environments.

6. Delmarva Peninsula

Named for its composition of land from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula is characterized by being one of the least developed coastal areas in the mid-Atlantic.

The region predominantly features flat farmland, interspersed with charming historic towns, state parks, and expansive stretches of unspoiled beaches, appealing to those who prefer to evade the crowded commercial resorts.

Seafood restaurants are plentiful, and new microbreweries are emerging even in rural townships. Many visitors opt to explore the area over a one- or two-day journey before proceeding to other destinations.

7. Jungle Jim’s

Families visiting with young children may find themselves tiring of continuous beach days. In such instances, a visit to Jungle Jim’s, located on Country Club Road in Rehoboth, offers an enjoyable alternative for a few hours.

Jungle Jim’s stands as the largest water park in the area, featuring attractions such as waterslides, bumper boats, fountains, wave pools, and a lazy river ideal for tubing.

For those not inclined towards water activities, additional amenities include multiple mini-golf courses, a video arcade, and batting cages. The park operates seasonally from late spring through early fall.

8. Fenwick Island State Park

Despite its relatively small size, Delaware boasts an impressive array of state parks.

Fenwick Island State Park, adjacent to Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the state’s most frequented locations for surfing enthusiasts.

The park is noted for its substantial waves, with designated sections exclusively for surfers.

Surf fishing also gains popularity here, especially in the fall as various game fish, such as striped bass, make their annual migrations along the coastline.

Fenwick Island lies between Ocean City, Maryland, and Bethany Beach, Delaware, and remains open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM during the height of summer.

9. Zwaanendael Museum

More than three centuries ago, Dutch settlers established a colony in what is now Delaware, marking it as one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations in North America.

The Zwaanendael Museum, positioned on Kings Highway in Lewes, showcases exhibits centered on the region’s military, maritime, and colonial history, often surprising out-of-state visitors with the state’s rich heritage.

Displayed artifacts include remnants of various shipwrecks from long ago. Additionally, a small art gallery on the second floor highlights the work of local and regional artists.

10. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Encompassing over 10,000 acres, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest protected areas in the region, featuring diverse habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and grassy plains.

This refuge is a short drive from Clayton and serves as Delaware’s premier stopover for migratory birds undertaking their annual journeys across the continent.

The refuge offers a network of trails ideal for observing wildlife, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when many creatures are most active.

11. Dover International Speedway

Since its inauguration over fifty years ago, Dover International Speedway has become a regional icon in racing and has established a firm presence on the national stage.

This oval track, characterized by its steeply banked turns, allows for high average speeds. Throughout the year, various racing events across different classes are held.

Even those with no interest in racing find the atmosphere during events to be exhilarating, with many visitors enjoying the lively ambiance outside the track without the expense of an admission ticket.

During peak periods, accommodations tend to fill quickly, so it is advisable to plan ahead if you intend to visit at those times.

12. Air Mobility Command Museum

Dover Air Force Base is one of the largest military transport facilities in the United States. While much of the base remains off-limits to the public, it features an impressive museum welcoming visitors every day.

The Air Mobility Command Museum boasts one of the largest collections of transport and aerial refueling aircraft in the nation.

The collection comprises more than two dozen retired military aircraft, both vintage and modern. While admission is not free, it offers a unique chance to get close to remarkable machines typically only viewed from afar.

13. Tanger Outlets

The absence of retail sales tax in Delaware provides visitors with considerable savings on products they would generally purchase in their home states.

Consequently, Delaware has established itself as a significant retail hub, attracting shoppers from both near and far.

Tanger Outlets are icons within the state’s retail scene, anchored by well-known brands like Gap, Eddie Bauer, and Nike.

With several locations in southern Delaware, primarily in Rehoboth Beach, the outlets offer a diverse selection, including clothing, sporting goods, books, toys, and electronics.

14. Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market

While southern Delaware embraces sun, sand, and surf, it also hosts one of the region’s largest farmer’s markets, ideal for a morning visit before heading to the beach.

Fresh seasonal produce is the primary draw at the market; however, vendors also offer a range of other products, including locally crafted arts and crafts, baked goods, and prepared items like salsa and honey.

The market operates on Tuesdays during the season, from noon to 3 PM, serving as a wonderful opportunity to engage with locals for first-time visitors.

15. Rehoboth Beach Museum

The Rehoboth Beach Museum, which has been operating since the mid-1970s, is managed by the local historical society.

While not the largest museum, it features a significant collection of artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the area’s history, culture, and economic development.

Topics such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism are well represented, along with fascinating exhibits from the settlement era that dates back over two centuries.

While admission is complimentary, visitors often contribute a small donation to support the museum’s exhibits and maintenance.