20 Worst Tourist Traps in Delaware

Think you’ve found America’s hidden gem in the First State?

Think again.

Delaware might be small enough to drive across in under two hours, but that’s plenty of time to fall into numerous tourist traps.

As a 30-year resident who’s wasted countless dollars on these so-called “attractions” I’m finally breaking my silence.

The state tourism board will probably revoke my Delaware card for this exposé.

Some states have grand canyons. Delaware has grand deceptions.

1. Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is a popular tourist destination that attracts large crowds every summer. The boardwalk itself stretches along the beach and offers various shops and eateries.

But here’s the catch… while the beach area is sizeable, the boardwalk is known for its overpriced items and food. You’re paying premium prices for average quality.

Want me to let you in on a secret? You’re better off exploring local cuisine and homemade goods elsewhere in Delaware where you’ll find better quality at lower prices.

2. Delaware Beaches in Peak Season

Delaware’s beaches attract millions of visitors each year, especially during the summer months. The small coastal towns become overwhelmingly crowded between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

That’s why many locals avoid these areas during peak tourist season. Parking becomes nearly impossible to find, and when you do, it’s expensive.

I made a classic mistake visiting in July once. The beaches were so packed there was barely room to put down a towel, and restaurant wait times exceeded two hours.

3. Air Mobility Command Museum

Located in Dover, this free museum showcases various military aircraft and aviation history. While it sounds impressive on paper, many visitors find the experience lacking.

But here’s the deal… unless you’re deeply interested in military aviation, the exhibits can feel repetitive and dated. The information provided is often minimal.

You’re better off visiting some of Delaware’s more engaging historical sites that offer more interactive and educational experiences for the whole family.

4. Delaware Children’s Museum

This Wilmington attraction charges admission fees comparable to world-class museums. The facility is relatively small compared to children’s museums in neighboring states.

I made a classic mistake assuming it would keep my grandchildren entertained for hours. Most kids complete all the activities in under 90 minutes.

That’s why many local families opt for annual memberships if they visit more than once – the single-day admission price doesn’t match the limited scope of exhibits.

5. Delaware Park Casino

This combination racetrack and casino attracts visitors with promises of entertainment and gambling excitement. The reality often falls short of expectations.

But here’s the catch… the gaming floor is smaller than most regional casinos, and the slot machines are notoriously tight compared to Atlantic City or Philadelphia casinos.

Want me to share what locals do? They visit during specific promotional periods or stick to the horse racing rather than the casino games that have less favorable odds.

6. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Arcades

These nostalgic gaming centers along the boardwalk lure families with promises of classic fun. The reality is a costly disappointment of rigged games and outdated machines.

That’s why locals rarely spend more than a few dollars here. Games that once cost a quarter now require dollar bills or expensive pre-loaded cards with “bonus points” that expire before you can use them.

I made a classic mistake of giving my grandchildren $20 each for arcade fun. The money vanished in less than 15 minutes with nothing but a tiny plastic toy to show for it.

7. Delaware Museum of Natural History Gift Shop

While the museum itself offers educational value, its gift shop is a classic tourist trap. Items are marked up significantly compared to similar products elsewhere.

I made a classic mistake of promising my grandchild a souvenir from the gift shop. The small plastic dinosaur that cost $15 was available at a big box store for $3.99.

You’re better off enjoying the museum exhibits but saving your souvenir shopping for more reasonably priced venues or buying museum-themed items online beforehand.

8. Fenwick Island State Park in Summer

This beach destination charges entrance fees that have steadily increased over the years. During peak summer months, the small parking lot fills by 9:30 am.

But here’s the deal… once inside, the facilities are minimal. Bathrooms are often overcrowded and poorly maintained during busy periods.

Want me to tell you a better approach? Visit during weekdays or consider the less crowded beaches in Delaware Seashore State Park that offer similar experiences with better facilities.

9. Zwaanendael Museum

This small museum in Lewes claims to showcase Delaware’s Dutch heritage. The building itself is more impressive than what’s inside.

That’s why many visitors express disappointment after seeing the limited collection. The entire museum can be toured in about 20 minutes, making the trip hardly worth the effort.

I made a classic mistake of planning a half-day around this attraction. You’re better off visiting the nearby Lewes Historical Society complex which offers more comprehensive exhibits and better represents the area’s rich maritime history.

10. Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship Tours

This replica of a 17th-century Swedish ship sounds impressive in brochures. The reality is often a brief, overpriced deck tour when the ship is docked.

But here’s the catch… actual sailing experiences are rare and expensive, while the standard tour lasts just 30 minutes and consists mostly of basic information you could read online.

Want me to tell you what locals know? You’re better off viewing the ship from the nearby riverfront for free and spending your tour budget on one of Wilmington’s more engaging historical experiences.

11. Delaware Agricultural Museum

This Dover museum charges admission for what amounts to a small collection of farm equipment and sparse exhibits about the state’s agricultural history.

That’s why it ranks among Delaware’s least memorable attractions. The self-guided tour often leaves visitors with more questions than answers due to minimal interpretive information.

I made a classic mistake of bringing out-of-state visitors here thinking it would showcase Delaware’s rural heritage. You’re better off visiting an actual working farm that offers tours or attending one of the state’s agricultural fairs for a more authentic experience.

12. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge promises spectacular bird watching and nature experiences. The reality often falls short of expectations, especially for casual visitors.

That’s why many tourists leave disappointed after driving miles down rural roads to reach it. Unless you’re a dedicated bird watcher with expensive spotting scopes, you’ll likely see little more than distant specks across vast marshlands.

Want me to save you some frustration? You’re better off visiting during peak migration seasons (April-May or September-October) or skipping it entirely if you’re expecting close wildlife encounters without specialized equipment.

13. Brandywine Zoo

This tiny Wilmington zoo charges admission prices comparable to much larger facilities. At just 12 acres, it’s one of America’s smallest accredited zoos.

But here’s the catch… many visitors complete their entire zoo experience in under 45 minutes. The limited animal collection features mostly small mammals and birds rather than the exotic species found at larger zoos.

I made a classic mistake of promising my grandchildren an exciting zoo day. You’re better off making the short drive to the Philadelphia Zoo or Maryland Zoo in Baltimore where your admission dollars get you a full day’s worth of animal encounters.

14. Christiana Mall During Holiday Season

As Delaware’s largest shopping center, Christiana Mall attracts shoppers with its tax-free shopping promise. During holiday seasons, it becomes almost unbearably crowded.

That’s why experienced shoppers avoid weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas entirely. The parking situation becomes chaotic, with cars circling for 30+ minutes.

Want me to tell you what locals do? They shop on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings when the crowds are minimal and you can actually enjoy the tax-free shopping experience.

15. Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier

This popular fishing spot attracts crowds of tourists hoping to catch dinner. The reality is far less exciting than the brochures suggest.

But here’s the deal… most visitors spend hours without catching anything worth keeping. The pier gets so crowded during summer weekends that casting a line without tangling with neighbors becomes nearly impossible.

I made a classic mistake of renting expensive fishing gear on-site. You’re better off hiring a local charter boat if you’re serious about fishing or visiting the pier during off-season when the experience is more pleasant and productive.

16. Outlet Shopping Centers in Rehoboth

Delaware’s tax-free shopping draws visitors to its numerous outlet centers, particularly those in Rehoboth Beach. However, the “deals” aren’t always as good as they seem.

That’s why savvy shoppers check prices online before making purchases. Many items in outlet stores are actually made specifically for outlets with lower quality than their main store counterparts.

Want me to share a secret? Up to 70% of merchandise at outlet malls is made specifically for those outlets, not overstock or last season’s items as many shoppers believe.

17. Dewey Beach Bars During Peak Season

Dewey Beach has built a reputation as a party destination with numerous bars along a small strip. The drinks are overpriced, and the establishments are extremely crowded during season.

But here’s the catch… what they don’t advertise is the massive surge pricing on drinks during peak hours and the excessive cover charges that can reach $20+ per person on summer weekends.

I made a classic mistake thinking the beach town party scene would be relaxed and fun. You’re better off enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere at establishments in Lewes or Bethany Beach where you’ll find better service and reasonable prices.

18. Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island

This Civil War-era fort requires a ferry ride that costs nearly as much as the admission fee itself. The total experience can run a family of four over $100 for a few hours.

That’s why visitors are often disappointed to find limited historical reenactments and sparse exhibits once they finally reach the island.

I made a classic mistake of not checking the schedule before visiting. You’re better off timing your visit during one of their special event weekends when they actually have costumed interpreters and demonstrations that make the steep price somewhat worthwhile.

19. Delaware Beaches During Memorial Day Weekend

Delaware’s beaches become extraordinarily crowded during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, marking the unofficial start of summer. Hotel rates triple, and traffic backs up for miles.

But here’s the deal… the water temperatures in late May are still quite cold, typically in the low 60s, making actual swimming uncomfortable for most visitors.

I made a classic mistake booking a family trip during this weekend. You’re better off visiting Delaware beaches in mid-June when crowds are smaller, prices are lower, and the ocean is actually warm enough to enjoy.

20. Winterthur Museum Gardens in Winter

This historic estate and museum charges full admission prices year-round, but visiting during winter months means you’ll miss the main attraction – the spectacular gardens.

That’s why experienced visitors know to check the blooming schedule before planning a trip. From November through March, the gardens are dormant and offer little visual interest.

Want me to share what locals do? They purchase annual memberships and visit multiple times throughout the year to experience the gardens in different seasons, rather than paying the steep one-time admission fee during the off-season.