Question 1

What is Delaware famous for?

Accepted Answer

Being "The First State" (first to ratify the US Constitution in 1787), tax-free shopping (no sales tax anywhere in the state), Atlantic beaches like Rehoboth and Lewes, the Brandywine Valley's grand DuPont gardens and estates near Wilmington, colonial history, and NASCAR racing at Dover. It's small, flat and easy to tour.

Question 2

Is there really no sales tax in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Correct — Delaware charges no state or local sales tax on purchases, one of only a handful of US states with none. That makes it a popular shopping stop for visitors from Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, especially for big-ticket items and at the Rehoboth outlets. (Hotels and car rentals do carry some separate taxes.)

Question 3

When is the best time to visit Delaware?

Accepted Answer

May–September for the beaches (July–August warmest and busiest; June and September pleasant and cheaper). Spring brings the Brandywine Valley gardens into bloom, and fall is mild and quiet. Winters are cold and slow at the shore. The beach towns are the main summer draw.

Question 4

What are Delaware's beaches like?

Accepted Answer

The Atlantic beach towns — Rehoboth Beach (with its mile-long boardwalk), family-friendly Bethany, historic Lewes on the bay, and lively Dewey Beach — have clean sand, gentle surf and classic boardwalk food. They're a top summer getaway for the mid-Atlantic, and tax-free outlet shopping near Rehoboth is a bonus.

Question 5

Do I need a car in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes — it's a small but spread-out state, and outside downtown Wilmington transit is limited. A car is the easiest way to reach the beaches, the Brandywine Valley gardens and Dover. In summer, a seasonal beach bus and the Cape May–Lewes Ferry (to New Jersey) add options at the shore.

Question 6

Is Delaware safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the beach towns, Brandywine Valley and tourist areas are welcoming and low-key. Use normal city awareness in parts of Wilmington at night and keep valuables out of parked cars. Beach cautions: watch for rip currents (obey lifeguard flags) and summer thunderstorms. Emergency number: 911.

Question 7

What is the Brandywine Valley?

Accepted Answer

A rolling, wooded area around Wilmington where the DuPont family built grand estates. Highlights: Longwood Gardens (one of America's premier display gardens, just over the Pennsylvania line), Winterthur (an estate and museum of American decorative arts), the Nemours mansion, and the Hagley Museum on the original DuPont powder works. It's Delaware's cultural crown jewel.

Question 8

Why is Delaware called "The First State"?

Accepted Answer

Because on December 7, 1787 it became the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the US Constitution, making it the first state in the Union. You'll see the nickname everywhere — on license plates and signs — and the story is told at the New Castle Court House and around the colonial town of New Castle.

Question 9

Is Delaware worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

For a beach weekend, tax-free shopping, garden and history lovers, or a mid-Atlantic road-trip stop — yes. It's compact enough to combine the beaches, Wilmington's Brandywine gardens and colonial New Castle in a couple of days. It's less a big-attraction destination than a relaxed, easygoing one.

Question 10

How do I get to Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Most fly into Philadelphia (PHL), about 30–40 minutes from Wilmington, or Baltimore (BWI); Delaware has no major commercial airport of its own. Amtrak stops in Wilmington on the busy Northeast Corridor, and I-95 runs through the north. The beaches are about 2 hours south of Wilmington by car.

Question 11

What is the capital of Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Dover is the capital of Delaware, United States.

Question 12

How many cities in Delaware does lodomap cover?

Accepted Answer

lodomap currently covers 2 cities and towns in Delaware, including Dover, Wilmington. See the full list in the Cities & Towns sidebar.

Question 13

What is Delaware known for?

Accepted Answer

Delaware is known as Tax-free shopping (no sales tax), the Atlantic beach towns (Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany), being the first state to ratify the US Constitution, the Brandywine Valley's gardens and DuPont estates, and NASCAR at Dover.

Question 14

What is the national capital of United States?

Accepted Answer

Washington, D.C. is the national capital of United States.

Delaware

Delaware at a Glance

Info about Delaware

Know Before You Go — United States