Delaware is the second smallest state in America, spanning 100 miles and 35 miles wide. Several main motorways run throughout the state, so it’s easy to visit attractions like the Delaware Seashore State Park in the south.

The capital Dover is reachable via the US-13, South Dupont Highway which runs through the centre of the city. The DE-1 highway is also near to the city and spans Wilmington to the south-east coast.

Follow the road through Belltown, along the coast, past several beaches to Fenwick Island. Here you can soak up the sun at the seaside and enjoy attractions such as mini-golf, water sports and delicious restaurants along the boardwalk. 

This state has its own set of speed limits that you’ll need to follow during your Delaware car hire. When passing through residential areas, the limit is usually 25mph (40km/h), but if the urban area has four lanes, the limit can increase to 35mph (56km/h).

On rural two-lane roads, you’ll need to stick to 55mph (88km/h). If you plan on using the DE-1 highway toll road, between Red Lion Creek and the Appoquinimink River, the speed limit is 65mph (104km/h) and should be clearly signposted.

If you want to cross over state lines into New Jersey, use the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which crosses over the Delaware River near Wilmington. As this is a toll bridge, a small fee is required to pass. 

Famous for its beautiful beaches, natural parks and tax-free shopping opportunities; Delaware is an exciting place to visit. Here are some of the things you can experience when you hire a car in Delaware.

Explore the capital city

Dover is the capital city of Delaware, and is full of surprises. Opened in 1969, Dover International Speedway is a great day out for fans of NASCAR. With the Monster Monument proudly residing at Victory Plaza, racing is firmly rooted in Delaware’s culture. Book tickets to race days and enjoy the thrilling sight of the best racing drivers America has to offer.

Another of Dover’s best attractions is the Air Mobility Command Museum. Visit to find out more about the Dover Air Force Base and admire the collection of vintage planes and artefacts dating back to 1941.

There are over 30 aircraft including cargo planes, fighter jets and helicopters. In the detailed exhibits, find out about both the Vietnam and the Korean War, as well as the humanitarian projects that happened at the time.

Travel to Wilmington

There are many great things to do in Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington. Journey back in time to the 1900s at the Hagley Museum in the du Pont gunpowder mills. Learn more about the explosives industry with themed exhibits and explore the growth of power technology at the Visitor Centre.

If you’d like to find out more about famous horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont, pay a visit to his estate and 60-acre gardens in Winterthur. This museum offers timeless insight into the 18th and 19th centuries, where you can view over 90,000 artefacts made or used between 1640 and 1860. Take a tour of the house and galleries to explore this unique collection of art and antiques.   

Delaware is great for shopping as purchases are tax-free. Just southwest from Wilmington is the Christiana Mall in Newark – brimming with huge brands including Apple, Macy's, Target, Swarovski and Sephora.

Enjoy the outdoors along the coast

Delaware has 28 miles of coast which are awash with sandy beaches that shelve into the Atlantic Coast.

In the south, near Dewey Beach, visit the Delaware Seashore State Park. Established in 1939, experience both outdoor adventure and relaxation, with sea swimming, surfing and water sport activities as well as fishing and crabbing. While visiting, stroll through the wild nature along the Loop Trail in Burton Island Nature Preserve. Here you’ll find picturesque woodland with a backdrop of calls from migrating birds, such as the Black Crowned Night Heron.

Just north of the park is Rehoboth Beach. This is popular hotspot for both visitors and residents boasts a vibrant boardwalk and free concerts in the summer. Relax on the soft sand or venture into Funland for retro amusements and arcade games.

Hire a car in Delaware and start your adventure across The First State.