Learn the stories of Delaware’s creation as the nation’s first state at the 36 sites along the Delaware History Trail. Visit beaches and do lots of tax-free shopping to complete your trip.

At the far north of the state is Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city, now nearly 400 years old. Enjoy beautiful gardens, historic homes and a variety of museums. Take a boat ride on the Christina River, which flows through the town or walk along the shoreline and stop to eat at the Riverfront Market. A tributary to the Christina, Brandywine Creek was a significant battle site during the Revolutionary War, with a loss to American general George Washington. Now the Brandywine Festival of the Arts is a major event held each September.

Delaware’s beaches are some of the best in New England. Follow the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach to plenty of sun and white sands. Golfers, families and the LBGT community flock to the area to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Bethany Beach is one of the most popular spots in the state. Here you can swim, surf, sail, paddleboard, kayak, dolphin-watch or fish. Do your tax-free shopping along the boardwalk or at nearby Fenwick Island.

The capital of Dover offers different opportunities with NASCAR racing at Dover International Speedway and harness racing at the track of Dover Downs. Try your luck at the track and casino. Spend days browsing 10 major Dover museums including the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Field dedicated to air refueling. At the John Dickinson Plantation, see re-enactments of 18th-century life.

Dovers hosts a number of the state’s top festivals. Buy a ticket to the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival held in October and your entry entitles you to unlimited tastings of local beer, wine and spirits. Summer brings big-name acts to a scenic woodland setting for the Firefly Music Festival in June.