Delaware is important in the country’s history as the first state to ratify the constitution in the late 1700s. Dover, the state’s capital, played a vital role during this time, as the meeting point for several groups during the American Revolution. This city has retained its status as the capital since 1777 and this advanced age is evident in the historic district known as The Green.
Despite Dover’s important role in the country’s history, it never grew to the status of present-day metropolises like its East Coast neighbors Philadelphia and New York. In fact, this city has a population of barely 40,000. Those who visit are mainly attracted to the rich past of this destination, with sites like the Delaware State Capitol, the Johnson Museum, and the Air Mobility Command Museum as popular attractions for history lovers.
But, there are several other things to do in Dover that don’t involve history and this complete guide has information on all a visitor needs to know when visiting one of Delaware's most beautiful towns.
Things To Do In Dover, Delaware
This state is steeped in history and some of the top things to do in Delaware involve learning about this past and admiring the city’s historical sites.
Dover is no different, with lots of historic attractions to visit. However, there’s also something for nature and sports lovers. These are the top things to do in Delaware’s capital city.
13 Visit The Delaware State Capitol
The original Delaware State Capitol was built in 1792, but a fire razed it down in 1824. The New Castle County Courthouse was then used as the General Assembly’s meeting point briefly before a new building was constructed in Dover.
However, this new Capitol Building didn’t have the pomp of its predecessor, and it was demolished in 1927 to make way for the present-day Capitol, which was completed in 1933.
This building is open to the public for tours of the Legislative Hall, allowing visitors to delve deeper into this place’s history.
- Address: 411 Legislative Ave, Dover, DE 19901, United States
- Tour days: Thu, Fri & First Sat of the month: 10 am - 1 pm
12 Explore The Johnson Victrola Museum
Music lovers are drawn to the Johnson Victrola Museum, which showcases the history of sound recording and the impact of music on American culture.
Named after the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, Eldridge R. Johnson, this museum is found within the same building that Eldridge used as his factory and laboratory. Actually, the equipment used to manufacture the first Victrola players is still here.
Johnson Victrola Museum boasts hundreds of collections that include thousands of records, sheet music, and the first sound recording devices. There are also exhibits on the history of jazz, blues, and rock and roll.
- Address: 375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901, United States
- Hours: Wed - Sat: 9:30 am - 4 pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
- Admission: Free
11 Tour First State Heritage Park
First State Heritage Park preserves the city’s historical sites, and it prides itself on being the first urban park without boundaries. This site encompasses a number of historical sites in downtown Dover, like the Old State House, the 18th-century John Bell House, the Colonial Governor’s House, and the Delaware Public Archives.
Even the Johnson Victrola Museum is found within this heritage park.
Visitors can take self-guided tours of the park and check out these sites while learning about significant events in the state’s history like the American Revolution.
- Address: 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901, United States
10 Learn About Dover’s Agricultural History At The Delaware Agricultural Museum And Village
This museum is found within First Heritage Park mentioned above, and its intention is to preserve the state’s agricultural heritage. The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village features a collection of old farm equipment and tools like tractors and plows that Delaware farmers have used over the centuries.
Visitors also get to learn about different crops and livestock that have been raised in the state.
A section of the museum known as Loockerman Landing is modeled after a rural Delaware village from the late 19th century through to the 20th century. There are historic buildings like a blacksmith shop, a farmhouse, a schoolhouse, and even a train station.
- Address: 866 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, United States
- Hours: Wed - Sat: 10 am - 3 pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
- Admission: Adults (18+): $8; Seniors (65+): $6; Youth (6-17): $5; Children (5 and under): Free
9 Attend A Motorsport Event At The Dover Motor Speedway
The Dover Motor Speedway has been the prime location for motorsport action in Dover since its opening in the 1960s. The site has a seating capacity of 95,500 and a one-mile oval track, earning it a place among NASCAR’s largest venues in the world.
Speaking of NASCAR, the Dover Motor Speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, in spring and fall. However, there are dozens of other events throughout the year, like the Truck Series races, and the Xfinity Series.
Still, when there’s no race, there’s likely to be a concert hosted here, including the Firefly Music Festival.
- Address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, United States
8 Hang Out At The Dover Green
The Dover Green is another site within the First State National Historic Park that’s steeped in history. This park is found in Dover’s downtown area, and it was laid out in the 18th century as a community gathering place. The Green went on to host historical rallies during the American Revolution and the Civil Rights movement, and it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Today, this park retains its status as a community gathering venue, and it hosts concerts and community celebrations throughout the year. It’s also a popular picnic spot, with plenty of shaded areas in which one can relax.
- Address: 25 The Green, Dover DE 19901
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
7 Visit The Air Mobility Command Museum
Found on the grounds of the Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum is where lovers of aircraft head when in Dover. This museum boasts a collection of more than 30 historic aircraft, ranging from early propeller planes to modern jets. These include aircraft used by the military and NASA.
Visitors also get to see exhibits relating to the history of the air force and the role of Dover Air Force Base in military operations like in World War II.
- Address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902, United States
- Hours: Wed - Sun: 9 am - 4 pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
- Admission: Free
6 Venture Into Nature At The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located in Kent County, about 10 miles from Dover, a distance that takes about 15 minutes to cover by car. This makes for a delightful Delaware day trip.
Bombay Hook boasts close to 16,000 acres in which there are hundreds of bird species like waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, and raptors. This is also home to wildlife like white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, and muskrats.
More than 12 miles of trails are charted through this wildlife refuge, allowing visitors to explore the diverse habitats that include forests, freshwater pools, and salt marshes.
- Address: 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, United States
- Hours: 30 mins before sunrise to 30 mins before sunset (daily)
- Admission: Free
5 Where To Eat In Dover
Delaware is known for iconic foods like peach pie, goulash, and Scrapple, which is a breakfast dish made from pork and cornmeal. This state is also famous for chicken, with a number of chicken processing plants found here. Therefore, fried chicken is a popular dish.
All these dishes can be found in Dover and below is a list of some of the top places to eat in Delaware’s capital city.
Breakfast
The Countrie Eatery
- Address: 950 N State St, Dover, DE 19904, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm; Sun: 7:30 am - 3 pm (closed on Mon)
- Dishes: Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, Country Ham & Eggs, French Toast, Belgian Waffles, The Constitutional (eggs, pancakes, sausage links, bacon strips & fries)
Speedway Cafe
- Address: 14 W Loockerman St, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: Mon - Fri: 7 am - 5:30 pm; Sat: 7 am - 4:30 pm; Sun: 8:30 am - 2 pm
- Dishes: Bagels, toast, Breakfast Souffle, Breakfast Sandwich, Dragon fruit Lemonade, Brown Sugar Matcha, Honey Lavender Latte
Lunch
Mission BBQ
- Address: 365 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: Mon - Sat: 11 am - 9 pm; Sun: 11:30 am - 8 pm
- Dishes: Brisket Sandwich, Chopped Brisket, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baby Back Ribs, Salmon, Pulled Chicken
Select Pizza l Grill
- Address: 1224 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904
- Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 am - 10:30 pm; Sun: 11 am - 10:30 pm
- Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak, Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Broccoli, Pretzel Sandwiches, Penne Ragu, Specialty Pizzas
Dinner & Drinks
Grey Fox Grille and Public House
- Address: 140 S State St, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: Wed - Sat: 4 pm - 9 pm; Sun: 11 am - 3 pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
- Dishes & Drinks: Key West Shrimp, New York Strip, Petite Sirloin, Cottage Pie, Foxy Lady Martini, Dark & Stormy, Fox Manhattan, Moscow Mule
The Brick-Wood Fired Eats
- Address: 150 Gateway S Blvd, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: Tue: 4 pm - 9 pm; Wed - Sat: 12 pm - 9 pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
- Dishes & Drinks: Wood Fired Pies, Sandwiches, Rigatoni Chicken, Penne Tuscan Shrimp, Draft Beers, Brick Manhattan, Spicy Paloma, Banana Boulevard, Rye, Bourbon, Scotch
McGlynns Pub - Dover
- Address: 800 N State St, Dover, DE 19901
- Hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30 am - 1 am; Sun: 10 am - 11 pm
- Dishes & Drinks: Boneless Wings, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Hummus Platter, Louis Martini, Hob Nob, Draft Beer, AHG Manhattan, Apple Cider Mule
4 Where To Stay In Dover, Delaware
Hotels
- Address: 600 Jefferic Boulevard, Dover, DE 19901
- Price: From $227
- Amenities: Spa, gym, basketball court, garden, free parking, laundry facilities, hot tub, indoor pool
- Address: 222 South Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
- Price: From $182
- Amenities: Gym, board games, game room, picnic area, heated pool, laundry facilities, free parking, complimentary breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dover
- Address: 1780 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
- Price: From $161
- Amenities: Pool, gym, complimentary breakfast, business center, laundry facilities
- Address: 1784 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
- Price: From $107
- Amenities: Free parking, pool, gym, laundry facilities, complimentary breakfast, vending machines
Vacation Rentals
- Address: Dover, Delaware, United States
- Price: From $128
- Amenities: Private room, shared bath, kitchen & living room access, porch, washer & dryer, 42-inch TV, indoor wood-burning fireplace, private backyard, BBQ grill
- Address: Dover, Delaware, United States
- Price: From $421
- Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 65-inch TV, game room, free parking, washer & dryer, full kitchen, board games, private patio, private backyard
- Address: Dover, Delaware, United States
- Price: From $2550
- Amenities: Event space, spacious front & backyard, 12 chairs & large table available, sleeping space for 10, 5 bedrooms, 1 bath, fire pit, free parking, BBQ grill, full kitchen, washer & dryer, travel crib, indoor fireplace
3 Best Time To Visit Dover
Dover’s summers are hot and humid while the winters are chilly, with some snowfall. However, the best times to visit, for those looking for mild weather, are in spring and fall. Below is a look at what to expect during the different seasons.
Spring (March to May)
The highs in spring range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (13 to 25 degrees Celsius). This season is characterized by mild weather that’s pleasant for outdoor activities. Plus, there are fewer visitors in Dover in spring, so prices are lower and attractions aren’t crowded.
Summer (June to August)
Dover gets hot and humid in summer, with temperatures reaching highs between the low 80s and the high 80s (28 to 31 degrees Celsius). Tourists love to visit the city during this season plus there are a number of events in summer.
Those who visit will enjoy warm weather, but rates are higher at this time. Still, tourists can enjoy road trips to a number of summer tourist destinations in Delaware near Dover.
Autumn (September to November)
The temperatures drop to highs between the low 80s and high 50s in the fall. With the milder weather and fewer tourists, those who visit will enjoy spending time outdoors without having to deal with large crowds. This is a good time to visit for good weather and low prices.
Winter (December to February)
The coldest month in winter is January, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-3 Celsius). Those who love skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding may visit Dover at this time.
2 Getting Around Dover, Delaware
Visitors flying into Delaware will have to land at the Philadelphia International Airport, which is the nearest major airport to Dover found about 70 miles away. The Baltimore/Washington International Airport is 85 miles away while Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly 100 miles away.
Car Rental
Tourists may rent a car from companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget, and enjoy the freedom of exploring Dover on their schedule. Since the city isn’t near commercial airports, renting a car is the best way to get to Dover and explore the nearby sites in the county.
Public Transport
The Delaware Transit Corporation operates the DART bus, which runs on routes within the state’s counties, including Kent County. Some of the routes pass through Dover, reaching places of interest like Dover Mall. Fares cost $2 for a single ride and multi-ride passes start at $4 for a daily pass.
Walking/Biking
Dover is a small city that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. There are dedicated bikeways in the city with a plan to improve the bicycle network even further. This city also boasts a large network of pedestrian paths; the historic downtown, in particular, is one of the most walkable parts of the city.
1 Spending The Perfect Day In Dover
After a filling breakfast at one of the city’s popular restaurants, head to First State Heritage Park and tour the historical sites in the area like Old State House, the Colonial Governor’s House, and the John Bell House. While here, visit the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village before heading to The Green to relax and have a picnic lunch.
Drive to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in the afternoon to hike the trails and check out the wildlife. In the evening, freshen up then have dinner at one of the city’s restaurants like Grey Fox Grille and Public House. Attend an evening event at the Dover Motor Speedway or enjoy a fun night at one of the bars.
FAQ
Q: Is there a beach in Dover, Delaware?
Dover, Delaware is not located directly on the beach, but it is within driving distance of several popular Delaware beaches, for instance, Bennet's Pier Beach, which is about 20 miles away. Other beaches within an hour's drive are Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach.
Q: Are there any parks or nature preserves in Dover, Delaware?
Yes, there are several parks and nature preserves in and near Dover, including Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, the Milford Neck Wildlife Area, and Killens Pond State Park.
Q: What is Dover Delaware known for?
Dover is known for being Delaware's capital city and one of the state's most beautiful towns. It's also known for its rich history and the role the city played in the American Revolution and other key historical events.