Delaware’s 6 Best Tours & Things To Do: Which To Choose?

Delaware might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to distinctive tours and activities. Whether you’re craving a relaxing coastal exploration, a fun scavenger hunt through historic streets, or a crime-solving adventure, Delaware offers options that make your trip memorable.

We especially like the private Barbados Coastal Sightseeing Tour for the chance to customize your day and enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience.

Its combination of scenic stops like Bathsheba Beach and Holetown Beach, along with beverages and shopping, makes it stand out.

For something more active, Bethany Beach’s scavenger hunt is a lively way to explore at your own pace, engaging your brain and competitive spirit.

And for those intrigued by mysteries, Dover’s Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers an interactive way to see the city while solving a crime.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a broad range of experiences: from private coastal tours (Barbados Half Day Coastal Sightseeing Private Tour) that let you tailor your adventure, to scavenger hunts (Bethany Beach Blitz) for family fun, and crime mysteries (Dover Murder Mystery) that turn city streets into a detective’s playground.

Plus, there’s a historic self-guided walk in Wilmington and a classic Wilmington bar crawl for those looking to experience local nightlife.

Now, let’s dive into each of these experiences to see what makes them special and who they’ll suit best.

1. Barbados Half Day Coastal Sightseeing Private Tour

At number one, this private tour from Middletown offers an up-close, customizable view of Barbados — but since it’s listed here, it’s a perfect example of how Delaware can surprise you. You can take the same idea locally with a private coastal experience that provides roundtrip transportation from your hotel and flexible itinerary options.

It’s the ideal choice if you want a relaxed, tailored day, and you love snapping photos at scenic spots like Bathsheba Beach or Holetown Beach.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention and the chance to choose your stops — whether that’s swimming, shopping, or enjoying local beverages like rum punch. The itinerary includes stops at Barclays Park for drinks, animal flower cave views, and stunning beaches, giving a well-rounded taste of the coast.

The tour is highly rated (5/5 from five reviews) and perfect for couples or small groups wanting flexibility and comfort.

Bottom line: If you want a private, customizable coastal experience with insider stops and the chance to relax, this tour ranks high. It’s money well spent for a personalized day on the coast.

2. Bethany Beach Blitz Scavenger Hunt

Next up is the Bethany Beach Blitz, a fun, app-based scavenger hunt that transforms exploring into a game. For $29 per person, you get to solve clues, complete challenges, and discover lesser-known spots at your own pace. The experience is limited to about two hours, making it perfect for a quick, energetic activity after a morning on the beach or before dinner.

This hunt is unique because it includes a live host via your phone, providing hints and encouragement along the way. It also allows you to compare scores with other teams nationally, adding a friendly competitive edge. The challenge is family-friendly and accessible, even for those in wheelchairs, which means everyone can join the fun.

While some reviews note the weather can impact comfort — “an unexpectedly hot and humid day” — this is a minor point. The biggest perk is the interactive, flexible way to explore Bethany Beach with personalized pacing and a dash of friendly competition.

Bottom line: This scavenger hunt offers a lively, customizable way to see Bethany Beach, especially for families or groups who enjoy a puzzle challenge combined with sightseeing.

3. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Dover DE

Step into the shoes of a detective with this interactive murder mystery experience in Dover. For just $14.99, you’ll follow clues across 10 mapped locations, choosing between a walking route downtown or a driving tour on the outskirts. It’s a clever way to explore the city while solving a gripping crime, with the added fun of listening to immersive audio stories.

Guests love the engaging storytelling and the chance to explore Dover’s streets from a fresh perspective. During the approximately 2.5-hour experience, you’ll visit notable spots like the courthouse and memorials, learning local stories along the way.

It’s perfect for mystery lovers or groups who like interactive, story-driven activities. The reviews mention it’s a different first date idea and an enjoyable way to spend an evening.

While the price is modest, the real value lies in the engagement and the opportunity to see Dover through a detective’s eyes. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking something interactive, and it suits those comfortable with self-guided explorations.

Bottom line: For a budget-friendly, story-rich activity that combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving, this detective experience is a top pick. It’s ideal for puzzle fans and curious travelers alike.

4. Self-Guided Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington

If you’re interested in Wilmington’s history without a rigid tour schedule, this self-guided scavenger hunt is a compelling option.

For just over $12 per person, you follow clues that lead you to hidden objects, historic sites like the Delaware History Museum, and landmarks related to the Underground Railroad. It’s perfect for exploring at your own pace and getting to know the city’s stories and sights.

This challenge is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive. You get to see key spots like the HISTORIC ESTATES and receive hints from a remote guide, if needed. The reviews are mixed, with some noting the challenge can be hindered by weather, but most appreciate the interactive, educational experience.

Bottom line: This hunt is a good choice for history buffs or families wanting a flexible, educational walk through Wilmington, with the added convenience of an app guide.

5. Dover’s Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour

For about $10, this self-guided audio tour takes you through Dover’s most iconic sites, including the Johnson Victrola Museum and Legislative Hall. Using your smartphone, it’s a hands-free way to learn about Dover’s role in American independence and its local stories.

The tour lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, making it ideal for a quick culture. It highlights Dover’s historic buildings and monuments, with short stops to listen and learn. It’s suitable for history enthusiasts, families, or solo travelers who prefer self-paced exploration. The inclusion of free museum entries like the Biggs Museum of American Art adds extra value, encouraging further exploration.

Bottom line: This budget-friendly, flexible tour is perfect for those who want a quick, educational walk with minimal planning and maximum insight.

6. Wilmington Delaware Bar Crawl

If nightlife is more your style, the Wilmington Delaware Bar Crawl provides an engaging, social experience. For $14.99, you’ll visit multiple local bars, playing trivia and solving puzzles along the way. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s a lively way to experience Wilmington’s nightlife with friends or as a casual group outing.

This activity is suitable for those who enjoy socializing and want a guided, app-led adventure rather than just visiting bars solo. It’s less about sightseeing and more about fun, interactive drinking challenges. Since reviews are pending, potential participants should be comfortable with a casual, energetic pace and a focus on local spots.

Bottom line: This bar crawl is a great pick for groups seeking a fun, interactive night out, especially if they enjoy trivia and friendly competition.

How to Choose

When deciding among these options, consider your time, budget, and interests. For a luxurious, private experience, the Barbados Coastal Tour offers tailored stops. Want to explore a beach town with a fun challenge? The Bethany Beach Blitz delivers active entertainment. For history and mystery lovers, the Dover murder mystery or Wilmington’s guided walks (Dover Tour and Wilmington Hunt) are excellent.

Budget-conscious travelers should consider the self-guided tours, while those seeking lively nightlife can opt for the Wilmington bar crawl.

Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours and popular activities during peak season. Think about how much walking or physical activity you’re comfortable with—some tours involve a fair amount of strolling, while others are more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Delaware offers a surprisingly diverse range of tours and activities that cater to different interests and travel styles. Whether you prefer a private, scenic drive, an active scavenger hunt, or an engaging detective story, you’ll find options that fit your preferences.

For a relaxed day, the private Barbados Coastal Tour stands out, but for a lively, social experience, the Wilmington bar crawl is a good pick. History buffs will appreciate the self-guided walks, and families with kids may enjoy the Bethany Beach challenge.

Remember to book early, especially for popular experiences, and pick the activity that best matches your interests, fitness level, and schedule. Whatever you choose, Delaware’s mix of history, scenery, and fun makes it a surprisingly rich destination for tours and activities.

Happy exploring!