Pack up the car and take a drive down these scenic routes in Delaware

Thinking of hitting the road this summer, but have no idea where to start? 

You’re in luck – Delaware has plenty of options for a scenic drive.  

From coastal to marshland views, from bridges to even lighthouses, there are no shortage of First State road trips to go on this summer. 

Here are a few ideas to help you get started, according to World Atlas. 

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Bethany Beach to Ocean City, Maryland 

Let’s start off with a classic coastline route.  

This roughly 15-mile-long drive on Route 1 is chock full of fun. From pit stops like the Bethany Beach Boardwalk and the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, and stunning bay and ocean views on both sides of the road, there’s a little something for everyone. (Just be sure to pack extra sunscreen if you take a walk on the beach!) 

Total travel time is about 30 minutes. 

Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge to Trap Pond State Park 

This one’s for the nature lovers.  

This route from Smyrna to Laurel – or vice versa, if you want to shake things up – offers travelers the sights and sounds of the natural world of Delaware. Visitors are encouraged to be on the lookout for eagles, foxes, white-tailed deer and a plethora of migratory birds. Notable pit stops include state capital Dover and Kitts Hummock, known for its horseshoe crabs. 

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Total travel time straight through is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. 

Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway 

This may be a short ride compared with the other routes on this list, but this route from Wilmington to the Pennsylvania state line is packed to the brim with adventure. 

Kicking off in Rodney Square, this path will take you from the big-city landscape to the rolling hills of the country. Notable sights to see include the Nemours Estate; the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library; and Brandywine State Park. 

Total travel time without stopping is close to 20 minutes, but a slow, leisurely drive is recommended to make the most out of your trip. 

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Delaware Bayshore Byway 

For those of us hoping to take the road less travelled this summer, look no further than the Bayshore Byway.  

Stretching across all three counties, this path will take you past some of the largest protected marshlands on the East Coast, with migratory birds and horseshoe crabs galore.

You can even stop by some of the state’s most historic towns, including Old New Castle and Lewes, and notable landmarks like Woodland Beach and the Air Mobility Command Museum.  

The drive may take a couple hours, give or take a few stops, but rest assured, there is lots to do in between.  

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Red Clay Scenic Byway 

A network of 28 roads in New Castle County, this byway presents travelers the opportunity to take in the many streams, valleys and other natural wonders the Red Clay Creek Watershed has to offer. 

But it doesn’t end there. Visitors also are encouraged to check out the Ashland Nature Center and Marshall Steam Museum. You also can take in the views of covered bridges like the Ashland Covered Bridge or the Wooddale Covered Bridge Covered Bridge, the perfect spots for photos. 

Total travel time is close to an hour, but travelers are encouraged to take their time, take in the scenery and make memories to last a lifetime.  

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Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.      

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 5 summer road trips to take in Delaware