Travel Lens
Delaware’s largest city, once billed as Small Wonder, packs a riverfront, wildlife refuges and historic parks into a compact core.
This 1.75-mile promenade along the Christina River links downtown to the DuPont Environmental Education Center, past restaurants, statues and birdhouses.
Free to enter, this nature center on 200 acres has interactive exhibits and the best view of the neighboring urban wildlife refuge.
Walk boardwalks through 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh with more than 400 species of plants and animals, right beside the Riverwalk.
Hike forest trails to the Blue Granite Cliffs, visit the Blue Ball Barn and try Delaware’s only natural rock climbing wall.
Wilmington’s answer to Central Park has gardens, fountains and statues across 178 acres, with cherry blossoms in spring.
This small five-acre zoo is a hit with young children, with red pandas, ruffed lemurs and kid-friendly events such as scavenger hunts.
Visit the site of the first Swedish and Finnish settlement in New Sweden, part of First State National Historical Park, with free admission.
About 17 minutes from downtown, this 600-acre preserve in Hockessin has native-plant gardens, shady paths and a seedling sale.
Swipe up for all 15 things to do in Wilmington in our full guide.