15 Best Things to Do in Milton (DE)

Milton is a town of about 3,500 residents in southern Delaware’s Sussex County that’s experienced significant population growth in the last few decades.

It’s located along the Broadkill River just inland from the coast, near where the Delaware Bay empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Milton is also conveniently close to Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, which are two of the state’s most popular vacation destinations.

Due to its small size, the entire state is accessible by day trips, and visitors have a variety of activity options, including historical sites, casinos, and lots of museums.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Milton, Delaware.

1. Stenger’s Shamrock Farms Par 3

For much of the year, Delaware’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Located on Saw Mill Road in Milton, Stenger’s Shamrock Farms Par 3 golf course is the perfect destination for those looking to squeeze in a round without using up four or five hours of valuable vacation time.

Due to its short length and quick play time, Stenger’s is a good fit for those traveling with little ones without much golf experience, and it’s a favorite of senior citizens as well.

The course is located just a quick drive from the downtown area, and greens fees are among the cheapest around.

2. Tequila Real Mexican Grill

Each year during the harvesting season, Delaware’s farmers employ lots of temporary laborers, and many of them make the annual trek from Mexico.

Needless to say, there are several great Mexican restaurants in The First State, and Tequila Real Mexican Grill is one of the area’s most popular.

It’s located on Mulberry Street and features colorful and authentic décor, a laid-back vibe, and a comfortable seating area.

Their perennial menu favorites include fajitas, chimichangas, and quesadillas, and many previous diners have noted that their portion sizes were so large they had to take some of their meal home with them.

3. Milton Historical Society Museum

When it comes to hot vacation destinations, local historical societies often end up at the bottom of the list. But for history-minded travelers without gobs of disposable cash, they’re great community resources that should be taken advantage of.

The Milton Historical Society has been around for nearly five decades and is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history.

The museum is located in a church from the 1850s and features an impressive collection of artifacts and historical memorabilia.

Operating hours are from Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Those traveling in groups may make special appointments with advance notice.

4. Wagamons Pond

Wagamons Pond is a humanmade reservoir that lies adjacent to Milton’s downtown. It’s one of the area’s outdoor recreation centerpieces.

Though its name may conjure images of a tiny farm pond, Wagamon’s Pond is quite large and offers tons of fishable water that’s chockfull of popular sport fish, like bass, bream, pike, and perch.

Fishing is often best during the early morning and evening hours when many fish are most active. Though it may seem counterintuitive, fish also tend to bite better during periods of rain, wind, and falling temperatures.

Remember that you’ll need a valid fishing license, whether you’re a local or from out of state.

5. Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant

Even in rural towns like Milton, foodies with empty tanks have lots of options at their fingertips. For those in need of a pint or two and some traditional Irish sustenance, Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant is just the place.

Irish Eyes has multiple locations across Delaware; one is conveniently located on Union Street in Milton.

It’s about as authentic as most visitors will ever experience without crossing the Atlantic. Though fish and chips are their all-time favorite, they also serve soup, burgers, and steaks.

Expect big portions, reasonable prices, and a cozy, family-friendly environment with lots of local and overseas beer options.

6. The Governor’s Bed and Breakfast

Every year during the spring and summer months, hordes of beachgoers descend on Delaware, and there are loads of hotels to accommodate them.

The Governor’s Bed and Breakfast in Milton is definitely not like the national chain brand hotels for which the state is mostly known. It’s conveniently located downtown within walking distance of many worthwhile attractions.

Previous lodgers have commented on Governor’s clean rooms, friendly staff, and amazing breakfast. The owners are great resources for those new to the area who aren’t sure what to see and do.

Due to its small size, rooms book quickly, so reserve yours in advance.

7. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge lies just northeast of Milton along the coast, where the Delaware River empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Though it’s near to resort towns like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Prime Hook is one of the least developed stretches of coast in the state. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape from the crowds, especially during the busy summer months.

Prime Hook offers guests lots of wide-open spaces and activity options, so it’s a good idea to check out the visitor’s center before heading off on your own.

Hiking, biking, wildlife photography, and bird watching are popular refuge activities.

8. Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk

Many mid-Atlantic beach resort towns like Virginia Beach and Ocean City, Maryland, are known for their big crowds and flashy ambiance, but Rehoboth Beach has a reputation for being more laid-back and family-friendly.

The beach and boardwalk are two of the town’s biggest attractions. They’re both easy to reach on foot from most of the hotels in the area.

Umbrellas and beach chairs are available to rent, and though many families pack picnic lunches before heading out, there are a number of restaurants on the boardwalk that cater to the beach crowd.

The boardwalk comes alive in the evening and includes arcades, carnival rides, souvenir shops, and live entertainment.

9. Jungle Jim’s

Jungle Jim’s Waterpark is the largest attraction of its kind in the state.

Located on Country Club Road in Rehoboth Beach, it is the perfect place to spend a few afternoon hours for those who’ve tired of the beach’s sun, sand, and saltwater.

Jungle Jim’s amenities include a wave pool, lazy river, and bumper boats. For parents who’d rather watch their little ones from a safe distance, there are plenty of shaded seating areas throughout the park.

There are also batting cages, a miniature golf course, and food and drink concessions; they open for the season at the beginning of May annually.

10. Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets have been southern Delaware retail icons for decades. For many out of state visitors, stopping at the outlets is as important as hitting the beach itself.

Delaware doesn’t have a retail sales tax, which means significant savings for savvy shoppers on everything from clothes and sporting goods to electronics and shoes.

Tanger has multiple locations in Rehoboth Beach, and they’re all just a few blocks from the beach and downtown area.

Traffic can be a pain in the neck during the peak season, so Tanger operates shuttles to and from their outlets. Check out their website for details, or just ask a local.

11. Funland

For more than five decades, Funland has been a family-owned and operated business that’s been catering to the fun-loving vacation crowd.

Funland is located on Delaware Avenue in Rehoboth Beach and features nearly two dozen amusement park-style rides, like coasters and tilt-a-whirls.

Though some of the park’s rides have age and height restrictions, there are plenty that are accessible for little ones, so everyone will go home feeling like they’ve gotten their money’s worth.

From June through August, Funland can get downright busy. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting when they first open in the morning or on a weekday.

12. Clear Space Theater Company

Located on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space Theater Company was founded in 2004 and presents many shows throughout the year.

The producers and actors are all talented and enthusiastic locals. Their annual performances include children’s productions, musicals, contemporary dramas, old classics, and several holiday programs that are perennial favorites.

The company also offers a wide variety of courses and programs for budding actors on a year-round basis; they’ve been specifically designed with a wide range of ages in mind.

Check out their website for a complete list of performances and scheduled classes.

13. Cape May – Lewes Ferry

From Lewes, Delaware, to Cape May, New Jersey is only about 20 nautical miles, and the trip on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry generally takes about 90 minutes, depending on the wind and weather.

The ferry can carry more than 100 vehicles and 600 passengers per trip. For those interested in seeing the area from a unique perspective, there’s no better way to do it.

The cost to ride the ferry is reasonable, and many visitors choose to leave their car on the Delaware side and ride to New Jersey and back in the same day.

The views are breathtaking, and the ferry features food and drinks, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

14. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

In the past few decades, a number of microbreweries have sprung up in Delaware, and Dogfish Head was one of the first.

Dogfish Heading Brewing & Eats is located on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. It has been a favorite destination for eaters and drinkers since it was founded in 1995.

In the beginning, Dogfish Head’s beers were only enjoyed locally, but over the years, they’ve gained a wide following and are now shipped all over the country.

They now produce distilled spirits as well and feature a full menu of tasty pub grub that ranges from appetizers and salads to sandwiches and gourmet burgers.