Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area by Lee Cannon / CC BY-SA 2.0
As one of the smallest states (only Rhode Island is smaller) Delaware doesn’t have as much ground to cover as other states, but there are still several noteworthy locations within the state. On this page you’ll find some of the best places to take photographs in Delaware. The interactive map below shows the location of each spot mentioned on this page.
This page will continue to be a work in progress, so please feel free to leave a comment with your own suggestions of great places to photograph.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Delaware Bay in Kent County, south of Wilmington. It encompasses nearly 16,000 acres and protects wildlife of all kinds, with an emphasis on migratory birds. The marshes, streams and rivers make it a great environment for wildlife, and for interesting photographs. There is a 12-mile wildlife drive, along with observation tours and nature trails. The wildlife drive opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset.
Bombay Hook by Tim Williams / CC BY 2.0
Bombay Hook by Jamie Richie / Public Domain
Bombay Hook by Aaron & Lisa / CC BY-SA 2.0
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Delaware Bay south of Bombay Hook. It’s swamps and grasslands are also a temporary home for many migratory birds. There are a few roads with some observation platforms, hiking trails, and canoe trails. Refer to the park brochure to learn more about the layout. Like Bombay Hook, Prime Hook opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunrise.
Prime Hook by Mike Carlo / CC BY 2.0
Prime Hook by Mike Carlo / CC BY 2.0
Prime Hook by USFWS / CC BY 2.0
Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area
The Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area is over 3,000 acres south of Rehoboth Beach. This is a good place to photograph birds and marshy swamp land. There is an observation tower and a path for a self-guided auto tour.
Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area by Lee Cannon / CC BY-SA 2.0
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is located in Sussex County, just south of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Cape Henlopen is located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. From the park you’ll have outstanding beach and ocean views.
→ Related reading: How to Photograph the Beach or Coast
Cape Henlopen State Park by Rob Pongsajapan / CC BY 2.0
Cape Henlopen State Park by Kej605 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Delaware Breakwater East End Light
The Delaware Breakwater East End Light is located just off of Cape Henlopen and can be photographed from the state park.
Delaware Breakwater East End Light by Smallbones / Public Domain
Delaware Breakwater East End Light by 57RRoberts / CC BY-SA 3.0
Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is located in Sussex County near the southern end of Delaware. The 3,000+ acre park is noteworthy for its extensive patch of bald cypress trees. The area was once wetland, and Trap Pond is a beautiful area waiting to be explored. It is a type of landscape you won’t normally find in this part of the country. In addition to the bald cypress, the pond is also home to many birds. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or other type of boat to navigate the pond.
Trap Pond State Park by Kej605 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island State Park is located in Sussex County south of Bethany Beach. Fenwick Island is a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Assawoman Bay. It is a long, mostly undeveloped stretch of beach.
Fenwick Island State Park by Kit Conn / CC BY-SA 3.0
Delaware Memorial Bridge
The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects Delaware and New Jersey. There are two spans to the bridge that crosses the Delaware River. It is located just south of Wilmington.
Delaware Memorial Bridge by CanonJim / CC BY-SA 3.0
Battery Park
Battery Park is located in New Castle County right on the Delaware River, south of Wilmington. There is a walkway along the river and it is a nice location for sunrise and sunset.
Battery Park by Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Delaware. It is located in Sussex County, south of Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s a popular beach with a large boardwalk, but the beach itself is quite nice with plenty of opportunities for photos.
Rehoboth Beach by Tim Feary / CC BY-ND 2.0
Rehoboth Beach by Lukasz Badura / CC BY 2.0
Fort Delaware State Park
Fort Delaware State Park is located in New Castle County on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. The fort was built in 1815, then burned and re-built before the Civil War. Pea Patch Island can be reached by ferry from either Delaware City or Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey. The park is also home to a migratory bird rookery.
Fort Delaware by Brendan Mackie / CC0
Photo license links: CC0, CC BY 2.0, CC BY-SA 2.0, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-ND 2.0
