Dover, Delaware Travel Guide

Discover Dover, Delaware: A captivating blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Experience the charm of this historic capital city with something for everyone.

Dover, the capital city of Delaware, is a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions. Founded in 1683, this city offers a unique glimpse into America's colonial past with its well-preserved historic sites and museums. The First State Heritage Park is a must-visit, where you can explore historic buildings, the Old State House, and learn about Delaware's pivotal role in American history. Dover is also home to the famous Dover International Speedway, a thrill for NASCAR fans. The speedway hosts exciting races and events that draw crowds from all over the country. For those who enjoy a slower pace, the city offers beautiful parks and gardens, including the serene Silver Lake Park, perfect for a relaxing day out. The city's vibrant arts scene is showcased at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, where you can catch performances ranging from theater to live music. Meanwhile, food enthusiasts will love the diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from local seafood to international cuisine. Shopping opportunities abound, with unique boutiques and the Dover Mall offering something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a racing enthusiast, or just looking for a charming place to explore, Dover has something to offer. Its friendly atmosphere, combined with a variety of attractions, makes it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dover.

Visit First State Heritage Park on the first Saturday of each month for special programs and tours.
Book tickets in advance for events at Dover International Speedway to ensure availability.
Explore Silver Lake Park early in the morning for the best chance to see local wildlife.
Check out local events and festivals at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village.
Try local seafood at one of the many restaurants near the historic downtown area.

Explore Dover: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Dover

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Fuller Gardens

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fuller Gardens in North Hampton, NH, a serene botanical garden filled with vibrant flowers and tranquil landscapes.

4.7

Kennebunk Beach

Discover the serene beauty of Kennebunk Beach, where golden sands meet the Atlantic Ocean, creating an unforgettable coastal getaway in Maine.

4.7

Dock Square

Experience the charm of coastal Maine in Dock Square, Kennebunkport's vibrant center for shopping, dining, and historical exploration.

Goose Rocks Beach

Escape to Kennebunkport's Goose Rocks Beach: a three-mile stretch of soft sand, gentle waves, and tranquil coastal beauty.

Best landmarks in Dover

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Dover Motor Speedway

Discover the excitement at Dover Motor Speedway, where thrilling NASCAR races and family-friendly fun come together in an unforgettable experience.

4.5

Miles the Monster Statue

Explore the whimsical Miles the Monster Statue in Dover, Delaware – a vibrant symbol of NASCAR culture perfect for fun photo opportunities.

4.7

Biggs Museum of American Art

Explore the Biggs Museum of American Art, showcasing historical and contemporary American art in the heart of Dover, Delaware's vibrant cultural scene.

4.6

Delaware Agricultural Museum

Discover Delaware's agricultural legacy at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, where history, education, and fun come together!

4.7

Best restaurants in Dover

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Outback Steakhouse

Experience the unique taste of Australia with delicious steaks and hearty American favorites at Outback Steakhouse in Dover.

4.3

MISSION BBQ

Experience authentic American barbecue at MISSION BBQ in Dover - where every meal is a tribute to tradition and flavor.

4.7

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Olive Garden in Dover, DE—where family-friendly dining meets delicious flavors.

4.2

LongHorn Steakhouse

Experience the rich flavors of traditional American cuisine at LongHorn Steakhouse in Dover – where every meal is crafted with care.

4.0

Best bars in Dover

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McGlynns Pub - Dover

Discover the charm of McGlynns Pub, a local favorite in Dover offering delicious food, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere for all visitors.

4.2

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

Experience the ultimate sports bar atmosphere at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, where great food meets thrilling game-day excitement in Dover.

4.0

TGI Fridays

Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious American cuisine at TGI Fridays, a perfect dining spot for tourists in Dover, Delaware.

3.6

Fraizer's

Discover authentic American cuisine in a charming setting at Fraizer's, Dover's premier restaurant for food lovers and special occasions.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Dover

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McGlynns Pub - Dover

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and hearty pub fare at McGlynns Pub, a favorite gathering spot in Dover, Delaware, perfect for locals and tourists alike.

4.2

The Boulevard Live Entertainment Restaurant

Discover the dynamic fusion of dining and entertainment at The Boulevard Live in Dover, Delaware, perfect for families and adults alike.

4.3

Tom's Bullpen

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tom's Bullpen in Dover, DE—a top-notch sports bar offering delicious food, drinks, and weekend karaoke fun.

4.3

The Golden Fleece Tavern

Discover the lively spirit of The Golden Fleece Tavern – where delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting entertainment come together in Dover, Delaware.

4.2

Best shops in Dover

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Dover Mall

Explore Dover Mall, Delaware's premier shopping destination, offering diverse stores, dining, and entertainment for an unforgettable retail experience.

3.9

Boscov's

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Boscov's in Dover, Delaware, where fashion meets affordability in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Kittery Premium Outlets

Discover unbeatable deals at Kittery Premium Outlets, your ultimate shopping destination in Maine with top brand discounts and delightful dining options.

4.3

Kohl's

Discover affordable shopping at Kohl's in Dover, Delaware, your go-to department store for clothing and home essentials.

4.3

Explore Dover on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Dover, mapped for you.

Dover Essentials

Dover is accessible by various means. The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 70 miles north of Dover. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Dover. Alternatively, you can fly into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), located approximately 85 miles away. If you prefer traveling by train, Amtrak services Wilmington, DE, which is about 50 miles from Dover; from there, you can take a bus or taxi. Greyhound and regional bus services also connect Dover to other major cities.
Dover offers various transportation options. The city has a local bus service operated by DART First State, which covers major routes within Dover and connects to other parts of Delaware. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Many attractions are within walking distance in downtown Dover, making it pedestrian-friendly.
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dover, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in commercial areas and near banks. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors that may not accept cards.
Dover is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advisable as in any city. Areas around downtown are usually safe, but avoid venturing alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Crime rates are relatively low, but petty theft can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow local news for any updates on safety.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Dover has several medical facilities, including Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, which provides comprehensive healthcare services. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. The Dover Police Department is located at 400 S. Queen St.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and be considerate when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. It's customary to use 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' followed by the last name until invited to use first names. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Delaware cuisine, such as blue crabs and scrapple. Don’t forget to tip service staff, typically 15-20% of the bill.
To experience Dover like a local, visit the First State Heritage Park, a collection of historical and cultural sites. Attend a race at the Dover International Speedway if your visit coincides with a race weekend. Stroll through the weekly farmers' market at Loockerman Way Plaza to sample fresh local produce. Engage with locals at events and festivals for an authentic experience. Don't miss the Air Mobility Command Museum, which offers a deep dive into aviation history.

When is the best time to visit Dover?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Dover

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Dover. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [please/no problem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ee]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [how yuh doin']
- Fine. And you?I'm good. You?
  [ahm good. yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yaw-l speak ing-glish?]
- I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [ah aint get-tin it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me see the menu, please
  [let me see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ah don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI need to settle up, please
  [ah need to settle up, please]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Get outta here!
  [get out-ta here!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [ahm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ah wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [ahm just look-in']
- How much is it?How much is this?
  [how much is this?]
- That's too expensiveThat's too much
  [that's too much]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya bring the price down?
  [can ya bring the price down?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [what time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [it's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [half past (10)]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tomorrow]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [what's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

History of Dover

Dover, the capital city of Delaware, was founded in 1683 by William Penn. As part of Penn's efforts to establish organized governance in the region, Dover was laid out as a townsite. Its central location within the state made it a prime spot for government activities and trade.
In 1777, Dover was designated as the capital of Delaware, a strategic move during the American Revolutionary War. The decision to relocate the capital from New Castle to Dover was driven by its central location and safer inland position, providing protection from British naval attacks.
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. This historic event took place at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover. The tavern served as a meeting place for legislators and played a crucial role in Delaware's early statehood.
During the Civil War, Dover, like much of Delaware, was a border area with mixed loyalties. Though Delaware remained a Union state, there were significant pro-Confederate sentiments. Dover's strategic position meant it was a site of various military and supply activities.
In 1941, Dover Air Force Base was established, transforming the area into a significant military hub. The base played vital roles during World War II, the Korean War, and continues to be an important installation for the U.S. Air Force, contributing to both the local economy and national defense.
Historic Downtown Dover is rich with preserved architecture and landmarks dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Green, a public square laid out in 1717, remains a focal point for community events and historical reenactments, reflecting the town's colonial heritage.
The Johnson Victrola Museum, located in Dover, celebrates the life and achievements of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. The museum showcases early phonographs and memorabilia, highlighting Dover's contribution to the music industry.
Dover played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, with notable events such as the desegregation of public schools following the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. Local activists and community leaders in Dover worked towards achieving equality and justice, shaping the town’s social landscape.
Since 1920, the Delaware State Fair has been held annually in Harrington, near Dover. This event showcases the agricultural heritage of the region, featuring livestock exhibits, horticultural displays, and a variety of entertainment options, making it a significant cultural event in Dover's calendar.
Dover International Speedway, also known as the 'Monster Mile,' opened in 1969 and has since become a premier destination for NASCAR fans. The speedway hosts several major racing events each year, drawing large crowds and contributing to Dover's reputation as a motorsport hub.