15 Best Things to Do in Millsboro (DE)

When it comes to being central, laid-back, and exciting, with access to many services and attractions, Millsboro, Delaware, has it all. Situated in Sussex County, Millsboro is a small town of only 4,000 people, so visitors can be assured of fewer crowds and more open space to relax and explore.

Millsboro is a pretty riverside town along the banks of the Indian River. It has an attractive downtown area filled with little boutique stores, antique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The town also has a long history that is visible in the many sites around the town that are now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Natural beauty is all around, and the town is in the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful seaside communities of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany, and Ocean City, which are about 20 miles away.

Cupola Park is where visitors and locals alike head to on nice days to relax in the sun or fish in one of the ponds. A number of festivals and events take place throughout the year, including the Nanticoke Indian Powwow in September, Stars and Stripes in June, and The Big Saturday Car Show in August.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Millsboro, Delaware.

1. Relax with a Massage at New Relaxation

Visitors can start their visit to Millsboro with a relaxing massage to get them ready for the adventures ahead. At New Relaxation, professional and well-trained staff administer a variety of massage therapies, including reflexology, foot massages, deep tissue massages, and acupressure treatments.

2. Treat Yourself to Quality Seafood at Blue Water Grill

Visitors craving quality, fresh seafood don’t have to look any further than Millsboro’s own Blue Water Grill. The seafood served at this eatery is locally-sourced as much as possible and is always fresh. Despite these top-quality offerings, a meal at Blue Water Grill is very affordable.

Also available on the menu are steak, various BBQ options, Cajun cuisine, and a variety of other farm-to-table dishes. Local and imported beer is also on offer, and Happy Hour is held daily. Dinner and lunch are served every day, and you are surrounded by a relaxing ambiance and local art while you dine.

3. The Nanticoke Indian Museum

Visitors of all ages get an intriguing lesson in history at the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Run by Elders from the Nanticoke Nation, this National Historic Landmark is situated on the ancestral grounds of the Nanticoke Tribe and is the only museum of its type in the state of Delaware.

The Tidewater People – as the Nanticoke Tribe is also known – have a long history in the town of Millsboro and its trading industry. On display are various exhibits showcasing items of historical and cultural significance, including tools, weapons, pottery, and artwork.

Tours are available, and there is a gift shop selling genuine Nanticoke crafts on-site.

4. Thunder Lagoon Waterpark

When the weather heats up, a great place to spend the day cooling off is Thunder Lagoon Waterpark in Fenwick Island. Whether you prefer a relaxing float down the 400-foot lazy river or an exciting afternoon on the six waterslides, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a 2800-square-foot swimming pool and a smaller pool for the younger children.

5. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Craft beer lovers can head to the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton to enjoy some quality local beer. The brewery is mostly known for its Indian Pale Ale, including the popular low-calorie Slightly Mighty and the American Beauty Hazy Ripple IPA. These beers are available by the bottle or on-tap in the cozy tasting room.

The brewery is also known for its Sonic Archeology, which is a blended cocktail drink made with Dogfish Whiskey, rum, brandy, and various fruit juices. Tours of the property are available.

6. Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve

The Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve may only cover a small area, but there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful, natural environment in nearby Milton.

A number of hiking trails are located within the nature preserve, and as you make your way along them, you will experience several different habitats, including tidal marsh, swamp forest, and upland forest. You will also see a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including more than 100 species of birds.

While most visitors arrive by car, it is possible to arrive at the preserve by canoe from Milton via the Broadkill River.

7. 2nd Time Designs

2nd Time Designs in Millsboro is a unique art gallery with a focus on metal sculptures made from recycled materials. A number of these sculptures are on display, and some of them are available for sale if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind addition to your collection or a unique gift.

During a visit to the studio, you can also tour the on-site gardens and watch sculptures being created.

8. Cupola Park

Cupola Park is a beautiful, tree-lined park situated along the Indian River that’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. With lots of open green areas and shady spots under the trees, you are always surrounded by nature.

There are many things to do in the park, including fishing and kayaking. On-site amenities include a playground, boat ramps, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and benches.

9. Treat Yourself at Millsboro Pizza Palace

Everything is homemade at Millsboro Pizza Palace, and you will find a wide range of Italian dishes, including various pasta dishes, pizzas, and desserts. This longstanding eatery serves meals for lunch and dinner in a cozy atmosphere, and a kids’ menu is available.

10. Baywood Greens Golf Course

For an exquisite golfing experience, golfers can tee off at one of Delaware’s best courses, the Baywood Greens Golf Course.

Situated in the resort community of Long Neck, only a short distance away from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, this 18-hole course combines beautiful scenery and challenging features that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.

Friendly and professional staff are on-hand to assist, and the state-of-the-art golf carts are equipped with modern GPS systems. A pro shop and restaurant are on-site.

11. Fenwick Island State Park

Situated on a three-mile-long barrier island in Rehoboth Beach is the beautiful Fenwick Island State Park. Visitors to this 344-acre natural paradise enjoy the peaceful escape the seaside area provides.

While there, you can stroll along the shore, swim at the lifeguard-patrolled sandy beach, or do some surf fishing. There’s also the opportunity to learn more about the area’s involvement in WWII.

12. Go on an Adventure with Martha Marie Fishing Charters

If you’ve ever wanted to try deep-sea fishing or go on an ocean sightseeing tour, Martha Marie Fishing Charters in nearby Lewis offer a variety of seafaring adventures that are suitable for the whole family.

When it comes to fishing, you can choose from a variety of excursions, including inshore bottom-feeding and wreck fishing on the 38-foot Flybridge Sportsboat, which is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and fishing equipment. The boat is also equipped with bunks and a bathroom.

13. Visit the Indian River Life-saving Station Museum

Constructed in 1876, the Indian River Life-saving Station Museum in Rehoboth Beach houses exhibits dedicated to sharing the history of the early days of sea rescue in the area. The building has been completely restored to its original appearance and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Jungle Jims Adventure World

Situated in Rehoboth Beach, Jungle Jims Adventure World is the largest park of its type in the state. There are water and land attractions for all ages, including a lazy river, several swimming pools, giant waterslides, waterfalls, and a spray ground and kiddie pool for the smaller children.

Also on-site are bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and a climbing wall.

There is no need to leave the park to grab something to eat; the Riverside Cafe has an extensive menu full of goodies suitable for all tastes, including hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and a variety of refreshing beverages.

15. Go on an Adventure with Quest Kayak Guided Tours

For more than 20 years, Quest Kayak Guided Tours in Lewes have been the go-to kayak and paddleboarding experts offering a variety of exclusive tours for both beginners and experts.

Guests can explore the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and nearby saltmarsh on exciting kayaking and paddleboarding excursions, such as full moon tours, shipwreck tours, fall foliage tours, sunrise tours, river kayaking adventures, dolphin tours, and history tours.

The company also rents equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, and floating mats.