We've officially survived another D.C. winter, and it’s time to break out of hibernation. This spring we’re headed to Delaware, an underrated spot for some of the best getaway deals around. Travel writer Tim Ebner led us through his best Delaware trips for around $150.
Admire the Blooms At Longwood Gardens
(Wilmington, DE, 2-Hour Drive or Amtrak)
Grab a round-trip Amtrak ticket to Wilmington for $20 and head straight to the Quoin Hotel — a former bank turned boutique inn. Rooms start at $219, but split two ways with rail fare it comes out to about $120 per person. The building is a former bank and still has its original vault architecture, a speakeasy bar that reminds us of Off the Record and a banging northern Italian restaurant.
- Side Quest: Take a 15-minute Uber across the Pennsylvania border to Longwood Gardens. It has one of the largest tulip displays in the world, cherry blossoms, and a sprawling English garden. The gift shop is dangerous if you love plants. Consider yourself warned.
Bethany Beach at Sunset. (Heidi Hall/Getty Images)
Enter Your Nicholas Sparks Era At Bethany Beach
(Bethany Beach, DE, 3-Hour Drive)
The Addy Sea in Bethany Beach is a Victorian B&B sitting right on the shoreline. The wraparound porch, Adirondack chairs, and ocean views gives big “anguished romance lead looking to start again” energy. In spring, weeknight rates start at $199. Factor in about $60 for gas and tolls from D.C., split two ways, and you’re looking at under $150 per person. Breakfast, afternoon tea, beach chairs, and umbrellas are all included. Rates spike to $600 a night in summer, so now is the time.
- Side Quest: Delaware is a sales tax-free state, and you know what that means … outlet malls! The Tanger Outlets along Route 1 are perhaps the only reason we can be convinced to leave the beach for a few hours. Rehoboth also has great boutique shopping along the main streets.
Go Off The Grid At a Lakeside Cabin
(Felton, DE, 2-hour drive)
Perhaps the most budget-friendly and underrated option on this list, Killens Pond State Park in Felton has rentable cabins right on the water that go for $62–$89 a night. They come with a full kitchen, bathroom, beds, and a grill. Just remember to bring your own linens and kitchen cookware. Think of it like glamping.
- Side Quest: The park runs a full calendar of guided programs — bird walks, forest bathing, nature art classes, and night programs like owl and bat watching. Most run $8–$20 per person.
