Dover Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Dover, Delaware - DE, USA)

Although there aren't any actual beaches within the city of Dover itself, the East Coast really is only a short drive away and has a number of appealing coastal attractions.

The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for families, with its natural beachfronts being accompanied by a wealth of native birds. Tourists may also like to plan a trip to Fenwick Island or Bethany Beach, to the southeast, where traditional seaside fun at a relatively slow pace can be enjoyed by all ages.

Lying on the northern side of the city and serving as a major draw card, the Dover International Speedway attracts crowds by their thousands when the racing season arrives. Alternatively, try your hand at the gaming tables within the casino attraction at the Downs Hotel, or have a flutter on the horses.

Beaches

Roughly a 20-minute drive to the southeast is the rather tempting Bowers Beach, which offers easy access with plenty of parking spaces, boat ramps, paddleboading, fishing trips, cruises and lighthouse tours. On Main Street in the town itself, further interest is provided by the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum (tel: +1 302 335 1556), which houses many artifacts relating to Delaware Bay, whales and past watermen. A stroll along the boardwalk fronting Bethany Beach is certainly recommended, since it features the typical attractions associated with a traditional seaside resort and is conveniently close to the Delaware Seashore State Park. Tourists holidaying in Dover may also like to take a drive to the neighboring lively beach resorts of Dewey, Lewes and Rehoboth, or to the more peaceful beachfront at the southerly town of Fenwick Island, which can be reached by road in roughly one hour and 20 minutes by taking Highway DE-1.
Open hours: Bethany and Rehoboth, daily - 06:00 to 01:00; Lewes, daily - 07:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Dover International Speedway

Address: 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware (DE), 19901, USA
Tel: +1 302 883 6500
This track was built between the years 1966 and 1969, and today the surrounding staging and seating is capable of accommodating more than 110,000 spectators. Nicknamed as the 'Monster Mile', the speedway hosts two huge NASCAR race weekends each year, which take place in the spring and again during the fall season. The Spring Cup Series, the Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series are all major events taking place here.
Open hours: hours vary according to race
Admission: charge

Dover Downs Casino and Horse Racing

Address: 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware (DE), 19901, USA
Tel: +1 302 674 4600
The Dover Downs Hotel and Casino (500 guest rooms) is situated alongside the International Speedway and offers another set of attractions, suiting those with a taste for gambling. Slot machines, gaming tables and live entertainment are combined with seasonal horse racing (October to April). If you are feeling lucky, then come along for a game of blackjack, baccarat or poker, or try your hand at craps, keno or roulette, with many games being available day and night. Those looking for a bite to eat can visit the resident Winner's Circle Restaurant, where you can spend your winnings on fine dining and champagne. Friday Night boxing matches are another reason to visit the complex, as is the live entertainment, ranging from concerts to comedians, with past performers including big names such as Bill Cosby, Meatloaf, Little Richard, Tom Jones and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, amongst many others.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, charge for events