Georgetown, Delaware Travel Guide
City Delaware city known for its historic district
A brick circle and courthouse define Georgetown’s small-town center. Travelers browse antiques, catch the county’s Return Day parade, and use the town as a base for Delaware beaches and local seafood shacks.
Why Visit Georgetown, Delaware? #
The town’s famous circle and 18th-century courthouse create an unusually intact small-town center that draws history fans and photographers. Return Day, the quirky post-election celebration held here, is a uniquely local tradition; seasonal farmers’ markets and nearby waterways bring fresh crab cakes and quiet boating to the calendar. Visitors come for down-to-earth festivals and a chance to experience Sussex County’s slower pace.
Top Things to Do in Georgetown, Delaware
All Attractions ›
- The Circle and Sussex County Courthouse - Historic town circle centered on the 19th‑century Sussex County Courthouse and green.
- Georgetown Historical Society and museums - Small local museum tracing Georgetown's county‑seat history with period artifacts and exhibits.
- Seasonal Georgetown Farmers Market - Seasonal market featuring local produce, crafts, and a lively community atmosphere downtown.
- Nanticoke River waterfront spots - Quiet riverside areas ideal for kayaking, picnics, and birdwatching along the Nanticoke.
- Antique and vintage shops on Broad Street - Cluster of antique dealers and vintage stores offering unexpected finds in the town centre.
- Local courthouse square events - Regular community events and small festivals gather locals around the historic central green.
- Rehoboth Beach - Popular Atlantic shore resort with a boardwalk, shops, and restaurants about thirty minutes away.
- Lewes - Historic maritime town with museums, ferry connections, and access to Cape Henlopen State Park.
Best Time to Visit Georgetown, Delaware #
Georgetown has hot, humid summers and chilly, damp winters; late spring and early fall are the most pleasant times to enjoy outdoor events and trails.
Best Time to Visit Georgetown, Delaware #
Georgetown, Delaware's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1128 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Georgetown, Delaware
Georgetown is a county seat in Sussex County and is best reached by car from nearby regional airports (SBY) or from Philadelphia. Public transit exists in the county but services are relatively limited - a car makes travel far more convenient.
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY): SBY is the closest small commercial airport to Georgetown (about 45-60 minutes’ drive). Ground transport from SBY is mainly rental car, taxi or pre-booked shuttle; journeys to Georgetown take roughly 45-60 minutes.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Philadelphia is the larger international gateway for the region; driving time to Georgetown is about 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. From PHL you can rent a car or take a combination of Amtrak/coach services to reach Sussex County.
Train: There is no Amtrak station in Georgetown; the nearest major Amtrak stations are in Wilmington (DE) and Salisbury (MD) area - both require onward bus or car connections.
Bus: DART First State operates regional buses in Delaware, including services around Sussex County linking towns such as Georgetown, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Schedules vary and some routes are infrequent, so check timetables before travel.
How to Get Around Georgetown, Delaware #
Georgetown’s downtown is compact and walkable, with the historic circle and courthouse area easy to cover on foot. Driving is common for reaching nearby beaches and towns; DART First State operates regional bus routes, and taxis/rideshares are available but less frequent than in bigger cities.
Where to Stay in Georgetown, Delaware #
- Hampton Inn Georgetown (nearby) - Chain value rooms close to town
- Comfort Inn Georgetown - Basic, reliable rooms and parking
- Hampton Inn (Georgetown/Millsboro area) - Comfortable chain hotel with breakfast
- Best Western / Comfort Inn regional options - Mid-range options in nearby towns
- Luxury hotels in Wilmington / Rehoboth - Upscale properties further afield
- Marriott / Resort options nearby - Full-service hotels within driving distance
Where to Eat in Georgetown, Delaware #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Georgetown, Delaware's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Georgetown, Delaware #
Nightlife in Georgetown is low-key and centred on neighborhood bars, family restaurants and occasional community events. Don’t expect a busy club scene; most social life is casual and tied to local gatherings or weekend happenings.
Shopping in Georgetown, Delaware #
Local shopping focuses on small independent shops, farms stands and basic services in the town centre. For major retail or specialty stores you’ll need to travel to larger nearby cities - Georgetown is more of a service hub for surrounding rural areas.
