Georgetown, Delaware 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.
Georgetown, Delaware at a Glance#
Costs: $60-$110 USD per day - affordable small-town prices; day trips to beaches add transport costs.
Safety: Safe county-seat town - generally safe; typical small-town American precautions apply.
Best Time: May-September - warm months for nearby beaches and outdoor markets.
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.
Best Things to Do in Georgetown, Delaware#
Georgetown, Delaware Bucket List#
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.
June - August
22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F)
Summer brings humid heat, thunderstorms, and lively community events-expect sticky afternoons, a focus on water-based recreation, and mosquitoes at dusk.
December - February
-3°C to 8°C (27°F to 46°F)
Winters are cool and often drizzly-expect quiet streets, occasional freezes, and cozy indoor stops at museums, cafés, and bookstores too.
March - May
8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F)
Spring is mild and floral-perfect for farmers’ markets, walking trails, and the return of outdoor festivals without summer humidity yet.
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 is easiest to reach and explore by car; regional buses and limited shuttles exist but services are not frequent, so plan ahead if not driving.
- Car hire ($40-$80/day) - Renting a car is the most practical way to reach and move around Georgetown and Sussex County - distances between towns and beaches are best covered by private vehicle. Roads are straightforward; parking in town is generally simple.
- DART First State bus ($1.50-$4) - Delaware’s DART First State provides regional bus services including routes serving Georgetown and connections to beach towns. Service frequency can be limited outside peak times - check timetables and plan transfers.
- Taxi / Rideshare ($10-$60) - Local taxis and rideshare options operate but coverage is sparser than in large cities; fares are useful for short hops or if you have no car. Pre-arranged private transfers are common for airport pick-ups.
- Bicycle ($0-$20/day) - Georgetown’s flat streets make cycling feasible for short trips; however, distances to beaches and parks can be long. Use bike lanes where available and be cautious on busier roads.
- Local shuttle / seasonal services ($2-$10) - Seasonal shuttles and beach-oriented services operate during summer months to connect Georgetown with coastal destinations like Rehoboth and Lewes - convenient for tourist travel but limited off-season.
- Walking - Downtown Georgetown is compact and very walkable with historic buildings, shops and restaurants close together. Walking is the best way to explore the town centre.
Where to Stay in Georgetown, Delaware#
Downtown / US-113 corridor - $70-130/night
Georgetown has a few chain motels and modest inns. Budget choices are functional and mostly on the town outskirts with easy road access.
Hampton Inn Georgetown (nearby) - Chain value rooms close to town
Comfort Inn Georgetown - Basic, reliable rooms and parking
Georgetown centre / nearby I‑95 exits - $110-180/night
Mid-range options are limited inside Georgetown; many visitors choose nearby Lewes or Rehoboth Beach for more boutique and mid-range hotel variety.
Hampton Inn (Georgetown/Millsboro area) - Comfortable chain hotel with breakfast
Best Western / Comfort Inn regional options - Mid-range options in nearby towns
Rehoboth Beach / Wilmington (drive) - $200-400/night
Georgetown itself lacks luxury resorts; affluent travelers typically stay in coastal Rehoboth or Wilmington where full-service luxury hotels are available.
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#
Georgetown’s dining scene favors seafood, farm-to-table cafés, and classic American plates in historic downtown settings.
Local bakeries and coffee shops offer morning pastries and sandwiches ideal for exploring the Sussex County courthouse area.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Georgetown, Delaware’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
