Family-Friendly

About Lake Como

Tucked into the gentle, low-lying landscape of central Delaware, Lake Como is one of those quietly beloved spots that locals have been returning to for generations. Set in Smyrna — a small town that punches well above its weight when it comes to community pride — this public lake and park offers a genuinely welcoming slice of outdoor life without the crowds or cost of larger resort destinations. The water stretches out in a calm, flat expanse that catches the sky and mirrors the surrounding trees, giving the whole scene a peaceful, almost painterly quality on still mornings.

The Setting and Landscape

Delaware isn't known for dramatic terrain, and Lake Como wears that character honestly. The park sits at ground level, accessible and unhurried, with the lake's surface reading as a broad mirror of light and season. In summer, the treeline surrounding the water buzzes with insect song and the distant laughter of families settling onto the grass. The picnic areas are shaded and inviting, the kind of place where a cooler full of sandwiches and a long afternoon feel entirely justified. Come spring or fall, the foliage along the banks deepens into amber and rust, and the reflections on the water become something worth pointing a camera at. In winter, when the swimmers are gone, the lake takes on a hushed, atmospheric stillness that rewards the patient photographer.

Swimming at Lake Como

The designated swimming beach is where Lake Como comes alive in the warmer months. As a lake in Delaware's coastal plain, the water tends to warm comfortably through the summer — inviting for adults and children alike. You'll step in from a managed beach area and feel the water ease around you, calm and unhurried, without the push and pull of surf or current. One of the most reassuring features here is the presence of lifeguards on duty, which makes this an especially strong choice for families with young swimmers. There are no entrance fees to worry about, so you can show up spontaneously on a hot July afternoon without reaching for your wallet. Restroom facilities are on-site, making it a genuinely complete day-trip destination rather than a rough-it experience.

Practical Visit Information

Getting here requires no hiking, no trail navigation, and no complicated logistics. Paved roads lead directly to the parking area and facilities, making Lake Como accessible for visitors of all ages and mobility levels. Swimming is the main draw in summer, but the picnic areas invite you to linger well beyond your time in the water. No camping is available at the site itself, so plan for a day visit. The best conditions for swimming run through the summer months, while spring and fall offer their own quieter rewards for those who enjoy nature without the crowds.

Plan Your Visit

Lake Como sits within easy reach of both Dover and Smyrna, Delaware — Dover being the state capital and a reasonable base for exploring the region, and Smyrna offering its own small-town charm just minutes away. Whether you're a Delaware local looking for a reliable summer ritual or a traveler passing through the First State, Lake Como delivers a free, family-friendly, and genuinely pleasant afternoon on the water.

About Phillips Landing

Tucked along the slow, dark waters of the Nanticoke River in lower Delaware, Phillips Landing is the kind of place that feels like a local secret — unhurried, unpretentious, and genuinely beautiful. Accessible from the small communities of Salisbury, Seaford, and Bethel, this unofficial swimming spot draws those who prefer their river days without crowds, admission booths, or loudspeakers. You arrive by car, step out into the thick, fragrant air of the Delmarva Peninsula, and immediately feel the pace of the day shift.

The Setting: A River Wrapped in Green

The Nanticoke River moves with a quiet authority through this stretch of Delaware, its tannin-stained waters reflecting the dense canopy of riverside trees. In summer, the banks are lush with vegetation — tall grasses, overhanging willows, and wildflowers that hum with pollinators. Great blue herons pick their way along the shallows, and you might spot an osprey overhead if you keep your eyes up. The landscape is flat and open in that distinctly tidewater way, where the sky feels enormous and the horizon stretches endlessly over wetland and forest. Come autumn, the foliage along the Nanticoke turns to amber and rust, making the river glow in the late-afternoon light. In spring, blooming wildflowers line the edges of the picnic area, and the mild temperatures make for a peaceful outing even before swimming season opens in earnest.

Swimming the Nanticoke

Swimming here is informal and unhurried — that's the whole point. The Nanticoke is a tidal river, and its waters carry the characteristic dark color of a blackwater system, tinted by organic matter from the surrounding wetlands rather than pollution. The river runs wide and calm at Phillips Landing, making it approachable for confident swimmers looking for a natural, unmanaged experience. Because this is an unofficial swimming area with no lifeguards or safety staff on site, visitors should exercise personal judgment about conditions and swimming ability. Children and less experienced swimmers should be supervised carefully. The best swimming months run from June through August, when air and water temperatures are at their warmest and the riverside atmosphere is at its most inviting.

Practical Visit Information

Getting to Phillips Landing requires no hiking or special gear — easy car access puts you right at the river's edge. Entry is free, and basic picnic facilities are available on site, making this an ideal spot to pack a lunch and spend an afternoon. There are no concessions, no rental equipment, and no formal amenities beyond the picnic area, so come prepared with everything you need, including water, sunscreen, and a towel. Camping is not available at Phillips Landing itself, but Trap Pond State Park offers nearby campground options for those who want to extend their stay — note that swimming is no longer permitted at Trap Pond, making Phillips Landing the better destination for a river swim in this part of Delaware.

Plan Your Visit

Phillips Landing sits within easy reach of Seaford and Bethel, Delaware, as well as Salisbury, Maryland, just across the state line. Whether you're making a day trip from the Eastern Shore or building it into a longer road trip through the Delmarva Peninsula, this quiet riverside stop rewards those willing to seek it out. Pack a picnic, bring curious eyes for the wildlife, and let the Nanticoke do the rest.

About the Brandywine River

Winding through the rolling hills and wooded valleys just outside Wilmington, Delaware, the Brandywine River is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most beloved informal swimming and tubing destinations. This is not a manicured beach with a lifeguard stand and a snack bar — it's something better. It's a living, breathing stretch of river where herons pick their way along mossy banks, wildflowers lean toward the current, and on a hot July afternoon, the cold pull of moving water feels like the best reward imaginable.

The Setting and Landscape

The Brandywine moves at a pace that feels deliberate — unhurried but purposeful. Along Route 100, you'll find entry points at Smith Bridge and Thompson's Bridge, each offering access to the river through terrain that rewards the curious. Expect rocky riverbanks and uneven footing, so sturdy water shoes or sandals with grip are essential. The landscape shifts with the seasons: lush green canopy in summer filters the sunlight into shifting patterns on the water's surface, while autumn transforms the corridor into a gallery of amber and crimson. Even in winter, the river draws photographers who come for the quiet drama of bare branches reflected in still eddies.

The Brandywine carries real historical weight — these waters powered mills that shaped Wilmington's industrial identity for generations, and that layered past gives the place a depth that goes beyond scenery.

Swimming and Tubing

Summer is prime time on the Brandywine. The river's gentle current makes it well-suited for tubing, and outfitters operate in the area, making it easier to gear up without hauling your own equipment. Swimmers wade in from rocky shorelines and find a river that runs cool and clear enough to be refreshing without being overwhelming. Because this is an unofficial swimming area, conditions vary — depth, flow speed, and clarity all shift after rainfall or during spring runoff, so arriving after a stretch of dry weather gives you the most comfortable experience. Use your judgment, watch for underwater rocks near entry points, and never swim alone.

Wildlife is a constant companion here. Keep your eyes open for great blue herons, kingfishers, and white-tailed deer along the banks. The Brandywine's riparian ecosystem is remarkably intact for a river so close to a major city, and that contrast — wild nature within reach of urban Delaware — is part of what makes it special.

Plan Your Visit

The Brandywine River is accessible via Route 100, with entry points at Smith Bridge and Thompson's Bridge. Facilities at the river itself are unknown, so come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear for rocky terrain. Fees, if any apply, were not confirmed at the time of writing — bring some cash just in case. Camping is not available at the site. The nearest full-service city is Wilmington, Delaware, where you'll find restaurants, lodging, museums, and cultural attractions within easy reach. Whether you're making a half-day of it or building a longer itinerary around the area, the Brandywine rewards visitors who come ready to move slowly and pay attention.