Mark your calendars for the first day of summer, plus tips on celebrating the solstice

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·3 min read

Memorial Day is right around the corner, but contrary to popular belief, it is not the start of summer.

Here’s the rundown on the actual start of summer and you can celebrate in Delaware.

When is the first day of summer in 2024?

The summer solstice marks the first day of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, it typically occurs in late June. In the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs in late December.

This year in the United States, the summer solstice is celebrated on Thursday, June 20, according to Almanac.

On average, summer lasts for about 93.6 days, until fall begins on Sept. 22 this year, according to TimeandDate.com.

How to celebrate the first day of summer in Delaware

Don't sleep on the sunset at Newark Reservoir this summer.
Don't sleep on the sunset at Newark Reservoir this summer.

Now that you know when summer starts, the fun part is deciding how you want to spend the summer solstice. If you need a few ideas, consider the following activities to help you ring in the new season:

Visit Delaware beaches

A view of a jam-packed Rehoboth Beach on Memorial Day weekend as seen in this aerial photo taken on Sunday, May 26, 1991.
A view of a jam-packed Rehoboth Beach on Memorial Day weekend as seen in this aerial photo taken on Sunday, May 26, 1991.

It might sound obvious, but there’s nothing quite like spending the first day of summer relaxing on the sand under the sun. Or swimming in the ocean. Or enjoy shopping at the outlets before dining at oceanfront restaurants.

Whatever sounds like your perfect summer beach day, there’s plenty of excitement at the beaches to tide you over.

Memorial Day FAQ: When is Memorial Day and why do we celebrate the holiday?

Challenge yourself on a hike

When completed, the Georgetown-Lewes bicycle trail will travel the 17 miles between its namesake towns. Pictured here is the trail near Beach Time Distilling in Lewes on May 13, 2023.
When completed, the Georgetown-Lewes bicycle trail will travel the 17 miles between its namesake towns. Pictured here is the trail near Beach Time Distilling in Lewes on May 13, 2023.

What better way to enjoy the summer sun than immersing yourself in the outdoors?

Whether it’s a leisurely walk through a local park or a winding hike with changing terrain, Delaware’s 17 state parks are the perfect places for you to get your sweat on beneath the glistening sun. Plenty of the state parks have opportunities for recreational sports, playgrounds and nature and education centers if you need a midday break or picnic table to refuel at.

Take a trip

Visit Woodburn, the governor’s house in Dover.
Visit Woodburn, the governor’s house in Dover.

Delaware is brimming with history, and you don’t need to leave the state to feel like you’ve been transported to a new area.

A short drive is all that stands between you and exploring local historical sites, visiting museums or checking out famous landmarks.

The best part? There’s so much history to see that you can spend a few more days during the summer combing through it all.

Dine out at local waterfront restaurants

One of the best parts about summer is being able to dine outdoors without chattering your teeth off or needing to pick a table near a heater.

With Delaware’s lively and acclaimed food scene, there are plenty of First State eateries with ocean backdrops. And if you don’t feel like battling seasonal beach traffic, there are other waterfront restaurants in northern and middle Delaware, too.

Wherever you choose to eat, be sure to take advantage of seasonal menus and indulge in summer-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

Summer hiking spots: The 5 best places for summer hiking in Delaware

Go camping

If a day spent hiking isn’t enough, make it an overnight by camping under the summer stars.

You might think you have to travel far to enjoy a traditional camping experience, but Delaware has several campgrounds, with a variety of primitive and more inclusive options, that can help you achieve your summer camping dreams. Or glamping, if that’s what you prefer.

Plus, the short distance to an in-state campground means you’ll have more time to enjoy your adventure and spend less time battling other drivers on the road.

Pick produce at local farms

Kayla Thomas, 8, picks strawberries at Fifer Orchards on Monday afternoon, June 17, 2013.
Kayla Thomas, 8, picks strawberries at Fifer Orchards on Monday afternoon, June 17, 2013.

Another summer rite of passage in Delaware is partaking in u-pick activities.

Thanks to Delaware’s ample farmland, there are several farms where u-pick is offered for in-season fruits like strawberries and peaches, vegetables like asparagus and corn and colorful flowers.

Most of Delaware’s u-pick farms offer photo opportunities, family-friendly activities, farm markets and tasty treats made fresh from farm crops. These farms can often be found selling at local farmstands, too, which is a perfect excuse to check out some new farmers markets this summer.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. 

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is the first day of summer 2024? How to celebrate in Delaware