Visit Lewes, Delaware
Welcome to Lewes, DE, The First Town in the First State, a historic coastal treasure in Southern Delaware founded in 1631 where maritime heritage meets natural beauty. Explore the town’s past at the Zwaanendael Museum and the Lewes History Museum, bike the trails and visit the bay and ocean beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park, or set sail on a dolphin-watching tour from the harbor. Lewes offers a serene vacation with charming streets, pristine beaches, and is a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Places to Stay in Lewes
Lewes, a quaint gem in Southern Delaware, invites you to unwind with stays that blend historic charm with coastal comfort. Settle into cozy accommodations in the heart of downtown, where beautiful architecture and modern amenities create a timeless escape. Nearby, spacious vacation rentals offer room for families with easy access to Delaware Bay beaches. For nature lovers, rentals near Cape Henlopen State Park provide a serene base with fabulous views. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer Lewes vacation, these accommodations let you soak in the town’s rich history and seaside serenity.
Lewes Restaurants
Lewes’s dining scene reflects its maritime roots with fresh, local flavors and a welcoming coastal vibe. Enjoy seafood straight from local waters—think oysters and flounder—at waterfront spots where harbor views elevate every bite. Quaint cafes and a local coffee roastery in the historic district serve up homemade breakfasts and pastries, perfect for a morning stroll, while upscale eateries offer farm-to-table dishes with a focus on regional ingredients. From casual lunches to romantic dinners by the water, Lewes restaurants deliver a taste of the coast with a side of small-town warmth.
Things to Do in Lewes
Lewes offers a perfect blend of history and nature, wrapped in the charm of a coastal small town. Step back in time at the Zwaanendael Museum where exhibits celebrate Lewes’s Dutch heritage, or visit the Lewes History Museum to explore the town’s role as Delaware’s first settlement. Stroll the pristine bay and ocean beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park where you can swim or fish, and hike or bike park trails with a variety of scenic views including the iconic WWII observation towers. Visit Fort Miles, the WWII museum and artillery park in Cape Henlopen State Park, that was responsible for defense of the Delaware Bay during the last World War. Rent a kayak to paddle the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, the Great Marsh, or Delaware Bay, or join a dolphin-watching tour from the harbor to spot wildlife in the bay. With boutique shops in the historic district and Culinary Coast(TM) restaurants located throughout town and along Route 1, Lewes combines maritime history, outdoor fun, savory delicacies, and small-town charm for a memorable getaway.
Experience Lewes Events
Lewes’s rich history and coastal spirit come alive through a calendar of events that honor its heritage and community. Spring blooms with the Tulip Festival, showcasing Dutch-inspired gardens and local crafts in the historic district. Summer shines with festivals and craft fairs, antique and history fairs, walking tours, free concerts at Stango Park, and lots more. Fall brings the Boast the Coast festival, with maritime displays, entertainment, and land and sea tours. Coast Day at the University of Delaware’s marine campus offers family-friendly marine education programs. Winter glows with the Christmas Parade and the Lewes Lights tour, illuminating the town with festive charm. Lewes’s events invite you to connect with its past, celebrate the coast, and enjoy the timeless magic of this Southern Delaware retreat.
Lewes Photos
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