Lewes
Lewes, Delaware is situated where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen. Nowhere can the beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park be equaled. In this preserved land you find miles of beautiful beaches, nature trails and bird sanctuaries. Lewes is a walking town. Within a half-square mile you will find the Historic district, museums, many Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, fine restaurants, and a variety of fine shops.
Top Events and Attractions
Great Delaware Kite Festival
The Great Delaware Kite Festival takes place each year at Cape Henlopen State Park on Good Friday.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy ocean swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, the park features an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, historic Fort Miles, annual events such as the Kite Festival and the Halloween Fantasy Trail are family favorites. The park also conducts a variety of entertaining recreational programs, including natural history lectures, seaside seining, birdwatching, and others. Cape Henlopen has many year-round hiking and biking opportunities. Experience the park's scenic and ever-changing landscape - and get a lesson in history - along the three-mile-long paved trail that loops the park. Take a trail break and climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower, where the 360-degree views are spectacular. Or take a short climb to the top of a former military bunker to view the dynamic action along the Atlantic coastline. Explore the coastal environment along the Seaside or the Pinelands Nature Trails, or hike the six miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape May Lewes Ferry
Enjoy an 85 minute (one way) ride between beautiful Lewes, Delaware and lovely Cape May, NJ on the Cape May Lewes Ferry. Check out the website for events info as well.
Lewes Historical Complex
Nestled in the heart of historic Lewes, The Lewes Historical Society’s Campus offers 9 historic buildings for you to explore. Highlighting Lewes’s relationship to the sea and dedication to the preservation of historic structures, these museums help to tell the story of Lewes through the centuries since its founding.
Zwaanendael Museum
The museum commemorates Delaware's first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. This museum serves as a showcase for the Lewes area's maritime, military, and social history.
Mid Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival
In June in Lewes, this festival features more than seventy sea glass artists joined by other coastal artists- including decoy carvers and waterfowl artists. Vendors come from up and down the East Coast, and as far away as the Virgin Islands. Enjoy delicious food and cool treats all weekend. A kids' corner provides entertaining activities, a pirate crew joins the festivities to provide fun activities, story time, and photos. Music and more!
Outdoor Antiques Show
August. Nearly 60 high quality antiques dealers participate in the show, featuring 18th century to early 20th century antiques. All pieces are authentic and represent a wide range of prices. There is something for every taste and every level of collecting sophistication at the show.
Chautauqua
June. A unique mixture of education and entertainment, Lewes’s Chautauqua is held under a large tent and features re-enactors who take on the personas of celebrated historical figures, educating and entertaining audiences as they bring the past to life. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the featured characters. Chautauqua takes its name from a series of adult education programs that were first held at a campsite on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York during the late-19th century.
Boast the Coast Maritime Festival
October. Maritime-themed activities throughout the day and throughout the city of Lewes including at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Zwaanendael Museum, Historical Society Complex, etc. Boat parade, sidewalk sale, and lots more.
Winter WonderFEST
November - January 1. Two mile light spectacular in Cape Henlopen State Park plus a Christmas Village at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal and carnival with full size Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, Santa's workshop, i-Rink ice skating, more.
Overfalls
The Lightship Overfalls, located in Lewes, is one of only 17 remaining lightships out of a total of 179 built from 1820 to 1952. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011, it is one of seven lightships in this country still open to the public.
Slam Dunk to the Beach
December, between Christmas and New Years. Slam Dunk to the Beach is a top high school basketball tournament, drawing teams from numerous states and even international schools. Former Slam Dunk players include Carmello Anthony, Lebron James, and many others.
