Things to Do in Lewes, Delaware
If you plan to travel to Delaware to see its beautiful beaches, exciting festivals, excellent food, breathtaking nature, unique shops, lively harbors or intriguing history, you'll have to make time during your visit to see the first state's first town. There is plenty to do, even for free!
Lewes, Delaware, sits beside Rehoboth Beach, making it the perfect retreat after a day in the sun. This quaint, intriguing town offers everything you already love about Delaware. The town offers splendid views of the bay and canal and you can find exciting, unique things to do in Lewes all year-round.
Okay. What is there to do in Lewes, Delaware?
History of Lewes, DE
As the first town in the first state, it has one of the longest American histories. Henry Hudson discovered the land when sailing for the Dutch East India Company in 1609. Twenty-two years later, the Dutch decided to establish a whaling station on Cape Henlopen — the land separating the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. It failed, as local inhabitants killed all 32 men.
To continue the land's string of bad luck, the infamous Captain Kidd and a variety of lesser-known pirates visited the small village up until 1698. In the War of 1812, a British frigate attacked the small town. Fortunately, the only losses suffered by the town were one dead hen and a wounded pig.
A building in the town still proudly displays a cannonball from that very battle embedded in its facade.
Despite its various conflicts throughout the centuries, Lewes's excellent harbor played a significant role in the town's success. Today, the town remains a seafaring location, and several restaurants in Lewes sit along the water, where you can watch ships come and go while enjoying a crab cake and local brew.
Over 200 years after the initial European discovery, William Penn assumed control of the land in 1862, and Lewes finally got its permanent name.
How Do I Pronounce Lewes?
So, now it's got a permanent name. But, how do you pronounce it?
It's "Loo-iss," like the boy's name, rather than "Lose."
So, why is it pronounced that way? The town was named after Lewes in Sussex, England. But this one is Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware.
However, it took some time for the town to arrive at its current name. It was originally called Swanendael — Valley of the Swans — then it cycled through the names Hoerekill, Hoerenkill, Harlot's Creek, Whorekill and Deale. In 1680, magistrates governing the town requested the Governor select "summe other name for the Whoorekill."
William Penn changed the name to Lewes once he acquired the land from the Duke of York — and we're certainly glad he did.
Where to Stay in Lewes
Whether you plan to vacation solely in Lewes or you want to make some fun day-trips to Rehoboth or Dewey, Lewes offers some great accommodations for your stay in southern Delaware. Its location gives you access to many of the southern Delaware hot spots but takes you away from the crowds in the evening for a more relaxing getaway.
Some great local hotels include:
INN at Canal Square: If you're looking for gorgeous accommodations right along the riverfront, the INN at Canal Square will give you the views you're looking for. They describe themselves as having a Nantucket Style along the Delaware Coast, and you would have difficulty finding a place with a more central location to all the great offerings of Lewes.
Hotel Blue: This boutique hotel offers canal-front views and a respite from the crowded, busy beaches. With a rooftop pool and lounge, private balconies and fireplaces in each room, and an indoor sauna, you'll relax in style.
If you're looking for a complete experience, you can look for a bed and breakfast at:
Mansion Farm Inn: This gorgeous two-acre property offers a variety of suite styles in their 209-year-old inn. It's a relaxing getaway equipped with gardens, cornfields, holly bushes, a fountain and even a large saltwater pool. Staying here gives you the complete vacation experience, and they even have two pet-friendly suites!
Savannah Inn: With private or group yoga and relaxing massage options, Savannah Inn Bed and Breakfast provides the complete relaxation experience. You can enjoy your breakfast in the dining area, porch or garden.
And if you want a unique, exciting experience for your lodgings, you can go camping at:
Cape Henlopen State Park: Spend the day exploring the beauty of the forests, walking along the beach and climbing up the historical watchtowers in this amazing state park, then camp the night away on their grounds. They have campsites and cabins available to rent.
Steamboat Landing Campground and Marina: If you want options, Steamboat Landing gives you the choice of campground plots, cabins, an RV park and a 70 slip marina. They have a general store and pool, and you can go crabbing, saltwater fishing and waterskiing all from the RV lot.
1. Historical Locations
Thanks to its lengthy history, there are several historical sites you have the option to visit during your stay. History plays an important role in the fabric of Lewes, and the area stays true to its nautical roots through its business practices and by preserving its historical locations. If you're planning to visit Lewes, be sure to visit these historical locations:
1. Ryves Holt House
As a relatively young country, you don't get to see truly ancient buildings in America. However, the Ryves Holt House gets you as close as you can to an original Delawarean home.
To the best of our knowledge, this house, cared for by the Lewes Historical Society, is the oldest house in all of Delaware that's still held up on its original foundation. Through a borings analysis of the structure's wood, the home was dated as a 1665 build. After it served as a colonial inn, the building housed Ryves Holt when he arrived in 1721. He served as the Naval Officer of the Port and High Sheriff of Sussex County. In 1745, he earned the title of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in The Three Lower Counties in Delaware. He filled that position until his death.
2. Overfalls Lightship
Built in 1938 and serving until 1971, the Overfalls Lightship acted as a floating lighthouse along the East Coast. She sits 114 feet long, and 26 feet side with a 13-foot draft and a weight of 412 tons. When in service, her 15,000 candlepower light flashed every three seconds, and you could see the light for 12 miles with a clear sky. Her foghorn went off every 30 seconds, and you could hear the sound from five miles away. She could sail at a top speed of nine knots. Fourteen men served as the crew, and they rotated the schedule with two weeks at sea and one week's rest onshore.
After her decommissioning in 1972, she retired in Lewes the following year. The Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation has since converted her into a museum for public appreciation and exploration.
3. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Serving the community since 1681, the current church building sits in the heart of Lewes. Two structures preceded the existing building, which was erected in 1858 and restored in 1948. The first church building began its construction in 1707.
However, before an official building housed the worship community, the congregation of the Church of England practiced their faith together as early as 1681. Four Delaware governors made the surrounding cemetery their final resting place. The building and church it represents holds a fascinating history and continues to faithfully serve the community.
4. Zwaanendael Museum
Built to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Delaware's initial European settlement, the museum houses the maritime history of Lewes. Since the Dutch settled the original colony of Swanendael, the architects designed the impressive building as an adaptation of Hoorn, Holland's city hall.
The exhibits include artifacts from the H.M.B. DeBraak, a sunken British warship recovered along the Cape Henlopen coast in 1798. Others come from the War of 1812's bombardment of the town and the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse.
2. Best Shopping in Lewes
If you love to shop, Lewes provides one-of-a-kind shops you won't find at the outlets. You could spend the whole day just browsing all the shops along Second Street.
The street has a store for any type of boutique experience you could hope for in a beach town:
Fashion & Style: If you like the vibe of Anthropologie, you'll love The Bungalow on 2nd. They've got designer clothing, cute kitchen wares, bath and beauty and all sorts of luxury living items. If you're looking for a used boutique or Lewes-themed wear, you can find plenty of options along 2nd street.
Fine Jewelry: The Jewelry Exchange of Delaware buys, sells, trades, designs and redesigns jewelry from any era. Treasures offers a variety of modern collections and plenty of beach-themed luxury wares.
Antiques & Art Galleries: Lewes Mercantile Antiques houses all sorts of rare finds. From art to jewelry to decor, the 30 vendors in this shop have anything and everything vintage, antique, retro and collectible.
Gifts, Vintage & Collectibles: Biblion offers an impressive collection of used books and rare collectible items. Under the store, you'll find another shop called The Vintage Underground filled with even more vintage and collectible wares.
3. Ideas for Family Day in Lewes
If your vacation includes kids, you have plenty of Lewes family activities to choose from, including:
Become a pirate: To embrace Lewes's seafaring, pirating history, climb aboard the Sea Gypsy V for a voyage worthy of a scalawag. From a water cannon battle to a hunt for hidden treasure, the boat ride will excite any youngster who loves adventure. And if you're looking for a parents-only getaway, the boat offers evening two-hour tours around the canal. BYOB and BYOF to make the most of this relaxing water retreat. It's certainly one of the more unusual things to do in Lewes, and definitely one of the most memorable.
Bounce around: Are your kids usually bouncing off the walls? We've got the perfect place where they can do just that. Let the kids go wild at Shell We Bounce, an indoor trampoline park with dodge ball, an arcade, foam pit and more!
Family kayak trip: Enjoy the water with a guided kayak tour around the inland bays and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you love dolphins, history, sunsets, shipwrecks or water yoga, Quest Kayak has a tour for you.
Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen: The Cape Henlopen State Park has so much to offer to any nature lover. The Nature Center, in particular, lets you get up close and personal with the creatures of the ocean with their 495-gallon touch tank and five 1,000 gallon fish tanks filled with different species from different surrounding habitats. You can watch the live osprey cam or participate in one of their many activity programs.
4. Running, Hiking and Biking
If you love spending time outdoors and want some free things to do in Lewes, you have plenty of options when it comes to walking and biking trails, such as:
Junction & Breakwater Trails: This trail creates a loop from Lewes to Rehoboth. Perfect for bikers and walkers, the trail leads you through forests, open fields and coastal scrub. You can even use strollers on this trail.
Gordons Pond Trail: This trail spans a little over 3 miles and starts at the Gordons Pond Day Use Area parking lot. It's a combination of crushed gravel and boardwalk.
Walking Dunes Trail: This popular trail works well for all skill levels and is suited for walking, running, bird watching and nature trips. You can appreciate the wild flowers, and as long as you leash them, the pups can come along, too.
Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop: This all-asphalt trail gives bikers another great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the state park.
THINGS TO KNOW
When planning your trip, it's important to keep a couple of facts in mind:
Public restrooms are available in Zwaanendael Park, Mary Vessels Park and Beach #1 and #2. Zwaanendael is open 24/7/365, while the others close during different hours and times of the year.
You can only park where there are meters. You can't park on the street in any residential district. Different parking rules apply during different times of the year, so make sure you check out the local rules to see what you should know during your visit.
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many restaurants with outdoor seating welcome canine dinner guests.
5. Best Pizza Near Lewes
If all the adventures you've had around Lewes leave you hungry and ready to unwind with a beer in hand, we know one of the best places to eat in Lewes.
Crust & Craft takes wood fired, craft pizza to the next level. We make our hand-crafted pizza with the finest ingredients and produce unexpected flavors that will keep you coming back for more. All of our food — from our wings to our pasta to our pizzas — pair perfectly with our brews, wines and cocktails.
Dine in or order some pies and growlers to bring the party back to your Lewes accommodations. The next time you're looking for pizza places near Lewes, we'd love to make your southern Delaware experience even better with our incredible food and excellent service.