10 Fun Things to Do When You Visit Lewes Delaware

Travel just under three hours by car from the Washington DC area to find the quaint beach town of Lewes, Delaware. It’s often overshadowed by nearby Rehoboth Beach but don’t be mistaken, Lewes has a surprising number of fun things to do packed in its small footprint. It’s known as “The First Town in the First State,” with a history dating back over 400 years. Over the years, we have discovered that this beach town not only offers plenty of family-friendly fun, it makes for a great couples getaway, especially in late spring and early fall. Explore Cape Henlopen State Park by foot or bike, try a cruise to see dolphins or watch the sunset, grab pastries, ice cream or a local brew, or just hang out on the beach. Keep in mind that Lewes is busiest during the peak summer months, and some of the shops and restaurants may have limited hours or be closed during the middle of winter. Read on to explore our list of 10 things to do in Lewes, Delaware.  

1. Grab a Sticky Bun & Coffee. There’s no shortage of great food and drink in Lewes, starting with breakfast. If you crave something sweet with your coffee, take a stroll down Second Street to Notting Hill Coffee Roastery and Lewes Bake Shoppe. In business for over 30 years, the owner Amy is passionate about coffee roasting and the pastries are guaranteed to give you a sugar high! Grab a bag of fresh roasted coffee beans along with an Ooey Gooey or classic Sticky Bun for the ultimate indulgence. Another option not far from downtown is the Station on King. Browse the marketplace, grab coffee and a pastry, or visit the outside garden center. Two other places worth mentioning for early morning treats are Kaisy’s Delights for a coffee and treats or Surf Bagel and Deli (on nearby Coastal Highway) for some of the best bagels in town. For lunch or dinner, restaurants in Lewes include Touch of Italy for Italian favorites, Matt’s Fish Camp for seafood (about 3 miles from downtown), Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar for vegan options, Agave for Mexican cuisine, or the Pig and Publican for a casual lunch. 

2. Spend the Day  at Cape Henlopen State Park. This beautiful state park, with access to the  Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, offers visitors a swimming beach, fishing pier, camping, history, and several miles of nature trails. At the main swimming area on the ocean, you’ll find a bathhouse, concessions, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Tip: Take a short walk in either direction off the main beach entrance to find a bit more room to spread out. A beach wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis. But the beach is not the only thing that makes Cape Henlopen State Park special. Explore a historic fort, climb to the top of one of the World War II Observation Towers to check out the view, or take a walk or bike ride on one of the area trails! There’s even a Borrow-A-Bike Program at the Seaside Nature Center, worth a stop with kids to explore the two-level touch tank. Begin or end your day at one of the amazing vantage points for viewing the sunrise and sunset. I captured this stunning sunset at The Point Overlook in late October (note that this area is closed for part of the year for beachnesting). Cape Henlopen State Park is popular for camping so be sure to reserve a spot in advance (bug spray will make your visit more enjoyable if you are camping). The park entrance fee for a day pass is currently $10 for out-of-state visitors.

​And if you are looking for calmer waters for swimming, nearby Lewes Beach (recently renamed Savannah Beach) offers a good alternative on the shores of the Delaware Bay. The wide beach and shallow bay entry makes it popular for families with younger kids. Plan to arrive early to grab a metered parking spot. Having the Park Mobile App will come in handy here and downtown. 

3. Hang Out With Your Dog. If you don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home, the beaches of Southern Delaware have you covered. Just 10 minutes from downtown Lewes is one of my favorite, dog-friendly Bed and Breakfasts, the Lazy L at Willow Creek. Honestly, I would stay there without a dog because the place has amazing outdoor space and the most colorful sunrises over the marsh! Along with an ever-changing breakfast spread for humans, they offer dog amenities including an outdoor shower, fenced in dog park, extra dog towels, and doggie bags. For a prime location in the middle of town, you can’t beat the Dogfish Inn. The Inn is within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and offers free amenities to borrow like beach cruiser bikes, beach chairs, and blankets. Beach rules for dogs vary and are more restrictive during the summer months, so check out Southern Delaware Tourism for the rundown. They also list other dog-friendly resources including restaurants with outdoor dining. We’ve also taken our dog to nearby Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge to walk along the trails.

4. Hop on a Bike Trail. Lewes is a great place to explore by bike, even more so during the off-season. I recently learned that the city of Lewes is one of just under 500 communities recognized as a certified Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Besides things like bike lanes designed to make the community more bikeable, Lewes is home to several bike trails. These include the Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, the Junction & Breakwater Trail, and the Georgetown to Lewes Trail. Kids of all ages will love the views of the salt water lagoon and birds found along the Gordons Pond Trail. And if you want to skip the traffic to Rehoboth Beach during the busy summer months, check out the Junction & Breakwater Trail. It’s a popular trail that follows a former rail line connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. ​

5. Pick Up Local Favorites at the Farmers Market. Shopping at a local farmers market is always a win-win! Not only are you supporting local businesses, but you are lessening your food footprint by buying locally grown food. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is open seasonally at George H.P. Smith Park from May through September. If you visit the market in late summer, look for the long line to buy some of the juiciest local peaches in the area. From June through September, there is also a Wednesday morning market at nearby Crooked Hammock Brewery.

6. Take a Day Trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Lewes is home to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which travels back and forth between the two destinations multiple times a day. It takes about 85 minutes to make the trip from Lewes to Cape May, New Jersey. Either drive on with your car or walk on as a foot passenger. Honestly, visiting Cape May via the ferry has been on my to-do list for as long as I can remember. I think I need to make this happen during the summer of 2022. I also just read about the option to rent an E-Bike near the ferry terminal, which might be perfect for a day trip as a walk-on passenger. Find out more about reservations and fees for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. 

7. Tour the Lightship Overfalls. There is so much history around Lewes, including the massive Lightship Overfalls docked adjacent to Canalfront Park. Lightships have a long history of serving as floating lighthouses, and the Overfalls has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. During the summer, tours are offered several days a week. Even if you don’t take a tour, it’s fun to see the ship up close, and read some of the informational signs scattered around. Just up the street is the Cannonball House, which earned its name during the Bombardment of Lewes in the War of 1812. It’s also home to the Lewes Maritime Museum. The nearby 1812 Memorial Park is a nice place to sit and relax and enjoy the water views. Visit in spring during the Lewes Tulip Celebration, established to celebrate the town's Dutch heritage. 

8. Make a Stop for Ice Cream. No trip to the beach is complete without a stop for ice cream! Since 1972, King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop has been serving ice cream at their shop on Second Street in downtown Lewes. Expect a line during the peak of summer. If you want to relive a childhood memory of eating a dripping ice cream cone while on the beach, stop by the local DQ near Lewes Beach (now Savannah Beach). Two more spots worth checking out as you are driving to and from the area are Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes and Vanderwende Ice Cream in Greenwood. Both family-run businesses offer plenty of delicious, fresh ice cream with enough flavors to make your head spin!

9. Enjoy a Relaxing Cruise. Head out on the water to enjoy the view from a different perspective. Cape Water Tours offers a variety of seasonal cruises. We recently enjoyed an evening cruise on the Delaware Bay to see the East End Lighthouse. It was such a relaxing way to see the sunset, plus we were able to bring snacks and drinks on board. Other options include narrated cruises to search for dolphins or spot birds. Check out the Ultimate Eco-Tour cruise for an opportunity to learn about the coastal estuary with science educators on board. Access the full list of Cape Water Tours list of cruises and summer schedule here. And for pirate fans,  Pirates of Lewes offers options for both young kids and an adult-only cruise.

10. Grab a Local Brew. The craft beer scene is alive and well around Lewes. Whether you want the full brewery experience or a relaxing meal outdoors with a local brew in hand, there are many good choices. Crooked Hammock Brewery has a big backyard perfect for kids and dogs. Throw in a fun beer menu and everything from sandwiches to Hammock wings to complete the experience. Big Oyster is another favorite, typically with over a dozen beers on tap. You can’t miss the big red building as you drive by. Try the Fried Oyster Po’Boy or one of their specialty B.O.B.’s Mac & Cheese Bakes. In nearby Milton, the Dogfish Head Craft brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating for your tastings. The brewery is also known as the home to the Steampunk Treehouse, a unique sculpture originally created for the Burning Man Festival in Nevada back in 2007. If spirits are more your thing, about 10 minutes from downtown Lewes is Beach Time Distilling. We haven’t had a chance to check this place out yet, but it looks like they have some interesting flavors. It’s located near Old World Breads Bakery, another place popular with the locals.  

To learn more about the fascinating history of Lewes, stop by the Zwaanendael Museum close to the center of town. You can’t miss the building, with its interesting facade that replicates a town hall from the Netherlands.  And speaking of history, be sure to check out the large mural on the side of the Beacon Motel. It pays tribute to the importance of the fishing industry in the early days of the community.  

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