First City in the First State

Lewes is a charming coastal community and the first European settlement in Delaware, founded in 1681 by Dutch settlers.

LIts rich history still resounds through the salty air. Walking around this slowpaced coastal town, it’s difficult to imagine Lewes as a place of great drama and action. While Lewes may no longer be the site of pirate raids or great naval upheavals, it’s now a popular destination for retirees, drawn by its peace and quiet.

Just north of the popular Atlantic Coast destination Rehoboth Beach—known for its classic boardwalk and family-friendly beaches—Lewes offers similar charms with fewer crowds. Of course, you can spend the day lounging by the beach, but Lewes has much more to offer than just pretty views. Here’s what to do in this historic, small coastal town.

Rich In History

Lewes proudly calls itself “the first town in the first state.” It’s home to several museums, including the Zwaanendael Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area’s past. One of the town’s most significant historic structures, the Ryves Holt House, dates all the way back to 1665 and is believed to be the oldest house in the state.

The Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area, a coastal defense site during World War II, provides an enriching educational experience for kids and adults. You can tour Battery 519, a gun bunker constructed in 1941, and climb to the top of Tower 7, a critical coastal observation tower that also offers a panoramic view of the park and coast.

Eat And Drink Like A Local

Start your day with NYstyle bagels at Surf Bagel and house-roasted coffee at Notting Hill. When it’s time for lunch, sample authentic delicacies at Touch of Italy, a restaurant, deli, and market known for its handmade mozzarella, wood-fired pizzas, and over-stuffed hero sandwiches. Try the Da Vinci, with salami, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried and roasted red peppers, and extra-virgin olive oil piled high on a seeded sub roll. Pack your sandwiches and some other artisanal grocery staples for a beachside lunch. Don’t miss the eclairs for dessert.

Spend an afternoon unwinding at Crooked Hammock Brewery, a backyard-style hangout that brews a stellar IPA (the Beach Escape) and fun seasonal flavors like the summer pilsner Actively Fishing.

For a formal evening dining experience, visit Heirloom, an upscale but approachable farm-to-table restaurant located in a white Victorian-era home. The menu at Heirloom changes monthly, but expect produce-forward dishes that make the most of seasonal bounty. For example, panseared scallops are paired with English peas, spring onions, blistered turnips, grits, and green chili adobo.

Stroll the Shops

You can tour most of Lewes’s quaint attractions on foot. Spend a day wandering the historic district to admire the architecture and pop into a few downtown shops. Check out The Vintage Underground, a basement-level shop stocked with vinyl and other unique finds, and PUZZLES, a family-owned puzzle shop. After you’ve hit the antique shops and souvenir stores, stop by Edie Bee’s Confection Shop for unique candies, chocolates, and other treats.

Explore The Great Outdoors

Catch the sunset at Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Gulf meets the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Henlopen State Park features more than 4,013 acres of preserved land, including attractions for the whole family. The Point Overlook at Cape Henlopen provides a fantastic vantage point for birdwatching or simply taking in the view. Staying close to the shore is also an option as the park’s fishing pier is open for fishing 24 hours a day. You can borrow one of the park’s bikes for free and take a loop around the park. The 3.2-mile Gordons Pond Trail tours the park’s various ecosystems, from the dunes to the wetlands.

Whether you’re diving into its rich history, savoring local flavors, or exploring the great outdoors, Lewes offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of charm.