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The First Town in the First State blends coastal living with small-town charm, attracting thousands of visitors annually. An easy 2-4 hour drive from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C., it’s a perfect weekend getaway from the hustle of city life; let’s look at the best things to do in Lewes!
If you plan to head north, check out my guides on Dover or Wilmington, too. I’m Delaware-born and raised.
What to Do in Lewes
With an average of 206 sunny days per year, you will likely spend most of your time soaking up the heat and enjoying the following outdoor attractions.
American Classic Golf Club
Want to hit the green?
The year-round American Classic Golf Club is one of the most popular golf courses near Lewes.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is the best place to go fishing; you can take a head boat or charter boat fishing trip there and take a sightseeing cruise.
Rehoboth Beach Sailing Association
You won’t find boat rentals in Lewes, but you can rent one in neighboring Dewey Beach through the Rehoboth Beach Sailing Association.
Junction and Breakwater Trail
If you’re looking for bike trails, the Junction and Breakwater Trail has five gorgeous miles of trails to discover.
Gordon’s Pond Trail is also a great choice if you want to fish; it passes by Herring Point.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Just south of Lewes is Cape Henlopen State Park, which locals love for its quieter beach, fishing pier, campground, and bike and walk paths.
From the Point, you can see where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean!
Other things to do at Cape Henlopen include a Battery 519 tour at Fort Mills and the accessible 3.2-mile cycle route Gordons Pond Trail.
If you like hiking, read our guide to the best East Coast hikes.
Note: while municipal beaches in Delaware are free, state parks with beaches such as Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, and Fenwick Island incur an out-of-state fee.
Historic Lewes Farmers Market
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is a producer-only non-profit organization where you can buy the freshest local food and support its efforts to create local and sustainable food systems.
Rainy Day Activities
There’s nothing worse than a rainy day at the beach, but there are plenty of indoor activities in Lewes to keep you busy.
Many of which support local businesses!
Cinema Art Theatre
Grab some popcorn and watch a movie at the Cinema Art Theatre, an independent movie house in the area.
Special screenings feature opera, theatre, and arthouse films.
Zwaanendael Museum
Escape the poor weather and learn about the history of Lewes, Delaware, at the same time at the Zwaanendael Museum, which displays the Lewes area’s maritime, military, and social history.
Lefty’s Alley and Eats
With a laser tag, ax throwing, bowling, and an arcade at Lefty’s Alley and Eats, you’ll be upset when the sun comes back out!
Shell We Bounce
Shell We Bounce is a popular place for things to do with kids in Lewes; in bad weather, kids and adults will have a blast bouncing at the trampolines, playing in the arcade, and swinging on the jungle gym.
Clear Space Theatre
Spend the evening at Clear Space Theatre, where their professional acting company will delight with their latest show.
Previous titles have included Sweeny Todd, Jersey Boys, and Matilda.
Stay in Unique Accommodation
If you want to stay somewhere different when visiting, try Dogfish Inn or check out this guide to our top beach resorts in Delaware.
Bars in Lewes, DE
One of the best things about Lewes is that it is so tiny that you can easily walk from bar to bar for a great Friday night out—and not even have to worry about getting a taxi back to your hotel!
You’ll find the most popular spots downtown, on and around 2nd Street; you can pick a different location each night of your trip or stage your bar crawl.
Even if you’re traveling solo, these spots are popular with friendly locals, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a few new friends.
Rose & Crown
If you can’t choose between fine dining and a couple of pints, Rose & Crown, an upscale British pub, is the perfect mix.
Irish Eyes
With over 30 years in business, Irish Eyes is a Delaware staple, known particularly for its Guinness, live music, and waterfront view.
The Pig and Pelican
Can’t get enough craft beer? The Pig and Pelican is your spot! Their local, domestic, and international choices will inspire you to visit again and again to try them all.
The Wheelhouse
For waterfront dining options, The Wheelhouse is always a top choice. Grab a beer and fish tacos, and listen to live music as you watch the sunset over The Lewes Canal.
Half Full
Pizza and beer… but make it a little fancy? Head to Half Full, where the full bar of wines, rotating draft beers, and creative cocktails will keep you going all night.
Dining in Lewes, DE
A great thing about small-town life is that you get so many independent places to try, so skip the fast food options and try some of Delaware’s finest in Lewes.
And if you go further out, you’ll find even more in the neighboring town of Rehoboth.
Confucius Chinese Cuisine
If you’re craving Chinese food in Lewes, DE, you’ll have to cross into Rehoboth for a trip to Confucius Chinese Cuisine, where you’ll get specialty and innovative as well as Americanized Chinese dishes.
Old World Breads
Feeling European?
Old World Breads is one of the best local bakeries.
It focuses on handcrafted, all-natural bread made without preservatives or enhancers.
You’ll want to take a few home!
Touch of Italy
If your budget doesn’t allow a trip abroad, Touch of Italy is one of the best Italian restaurants.
You can also order online.
Grotto Pizza
You must go to Grotto Pizza when visiting Lewes.
This iconic Delaware pizza and its signature sauce swirl are a great option for everyone in the family.
Lewes Diner
For all-day breakfast, along with classics like burgers, sandwiches, and homemade pie, consider Lewes Diner.
Hopkins Farm Creamery
In the mood for ice cream?
Hopkins Farm Creamery is the only on-farm creamery where you’ll find the freshest ice cream with the most creative flavors for miles.
Victoria’s Restaurant
If you’re looking for afternoon tea, you’ll have to go further into Rehoboth to Victoria’s Restaurant, where you can sip your tea and overlook the beach.
Events in Lewes
Local events are a great place to start if you’re looking for unique suggestions that celebrate the area.
Generally, most activities take place from May to September, with a few in early spring and late autumn.
Lewes Tulip Celebration
If you visit in early-mid April, chances are you’ll get to participate in the Lewes Tulip Celebration, which pays homage to the town’s early Dutch influence.
Great Delaware Kite Festival
On Good Friday, the Great Delaware Kite Festival is a colorful sight in Cape Henlopen State Park.
Complete with an appearance from the Easter Bunny, it makes for a great family day out.
Annual Chautauqua Tent Show
The Annual Chautauqua Tent Show is a century-old tradition that has been a part of Delaware culture for the last two decades; come to learn about American history through actor-historian performances.
Annual British Motorcar Show
Check out some vintage-style cars at the Annual British Motorcar Show, or register your own if your car fits the bill (pre-2000 British-made).
Parking in Lewes
Parking Meters are in effect from May 1st to early autumn, and prices vary based on location.
Free street parking is available and ample in most Lewes year-round; however, there will be much less availability if you come in peak summer months.
If you have your car in Lewes, you can take a day trip to Cape May, NJ, on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Directions to Lewes-Ferry Terminal are pretty easy; the terminal is near the southernmost part of the beach, just off Cape Henlopen Drive.
Final Thoughts
No matter when you come, you’ll never run out of things to do in Lewes.
While the busy season offers lots of beach time and sunshine, the off-season allows you to search for hidden gems or wander around the historic area.
If you want to venture out a bit, you can quickly get to Dewey Beach, Cape Henlopen Beach, and Rehoboth Beach.
