Lewes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lewes showing a small town or village
Lewes which includes a house
Lewes featuring wild flowers, a sunset and a bay or harbour
Lewes showing a small town or village
Lewes featuring a house

The Atlantic Ocean needs to be savoured for its sights, smells and sounds. Some places lend themselves naturally to this sensorial experience.

Lewes proclaims it’s the first town in the first state from its heritage of being settled by the Dutch in 1631. Breathe the fresh salt air as you wander through the historic streets on your way to Lewes BeachOpens in a new window. The water is shallow for a considerable distance from shore with a lifeguard frequently on duty making it suitable for young families. Watch stunning sunsets over Delaware Bay on beach chairs available for rent. Food and drink services are located nearby. Experience bigger waves and a boardwalk at Rehoboth BeachOpens in a new window 10 miles (15 kilometers) southward on the Atlantic Ocean.

Common sights from the Lewes Beach area are the car ferries that sail between Lewes and North Cape May, New Jersey, a distance of 17 miles (27 kilometers). Walk out on the breakwater to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse that began service in 1926. Also, go aboard the LightshipOverfallsthat is now a museum andpermanently docked in Lewes Canal.

Visit Cape Henlopen State Park, about 2 miles (4 kilometers) away, which is located on a point that juts out into the ocean. The park has two designated beach areas with lifeguards often present. Try to hook a fish or catch a crab off the Cape Henlopen fishing pier. Tee off with a round of disc golf played with a Frisbee at the 18-hole facility or try your basketball skills at the courts. To get a panoramic view of the area, climb to the World War II observation tower located near the beach.

In Lewes, stroll along Second Street with its quaint stores and seafood restaurants. Here you might find a nautical memento of your time spent by the ocean.

To reach Lewes by road, travel along the Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway that connects with state highways from points north, south and west, or by boat on the Cape May-Lewes ferry from New JerseyOpens in a new window. Visit Lewes to experience this coastal haven that may just become your family’s favorite destination.

Where to stay in Lewes

Lewes showing signage and a park

Historic District

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Lewes Historic Complex and Preservation Forge.

Historic District
Default Image

Wolfe Runne

When in Wolfe Runne, you can plan a visit to Cape May - Lewes Ferry and Lewes Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wolfe Runne
Default Image

Villages of Five Points

While Villages of Five Points isn't home to many top sights, Nassau Valley Winery and Midway Speedway are some notable places to visit nearby.

Villages of Five Points
Lewes Beach showing a sandy beach and bird life

Pilot Point

When in Pilot Point, you can plan a visit to Lewes Beach and Cape May - Lewes Ferry, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pilot Point
Default Image

Plantations East

Plantations East might not have many top sights, but Midway Speedway and Junction and Breakwater Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Plantations East
Default Image

Love Creek

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Love Creek and surrounding area, you can visit Tanger Outlets and Jungle Jim's River Safari Water Park.

Love Creek
Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach
Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach
3.5 out of 5
17254 Five Points Square, Lewes, DE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$352 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$352
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lewes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (846 reviews)
"The staff was super friendly and excellent! Will definitely return in the future. Wish we stayed longer."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewes Rehoboth Beach
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewes Rehoboth Beach
3 out of 5
17388 OCEAN ONE PLAZA, Lewes, DE
The price is NZ$372 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$372
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lewes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Stayed a few nights with the family for easy access to the beach and boardwalk activities. The room was clean and with plenty of counter space. Kitchen had everything needed for a comfortable stay. Breakfast offered many options. Friendly and helpful staff. The only negative is that the pool can ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewes Rehoboth Beach
The Inn at Lewes
The Inn at Lewes
3 out of 5
18282 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE
The price is NZ$275 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$275
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Lewes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Tanger Outlets are ...
6.4/10 (88 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful.The gentleman even helped me get into My room and I really appreciate that"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

The Inn at Lewes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Bedroom Home Located in Lewes
2 Bedroom Home Located in Lewes
Lewes
Stay at this vacation home in Lewes. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Tanger Outlets are located nearby.
2 Bedroom Home Located in Lewes
Lewes canalfront condo! Amazing views!  Walk to beach or town!
Lewes canalfront condo! Amazing views! Walk to beach or town!
Lewes
Stay at this condo in Lewes. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Lewes Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Lewes Summer 25
"Short trip with parts of the fam. Low key time together, enjoyed the pool on the property a great deal. We spent lots of time on the patio!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Lewes canalfront condo! Amazing views! Walk to beach or town!
Angola By The Bay --- Holly Way West | House in Lewes
Angola By The Bay --- Holly Way West | House in Lewes
Lewes
Stay at this vacation home in Lewes. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Tanger Outlets ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Quick response to a clogged toilet. Everything was wonderful."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2024

Angola By The Bay --- Holly Way West | House in Lewes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Lewes