Location: Lewes
Top Things to do in Lewes
Top 10 Things to do in Lewes, Delaware (DE)
Lewes (/ˈluːɪs/ LOO-iss) is an incorporated city on the Delaware Bay in eastern Sussex County, Delaware. According to the 2010 census, the population is 2,747. Along with neighboring Rehoboth Beach, Lewes is one of the principal cities of Delaware's rapidly growing Cape Region. The city lies within the Salisbury, Maryland–Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lewes proudly claims to be "The First Town in The First State."
Restaurants in Lewes
1. Peninsula Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Peninsula Gallery is one of the largest fine arts galleries in Delaware with 3,000 sq. ft. of exhibition and framing space. The gallery, currently in its 20th year, is located in the shops at the Beacon Motel, on East Savannah Rd. in historic Lewes Delaware. We feature over 30 local and regional artists showing their work on a continuing basis. In addition, we provide an exhibition space for monthly shows which allows us to bring visiting artists' work to the area. We also offer fine art framing using the finest archival materials. Our goal is to provide the complete artistic experience. The gallery has three expressed purposes. To provide exhibit space for local and regional artists. To have frequent exhibitions of our resident and visiting artists. To provide Fine Art and Framing.
2. Beach Time Distilling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Beach Time Distilling produces ultra-premium, hand-crafted spirits which are meticulously distilled in limited quantities. We produce"Leisurely Refined Spirits" for the Leisurely Spirit in you, ranging from rum and vodka, to gin, whiskey, and other specialties! In our tasting room you can sample our handcrafted spirits or have specialty cocktail. Now serving frozen drinks! We will be closed Independence Day, July 4th.
3. Lewes History Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
4. The Great STEMporium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The area's most unique (and largest) science activity center!! Now offering carryout service! Please see our website for details. HOW IT USUALLY WORKS? - You come in with the kiddos, see the host/hostess, and get a table and menus. - Kids order awesome experiment(s). - They play, fidget, giggle, make a mess, laugh, learn, enjoy (with a little adult help). - You pay the check and exit through the gift shop. AGE RANGES Ideal Ages: 3 - 12-ish
Reviewed By 943LaurenL - Denton, United States
Although I vaguely recall a friend mentioning The Great STEMporium about a year ago, I sadly forgot to follow up on the lead. While I was perusing TripAdvisor for things to do in Lewes, I stumbled upon this gem, and I am so glad that I did! With COVID, the number of fun activities that I feel I can safely take my kindergartener to is limited. When I checked out the website and saw all of the precautions and procedures, I got super excited. FINALLY a place that everyone can have fun safely. We booked for Sunday afternoon and although I was worried about only having an hour & 15 minutes for my reservation, that proved unfounded, as little kids have a short attention span. In that time, we were able to complete 3 take-home activities (water clock, sundial, and alien egg), and try out 3 stay-there activities - the Volcano, laser maze, and one Earthquake activity not on the menu. All three of us enjoyed the experiments and activities; I think in the future you should think of doing some adult nights with different activities... maybe beer making or wine/beer pairings with science?? Just a thought. :) While I absolutely loved the decor, my hubby thought it was a little dark (we did have some trouble seeing where the holes were while assembling the clock). So perhaps a suggestion to provide an additional light for those projects where seeing tiny details is important? All of that said, I thought that the lighting added to the experience; a bit mad-scientist-meets-film-noir that I found delightful. This experience was definitely worth the hour drive for us, and are excited to make Great STEM a routine outing for our little family. Thank you so much for a fantastic day!
5. Cape Henlopen State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,386 reviews
This oceanside state park comprises 155 campsites and the Seaside Nature Center.
Reviewed By lindamK9624MM - Lewes, United States
Something for everyone from the beautiful ocean beaches, the wonderful nature trails and bike paths, Cape Henlopen State Park has it all and is our local treasure for all to enjoy in all seasons.
6. Blockhouse Pond
7. Lewes Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By trishplm - Lewes, United States
Lots of history in Lewes Delaware, and this is one of the best exhibits to see! First, this is located in the Cannonball House located on Front Street. There's a $5 donation per person for self guided tour. You're greeted by a historian in period dress who gives you an overview of the town's history and the exhibits. Although the house appears small, they've packed a lot of history and exhibits in each room. Each room is dedicated to a specific part of history --defending the town during the 1812 war; the fishing industry; wireless transmitter; building the breakwater; and pilots role to safely pilot boats up the Delaware Bay and River to ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia.
8. Lightship Overfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By kathyk265 - Los Angeles, United States
Super clean and easy to walk place along Pilottown is an unincorporated community in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, United States. It serves as a base for river pilots to guide ships across the bar and up and down the Mississippi River.
9. Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,816 reviews
Whether you're crossing the Delaware Bay for a fun day trip or as part of a long-distance trip, on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, your journey is sure to be a memorable one.Enjoy historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, oceangoing vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort!The 17-mile, 85-minute cruise between New Jersey and Delaware can cut miles off a trip along the Atlantic Coast, connecting points like Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Ocean City and the rest of the Jersey Shore with Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Sussex Shores, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, and destinations throughout Virginia.Our welcoming, modern terminals are a destination in and of themselves, with enjoyable restaurants and lounges, and well-stocked gift shops!
Reviewed By happywaterdog - Annapolis, United States
The trip over to Cape May was uneventful but it's always great to get out on the water. Smooth sailing on calm waters. The trip back to Lewes was a bit more exciting on several levels. The wind and tide gave us that pleasant rolling stride (yup, waves) and the fog/rain kept the views to a minimum. Then! Captain announced "whale sighting port side" and he slowed down, did a circle and we all had a chance to see small whale fins cutting thru those waves. What fun! I would also commend his docking...not sure how he spun that big boat around like twirling a gal on the dance floor (nice job). Note: they are in process of upgrading all the boats but, if you have a chance, choose the Delaware ... more comfy than the New Jersey we rode on trip to the Cape.
10. Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) is a non-profit, community-based, producer-only farmers market. In addition to fresh produce, eggs, fruits, breads, baked goods, meats, fish, cut-flowers and herbs, the HLFM features workshops by local chefs (using food from the market), master gardeners, and sustainable agriculture experts. The Market offers SNAP (EBT Food Stamps) and WIC at the market.
