Things to do & places to visit in Lewes, Delaware, United States

Lewes city in Delaware, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 0:19.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Beach Time Distilling (74 reviews)
- Best of the best
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

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! See more..
5.0 Lewes History Museum (6 reviews)
- Fantastic little gem
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

First off, if you're with kids, the children's section is AWESOME! The museum is very nice and elegantly put together, I've grown up spending my summers in Lewes and loved learning more about the history of the town. Great rainy day activity or if you're just interested in local history! Would highly recommend for children's section alone, but rest of museum was just as nice! See more..
5.0 The Great STEMporium (4 reviews)
- A great place to take your grandchild
This location was reported permanently closed Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

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 See more..
5.0 Shore Marketplace (2 reviews)
- Local artisans, vintage, home decor, furniture…..so much to see!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Shopping Malls

This is a super place to visit, right on Rt 1 northbound, next door to Arby’s. There’s new furniture at the Furniture Gallery, but this is connected to Shore Marketplace which has so much fun stuff to see. There’s over 40 vendors selling different things, some refinished older furniture, home decor items, repurposed items, lots of handmade things. Prices are very reasonable and it’s family owned. Go support the locals, you’ll be glad you did! See more..
4.5 Cape May-Lewes Ferry (1.891 reviews)
- Reliable Service and Ride
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Ferries

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! See more..
4.5 Cape Henlopen State Park (1.446 reviews)
- Lots To Do at a Reasonable Price
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks • Beaches

This oceanside state park comprises 155 campsites and the Seaside Nature Center. See more..
4.5 Lewes Beach (537 reviews)
- Nice beach for families
Beaches

Stopped by the beach the other day for our first trip of the 2021 season since it was a warm early May day. Metered parking started May 1st, so we had to pay the centralized parking meter at a rate of $2 per hour. You can access parking via the Park Mobile app. The beach and parking lot were nearly empty, so we were able to easily secure parking and a beach blanket spot near the water. On this day we enjoyed building sand castles, digging in the sand, searching for sea shells, watching the seagulls and watching the ferry go in & out of port. We didn't see much live wildlife this visit other than the seagulls. We found lots of dead calico crabs, some dead horseshoe crabs and even a dead fish. Not sure what that was all about because we usually don't see a bunch of dead sea life. We did not actually swim in the water on this day though. It was a little early in the season to actually get into the water although we did dip out toes in the water and it was chilly. Lifeguards were not on duty yet since they don't start until around Memorial Day weekend. However, the beach restrooms were already open and the outdoor sprinkler poles were on for rinsing off your feet/body. Overall, we enjoyed our first trip to Lewes Beach for the season. This is a great beach for families with small kids. The sand is generally soft although you can still get lucky and find little gems like beach pebbles and seashells. There are little to no waves, so great for young kids that are afraid of big waves and getting knocked down. We enjoy this beach. There are 2 separate parking lots and 2 separate bath/restrooms. One of the parking lots has a snack shack and is adjacent to a DQ should you find yourself hungry while on the beach! See more..
4.5 Hopkins Farm Creamery (310 reviews)
- Great ice cream!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Farms

I read about Hopkins on Trip Advisor so thought we’d check it out. They had a very efficient drive thru process and there was a steady stream of cars going in. I got cappuccino delight and my husband got salted caramel crunch; both delicious! The cows were just coming in when we got there so we saw a lot of movement at the barn. Definitely worth going out of your way for it but super easy to get to. See more..
4.5 Fort Miles Historic Area at Cape Henlopen State Park (187 reviews)
- Spend All Day or an Entire Week Here
Historic Walking Areas

That's right. Per your interest level, you can spend a few hours here, or turn this area into an entire vacation. Nearby, is a tower that you may climb to see the aerial view. Then , you may hike on the trails to the dunes. View the buildings and military equipment. Add birding. As there are deer within the vicinity, that means there are ticks. So, wear the bug spray. You're going to be in the full sun at times. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear appropriate footwear. Interpretive plaques are located along portions of the trails to help you to understand the history. See more..
4.5 Lightship Overfalls (97 reviews)
- Nice stop with children or history buffs
Speciality Museums

While touring around Lewes, DE today, I came upon the Lightship Overfalls at Canalfront Park. The Lightship Overfalls was open for touring, however, I decided not to tour today as there were several people on the ship. I walked around Canalfront Park and read about the ship. The park has a nice children’s playground, canoe and kayak launch as well as plenty of boats anchored. Nice little quiet park on the bay. See more..
4.5 Lewes Historical Society (79 reviews)
- Tour: "Introduction to Lewes: A Maritime Destination"
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

Our group of four thoroughly enjoyed the Lewes Historical Tour "Introduction to Lewes: A Maritime Destination" led by the volunteer Jack who was extremely knowledgeable about Delaware's early American history. As an unexpected bonus, we were able to sit down in the tavern on the Historical Society's campus and listen to volunteer "tavern keeper" Bill Hicks' lively presentation on the tavern's history and the everyday drinks and economic practices which made the Tavern such a thriving enterprise in early Lewes' history. The entire expereince was enhanced by the fact that the weather that day was picture perfect! See more..
4.5 St. Peter's Episcopal Church (41 reviews)
- Don't miss the walk through the cemetery
Churches & Cathedrals

The church itself was closed that day but don't miss the opportunity to walk through the historical cemetery. It gives a glimpse into the town's past with all the historical families buried here. Take the time to walk through the family plots and understand who the prominent people in town were in the 1800 and 1900's. See more..
4.5 Historic Lewes Farmers Market (35 reviews)
- Wow! More than I expected!
Sunday: Farmers Markets

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. See more..
4.5 Lewes Public Library (27 reviews)
- Lewes Public Library
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

I have been to this Library for scheduled events and found the Library very well appointed, very nice meeting rooms and convenient parking. See more..
4.5 Mary Vessels Park (27 reviews)
- Cozy little park with public restrooms
Parks

Small Park with Gazebo See more..
4.5 Zwaanendael Park & Herb Garden (16 reviews)
- Gem of an Herb Garden!
Parks • Gardens

This is steps away from the Zwaanendael Museum and just a short walk from the main part of downtown Lewes. So, if you love herb gardens don't miss this one. It's very lovely and well marked and worth the walk. The whole park is lovely as well. This is worth the short walk from downtown if you're in Lewes. You will be glad you took the time to go! See more..
4.5 Blockhouse Pond (12 reviews)
- Pretty park
Bodies of Water

I love this park and walk in it several times a week. It's never too crowded. The pond is a great place to see birds, turtles, and dragonflies. Don't miss the butterfly garden on the corner of Park and Johnson Avenues. See more..
4.5 Abraxas Studio of Art (9 reviews)
- Such wonderful talent and also shares his skills
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

His gallery is worth a trip and it is so wonderful to see him share his skills with students. Always supporting his community and truly portrays the magnificence of this wonderful slice of life in Sussex County See more..
4.5 Heritage Antiques (8 reviews)
- A must see!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops
Clean, bright with an item of interest for everyone! All items were clearly described and prices were very fair. Great service and location right on the coastal highway. Do not miss this little gem! See more..
4.5 George H. P. Smith Park (8 reviews)
- Lewes Farmers Market
Parks

Check out ADA’S PICNIC she makes all her own salads all of them are FANTASTIC..Good ole fashioned like gramma made Check it out you won’t be sorry See more..
4.5 Fisher Martin House (7 reviews)
- Historic house and visitor center.
Historic Sites

Ancient house with a number of original furniture. Donation box, helpful staff and lots of fliers and specialty books for sale. See more..
4.5 Stango Park (6 reviews)
- Great concerts in a lovely park in Lewes.
Parks • Gardens

The park just as a park provides a quiet spot to visit and enjoy the area. On Tuesday evenings for a number of years now Stango Park, courtesy of the City of Lewes, WSFS bank, and the Delaware Division of the Arts bursts out in music and song. The summer concert series has twelve toe tapping concerts free to the public to enjoy and wow are they a lot of fun for young and old. If the weather is bad they move the concert to the Cape Henlopen High School theatre at 1250 Kings Highway down the road. We have been attending every year since we first found out about them and have seen three great shows this year with one more to go in August. Bring your chair and come on out for a good time! See more..
4.5 Peninsula Gallery (6 reviews)
- Best Framer in the area and Fine Art Gallery
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

The Peninsula Gallery is one of the largest originals-only fine art galleries in Delaware, with 3,000 sq. ft. of exhibition and framing space. The gallery has been serving the local area for over 25 years, featuring over 30 local, regional, national, and international artists showing their work on a continuing basis. A large area of the gallery is devoted to themed monthly exhibitions, each of which opens with an artist reception that is free and open to the public. With a reputation for innovative design, customer framers Carol and Molly use only the finest archival materials, making each project worthy of museum quality. The Peninsula Gallery is located at 520 E. Savannah Rd in the shops at the Beacon Motel on the beach-side of the Lewes canal bridge. See more..
4.5 Lewes Unleashed Dog Park (5 reviews)
- What a lovely place for your pet to play.
Parks
Large areas for your pet to play. Grass & trees and a place for owners to sit. I haven't used the training area but it is well set up and look forward to spending a little time in there. See more..
4.5 Ryves Holt House (4 reviews)
- The oldest building in Delaware!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Step into the oldest structure in Delaware. This house is part of the First State National Historic Park, and is interpreted by the Lewes Historic Society. They will guide you through the home, discuss the different additions that have taken place over the years, and you can even see behind the walls in some areas to see first hand how buildings were constructed in the mid-1600s. If you enjoy history or architecture, this is a must-visit. See more..
4.5 Lewes Life-Saving Station & Museum (2 reviews)
- Great Exhibit of 19th Century Life Saving Stations!
Historic Sites
If you like 'History,' especially 'Nautical Life Saving History' (The predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard) this is a great place to go! See more..
4.0 Zwaanendael Museum (166 reviews)
- Great small museum to visit!
Sunday: History Museums

This museum duplicates the architecture of a medieval Dutch town. See more..
4.0 Nassau Valley Vineyards (112 reviews)
- Great vine
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

This winery is extremely unique, as it has many artifacts and historic exhibits about winemaking. Walking to the tasting room is an experience in itself, as the walls are lined with facts and interesting historic artifacts. In the tasting room, you can see where they make the wine which added to the vibe. Our server was fantastic, offering us 6 delicious wines with amazing descriptions. He even gave us two extra samples, how generous! The wines are also very fairly priced, I highly recommend the Delaware White or the House Red Blend! This was a fantastic experience! See more..
4.0 Cannonball House (64 reviews)
- History!
Speciality Museums

This maritime museum was closed when we visited it in winter but I think as many others do to you go there to see (literally) a piece of history jetting out of this once homes foundation. There is parking right across the street that free and only takes a few minutes to visit. But there is other place to visit and in the parking lot there is a map of other locations in walking distance you can visit and make a day of it. See more..
4.0 1812 Memorial Park (12 reviews)
- Never forget
Parks

not even the public parking lot can take away the beauty of the 1812 Park and canal. Check out the cannons, Lewes in Bloom floral displays and Front Street shops. Great way to sit back and relax. See more..