Things To Do in Lewes, Delaware: An Adventure Awaits
Lewes, Delaware, is a charming and historic coastal town that offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, Lewes is known for its picturesque streets, colonial-era homes, and stunning beaches. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Lewes is one of the most popular destinations in Delaware.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Lewes has something for everyone. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Zwaanendael Museum, which showcases the history of Lewes and the surrounding area, and the Lewes Historical Society, which offers tours of the town’s many historic homes and buildings.
For nature enthusiasts, there’s the Cape Henlopen State Park, which offers miles of pristine beaches and hiking trails, and bird-watching opportunities.
In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Lewes offers a vibrant shopping and dining scene. The town’s many shops and boutiques offer a wide range of unique gifts, souvenirs, and locally made products, while its restaurants serve everything from fresh seafood to gourmet cuisine.
With its charming streets, beautiful scenery, and diverse things to see and do, Lewes is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a more extended stay.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a stunning state park in Lewes, Delaware. This park covers over 5,000 acres and offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural and historical significance.
The park is situated on a cape that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by miles of pristine beaches, dunes, and woodlands, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions of Cape Henlopen State Park is its beaches. The park offers several miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. In addition to its beaches, the park also features several hiking trails that wind through its beautiful dunes and woodlands, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Cape Henlopen State Park is also rich in cultural and historical significance. The park is home to several historic structures, including World War II observation towers and bunkers, and the historic Fort Miles, which was once used as a military base. Today, visitors can tour these historical structures, learn about the park’s history, and experience its unique blend of nature and culture.
Lewes Beach
Lewes Beach is a public beach located in the charming coastal town of Lewes, Delaware. Known for its wide sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Lewes Beach is one of the most popular destinations in the area.
One of the main attractions of Lewes Beach is its wide and spacious beaches. The beach is surrounded by beautiful dunes, which provide a natural barrier against the elements and help to keep the sand and water clean and clear.
In addition to its beaches, Lewes Beach also features a long boardwalk that runs along the shoreline, providing visitors with a scenic route to explore the area.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Lewes Beach is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. The beach is home to several historic structures, including the Lewes Life-Saving Station, now used as a museum and education center.
Visitors can learn about the history of the area and its role in the rescue of shipwrecked sailors, as well as explore its rich maritime heritage.
Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum is a historical museum located in Lewes, Delaware. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the area’s rich history and is housed in a building designed to resemble the town hall of Hoorn, Netherlands.
With its unique architecture and extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, the Zwaanendael Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Lewes and the surrounding area.
The museum’s collection includes many artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Lewes and the surrounding area, from its earliest settlers to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits on the area’s maritime heritage, including its role in rescuing shipwrecked sailors, its colonial history, and its involvement in the American Revolution and Civil War.
The museum also showcases the area’s cultural heritage, including its connection to the arts and crafts movement, architectural heritage, and many historic homes and buildings.
In addition to its exhibits, the Zwaanendael Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. From guided tours and hands-on activities to lectures and workshops, the museum provides a unique and interactive learning experience for everyone who visits.
Fort Miles Historic Area
The Fort Miles Historic Area is a historical landmark in Lewes, Delaware. The site is a former military base crucial in defending Delaware Bay during World War II. Today, the fort is preserved as a historic site and provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the history of the area and its role in the war.
The fort was established in 1941 as a coastal defense installation, equipped with several guns, searchlights, and observation towers. During the war, the fort defended Delaware Bay and the surrounding area from enemy attacks.
Today, visitors can tour the fort’s historic structures, including its bunkers and observation towers, and learn about its role in the war.
In addition to its historical significance, the Fort Miles Historic Area also offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. The site is surrounded by several miles of pristine beaches, dunes, and woodlands, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty.
The fort also features several hiking trails that wind through its historic structures and give visitors a unique and scenic way to experience its history.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,000-acre wildlife refuge in Lewes, Delaware. The refuge was established in 1963 as a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, it provides a unique and peaceful escape for visitors looking to experience the beauty of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Coastal Plain.
The refuge is home to diverse wildlife, including over 300 species of birds and white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers, and other animals. Visitors can explore the refuge’s extensive network of trails, which wind through its salt marshes, forested areas, and other habitats, allowing visitors to observe its wildlife and natural beauty.
The refuge also features several observation platforms, which provide visitors with stunning views of its landscapes and the surrounding area.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge also offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. From guided tours and hands-on activities to lectures and workshops, the refuge provides a unique and interactive learning experience for everyone who visits.