Explore Lewes, Delaware, for its history, charm and beaches

The charming and historic seaside town of Lewes, Delaware, is situated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in maritime history, with miles of beaches, visitors can climb the still-standing concrete observation towers in Cape Henlopen State Park used to spot approaching enemy warships off the coast during World War II. The town is also renowned for its preserved 17th- and 18th-century architecture. Visitors can see the legendary Cannonball House, which was struck by a cannonball in the War of 1812 when the British Royal Navy opened fire on the town’s small forts for some 22 hours on April 6-7, 1813, or tour the Ryves Holt House, the oldest surviving house in Delaware, dating back to 1680. Lewes is easily walkable, with museums, inns, restaurants, a thriving farmers market and a variety of shops all located in the half-square-mile historic district.

Why it matters 

Settled by the Dutch in 1631 as a whaling post, Lewes was the site of Delaware’s first European settlement. It is known as the First Town in the First State, Delaware's nickname, because it was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution on Dec. 7, 1787. Lewes was an active patriot stronghold and intelligence outpost throughout the Revolutionary War. On July 30, 1777, Delaware Bay pilot and patriot Henry Fisher notified authorities that more than 200 British ships were approaching capes Henlopen and May. Enemy ships skipped the Delaware Bay.

What to see today 

The Historic Lewes Town Campus at Second and Shipcarpenter streets offers nine historic buildings for visitors to explore, many of which have been relocated from sites around the state. The stately Burton-Ingram House, built around 1785, explores how residents made the transition from being subjects of the British Crown to citizens of a new United States of America. Wet your whistle with colonial beverages at the re-created Sussex Tavern in the Stockley Street House (circa 1740), and see how gathering places like it played a role in the revolution.

Ask a local 

With its brick walls decorated with antique oyster plates and the ornately designed tin ceiling, the Lewes Oyster House on Second Street celebrates the rich heritage of oyster consumption in 18th- and 19th-century Mid-Atlantic taverns. For a popular farm-to-table experience, head to Heirloom, an upscale restaurant located in a renovated 1899 Victorian house on Savannah Road. Bramble & Brine at Second Street and Savannah Road offers year-round dining inside a Victorian gingerbread landmark built about 1894.

 Plan your visit 

Visitors can see the legendary Cannonball House, which was struck by a cannonball in the War of 1812 when the British Royal Navy opened fire on Lewes, Delaware’s small forts for some 22 hours on April 6-7, 1813. The house is seen here in August 2023.

• Best time: Lewes is a resort beach town, so summer is prime time for a visit. But most attractions and restaurants are open year-round. More than 30,000 tulips and 5,000 spring flowers are in bloom during the Lewes Tulip Celebration, which celebrates its Dutch roots. Don't miss out on Lewes' 94th annual evening Christmas parade, which makes the whole town feel as festive as Bedford Falls from the movie "It's A Wonderful Life."

• Hours/admission: The 2026 tulip festival is April 1 and runs through about April 20, depending on the blooms. The Christmas parade is on Dec. 5, beginning at 5 p.m. Both are free.

• Getting there: The city of Lewes has two areas of metered parking: Downtown and Beaches. There are several non-metered parking lots located throughout the city. Meters are in effect May 1 through Oct. 14. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry travels 17 miles across the Delaware Bay, linking Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes. It operates year-round, carrying vehicles, cyclists and foot passengers.

• Learn more: Visit ci.lewes.de.us

The 2026 Lewes Tulip Festival is April 1 and runs through about April 20, depending on the blooms.

Patricia Talorico writes about food, restaurants and Delaware history. You can find her on Instagram, X and Facebook. Email [email protected]. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter.