Discover The First Town In The First State
Standing on the busy waterfront at Lewes, breathing in the fresh, salt air of Delaware Bay and gazing out at where the bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, it’s easy to see why early people chose this scenic spot to settle. The pretty waterfront town was founded in 1631 by Dutch colonists, the first of its kind along the Delaware River, earning it the nickname ‘the first town of the first state’.
Today, Lewes is the perfect place to earn a few of your own firsts — the first time you climb aboard a pirate ship, meet a friendly pod of Atlantic dolphins, snack on fresh oysters, and/or take a sunset boat tour. There are lots of magical moments to be found in Lewes, where history, heritage, and the natural environment combine to produce a must-see Delaware destination.
Heritage And History
The first European settlement in Delaware was established at the site of present-day Lewes in 1631. It was founded at the mouth of the Delaware Bay by Dutch colonists who wanted to start a whaling community, and it was named Zwaanendael. However, the settlement didn’t immediately prosper under Dutch rule as the colonists were involved in skirmishes with the area’s native tribes. The settlement languished until it was given to the English quaker William Penn in 1685 and renamed Lewes after Lewes in Sussex, England. Over the centuries, the town grew to become one of the largest fishing ports in the country, with a tradition of boat building and seafaring that stretches back over three centuries.
The town was attacked by the British Navy during the War of 1812 but quickly recovered and established itself as a thriving port town with a vibrant maritime industry. Today, Lewes is home to around 3,600 residents and has earned a reputation as a welcoming resort town with historic streets and lots of attractions both on land and off.
Historical Attractions In Lewes
The first stop in Lewes for history lovers has to be the Zwaanendael Museum. Built in 1931, this museum is a replica of a traditional Netherlands City Hall and traces the town’s history from its earliest beginnings steeped in Dutch heritage and culture through to the development and growth of its maritime tradition.
If you’re in town between May and October, you can visit Lewes’ floating museum — housed on the Overfalls Lightship, a National Historic Landmark built in 1938. Take a tour of the boat to hear about how it was saved from ruin and restored, visit the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame, and see what life was like above and below decks on a working lightship.
From maritime history to military history, visit the Fort Miles WWII Museum in Cape Henlopen State Park to view exhibits on Delaware during the war years and the veterans who defended and patrolled America’s Atlantic coastline.
Lewes Outdoor Activities
With its prime position on the bay, it’s no wonder Lewes has lots of water-based activities to show visitors the best of the area’s natural attractions. The town is known for its beautiful, sandy beaches, many of which are found in Cape Henlopen State Park. The park includes six miles of the Atlantic coastline with two swimming beaches and waterside hiking trails.
Explore the bay from the water by renting a kayak or paddleboard from one of the many local operators or take a boat cruise with Cape Water Tours which offers evening cruises, lighthouse tours, and dolphin-watching cruises when you can catch a glimpse of the friendly marine mammals splashing about in the bay in the warmer months and many species of birds.
Families will love Pirates of Lewes Expeditions, a themed pirate charter which sails the bay while having fun with pirate costumes, face painting, cannon ball games, and more kid-friendly activities. Anglers should check out the waters of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, known as a fisherman’s paradise thanks to its healthy populations of saltwater fish including croaker, flounder, trout, and spot. Book a tour with a local guide to find the best places to drop bait and test your skills.
Downtown Lewes
The heart of downtown Lewes is Canalfront Park. This scenic three-acre park and marina is where you’ll find the Overfalls Lightship, tennis courts, fishing pier, boardwalk, gazebo, and a boat ramp for launching kayaks and canoes. During the summer, the park hosts regular concerts featuring local musicians. A short distance from the park are the town’s beautiful beaches — Johnnie Walker Beach, Savannah Beach, and the Lewis Public Beach — all of which are readily accessible from downtown.
If you get hungry after your day at the beach, sample the local seafood at Lewes Oyster House, an upscale tavern that specializes in oysters, serving them grilled, fire-roasted, raw, or cocktails. If you still have room after your feast, drop by King’s Ice Cream for some dessert. This local legend has been serving frozen treats since 1972 and makes their homemade ice cream by the batch, offering it by the cone, or in milkshakes and floats.
Making Memories In Delaware’s First Town
Whether it’s your first trip to Delaware’s ‘first town’ or one of many repeat visits, you’ll fall in love with Lewes’ breathtaking scenery, welcoming atmosphere, historic streets, and inviting waters.
This unique coastal community is much more than a beach town, providing year-round attractions and experiences that introduce visitors to three centuries of history on Delaware’s Atlantic coast. From an early colonial outpost to a seafaring and maritime hub, and from a key military port to a bustling resort town, Lewes has a unique heritage and one-of-a-kind character that promises something for every visitor.
