Historic Lewes
Lewes Historic District
Founded by the Dutch in 1631 as 'the first town in Delaware,' with colonial-era wooden houses, boutiques, and a quiet bay beach.
Lewes is the earliest European settlement in Delaware, founded by the Dutch in 1631. Its historic district preserves wooden houses and churches from the 17th to 19th centuries. Second Street has bookshops, galleries, cafés, and seafood restaurants, and the town is quieter and more refined than Rehoboth Beach. A few minutes to the north is Lewes Beach, facing Delaware Bay, where the gentle waves suit children. You can visit the open-air buildings of the Lewes Historical Society. From Rehoboth, the ride along the Junction & Breakwater Trail takes about 40 minutes by bike.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Zwaanendael Museum
- Cape May–Lewes Ferry
- Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach
- Junction and Breakwater Trail
- Fort Miles & WWII Fire Control Towers
- Cape Henlopen State Park
- Dolle's Candyland
- Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk & Beach