Owing its existence to Dutch settlers who originally named it Zwaanendael, Lewes is a city located in Sussex County, Delaware. The city is perhaps best known for its nickname, ‘the first town in the first state’, which is based on its being the earliest township in the Delaware and, in turn, Delaware then being the first state to ratify the US constitution.
Lewes is not especially big and is home to a population of somewhere between three and four thousand permanent residents. Its size and its coastal location give it a pleasant traditional city-by-the-sea ambiance and together with neighboring towns such as Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and South Bethany it forms the state’s main beach resort area.
The city is compact and easily covered on foot and offers everything from museums and parks to shops and quality dining establishments. Despite its size, Lewes is capable of offering a wide choice of accommodation options with hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and campsites.
Highlights
Rehoboth Beach: spend relaxing days on this scenic sandy beach or stroll the mile-long promenade and enjoy the excellent selection of shops and restaurants.
Cape Henlopen State Park: 3,000 acres of pleasant greenbelt area are dedicated to pursuits such as hiking, biking, camping, swimming and following nature trails.
Fishing: anglers will find no shortage of great coastal spots at which they can cast a line and sit back to enjoy a pleasant spot of fishing. Surf fishing is also popular and the beach has a number of areas dedicated to it. Fishing trips are also organized by local entrepreneurs.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: visitors can take self-guided tours of this popular local beer-making facility. The brewery is famous for traditional ales such as Shelter Pale Ale.
Lewes Historical Complex: this is what you get when you collect 18th century houses from around the region and put them together to form a living museum.