Lewes, Delaware is More than Just the Ferry

It was mid-summer and we were determined to try something different than the Jersey shore. A shore resort, but not in New Jersey, as it were. So we opted for Lewes, Delaware, not knowing exactly what to expect.

A small coastal community, Lewes (pronounced “Lewis”) is quieter and less crowded than its more southerly neighbors, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach. It offers excellent dining, fun shopping and its very own beachfront attraction: Cape Henlopen State Park.

For our three-night getaway, we opted for a new hotel about a five-minute drive to downtown Lewes: the Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach. Along with a large indoor pool, outside fire pit, and an included breakfast, there were also some fun, free “happy hour” treats on weekend afternoons: an Italian soda bar and a soft pretzel bar with numerous mustard toppings. It was a great location for our various adventures in the region.

Only five square miles (and with a year-round population of about 3,300 people), Lewes is best explored by foot. On our first morning, we set off for a fun, 90-minute dolphin watching cruise with Cape Water Tours & Taxi. We learned a lot about dolphin behavior and spotted plenty of these beautiful sea mammals. I’d recommend this excursion to anyone visiting the region – it’s great for both kids and adults. From there, it was off to nearby Cape Henlopen State Park, situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. With more than 5,000 acres, this state park has free, lifeguarded beaches (there is a per-car fee to enter the park), biking and walking trails, camping options, and even an historic fort. There is also a snack bar and restrooms by the beach. It was a great way to spend a few hours.

Our favorite dinner ended up being at the Crooked Hammock Brewery — a true weekend go-to place for adults and kids alike. There’s a playful vibe to this massive space, and plenty of outdoor games for kids (and grownups) to enjoy, including ping pong, corn hole and a ring toss. There’s also live local music on the weekends. The food was delicious with generous portions. We decided they had the best nachos ever!

Dinner on our last night ended up being another winner, at So-Cal-influenced Mexican restaurant Taco Reho in Rehoboth. Established as a popular food truck seven years ago, the physical restaurant, opened in 2021, has both indoor and outdoor seating. You order via phone app, and the food and service are fantastic.

On our last day, we took a drive down to Bethany Beach. While finding parking was a bit of a challenge (it took nearly an hour and we decided we will research parking locations more carefully next time), the beach itself was glorious. It is a beautiful spot!

Quite different from the Jersey shore, we hope to return to Delaware's lovely beach resorts again.
For more information about Lewes, Delaware, and its surrounding beach communities, go to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com
Nicole Pensiero is a New Jersey-based travel writer and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).