This Charming Delaware Town Has Sandy Beaches, Oyster Houses, and Cute Nautical Inns-How to Visit
Briefly

Lewes, Delaware is a historic coastal community known for its scenic location where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike typical beach towns, it features a charming atmosphere with brick sidewalks, vibrant restaurants, outdoor activities, and community events. Attractions include kayaking with dolphins and cultural festivals. Founded in the early 17th century, Lewes takes pride in its rich history and maintains a unique identity distinct from tourist traps. Today, it offers a relaxing experience devoid of commercialized beach attractions, focusing instead on local charm and culture.
"It's more like a small, charming town that happens to be at the beach," says Kevin McGuiness, emphasizing that Lewes offers a wealth of activities beyond traditional beach experiences.
The crook of land that frames Lewes to the east, Cape Henlopen, was first spotted by European eyes in 1609 by English explorer Henry Hudson and is now a lovely state park.
Today, Lewes—which proudly claims to be the "first town in the first state"—stands apart from other mid-Atlantic coastal towns that bent the knee to kitschy mass tourism.
As McGuiness says, "There's a special spirit here," highlighting the unique charm and community character of Lewes compared to broader tourist destinations.
Read at Travel + Leisure
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