Lewes, Delaware

Lewes is a quaint bayside town on Delaware’s southern shore where the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay meet at Cape Henlopen. Founded as a Dutch whaling village in 1631, its Delaware’s oldest town and part of the state’s popular beach resort area.

Just a short distance from the waterfront, the downtown area has boutiques, cozy cafés, and restaurants set inside beautifully preserved Colonial and Victorian buildings. Fisherman’s Wharf stretches along the pretty Lewes and Rehoboth Canal and is home to tackle shops, restaurants and hundreds of boats.

Lewes is known as the first town in the first state, and history is around nearly every corner. The Ryves-Holt House, the oldest house in the state (built in 1665), is here, and the 1926 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse stands guard over Lewes Harbor. The Cannonball House, so named because it was struck by a cannonball during the War of 1812, is home to the Marine Museum. The Zwaanendael Museum chronicles much of Lewes’ history.

Residents and tourists enjoy clean, white strips of sand along Delaware Bay and around the corner at Cape Henlopen State Park on the Atlantic Ocean. The Park is also a great spot for birding and camping.

Housing includes waterfront Cape Cods and master planned developments, including Villages at Red Mill Pond and 55+ Bay Crossing.