This Walkable Stretch of Shops and Restaurants in Small-Town Delaware Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination

If you're looking for the best walkable small towns in Delaware, look no further than Lewes. Lewes, Delaware is a small town meant to be explored on foot, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings all gathered together within a half-square mile. Stroll along its peaceful streets and you’ll soon see why this sleepy little seaside town is the perfect Delaware day trip destination.

Situated along the banks of the Delaware Bay in Sussex County, Lewes has the salty air, beautiful scenery, and laidback feel of the best coastal towns — although it tends to be quieter than its more popular neighbor, Rehoboth Beach, so you’ll be able to avoid the bigger crowds here. The population is around 3,300, which adds to Lewes' small-town community feel. It also has one of the most walkable downtown areas in Delaware.

Proudly called “the first town in the first state,” Lewes was the site of the first European settlement in Delaware. Dutch settlers established a whaling and trading post there in 1631 and called it Zwaanendael, or “Swan Valley.” Today, the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, built in 1931 and modeled on 17th-century Dutch architecture, serves as a place to learn about the Lewes area’s history throughout the centuries. It’s just one of many fascinating records of the past located within the Lewes Historic District.

Downtown Lewes is mainly centered around Front and Second Streets. Here you’ll find some of the best shops and restaurants in downtown Lewes, Delaware. There are plenty of unique shops to pique your interest, like The Vintage Underground, which offers a mix of vintage clothing and vinyl. Or check out biblion for its vast collection of used and rare books. On Front Street, be sure to stop by PUZZLES, where you’ll find, yes, you guessed it, tons of puzzles and thinking games along with brain-teasing and educational toys.

If all that walking makes you hungry, you’ve got plenty of options for lunch or dinner. There’s the seafood-centric Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, which also offers Irish-inspired fare; Touch of Italy for some delicious Italian cuisine; and Kindle, a cozy bistro serving American fare with a French influence. These are just a few of the great restaurants in town. After your meal, grab a delicious pick-me-up in the form of a caffeinated beverage at local favorite Notting Hill Coffee Roastery. You’ll find lots of pastries to choose from for dessert, too.

Cape Henlopen State Park is definitely worth a visit while you’re here, with over 4,000 acres of gorgeous seaside scenery to enjoy. Hit the trails or catch the sunset at The Point Overlook. You can even borrow a bike for free and explore the park that way.

Lewes really is such a wonderful, walkable town in Delaware, with so much to explore. It makes for a truly excellent small-town Delaware day trip any time of year. So, have you ever been to Lewes? If so, what are your favorite shops and restaurants in its walkable downtown area? Please tell us your top picks by filling out our nomination form.

If you're looking for more adventures in the First State, check out more charming small towns in Delaware. You can also use Only In Your State’s itinerary planning tool to create a day, weekend, or week-long getaway in Delaware.