A Lewes Day Trip: A Solo Travel Guide
This site contains affiliate links of products or services. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Have you ever heard of Lewes, Delaware? It not, don’t worry! I hadn’t either until researching nearby Cape May, New Jersey. I am on a mission to visit all 50 states and wanted to check off New Jersey from my list while getting some time on the Atlantic Ocean. My search landed me at Cape May. However, my research showed that the nearby Lewes was cheaper, easier to get to from D.C., and has some great beaches nearby. Thus my Lewes day trip itinerary was born.
Morning: Downtown Lewes
My one day in Lewes started off with an exploration of the cute downtown area. I was in search of a good breakfast spot and found it at Olive and Oats by Azafran. After devouring my tasty bacon, egg and cheese croissant and iced chai, I admired the historic houses and store fronts. A lot of the houses had adorable helpful signs stating the name of the house and when it was first built, which my history side loved.
Afternoon: Cape Henlopen State Park and The Station on Kings
The main thing I wanted to do while in Lewes was visit Cape Henlopen State Park, which has two of my favorite things, hiking trails and a beach. It’s $10/day for out of state visitors, and the state park also offers free bike rentals.
Although I had just been at the beach the day before during my day trip to Cape May, NJ, I strongly believe that you can never have too many beach days. After hiking a few of the trails, and enjoying views of the lighthouse, I headed to the beach to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean one more time.
Once I left Cape Henlopen, I headed to The Station on Kings, which is a cafe, bakery, and home and garden store all in one. The ambiance was delightful, with an open and airy feel and seating either outside or in the greenhouse. The store and the pumpkin patch and vegetable garden in back were also fun to browse through and admire. After buying some pastries to go, which were also amazing, I sadly wrapped up my Lewes day trip and headed back to D.C.
Bonus: Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Although not in Lewes, I ended up stopping at Prime Hook on my drive home. I didn’t stop long, but was able to get in a quick hike. The trail was empty and for some reason I’ve never felt more attuned to nature than I was here. It was the perfect way to end my vacation.
Although a short day trip, combined with my visit to Cape May the day before, Lewes was the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Have you heard of Lewes or visited before? Let me know in the comments!
31 Comments
Ann
Just want to thank you for Airbnb suggestion in Lewes. It’s pretty quiet here now but the cortège is very cute and relaxing and the beach is nice and empty. Never would have known w/o your blog.
Jordan
Hi Ann,
Oh my goodness, that is so great to hear! I am so glad my post helped you find a new vacation spot. This made my day!
Ann
Hi-
Interested in where you stayed in Lewes. Looking for a quick solo weekend getaway.
Thanks!
Jordan
Hi Ann,
Happy to help! I stayed in an Airbnb, linked here. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24376275?source_impression_id=p3_1618431319_QJAPFq%2FWpTUE%2BoI2&guests=1&adults=1
I hope you enjoy it!
heather J jandrue
Such a great area to explore. I have a thing for pumpkins and I loved the photo you took. Makes me think of fall.
Jordan
Hi Heather,
It did have a very Fall vibe with the pumpkins, even though it was so hot still!
Cindy
What a great area to explore! That little town is so cute. And then there’s all the nature spots. I want to do more and more solo trips. You’ve inspired me!
Jordan
Hi Cindy,
Wow, thank you. I am so happy you’re interested in more solo travel, and I hope you get to go on some solo trips soon!
Eva Keller
This place looks wonderful! This is one of the few areas of the US I haven’t been to yet, but I hope to include it in a big east coast road trip one day.
Jordan
Hi Eva,
I hope you’re able to get over this way soon!
Cindy Mailhot
I love solo trips…feeds the soul. I am an introvert so its great. This area looks lovely in so many ways.
Jordan
Hi Cindy,
I feel the same way! It’s so nice for introverts since we are happy hanging out with ourselves anyway.
Barbara
Very cool photos!
Leeanne
I love that you had time in the woods hiking and on the beach. This sounds like the perfect day for me. I love the little breakfast place you found too, so quaint.
Jordan
HI Leeanne,
Yes it was the best of both worlds for sure!
kmf
What a perfect hidden gem! So charming!
Leigh
What a lovely day trip! I really want to eat in that pretty greenhouse cafe 😍 Thanks for sharing!
Jordan
Hi Leigh,
It was so cute! Added to the atmosphere and the really tasty lunch.