Beaches
The Delaware coast’s famous beaches are easily accessible from the inn. Borrow a beach chair or an umbrella and head out for a day of fun! For more about the Delaware beaches, click here.
- 7 Miles: Bayside Lewes Beach offers a quiet, laid back atmosphere.
- 8 Miles: Cape Henlopen State Park, with its iconic lighthouse and rolling dunes, is a draw for nature lovers, history buffs, and beach goers alike.
- 9 Miles: Enjoy the sun and sand at Rehoboth Beach, then stroll the famous boardwalk.
- 10 Miles: Revel in the party-like atmosphere at Dewey beach.
Birdwatching
You barely have to leave your bed to see abundant birdlife and waterfowl gathering to enjoy the Great Marsh. The property is alive with bird activity, including eagles, loons, owls, woodpeckers, ducks, herons, kingfishers, and many more. Ask us for binoculars and a birdwatching guide.
Serious and amateur bird enthusiasts alike will be delighted at our proximity to two of the most prime birdwatching spots in the Eastern United States: Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. View coastal favorites like the American Oystercatcher, Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Snow Geese. Migratory shore birds and raptor flock to nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park is a migration hot spot for songbirds.
You can find out more about local birding opportunities from these resources:
- Audubon Society’s Birding in Delaware: a great overview of prime sites and species
- The Delaware Birding Trail: featuring maps, guides, and seasonal information
- Birding in Delaware State Parks: including information on guided walks
- Birdwatching on the Lewes-Cape May Ferry
- Delmarva Ornithological Society Guide to Birding in Delaware
- Birding Cape Henlopen’s State Park: a visitor’s account, featuring beautiful pictures of some of the local species you might add to your life list
- Delaware Field Checklist (printable pdf)
Kayaking and Fishing
To experience nature up close, paddle one of our rental kayaks (courtesy of Quest Kayak) through the tidal wetlands of Old Mill Creek. You can launch right from our shores to wend your way to the Bay, discover tranquil inlets, or stay close for a more relaxed opportunity to view birds and wildlife.
Have your own canoe or kayak? You are welcome to bring it and enjoy our easy water access.
Fancy sitting on our dock and casting a line out for a bit of fishing? We can lend you a line. More about fishing in Delaware can be found here.
Shopping and Dining
If the highlight of your vacation is enjoying delicious meals, regional specialties, or finding that perfect gift, you are in luck. With many dining and shopping options in the nearby towns of Lewes, Rehoboth, Bethany, and more, you can happily eat, drink, and shop merry!
All guest rooms include local restaurant recommendations, and we keep local restaurant menus on hand to help guide your selection. For more information on local food and shopping options, we recommend the following resources:
- Lewes Restaurant and Food Guide
- The Rehoboth Foodie
- Places to Shop, Lewes, DE: charming gift stores, sparkling displays of jewelry, toy stores that make you want to stop to play, and clothes for all tastes; Second Street in the center of Lewes is made for browsing, poking into shops, and finding that “I can’t live without it!” souvenir.
- Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Beach: we know for some people, a vacation isn’t complete without a chance to hunt for bargains!
Lewes Activities
There is a reason why those who live in cities like Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia flock to the Delaware shore every summer – there is just so much to do!
Here are a few suggestions for ways to occupy your time while in the area:
- Taste the local wine at Nassau Valley winery
- Learn about the fascinating history of lightships at a national landmark, the Overfalls Lightship
- Experience the wonders of Provence closer to home at the Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor
- Sample local brews and spirits at Delaware’s own Dogfish Head Brewery & Distillery
- Go dolphin watching with Cape Water Tours or Quest Kayak
- Cool & unusual things to do in Lewes – Steampunk Tree House, statue of John Milton, and more
Further Afield
Lengthy stay or just feeling restless? If you’re looking to hop in the car and head further afield, you might consider a ride on the Lewes-Cape May Ferry, a visit to magical Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington, or visit the famous ponies on Chincoteague Island.
Lewes is approximately 2.5 hours from Washington, DC; 2.5 hours from Baltimore, MD; and 2 hours from Philadelphia, PA.