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Plan An Epic Outdoor Adventure Getaway in Charming Lewes, Delaware

  • Writer: Laura Scharle
    Laura Scharle
  • Jun 14
  • 5 min read
the bow of a kayak in the foreground with a red lighthouse on a breakwater in the background. a sailboat is moored in the distance

This is a sponsored post in partnership with the Dogfish Inn. 


There’s something so satisfying about planning a vacation where you don’t have to choose between escaping into nature and enjoying the comforts of a charming coastal town. In Lewes, Delaware, you can do just that. Hop on a bike to catch a sunrise at the beach, spend your afternoon hiking or paddling along the coast, and still be back in time for a sunset cocktail or dinner downtown. The Dogfish Inn sits right at that sweet spot. Nestled in the historic district, this stylish boutique hotel is just a short walk or bike ride from some of Delmarva’s best trails, beaches, and waterways. 


“Mother Nature, Let’s Do This,” is the Dogfish Inn’s tagline, and they mean it! All guests have access to borrow complimentary bikes, all rooms come with beach chairs for guest use, and they even have e-bike rentals – all with the goal of getting guests outside in nature. It’s the kind of place where you can park your car and not have to drive until you depart, so there’s no need to fight the traffic on Route One at any point during your stay.



Ready to start exploring? Here’s a look at some of the best outdoor experiences, all within walking or biking distance from the Inn.


Scenic Bike Routes


Lewes is probably one of the best destinations for bicycling on all of Delmarva. With bike routes heading in multiple directions from town, there’s no excuse not to hop on a bike and spend some time outdoors. 

a bnike leans against the back of a bench that is facing a large sandy beach with umbrellas, people, and water in the distance

Less than a mile away and only a 5-minute ride from the Dogfish Inn is Lewes Beach. The shoulder along Savannah Road is wide and the speed limit is 25 mph, so it’s a pretty safe way to travel to the beach. You can also extend your ride east along Cape Henlopen Drive to reach Cape Henlopen State Park, a mecca of outdoor recreation opportunities! The park features a paved 3–mile bike loop that weaves through maritime forests, sand dunes, and historic sites. Deer, turkeys, snakes, and even turtles are frequent wildlife sightings throughout the bike loop. 

a bike stands on the side of a boardwalk trail that is running over marsh and through the trees

Cape Henlopen’s bike loop also connects to the Gordons Pond Trail, arguably one of the most scenic bike rides on Delmarva. This 3.2-mile trail provides incredible views from a 0.5-mile raised boardwalk that passes through the dunes and along the edge of The Great Marsh. The remainder of the trail winds around wetlands and shallow waters, offering some world-class birding opportunities.

a sign at the trailhead of the junction and breakwater trail showing 2.7 miles to lewes and 3.5 miles to rehoboth

The Gordons Pond Trail ends in north Rehoboth Beach, and it’s then just a quick mile into town to grab lunch or stroll the shops on Rehoboth Ave. The town of Rehoboth Beach is also directly accessible from Lewes by way of the Junction & Breakwater Trail. This trail was constructed along the former railroad that once connected the two towns and offers cyclists a safe, 7-mile, off-road way to travel between the two resorts. 


If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider doing the whole 16-mile loop between Lewes, Rehoboth, and Cape Henlopen!


But wait, there’s more! There’s another newer trail in town. The Georgetown-Lewes Rail Trail also begins in Lewes, just around the corner from the Dogfish Inn. This trail is currently 7-miles long and extends to the west. Eventually it will extend 17 miles, all the way to Georgetown, DE.


Hiking & Walking Trails


Lewes is a very walkable town, with beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces like the 1812 Memorial Park, Canalfront Park, and Blockhouse Pond - all within a few blocks of the Dogfish Inn. But if you’re eager to escape town for a few hours and get more in touch with nature, the trails of Cape Henlopen State Park are your best bet. Between the Seaside Nature Trail, Walking Dunes Trail, and Pinelands Trail, there’s a lot of variety in scenery and potential for wildlife sightings. Recent heavy rains or high tides can make some of the trails super soggy or buggy. Stop by the Seaside Nature Center before venturing out to chat with park staff about trail conditions. They also offer guided hikes throughout the year.

a sandy trail passes through dune grasses and leads to a body of water with flat calm water
Seaside Nature Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park

There are also some wonderful walking trails at nearby Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Delaware Seashore State Park, but those spots will require you to hop in the car for a few miles.


Beaches Breakdown


Once you’ve burned enough calories and gotten your fill of all the trails in the area, you’ll surely deserve some much-needed relaxation on the beach! But there are several beaches within a short bike ride of the Inn – so which one do you choose?


Your closest beach option is Lewes Beach, made up of Savannah Beach and Johnnie Walker Beach. These beaches have lifeguards during peak season, as well as restrooms, showers, a snack shack, and volleyball nets. Parking fees apply and sometimes the lots reach capacity, so it really is ideal to walk or bike to Lewes Beach.

a sandy beach stretches to the distance where there is a fishing pier on the horizon

If you can’t get enough of Cape Henlopen State Park, there are several beaches to explore there as well. The bayside beach is best accessed from the fishing pier area and offers quiet, protected water which is perfect for those families with young children. Larger waves, a beach bathhouse, and lifeguards can be found at the main beach bathhouse area. There are several other access points to reach the oceanside beach which can be found on this map. Please note that “The Point” is closed seasonally from about March to September each year for shorebird nesting season.


Getting On The Water


No trip to Lewes is complete without getting out on the water! From kayaking and paddleboarding to boat tours and fishing charters, experiencing the waterways of coastal Delaware is a must. In fact, the Dogfish Inn is right across the street from the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the town’s iconic drawbridge. 

two rows of colorful kayaks sit on a beach with a body of water and a lighthouse in the distance

Cape Henlopen State Park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, providing the easiest way to get on the water. When winds are calm, paddling out to the Breakwater Lighthouse is a real treat – and the odds of seeing dolphins are pretty high in the summer! There is also a local outfitter that rents kayaks and will even deliver to your preferred launch location. Please be aware that paddling in the canal is only advised for experienced paddlers, as the tidal currents can be quite strong.

a view of a canal from above, with a small pontoon boat moving through, next to a large docked fishing charter boat

If boating is more your speed, there are a variety of fishing charters, party boats, and even an eco-tour company that depart from Fisherman’s Wharf and the Angler’s Fishing Center, all just a short walk from the Inn.


The Inn


Shew! With so many outdoor adventures to be had, don’t forget to take some time to rest and relax. The Dogfish Inn is the perfect place to kick back at the end of a long day of outdoor excursions.

a stylish living space with a chair, couch, rug, and coffee table text to a fireplace and a sign that says "mother nature, let's do this"
Dogfish Inn lobby sitting area

The outdoor communal space is the perfect spot to sit around the fire, have a cold brew, and trade stories of your adventures with other guests. You might even get to meet a new furry friend because some of the rooms are dog-friendly!

a small common area with a fire pit surround by benches and high top tables in the back under some trees

If you’re too tired to be social (we get it!), retreat back to your room to rest up and come up with a plan for how you’ll spend the next day exploring. Each room features a minibar, fridge, microwave, and down feather bedding – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventuring. 



From the room decor to the lobby and fire pit, the entire inn wholeheartedly captures the vibe of the Dogfish brand with, as they put it, “an offbeat approach to style, quality, and craft.” 


Go ahead. Book your room at the Dogfish Inn, the perfect gateway to outdoor adventuring in coastal Delaware. Mother Nature, let’s do this! 

a sign saying "Welcome to Lewes. mother nature, let's do this" is over a mantel with jars and books

 
 

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Delmarva Trails and Waterways is dedicated to helping you discover new outdoor spaces on the Delmarva Peninsula. When outdoor recreation spiked in 2020, we saw a need to connect people with green spaces and public lands. This site provides a "one-stop-shop" for finding trails, kayak launches, beaches, and piers in our region. Read more.

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