Lewes Rehoboth Canal
A picturesque waterway connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, perfect for boating, kayaking, and enjoying coastal Delaware's charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, fewer crowds
Lewes Rehoboth Canal
Best Time
Warm weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque waterway connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, perfect for boating, kayaking, and enjoying coastal Delaware's charm.
"Scenic waterway on the Delaware shore, perfect for a day of boating and relaxation."
Kayak & SUP Friendly
Perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding! Enjoy the scenic views and calm waters. :kayak:
Dock for a Drink
Many spots along the canal allow you to dock your boat for a drink or meal. :beer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cruising the Canal
Lewes to Rehoboth Beach
Enjoy scenic boat rides, kayaking, or paddleboarding along this picturesque waterway connecting two charming beach towns.
Downtown Lewes Charm
Lewes, DE
Explore historic downtown Lewes, with its unique shops and restaurants, all accessible from the canal.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Access the vibrant Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and its attractions directly from the canal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit the Canal
Navigating the Waterways
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak & SUP Friendly
Perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding! Enjoy the scenic views and calm waters. :kayak:
Dock for a Drink
Many spots along the canal allow you to dock your boat for a drink or meal. :beer:
Sunset Cruises
Experience breathtaking sunsets on a canal cruise. Magical views guaranteed! :city_sunset:
Explore by Boat
Rent a boat or join a tour to explore the canal and its surroundings. :sailboat:
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak & SUP Friendly
Perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding! Enjoy the scenic views and calm waters. :kayak:
Dock for a Drink
Many spots along the canal allow you to dock your boat for a drink or meal. :beer:
Sunset Cruises
Experience breathtaking sunsets on a canal cruise. Magical views guaranteed! :city_sunset:
Explore by Boat
Rent a boat or join a tour to explore the canal and its surroundings. :sailboat:
Avoid Weekday Traffic
Weekdays can still get busy; consider early mornings for a more relaxed experience. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lewes Rehoboth Canal for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, highlighting boat cruises, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The ability to dock at restaurants and enjoy waterfront dining is a significant plus. Some reviews mention potential traffic and crowds during peak season, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and enjoyable waterway.
"Kayak, SUP, boat. All good. Know where to dock for a drink!"
James Miller
"I've never been here either...but why give a one star review if you've never been there? Just evening out the score here for ya"
E Hilliard
"Great trip to Delaware Bay from Indian river"
Mike Merritt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The canal runs between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. You can access it by car, with parking available in both towns. Many visitors arrive via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which offers a scenic route to the area.
While there isn't direct public transport on the canal, local trolleys and ride-sharing services can get you to points along its shores in Lewes and Rehoboth.
Yes, there are pathways and sidewalks in parts of Lewes and Rehoboth that run alongside the canal, offering pleasant walking and biking routes.
Many visitors enjoy seeing the canal from a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Walking or biking along the shore also provides great views.
Several points in downtown Lewes and along the Rehoboth boardwalk offer scenic views of the canal. Keep an eye out for benches designed to face the water.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the canal itself is free. However, if you plan to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat, there will be rental fees.
There are no general entry fees for the canal. If you are launching a boat from a public ramp, there might be a small launch fee.
Activities like kayaking and boating are generally available during daylight hours, with rental shops having their own operating schedules. Sunset cruises often depart in the early evening.
Yes, you can bring your own boat. There are marinas and public access points where you can launch or dock.
Yes, several companies offer guided boat tours, sunset cruises, and even kayak tours along the Lewes Rehoboth Canal.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and scenic cruises. It's a popular spot for recreational water activities.
Yes, the canal is a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch various species.
You might spot various bird species, marine life, and other coastal wildlife as you navigate the canal.
Absolutely! Both Lewes and Rehoboth Beach have numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars accessible from the canal, some even offering dockside service.
The views include charming waterfront homes, historic downtown Lewes, and the approach to the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Both Lewes and Rehoboth offer a wide array of dining options. Look for seafood restaurants, casual cafes, and bars, some with canal access.
Yes, several establishments offer outdoor seating with views of the canal, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks.
Many restaurants and bars along the canal have docks where you can tie up your boat to dine.
Seafood, especially crabs and crabcakes, are local favorites. Don't miss Thrasher's fries on the Rehoboth boardwalk.
Rehoboth Beach is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with many queer-owned cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture charming waterfront homes, historic Lewes, boats on the water, and the transition to the Rehoboth Beach skyline. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant activity on the water.
Absolutely! Being on the water provides unique perspectives for capturing the canal and its surroundings.
Look out for the historic Dolles sign at the Rehoboth Beach Museum and the charming architecture of downtown Lewes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the nearby towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach also provides plenty of family entertainment. From the Rehoboth boardwalk with its arcades and ice cream shops to the historic charm of Lewes, there's something for everyone. Look for restaurants that offer kid-friendly menus and a casual atmosphere.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Consider visiting during Pride events or exploring the specific recommendations for LGBTQ+ activities in Rehoboth Beach. The canal itself offers a beautiful and serene backdrop for enjoying the coastal Delaware experience.
Boaters and Anglers
Remember to check local regulations for boating and fishing, including any necessary permits or licenses. The scenic beauty of the canal, combined with the potential for a great catch, makes it a popular choice for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Canal by Water
For those who prefer motorized vessels, boat rentals and tours are readily available. These excursions often range from leisurely cruises through the canal to more adventurous trips out to the Delaware Bay. Some tours even offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. Remember to check rental availability and tour schedules in advance, particularly during peak season.
Several establishments along the canal cater to boaters, offering dockside service for drinks and meals. This makes it easy to combine a day on the water with a culinary stop, enhancing the overall experience.
The Charm of Lewes and Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant boardwalk, lively atmosphere, and a strong LGBTQ+ presence. The canal provides a direct link to the energy of Rehoboth, allowing visitors to easily transition from the tranquility of the waterway to the excitement of the beach town. From Thrasher's fries to unique shops, Rehoboth offers a different flavor of coastal fun.
Both towns offer a variety of dining experiences, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. Many establishments are conveniently located near the canal, making it easy to dock and dine or enjoy a meal with a view.
Best Times to Visit for Different Experiences
Weekday evenings also present a wonderful opportunity for a serene visit. As the day-trippers depart, the canal becomes a calm haven, perfect for a sunset cruise or a quiet paddle. This is when you can truly appreciate the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of the waterway.
However, if you're looking for a lively atmosphere and don't mind the crowds, summer weekends are the peak season. The towns are buzzing with activity, and the canal is a hub for boating and water sports. Be prepared for more traffic on the roads and waterways during this time.
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