NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - Lewes may not ring a bell, but don't hold that against it. Positioned at the mouth of Delaware Bay, this little-known jewel is generally lacking in tourist culture but overflowing with charm.

Historically rich, Lewes' sleepy colonial streets are perfect for exploring. Its miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline are a beach lover's dream. And Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are all within a two-hour drive if you're willing to leave the shore and tolerate sweltering summer heat to take in a ball game, historical site or museum.

Day trips up and down the Atlantic Coast may be more appealing to some. A beautiful 70-minute ferry ride takes you across Delaware Bay to the Victorian and saltwater taffy atmosphere of Cape May, N.J. Rehoboth Beach, just 20 minutes south of Lewes, is also a lively, if crowded, family-oriented beach town with a classic wooden boardwalk and a popular outlet mall of some 140 stores.

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Lewes itself is great biking territory; many visitors rent bikes for the pleasant ride to Cape Henlopen State Park, a little over a mile from town. Its beautiful beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and spotting bottlenose dolphins. The Seaside Nature Center, located in the park, is popular for its aquarium and activities like the monthly Full Moon Walk. Also worth a visit is the Maritime Museum; don't miss the cannonball from the War of 1812 in the basement.

Blue crab season peaks in midsummer, and Lewes is a great place to go crabbing. If the prey proves elusive, the homestyle Crab Barn is the hands-down favorite place for feasting on crab legs and fried clams. The chamber of commerce Web page (www.leweschamber.com) lists some 15 inns, and Lewes Realty (800-705-7590) has weeklong rentals, ranging in price from $750 a week (for a house one block from the beach that sleeps up to seven) to $2,500 for a large, upscale house near the canal that comfortably sleeps eight to 10. The Inn at Canal Square (888-644-1911) has a "Stay in Lewes, Shop in Rehoboth" weekend package for $299 that offers two nights' accommodations, including breakfast and a bottle of wine. And the Blue Water House (800-493-2080) earns its devoted family following: Rooms are $120 a night, which includes use of bikes, boogie boards, beach chairs and umbrellas.