Rehoboth Beach is an undeniable Delaware treasure. Although it’s the second-smallest state, Delaware is far from boring. It boasts a variety of interesting and amusing attractions. And Rehoboth Beach is no exception.
Nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the dreamy seaside escape has all the markings of an exquisite vacation: sandy beaches, old-town charm, exciting water sports activities, thrilling amusement parks, eclectic shops, bustling nightlife, and an Instagram-worthy, mile-long boardwalk.
Although Delaware has many beautiful beaches, Rehoboth Beach reigns supreme. Known as the nation’s summer capital, the serene city is a popular vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
UPDATE: 2023/06/01 08:18 EST BY BARRY JUMA
Things To Do In Rehoboth Beach: Complete Guide From Boardwalk Strolls to Beachside Views
Rehoboth Beach offers more than just spending time on the sands; visitors can explore the area’s history or spend time hiking in nature. This update includes more things to do in this destination, from taking a day trip to the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park to shopping at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market.
Top Things To Do
From boardwalk strolls and beach outings to water park thrills and live theater shows, there are a number of fun things that visitors can do at Rehoboth Beach. These action-packed adventures deserve a spot on any tourist’s bucket list.
Rehoboth Beach has a variety of shops and retailers.
There’s one major perk of visiting all the souvenir shops and stores that the city has to offer: Delaware doesn’t have a state or local sales tax.
Tourists can avoid paying taxes on items, enjoying savings at the retailers found at Tanger Outlets, among others. Stores include Adidas, Ulta Beauty, Coach, Gap Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Kirkland’s, Michael Kors, Pandora, and much more.
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Address:
36470 Seaside Outlet Dr, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (some store hours may vary)
Visitors on the prowl for even more savings can stop by Shopper Services for a Savings Coupon Book. The shopping mall also offers virtual shoppers and curbside pick-up options for getting products on the go.
2 Go Birdwatching At Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is home to more than 200 species of birds.
For an outdoor excursion like no other, spend the day at this state park. It features a six-mile stretch of ocean and a bay shoreline spanning 20 miles. Visitors can hike, bike, or walk some of the area’s more than seven miles of trails.
Water sports enthusiasts can surf in the waters off the beach north of the Inlet. And wildlife admirers can spend the afternoon birdwatching the likes of potbellied purple sandpipers and a variety of sea sucks.
A salt marsh habitat and nesting ground for birds and terrapins, the park is home to more than 200 species of birds.
Or explore the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, a historic site where visitors can learn about the United States Life-Saving Service, a government agency that later became the Coast Guard of today.
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Address:
5039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Open daily from 8 am until sunset (
hours vary
) -
Cost:
Inland Parks, $4 per day for Delaware registered vehicles; $8 per day for out-of-state registered vehicles. Ocean Parks, $5 per day and $10 per day, respectively.
Park entrance fees are charged daily from March 1 through November 30. The park reserves the right to decline entry if there are high volumes of visitors. In this case, park passes can be returned within 30 days of sale.
3 Go Sunbathing At Rehoboth Beach
Tourists can spend the day on Rehoboth Beach.
What’s a trip to Rehoboth Beach without time spent at the seaside? Take a dive into the Atlantic or spend the day tanning along the sandy shoreline.
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Address:
311 N Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cost:
Free
4 Catch A Show At The Clear Space Theatre Company
Sit down and prepare to be entertained at this performing arts center. Founded in 2004, the non-profit cultural organization offers about 150 professional theater performances, including plays and musicals, each year.
The 2023 season includes performances of Damn Yankees, Matilda, Next to Normal, The SpongeBob Musical, Young Frankenstein, and Estella Scrooge, to name a few.
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Address:
20 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Hours vary; check show times -
Cost:
Ticket prices vary
, but range between $20-$50
5 Splash Around Jungle Jim’s River Safari Water Park
A view of Rehoboth Beach at sunset.
Delaware’s largest water park, this attraction features giant water slides, bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, and more. For family fun, it’s a necessity.
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Address:
36944 Country Club Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Hours vary seasonally;
check the website
for times and updates -
Cost:
Water park all-day pass, over 42” $48; under 42” $33
6 Tour The Rehoboth Beach Museum
A view of the exterior of the Rehoboth Beach Museum
This Sussex County city is rich in history. Founded in 1975, the Rehoboth Beach Museum offers a number of beach-related exhibits, which change seasonally.
Dive into the past by learning about the city’s history from the early days of the Natives to the sprawling resort town community that Rehoboth Beach has become today.
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Address:
511 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm -
Cost:
Voluntary donation-based admission
The museum is currently on its winter season schedule through Memorial Day. Summer hours run from Memorial Day through October 30: Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.
7 Ride The Lazy River At Midway Speedway Park
Get four times the fun for the price of one at this amusement park center. Take on the go-kart tracks at Midway Speedway.
Head behind the Speedway to White Water Mountain Water Park to spend the day soaking up the Delaware sun on the tropical deck. Although there are a number of amazing waterparks throughout the country, visitors should make it a point to cool off in this park’s water slides, lazy river, Olympic-size recreational pool, or activity pool.
Hit the greens at Fire Mountain Gold—Rehoboth Beach’s number one mini-golf course, according to the company. Featuring 18 holes of pure fun, families are sure to enjoy. Last but not least, ride the Bumper Boat Lagoon and the thrilling Gravity Storm or tackle the Climbing Wall at the park’s Fun Park attractions.
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Address:
18645 Coastal Hwy • Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Open 7 days a week from May 1st through September; weather permitting, open most weekends year-round (dependent on weather)
8 Take A Stroll On Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is often the backdrop for live music events and other festivals.
Round out the day with a stroll down the city’s award-winning, mile-long boardwalk.
Rated one of the country’s best boardwalks by National Geographic and Forbes, among others, the boardwalk serves as a backdrop for a number of festivals and other events throughout the year.
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Address:
N Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Hours:
Open 24 hours -
Cost:
Free
9 Explore Cape Henlopen State Park
The beach at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a picturesque location found about 12 miles from Rehoboth Beach, offering visitors a chance to experience nature at its finest. With over 5,000 acres of pristine land, the park features beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a historic World War II observation tower.
Tourists can enjoy various activities, such as bird watching, fishing, and biking. Plus, the Seaside Nature Center within the park provides educational exhibits and programs for all ages.
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Address
: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, United States -
Hours
: 8 am – sunset (daily) -
Cost
: Vehicle entrance fee: $5 for in-state, $10 for out-of-state (daily)
10 Go Boating On Silver Lake
A view of Silver Lake near Rehoboth Beach
Silver Lake, a serene freshwater lake in Rehoboth Beach, beckons visitors to enjoy a relaxing day of boating. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views, the lake offers a perfect setting for a leisurely paddle or a thrilling kayak adventure.
Rental services for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available nearby, making it easy for tourists to access the water and explore the lake at their own pace.
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Location
: Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States -
Hours
: Sunrise to sunset (daily) -
Cost
: Rental fees vary depending on the type of watercraft and duration
11 Shop At Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market
Aerial view of Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is a delightful destination for those seeking fresh, locally-sourced produce and goods. Held every Tuesday from May to October, the market features an array of vendors offering fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and artisanal products.
Visitors can engage with local farmers and artisans while discovering unique, high-quality items. The market also hosts live music and food demonstrations, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
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Address
: Grove Park, 501 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States -
Hours
: Tuesdays, 10 am – 2 pm (May to October) -
Cost
: Free entry, prices vary for products
12 Catch A Movie At Cinema Art Theater
A street in Rehoboth Beach
Cinema Art Theater, operated by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, is a must-visit for movie enthusiasts. This intimate venue screens a diverse selection of independent, foreign, and documentary films that are rarely shown in mainstream theaters.
The comfortable seating and state-of-the-art projection system create an exceptional viewing experience for guests. In addition to regular screenings, the theater hosts special events and film festivals throughout the year, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.
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Address
: 17701 Dartmouth Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, United States -
Hours
: Showtimes vary, check the website for current listings
13 Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Rehoboth Beach is during the summer months.
Rehoboth Beach is a prized travel destination at any time of year. Compared to northern states, the city has mild winters with a few months of snowfall from December to March. It’s also partly cloudy and rains year-round with the month of August seeing the most rain.
The best time to visit is during the summer months, which tend to be the warmest and draw the biggest crowds. Although tourists can visit any time of year, keep in mind that many attractions are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
14 Best Ways To Get Around
Getting around this coastal city is easy. In fact, being a relatively small town, Rehoboth Beach is incredibly walkable. The one-square-mile city is easy to navigate on foot and offers a variety of buses and trolleys, namely DART First State buses, which are wheelchair accessible.
The Park & Ride Lot can be found at 20055 Shuttle Road, off of Delaware Route 1 north of Rehoboth Avenue.
Visitors coming from the airport across Delaware Bay can avoid traffic along the Atlantic Coast by way of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which welcomes vehicles, bicycles, and foot passengers.
Rehoboth Beach is a fair distance away from its closest major airports, which are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, so a rental car will likely be needed to get into the city.
Many hotels are also located outside the city, so a rental car may be preferred.
15 Where To Eat In Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach has a variety of delectable cuisine options.
Rehoboth Beach has some great places to eat for every meal of the day.
Breakfast
Sunny Bay Cafe
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Address:
236 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Breakfast platters, crêpes, and a variety of lunch offerings.
Rise Up Coffee Roasters
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Address:
502 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Small-batch, locally roasted coffee and breakfast staples (vegan options available).
Lunch
Summer House
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Address:
228 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Greenman Juice Bar & Bistro
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Address:
12 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Health-conscious fare, including smoothies, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
Dinner
Salt Air
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Address:
50 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Upscale dining featuring local, seasonal dishes.
La Fable
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Address:
26 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Elegant French bistro serving seasonal ingredients located on Rehoboth Beach’s iconic Baltimore Avenue.
Drinks
Rehoboth Ale House Downtown
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Address:
15 Wilmington Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Pub serving classic American fare; features live music events.
The Pond Bar & Grill
-
Address:
Shops at Sea Coast, 19266 Coastal Hwy Unit #1, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Cuisine
: Beach bar serving American fare; features trivia and music nights
Many restaurants and other attractions are closed during the winter and early spring.
16 Where To Stay In Rehoboth Beach
Luxury waterfront homes in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach has some of the best places to stay, from cozy, affordable lodging to elegant, upscale hotels.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Econo Lodge Inn and Suites Rehoboth Beach
Sleep Inn & Suites Rehoboth Beach
Mid-Tier Hotels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rehoboth Beach, an IHG Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Rehoboth Beach
High-End Hotels
17 Tips To Know When Visiting
Rehoboth Beach is a dreamy seaside escape.
Although there are a variety of accommodations, amusement parks, restaurants, and shops, many attractions operate on a seasonal schedule and are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Vacationers should check operating hours and schedules prior to booking.
18 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Rehoboth Beach
Delaware beaches are prime destinations for any tourist.
For an epic day spent at this charming beach town, start with a satisfying breakfast and one of the many eateries nestled near the boardwalk. Spend the afternoon sunbathing along the sandy shores or splashing in the warm, blue waters.
After a hearty lunch, pop into a museum to learn about Rehoboth Beach’s rich history, from the many Native American tribes that called it home and the early settlers of the 17th century to the bustling beach oasis town that it is today. Or, head to Delaware Seashore State Park for an afternoon spent in nature.
Travelers can also take advantage of all the attractions that the city has to offer, from Jungle Jim’s to Midway Speedway Park.
After dinner, head to the boardwalk for a relaxing stroll or catch an entertaining musical at the Clear Space Theatre Company.
FAQ
Q: Is Rehoboth Beach worth visiting?
Delaware has many beautiful beaches, but Rehoboth Beach is a perfect destination spot for any vacationer. Dubbed the nation’s summer capital, the coastal city has an array of amusement parks, eclectic shops, restaurants, and even an award-winning boardwalk.
Q: Is Rehoboth Beach expensive?
Although many U.S. beach towns have a lower cost of living, Rehoboth Beach tends to fall on the higher end. But there’s good news for tourists: Delaware does not have a state or local sales tax.
Visitors can take advantage of tax-free shopping at any number of the city’s trendy shops and retailers.
Q: What is Rehoboth Beach known for?
There are a number of fun things that visitors can do at Rehoboth Beach, but the city is probably best known for its award-winning boardwalk, tax-free shopping, and beautiful beaches.
