3 Reasons to Vacation at Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Since I was a little girl, I have visited Rehoboth Beach, Delaware almost every summer. We would spend at least a week or two at the beach during the summer, along with weekends in the spring and fall, staying at our family cottage in nearby Dewey Beach. My childhood memories are filled with days on the beach, sailing in Rehoboth Bay, and nights roaming the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. I continued this tradition with my own kids, creating new memories along the way. Although I have been to other beaches over the years, I am always drawn back to the Delaware beaches. Rehoboth Beach is located within easy driving distance from the Washington, DC area, and over the years has earned its nickname as the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” If you are looking for a great East Coast beach vacation spot, here are three good reasons why you should consider a warm-weather vacation at Rehoboth Beach. Plus keep reading for more activities in the area and a few tips from our many trips to Rehoboth over the years to help make the most of your visit.  

*Originally published in  2015; updated March, 2023.

*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.

The Beach

When you read about favorite beaches on the East Coast, Rehoboth Beach is almost always mentioned. It has a family-friendly vibe and proximity to major cities like Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. During the summer season that stretches from Memorial Day weekend into September, visitors can relax and enjoy fun in the sun, knowing that the Rehoboth Beach Patrol is on duty protecting over 2 miles of beachfront. Get there early to stake out a good spot, as the main beaches in the city of Rehoboth get crowded quickly, especially on summer weekends. If you plan to park all day, purchasing a parking permit for the duration of your stay is the most economical way as a permit or metered parking is required if driving into downtown Rehoboth. The same is true in nearby Dewey Beach, where the Dewey Beach Patrol is on duty during the summer months, and parking permits are also required. If  you are staying in Dewey, you most likely will be within easy walking distance to the beach.

If surfing is your thing, head down the highway a few miles to Delaware Seashore State Park, with one of the few areas in the state designated for surfing. The state park also has two swimming areas with a bathhouse and lifeguards during the summer season. Nearby, the calm waters of Rehoboth Bay are perfect for activities like kayaking or paddle boarding.

Old-Fashioned fun On The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

No trip to Rehoboth is complete without spending an evening or two on the timeless Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, with shops, food and amusements. Visit Funland, the place for family memories for over 60 years. There aren’t many places where you can purchase a book of 25 ride tickets for about $15! It was so nostalgic for me to see my own kids on a ride that I loved as a kid (five of the rides are originals from 1962). Plus there are plenty of arcade games to amuse kids of all ages. We’ve been to amusement parks all around the country but every year my grown kids still want to visit Funland. 

You'll also want to stroll the shops on Rehoboth Avenue, including Penny Lane. Pick up your next beach read at Browseabout Books, an independent bookstore that has been around almost 50 years. and don't forget to check out mini-golf with an ocean view from Ryan's Mini Golf.  And here's a tip, if you are staying outside of the downtown area, consider using either the DART Beach Bus or the Jolley Trolley to get around. You can purchase DART tickets directly on the app.

Save up to 30% on your hotel on your next upcoming trip!!

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​The Food Around Rehoboth Beach

For many people, it's not a beach vacation without pizza, french fries, or something sweet, so here are some classics to try. Grotto Pizza, like Funland, has been around since the 1960’s. Grab a slice of pizza then find a bench to sit on and people watch. Enjoy a bucket of Thrasher’s french fries while relaxing in a beach chair. Just watch out for hungry seagulls! Need something sweet? Try the caramel popcorn from local favorites Dolle’s Candyland or Fisher’s Popcorn. Or test your decisiveness while choosing from 100+ flavors at the Ice Cream Store on Rehoboth Avenue. Two other popular spots include Kohr Brothers for frozen custard and the ice cream parlor at Royal Treat.

Restaurants from super casual to fine dining line the streets in downtown Rehoboth, so there are plenty of dinner choices if you decide to head out to eat. You can’t go wrong at popular Fin’s Fish House & Raw Bar on Rehoboth Avenue or Big Fish Grill, a few minutes out of downtown. ​Grotto Pizza has a large outside patio at the location on Rehoboth Avenue. Or stop in Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties for one of their highly-rated Italian sandwiches, breads, or desserts (currently you need to call ahead to place an order). You can feed the family with a take-out pan of one of their Italian dinners. 

For some of the best crab cakes around, head to Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill! And if you are looking for a laid back, outdoor meal, visit the Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes. They offer seasonal live music, craft beer, and a colorful backyard with room for the kids to enjoy some open space. Plus the Pineapple Express Wings are amazing! The Visit Southern Delaware website has a helpful list of places to eat and drink in Rehoboth Beach that you can sort by cuisine. Keep in mind that many restaurants and shops have seasonal hours, so may not be open all year. 

Here's a few more things to know along with other fun things to do near Rehoboth Beach.  

⇨ Depending on the length of your stay, a rental property may be a better value than a hotel.  Read our 6 Reasons We Enjoy Vacation Home Rentals for Family Travel. Hotels prices in the area vary considerably, with prices cheaper as you get farther out of the city of Rehoboth. I would suggest searching for hotels deals and reading the latest reviews before booking. Start with this resource of where to stay in Rehoboth Beach. You'll find hotel listings, along with information about Rehoboth Beach vacation rentals and nearby campgrounds.  If you want to bring your four-legged family members, one of our favorite pet-friendly places to stay is the Lazy L at Willow Creek in Lewes.​​

Save up to 30% on your hotel on your next upcoming trip!!

⇨   Consider visiting midweek during the busy summer season. Although the weekend population can often swell to thousands over the summer, during the week, the beaches aren't quite as crowded. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to visit, with September being one of my favorite months at the beach. 
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⇨    Explore Cape Henlopen State Park in nearby Lewes. Besides a swimming beach, there are several miles of nature trails, a fishing pier, and bike trails. When you get on the beach, if you take a short walk in either direction you might find more space to spread out. There is a small fee to enter the park and sometimes the parking area fills up on summer holiday weekends. Nearby Lewes Beach, on the Delaware Bay, is perfect for young kids with its calm waters and wide beach. Be warned that the parking lot may fill up as the day goes on, so try to get there early. Don’t forget to bring a cooler so you can stop by Casapulla's Subs or Touch of Italy on your way to pick up a sandwich for lunch! Read 10 Fun Things to Do When You Visit Lewes Delaware for more ideas including an evening cruise on the Delaware Bay with awesome lighthouse views! ​

⇨  Watch free movies on the beach in Dewey Beach all summer long on Monday nights (check the website for an updated schedule), or bring your marshmallows and enjoy the Wednesday night bonfires. Dogs are welcome on the beach in Dewey before 9:30 and after 5:30 during the summer season. Just be sure to purchase a Dewey Beach dog license.

⇨ Bring your bikes and explore the Junction & Breakwater Trailhead. The trail is roughly 6 miles long and runs between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. The Gordons Pond Trail is another popular trail for nature and waterfowl lovers, connecting Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. 

⇨ Ready to take a break from the ocean? Spend the day at Jungle Jim’s waterpark, try your hand at mini golf at Shell We Golf (adjacent to the Sea Shell Shop), or drive the go-karts at Midway Speedway Park.

⇨  Take  advantage of the tax free shopping both in downtown Rehoboth and at the Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach. Be warned that traffic to the outlet centers on rainy days can back up for miles. It’s best to go shopping early in the day or in the evening.  
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​⇨   And finally, take a detour on the way home for some farm-fresh ice cream.  If you are heading towards the Bay Bridge, stop by Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes or Vanderwende's in Greenwood or Bridgeville.