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.
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