Things To Do
in Rehoboth

Rehoboth (commonly Rehoboth Beach) is a small, lively Delaware coastal town known for its broad boardwalk, sandy beaches, and bright summer atmosphere. The downtown is compact and walkable, full of independent shops, galleries, family restaurants, and seasonal entertainment. Nature is close at hand — Cape Henlopen State Park and nearby salt marshes offer trails, wildlife and dramatic coastline.

The town draws families, retirees and an energetic LGBTQ+ community, swelling with visitors every summer while offering a quieter, more introspective pace in the off-season.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, basking in the early morning sun. Grab a coffee and a freshly baked treat from a local bakery to fuel your adventure. Enjoy the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore as you take in the charming shops lining the boardwalk.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun or enjoying a game of beach volleyball with new friends. For lunch, savor a delicious seafood meal at one of the beachfront restaurants while enjoying ocean views. Afterward, consider renting a bike to explore the scenic trails in the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a moment to breathe in the salty air from the beach while watching the vibrant colors of the sky change. Indulge in dinner at a local seafood restaurant, where you can enjoy a fresh catch of the day. Conclude your evening with a captivating performance at the Clear Space Theatre, featuring talented local artists.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife at Cape Henlopen State Park
morning
:

Begin your day at Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can hike the trails and observe the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. Bring binoculars to spot unique birds or take a walk along the pristine dunes that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The morning light adds a beautiful backdrop to your nature exploration.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, continue your adventure by venturing to the beach within the park for a swim or a picnic under the sun. Don't miss the chance to visit the historical sights, such as the WWII observation tower, that add depth to the coastal experience. Capture the memories with photos of the stunning scenery and wildlife.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy a peaceful sunset over the water, sitting on the beach or at one of the park’s scenic overlooks. Return to Rehoboth for dinner at a cozy bistro, perhaps trying their renowned crab cakes. Finish your day with a refreshing ice cream treat from a local scoop shop as you stroll back to your accommodations.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-18
🍺Pint of domestic beer$5-8
Coffee (regular)$3-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night, off-season)$100-180
Gas (per gallon)$3.00-4.00

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, family-friendly beaches and a lively summer boardwalk
  • Compact, walkable downtown with shops, galleries and restaurants
  • Nearby natural areas (Cape Henlopen) for outdoor adventures
  • Welcoming and diverse community with a strong LGBTQ+ presence
  • Very crowded and more expensive during peak summer months
  • Limited public transit and parking can be challenging in season
  • Some seasonal businesses close in the off-season
  • Humidity and occasional storms in summer can affect plans

Places to Visit in Rehoboth

Visit one of these nice places.

Rehoboth Boardwalk

Iconic wooden boardwalk views, colorful shops, and wide-angle sunset shots over the ocean; great for sunrise and golden hour photography.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Dunes, historic observation towers, coastal trails and wide ocean-to-bay vistas — perfect for landscape and wildlife shots.

Gordon's Pond and Wildlife Areas

Tidal ponds and marshes with opportunities for bird photography and reflective water shots, especially at dawn and dusk.

Rehoboth Avenue

Vibrant street scenes with boutique storefronts, seasonal decorations and candid urban photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rehoboth

Rehoboth's cuisine centers on fresh Mid-Atlantic seafood and classic boardwalk fare, with a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. Summer brings seasonal outdoor dining and pop-up stands; year-round you'll find family-run diners, seafood shacks and bakeries.

Rehoboth Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Crab Cakes

Jumbo lump crab cakes, typically pan-seared and served with tartar or remoulade — available at most seafood restaurants and casual shacks.

Must-Try!

Fried Flounder or Rockfish

Locally caught fish, often served fried with fries or cole slaw at boardwalk stands and seaside cafes.

Boardwalk French Fries / Boardwalk Fare

Classic shallow-fried fries, hot dogs and other quick bites sold along the boardwalk — perfect for a casual beach snack.

Saltwater Taffy

A seaside confection primarily sold in shop windows along the boardwalk and downtown — a must-buy sweet souvenir.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rehoboth Beach Farmers' Market (seasonal)

Held in Grove Park during the warmer months, offering local produce, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal products — great for picnics and sampling local ingredients.

Boardwalk Vendors

Seasonal stands and carts selling everything from soft-serve ice cream and saltwater taffy to fried seafood and fries — ideal for casual beach-side dining.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rehoboth has a temperate coastal climate: hot, humid summers with ocean breezes; mild springs and falls that are pleasant for outdoor activities; and cool winters with occasional snow or nor’easter storms. Ocean temperatures lag air temperatures, so water stays cooler into early summer and remains milder into autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Beach Rules

Follow posted rules about lifeguard zones, swimming flags, pets (seasonal leash rules apply) and alcohol restrictions on the beach.

Small-Town Politeness

Residents appreciate a friendly, relaxed attitude — say hello in small businesses, respect queues, and keep noise down late at night in residential areas.

Respect for Nature

Pack out what you bring, observe wildlife from a distance, and adhere to dune-crossing restrictions to protect fragile ecosystems.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Culture

Rehoboth has a long-standing welcoming reputation toward LGBTQ+ visitors; treat everyone with courtesy and respect local inclusive norms.

Safety Guide

Safety

Rehoboth is generally safe for visitors but seasonal crowds increase petty theft risks — never leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in parked cars. Swim between flagged areas and heed lifeguard warnings for rip currents. At night, stick to well-lit areas; be mindful of cyclist and pedestrian traffic on shared pathways.

Tipping in Rehoboth

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard tipping is 15–20% at full-service restaurants; $1–2 per drink or 15% for bar tabs. For taxis, rideshares and shuttles, 10–15% is customary. Tip valets, hotel housekeeping (a few dollars per night) and spa/tour guides when service is good.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; many places also take contactless payments. Carry some cash for small vendors, parking meters or seasonal beach vendors that may be cash-preferred.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Peak tourist season — warm to hot temperatures, crowded beaches and busy restaurants; book accommodation early, expect longer waits and strong nightlife/entertainment schedules.

Fall

Milder weather, thinner crowds and pleasant outdoor conditions — ideal for hiking, biking and quieter shore experiences; some seasonal businesses begin to reduce hours.

Winter

Cool to cold with occasional storms; many seasonal businesses are closed or on reduced hours, but the town is peaceful and good for low-cost travel and off-season rates.

Spring

Temperatures moderate and shops begin to reopen; shoulder-season deals are common and spring blooms make parks and trails attractive before the summer rush.

Nightlife Guide

Rehoboth at Night

Nightlife centers on casual bars, live music venues, seasonal outdoor concerts and family-friendly evening activities along the boardwalk. Summer evenings are busiest with bar patios and late-night pizza/ice cream runs; off-season offers quieter evenings with a few neighborhood pubs and restaurants hosting local music or trivia nights.

Hiking in Rehoboth

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cape Henlopen State Park Trails

Multiple trails through dunes, salt marsh and coastal forest with boardwalks, observation towers and excellent wildlife viewing.

Gordon's Pond Trail

A scenic boardwalk and trail that looks across tidal ponds and beaches — great for birdwatching and accessible walks.

Junction & Breakwater Trail

A converted rail-trail popular for biking and walking that connects Lewes with surrounding areas, offering peaceful natural scenery.

Ryan Farm Park and Local Nature Preserves

Smaller local parks with short trails and educational signage, good for family walks and short nature outings.

Airports

How to reach Rehoboth by plane.

Salisbury–Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY)

Small regional airport about 50–70 minutes away by car; convenient for regional flights and connects to major hubs.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Major international airport approximately 2.5–3 hours by car; offers many domestic and international connections and rental car options.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Major airport about 2.5–3 hours drive, with wide flight options and ground transportation to the Delaware coast.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Large international airport in New Jersey roughly 2.5–3 hours by car depending on traffic; good for visitors from farther away seeking many flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

The downtown core (Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk) is highly walkable with short blocks and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. To reach farther beaches, parks or off-site attractions you may prefer a bike or car; rental bikes and local shuttles are useful in summer.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Year-round Residents

A mix of retirees, service workers, small-business owners and year-round families who maintain the town outside tourist season.

Seasonal Visitors

Summer vacationers from nearby metropolitan areas who swell the population and support the tourism economy.

LGBTQ+ Community

A visible and active LGBTQ+ community contributes to the town's inclusive cultural scene and events.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Birdwatchers, anglers, surfers and bikers who come for the parks, beaches and trails.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing and Bodyboarding

Surfing and bodyboarding are popular where conditions allow; local surf shops offer rentals and lessons in season.

Beach Volleyball

Informal and organized beach volleyball is common on popular stretches of sand during summer.

Fishing (shore and charter)

Surfcasting from the beach, pier fishing and offshore charter trips are staples of the local recreation scene.

Biking and Running

The flat coastal terrain and multi-use trails make biking and running popular activities for both residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light outside of summer but can become congested on weekends and holidays during peak season, especially on Route 1 and near popular beach access points. Parking is limited in high season and often paid; consider arriving early, using seasonal shuttles, biking, or walking. Local DART buses and seasonal shuttles provide some alternatives to driving.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rehoboth.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, pasta). Off-season selections may be more limited, so call ahead for larger groups or special requests.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly available at cafes and newer bistros; specialty grocery items can be found in nearby stores but bring basics if you rely on vegan options.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free menus or modifications are commonly offered at sit-down restaurants; confirm fryer cross-contamination if avoiding gluten strictly.

Allergies

Seafood is ubiquitous; communicate allergies clearly to staff and try to choose restaurants that accommodate dietary needs — carry an allergy card if necessary.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Rehoboth and the surrounding area have urgent care clinics and family practices for minor issues. For emergency care or major procedures, regional hospitals (such as Beebe Healthcare in Lewes and larger centers in Salisbury or Dover) are within a 20–60 minute drive depending on location. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors from abroad.

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