I was fortunate enough to grow up visiting the Delaware beaches so I have fond memories of the Delaware beaches. Going back as an adult with my own kids has only given me a deeper appreciation for the area. There are several beach areas tucked along the coast in Delaware, but Rehoboth Beach has become our favorite.
Rehoboth Beach has been our family’s go-to beach in the last half dozen years since my parents lived near (and in) Rehoboth Beach. It’s an especially great beach to visit because it has everything you need in a vacation spot for the whole family without having to get in the car to go anywhere if you don’t want to. The main draw is the glorious beach and ocean, but beyond that there is so much more. There are things for the kids like FunLand and the many kid-friendly shops. There are also plenty of lovely boutiques I can browse or upscale places we can dine on a date night out.
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The town itself is a great mix, too. You’ll find fun family friendly town activities mixed with bars and nightlife. You can wander into typical beach shops with everything you need for a day at the beach and then head to an upscale restaurant for dinner. On one street you can find a gourmet cheese shop and community theatre, and if you go over a block you’ll be at the doorstep of the local pizza place and an ice cream store. Somehow it all works together to form a great little community that will have you visiting again and again.
Why You Should Visit Rehoboth Beach
Clean Beaches
The beaches are clean and well maintained. While the main area gets full in the daytime, you can find plenty of spots down the boardwalk that are less crowded even in the peak season.
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Family Friendly
Family friendly should be the town’s middle name. It’s a great family vacation spot because there’s plenty to do off the beach for kids. Places to visit, shops that seem designed for kids to wander in (or at least they’re welcomed into), mini golf, and more. There’s something for all ages from the candy shops and bookstore to the hip clothing boutiques and fun kid-focused shops.
Dog Friendly
In addition to being a great place for families it’s also a town that welcomes (leashed) dogs. Many rentals allow pets and most restaurants have watering spots out front for dogs to enjoy on a hot summer day. With plenty of outdoor dining you can even take your pooch for a walk and find some food for his human companions.
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Seasonal Activities
The town holds a number of activities, events, and festivals throughout the year. There’s a weekly Farmer’s Market in the summer (go for the kettle made popcorn and guacamole) tucked into the park. The arts take center stage with a film festival, various stage productions, and events focused on children and the arts. There are 5ks, triathlons, and other sporting events throughout the year. There is a Chocolate Festival, Sea Witch Festival, and more. (The Sea Witch Festival includes a Halloween parade for people and one for dogs, too. They also host a scavenger hunt which our family won last year!)
Range Of Accommodations
From luxury hotels and gorgeous mansions on the ocean to simple motels with basics, you can find a variety of price points and locations throughout the downtown area and surrounding areas. There are a range of inexpensive motels, hotels, and condos that are great for families on a budget while you can also find huge high-end homes with plenty of room for the extended family and then some. If you need bare bones you can find that, but if you are planning a large family gathering where a kitchen and pool would come in handy you can find that, too. We’re pretty fond of Edgewater House.
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Wonderful Restaurants
It’s vacation after all, so eating out is on the agenda. There are a variety of places to eat including pizza places, burger joints, and dozens of inexpensive cafes and more than one crepe place. There are breweries and vacation spots like the always popular Dogfish Head Brewery. And vacation just wouldn’t be the same without a visit to our local favorite, Pig + Fish or my new restaurant crush Salt Air.
Top row: beach fun and scenery| Second row: FunLand | Third row: 5k, Sandcastle Building Contest, Sea Witch Festival | Fourth row: More beach scenery, Food at Nage, Food at Salt Air, Jumping waves
What To Do In Rehoboth Beach
While I’ve shared some our favorite reasons for visiting Rehoboth Beach I also need to include a sample of what you should do while you’re there when you’re not enjoying the surf and sun. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will get you started.
- Go to FunLand for rides (after 2pm) and games
- Head out for an early morning bike ride (rentals are available all over town)
- Go to the Ice Cream Store and sample their fun and crazy flavors (booger, anyone?)
- Walk on the boardwalk
- Visit Dolle’s for salt water taffy
- Head to Kohr Bros. for a soft serve ice cream
- Visit Miss Pixie’s to scour vintage finds
- Have tea at Victoria’s on the boardwalk
- Hop in your car or on the shuttle for a trip to the Outlets (remember there’s no sales tax in Delaware)
- Get a beer flight at Dogfish Head Brewery, kids in your group can try their homemade root beer
- Head to Penny Lane Mall and visit the shops (the kids will love ‘Fun For All’ which features games, toys, and penny candy!)
- Learn about the area at the Rehoboth History Museum (bonus: it’s free and next to a shaded park)
- Walk to the left or right of the main street to see some amazing homes
- Go for sushi at the Cultured Pearl
- Visit Browseabout Books for a huge selection of books, gifts, and story time for the kids
- Find out who is playing at the Bandstand and go dance!
- Try a boli from Nicoboli
- Visit Rehoboth Kite & Toy Shop and go fly a kite
- Browse the boutiques including Downtown Cowgirl
- Nosh on some Thrasher’s beach fries-be sure to add vinegar!
- Get your hair thread-wrapped at one of several shops
- Eat fresh seafood at Henlopen City Oyster House
Have you ever visited Rehoboth Beach? What are your favorite things to do in Rehoboth?
Kelly
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This is a free public beach, though you will likely have to pay for parking. There are also plenty of state parks nearby that offer access for a ‘car’ fee - allows you to park and access the beach no matter how many people you have in your car.
Laraine Pankevitch says
I’m looking for nice shore to bring my kids for day visit. Is this a free public beach? Or are there wrist bands that need to be purchased for beach access?
Cathy Bennett Kopf says
Visited Rehoboth many years ago and stayed at the charming Boardwalk Plaza hotel. Since we just adopted a puppy, I’m looking for dog-friendly beach towns. Happy to learn that Rehoboth’s one of them!
Oh sorry about that! Edgewater House is great! It’s got a bit of ‘mod’ feel to it, but some of the units are newly updated and it’s on the ocean! http://www.edgewaterhouse.com/
Gerri says
HI Kelly. We are having a large family reunion and interested in Rehoboth Beach. You mentioned above “but if you are planning a large family gathering where a kitchen and pool would come in handy you can find that, too. We’re pretty fond of
……. but last line cut off. Can you let me know the place you were fond of?
Thanks!!!
You probably did! It’s really popular with folks all over from NY to VA.
For some reason this beach sounds familiar, may have went as a kid. I’m originally from Northern Virginia.
Great tips! I love boardwalks, it’s been way too long since I have been to one.