A laid-back coastal town on Delaware's Atlantic shore with a mile-long wooden boardwalk, family-owned restaurants, and summer beach events dating back to 1873.
Rehoboth Beach sits along Delaware’s Atlantic coast, where visitors walk along a mile-long wooden boardwalk, ride classic amusement park attractions at Funland, and try craft beers from Dogfish Head Brewery. Many people from Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia spend summers here, earning it the nickname “The Nation’s Summer Capital.” Free concerts take place at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand during summer evenings, and tax-free shopping fills the Tanger Outlets. The town has welcomed LGBT travelers since the 1970s, with rainbow flags visible along Baltimore Avenue. Annual events like the Sea Witch Festival in October and the Autumn Jazz Festival fill the calendar, and Delaware Seashore State Park south of town provides wide, less crowded beaches.
Boardwalk Activities and Funland Amusement Park
Walk the mile-long wooden boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, where you’ll hear waves breaking and children laughing at Funland. This family-run amusement park opened in 1962 and still operates its original carousel, a haunted house ride, and arcade games such as skeeball. Near the boardwalk’s east end, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand holds free concerts every evening from June through August, playing genres from rock to jazz. Try Thrasher’s fries sprinkled with vinegar or order a cone at Archie’s Ice Cream, a shop that’s been here since 1968. Stores along the boardwalk sell beach gear, souvenirs, and handmade jewelry, all with views of the ocean.
Beach Regulations and Alternatives
Lifeguards watch the main beach daily from 10 AM to 5 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can bring umbrellas and small tents, but large shade structures, alcohol, and bonfires are not allowed. Dogs must stay off the beach and boardwalk from May 1 to September 30 but can visit on leashes during other months. The beach closes completely from 1 AM to 5 AM, and any items left overnight will be cleared. For a quieter experience, drive six miles south to Delaware Seashore State Park, where dunes and marshes separate the sand from nearby roads.
Parks and Attractions Near Town
Families often visit Jungle Jim’s River Safari Water Park, 15 minutes west, to play in wave pools and slide down water rides. At Cape Henlopen State Park, explore the Fort Miles Museum inside a preserved WWII military base with artillery towers. Grove Park in central Rehoboth has picnic tables under trees and a playground, while Silver Lake at Stockley Street Park attracts birdwatchers. Midway Speedway Park north of town stays open after sunset, with glowing mini-golf courses and go-kart tracks.
Annual Festivals and Events
In late October, the Sea Witch Festival fills Rehoboth with Halloween parades, beach bonfires, and contests for the best scarecrow. November brings the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, screening indie movies and documentaries at local theaters. The Autumn Jazz Festival in fall features live music in restaurants and bars. From May to November, the Tuesday farmers market in Grove Park sells fresh vegetables, bread, and handmade items.
Restaurants and Evening Entertainment
Many restaurants serve seafood, such as Henlopen City Oyster House with its raw bar and lobster rolls. Rehoboth Avenue has dining options from quick pizza spots to fine dining, while newer eateries with parking lots line Delaware Route 1. Dogfish Head Brewery’s brewpub serves hoppy beers alongside wood-oven pizzas, and Café Azafrán focuses on dishes made with local produce. For nightlife, Dewey Beach two miles south has bars with live bands and dancing, though Rehoboth itself tends to stay quieter after dark.
LGBT Community and Inclusivity
Rainbow flags hang outside shops and restaurants on Baltimore Avenue, reflecting Rehoboth’s long-standing support for LGBT visitors. Proud Book Store, established in 1996, sells LGBTQ+ books and hosts readings by authors. The Blue Moon and Aqua Grill organize drag brunches and dance parties, especially during August Pride celebrations. Clear Space Theatre Company stages plays that highlight diverse stories and hosts community fundraisers.
Planning Your Visit
Summer weekends are busiest, so reserve rental homes early—many sleep 10 or more guests. Parking downtown can be limited, but the DART Beach Bus connects Rehoboth to neighboring towns and transit hubs. Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk before 10 AM in summer, and the flat roads make cycling to Cape Henlopen State Park simple. Delaware’s lack of sales tax makes the Tanger Outlets popular for discounted clothing and home goods.
History of Rehoboth Beach
Methodist founders established Rehoboth in 1873 as a retreat, and the arrival of railroads soon made it a summer destination for East Coast cities. The boardwalk, constructed in 1879, originally gave Victorian visitors a place to stroll by the sea. By the 1920s, politicians and diplomats began vacationing here, leading to the “Nation’s Summer Capital” title. The Rehoboth Beach Museum on Rehoboth Avenue exhibits old photographs, swimsuits, and postcards from this era. Nearby Fort Miles, part of WWII coastal defenses, adds military history through its museum and bunkers.
