Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Travel Guide

Discover Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - a coastal paradise with sandy shores, a vibrant boardwalk, and a lively arts scene, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Home
Travel Guides
Delaware
Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is a charming coastal town known for its pristine sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk. This delightful destination is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. The beach itself is a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike, offering a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Atlantic Ocean's waves provide endless fun, whether you're riding them on a boogie board or simply enjoying the soothing sound of the surf. The iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit, stretching a mile long and lined with shops, eateries, and entertainment options. Here, you can savor the taste of fresh seafood, indulge in classic boardwalk treats like saltwater taffy and funnel cakes, and browse unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The boardwalk is also home to Funland, a beloved amusement park that has been delighting visitors with its rides and games since 1962. Beyond the beach and boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach boasts a lively arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. The town's proximity to state parks and wildlife refuges makes it an excellent base for nature lovers. You can explore the scenic trails of Cape Henlopen State Park or take a kayak tour to observe local wildlife up close. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and stunning natural beauty, Rehoboth Beach is a destination that promises unforgettable memories.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rehoboth Beach.

Visit the boardwalk early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful stroll and avoid the crowds.
Parking can be challenging during peak season, so consider using the Park & Ride service.
Don't miss a sunset at the beach; it's a breathtaking experience.
Check the local events calendar for festivals and live music performances during your stay.
Explore nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for hiking, biking, and stunning views.

Explore Rehoboth Beach: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Historic Downtown Berlin

Discover the enchanting Historic Downtown Berlin, where charming shops, delightful eateries, and rich history come together in Maryland's hidden gem.

4.6

Ocean City Boardwalk

Experience classic seaside fun on the Ocean City Boardwalk: amusements, food, shops, and stunning ocean views await!

4.6

Beach Ave

Experience the charm of Cape May on historic Beach Avenue, where Victorian elegance meets the refreshing Atlantic breeze.

Cape May

Discover the charm of America's oldest seaside resort, where Victorian elegance meets pristine beaches and endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Best landmarks in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Cape Henlopen State Park

Explore Cape Henlopen State Park, a stunning coastal paradise in Delaware with beaches, hiking trails, and rich history, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

4.8

Funland

Experience the exhilarating fun of Funland in Rehoboth Beach, where thrilling rides and nostalgic games come together for an unforgettable family adventure.

4.6

Browseabout Books

Discover a world of books and more at Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach's charming bookstore and coffee shop, perfect for all ages.

4.8

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Discover the charm of Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, where stunning ocean views meet unique shopping and delicious dining in a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.7

Best restaurants in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten

Experience the lively charm of Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten in Rehoboth Beach – where great food meets vibrant nightlife.

4.4

Henlopen City Oyster House

Discover exquisite oysters and fresh seafood at Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth Beach – where coastal flavors meet exceptional service.

4.7

The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Experience culinary excellence at The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Rehoboth Beach—where tradition meets innovation in every delicious bite.

4.4

Mariachi Restaurant

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in Rehoboth Beach at Mariachi Restaurant - where flavor meets tradition.

4.5

Best bars in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious American grill cuisine at Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten in Rehoboth Beach.

4.4

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

Discover the vibrant flavors of Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, where craft beer meets gourmet cuisine in a lively Rehoboth Beach setting.

4.5

Summer House

Savor the essence of American dining at Summer House in Rehoboth Beach, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and family.

4.3

Zogg's Raw Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors of seaside dining at Zogg's Raw Bar & Grill in Rehoboth Beach, where fresh seafood meets a lively atmosphere.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten

Discover the vibrant charm of Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten, where delicious grilled food meets a welcoming atmosphere in Rehoboth Beach.

4.4

Rehoboth Ale House Downtown

Enjoy craft beers, delicious food, and live music at Rehoboth Ale House Downtown – the heartbeat of nightlife in Rehoboth Beach.

4.5

Big Chill Surf Cantina

Experience the vibrant beachside atmosphere at Big Chill Surf Cantina, where refreshing drinks and lively nights await in Rehoboth Beach.

4.5

Rigby's Bar & Grill

Experience delicious American cuisine and vibrant live music at Rigby's Bar & Grill, the ultimate nightlife destination in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

4.5

Best shops in Rehoboth Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Tanger Rehoboth Beach - Seaside

Discover unbeatable deals and a diverse selection of brand-name stores at Tanger Rehoboth Beach - Seaside, the ultimate outlet shopping destination.

4.4

Washington Street Mall

Discover the enchanting Washington Street Mall, a shopping haven in Cape May, NJ, filled with unique shops, delicious eateries, and charming local art.

4.7

Tanger Rehoboth Beach - Surfside

Discover unbeatable deals and delightful dining options at Tanger Rehoboth Beach - Surfside, your ultimate outlet shopping destination.

4.5

Browseabout Books

Explore a charming gift shop and bookstore at Browseabout Books, where unique finds and cozy coffee await in Rehoboth Beach.

4.8

Explore Rehoboth Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Rehoboth Beach, mapped for you.

Rehoboth Beach Essentials

Rehoboth Beach is located in Sussex County, Delaware. The nearest major airports are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), both approximately 2 hours away by car. You can rent a car from these airports or take a shuttle service. Additionally, DART First State offers bus services from Wilmington and Dover to Rehoboth Beach. During the summer, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides a scenic route from New Jersey, connecting to local buses or car rentals upon arrival.
Rehoboth Beach is a small, walkable town with many attractions within easy reach. For longer distances or to explore nearby areas, you can use the DART bus service, which operates regular routes including the seasonal Resort Transit. Bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly way to get around, with several rental shops available. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily accessible for quick trips.
The official currency in Rehoboth Beach is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the town, although it is advisable to carry some cash for small vendors and parking meters. Contactless payment options are also increasingly common.
Rehoboth Beach is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like the boardwalk and beach. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Rehoboth Beach Police Department and several medical facilities, including Beebe Healthcare's emergency department in Lewes, are available for urgent care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, especially during the summer. Beachwear is common, but be sure to wear appropriate clothing when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs, but there are no specific religious practices that tourists need to be particularly mindful of. Public Transport: Do use the DART bus service and Resort Transit for convenient and affordable travel. Don't forget to have exact change if paying in cash. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile or a casual 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and boardwalk fare. Don't litter on the beach; use designated trash bins.
To experience Rehoboth Beach like a local, visit the Farmers' Market on Tuesdays for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll along the Junction & Breakwater Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride. Mingle with residents at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, which hosts free concerts during the summer. For a unique experience, explore the lesser-known Delaware Seashore State Park, just a short drive away, offering quieter beaches and natural beauty.

When is the best time to visit Rehoboth Beach?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Rehoboth Beach

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Rehoboth Beach. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hey]
- GoodbyeGoodbye
  [guhd-bye]
- YesYeah
  [yeh]
- NoNo
  [no]
- Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
- Thank youThank you
  [thangk yoo]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me
  [ek-skews mee]
- How are you?How are you?
  [hao ar yoo]
- Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fahyn. and yoo]
- Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
  [doo yoo speek ing-glish]
- I don't understandI don't understand
  [ahy dohnt uhn-der-stahnd]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [ahyd lahyk too see thee my-noo pleez]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ahy dohnt eet meet]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [ahy wood lahyk too pey pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Go away!
  [goh uh-way]
- Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [kawl thee puh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [kawl uh dok-ter]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahym lost]
- I'm illI'm ill
  [ahym il]
- I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [ahyd lahyk too by]
- I'm just lookingI'm just looking
  [ahym juhst loo-king]
- How much is it?How much is it?
  [hao much iz it]
- That's too expensiveThat's too expensive
  [thats too ik-spensiv]
- Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?
  [kan yoo loh-er thee prahys]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [wut tahym iz it]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [its wuhn uh-klok]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [haf past (ten)]
- MorningMorning
  [mawr-ning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
- EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yest-er-day]
- TodayToday
  [toh-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tuh-mor-oh]
- 11
  [wuhn]
- 22
  [too]
- 33
  [tree]
- 44
  [for]
- 55
  [fahyv]
- 66
  [siks]
- 77
  [sev-uhn]
- 88
  [eyt]
- 99
  [nahn]
- 1010
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wehrz uh/the]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [wuts thee uh-dres]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kan yoo sho mee (on thee map)]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wenz thee nekst (buhs)]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh tik-it (to)]

History of Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, originally part of the land ceded to William Penn by the Duke of York in 1682, was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Nanticoke. The area remained largely undeveloped until the 19th century, serving as farmland and forest land.
In 1873, Reverend Robert W. Todd of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Delaware, established the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting Association. This religious retreat aimed to provide a peaceful and spiritual environment by the sea. The town's name, 'Rehoboth,' translates to 'Room for All' from the Bible.
By the early 20th century, Rehoboth Beach began transforming from a religious retreat into a popular seaside resort. The arrival of the railroad in 1878 made the town more accessible, leading to the construction of hotels, restaurants, and boardwalks. The famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, first built in 1873, became the central attraction.
The Great Depression in the 1930s slowed the growth of Rehoboth Beach, but the town saw a resurgence during World War II. The U.S. military established Fort Miles nearby to defend the Delaware Bay and River from potential enemy attacks. The influx of military personnel brought economic activity to the region.
Following World War II, Rehoboth Beach experienced significant growth and modernization. The 1950s and 1960s saw an increase in tourism, leading to the expansion of amenities and attractions. The town embraced its identity as a family-friendly beach destination, while also welcoming a vibrant LGBT community that contributed to its inclusive atmosphere.
Rehoboth Beach hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events that celebrate its rich heritage and vibrant community. The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Sea Witch Festival, and Independent Film Festival are just a few examples of annual events that attract visitors from all over the country.
In recent years, Rehoboth Beach has placed a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. Efforts to protect the coastline, marine life, and natural habitats have been implemented, including beach replenishment projects and the establishment of the Delaware Seashore State Park.