Editorial courtesy of Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center / Photo Courtesy www.Beach-Fun.com
A quaint beach destination with modern flair, Rehoboth Beach is one of the mid-Atlantic’s most popular beach towns. Though garnering the nickname, “The Nation’s Summer Capital,” Rehoboth is truly a year-round destination with quality entertainment, cosmopolitan dining, one-of-a-kind shopping and recreation for all ages.
Award-winning beaches, soft sand, arcades and tax-free shopping are a few of the things that make Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach the ultimate family-friendly destination. Rehoboth Beach was named one of the “Top 20 Most Popular Summer Destinations in America” based on Trip Advisor’s hotel pricing report in 2017, while Dewey Beach has been recognized on Top Value Review’s list of “Top 30 Greatest Small Beach Towns on the East Coast.”
Spend a day at Rehoboth’s waterpark or at the ocean for an afternoon of swimming, surfing or just leisurely floating in the waves. Of course, relaxing in the rays is one of the main reasons people come to Rehoboth and Dewey. The beaches are clean and spacious enough for folks to spread out and enjoy a little time in the sun.
Water activities are a big part of enjoying these Delaware beaches year-round. Whether you rent bright-hued, stand-up paddleboards, paddle through calm waters in a kayak or catch the summer breeze from a small sailboat, there are many possibilities for enjoying the water that go beyond a quick dip. For an added dose of adventure, hop aboard a jet ski or try skim boarding or parasailing in Dewey Beach. You can take a three-hour kiteboarding lesson or glide through local waters on a full-size surfboard. In addition, eco-tours by kayak will introduce your family to water-loving wildlife as well as a water taxi across the bay.
Beach fun extends to tours through the watery depths of Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach. Late July through early October is the perfect time for dolphin watching when the gregarious mammals often swim just off the shore. Whales are occasionally spotted in the area and whale-watching cruises are within an hour or two from the shore. Several companies offer close-by dolphin cruises too. For added fun, check out kids’ pirate cruises or take a tour.
A walk along Rehoboth Beach’s quaint and charming mile-long boardwalk is a must. As a matter of fact, Coastal Living named Rehoboth Beach one of its “10 Great Coastal Boardwalks.” To the east there’s clear blue water, white sand and a sea of beach umbrellas. To the west lies loads of eclectic shops and restaurants.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach includes a nostalgic and thrilling amusement park, arcades, delicious restaurants, boutique shopping and numerous spots to grab a snack, in addition to a mile-long boardwalk. Or earn your dinner by surf fishing, deep-sea fishing, clamming or crabbing. Then, on weekends during the summer, there are often festivals, art shows and concerts just off the boardwalk all year long. The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is one of this area’s most beloved features.
When you need a break from seeking shells, sunbathing, swimming and water sports, more than 100 familiar outlet stores in the Rehoboth Beach area sell big-name brands—and all shopping is tax-free. In addition, there are dozens of individually owned boutiques and galleries operating in Rehoboth Beach. Shop ’til you drop for everything from souvenir T-shirts and sunglasses, to bright and beautiful swimwear and fun and funky unique clothing and jewelry. Create and purchase a photo of your family dressed in period garb from the early 1800s through 1930s, set against elaborate sets designed to represent each period, at an old-time photo shop.
Biking is a popular way to get around Dewey and Rehoboth. Rent a bike and enjoy an early morning ride on the boardwalk. Opt for the longer trails in the area for a scenic ride through one of the many state parks.
For leisurely views of local plants, wildlife and water, Cape Henlopen State Park includes trails with varying degrees of difficulty and length. The Gordons Pond Trail features crushed stone that easily accommodates hikers, bikers and strollers. In addition to forested areas, open fields and marshes, this lovely park is home to a pavilion, concessions and two iconic WWII towers and the Fort Miles Historical Area.
Bird watching is a favorite pastime in spring and fall. Twelve feet wide and six miles long, the handicap accessible Junction and Breakwater Trail is created with crushed stone and equipped with restrooms and bike racks. The trailhead begins at the historic Wolfe House and meets Tanger Outlet Center.
For the price of a donation, Rehoboth Beach Museum will introduce your family to the legacy of fun at Rehoboth Beach, through its history, culture and architecture. Check out vintage bathing suits, surfboards and even archaeological artifacts. Antique postcards provide black-and-white glimpses of beach life too. Founded by the nonprofit Rehoboth Beach Historical Society in 1975, the museum is located inside Rehoboth Beach’s former ice house and maintains the Anna Hazzard Tent House—a turn-of-the-century “tent” house where religious “Camp Meeting” gatherings took place. The museum runs children’s and adult programs throughout the year.
This area is called “The Culinary Capital of the Culinary Coast™.” It features seafood-focused menus, coffeehouse retreats, ethnic cuisine and comfort food—and most restaurants cater to kids. Classic cinnamon rolls, cookies and house-made pies delight families. Parents appreciate kid-friendly options at local restaurants plus terrific happy hour prices. Find tacos, burgers and stellar seafood. Romantic adult dining is made perfect while sitting on an outdoor deck during warm weather months. Don’t forget beach treats ranging from fries, candy and ice cream.
At night, the city continues to sizzle with nightly concerts at the oceanfront and popular downtown cosmopolitan hotspots to mingle with friends. Many also head to nearby Dewey Beach for a night out on the town. Dewey is a more casual and smaller version of Rehoboth, featuring nightlife plus attractions that draw pleasure seekers. A trolley connects to the two towns in the summer for easy traveling between each.
This is the kind of place that hosts sidewalk sales, a scarecrow contest, restaurant week, jazz festivals, fireworks and free bandstand performances—all equally popular with kids and adults, visitors and locals. Dewey Beach also hosts nightly movies and bonfires on the beach during the summer.
Readers of Coastal Style Magazine voted the local Sea Witch® Festival a 2017 “Best Of” winner. Over the three-day event, the Sea Witch® Festival draws approximately 200,000 visitors every year who love it for its costume parade full of ghosts and goblins, the best costumed dog contest, amazing musicians, artisans and vendors, and live entertainment. Youngsters can join a Kid’s Treasure Hunt, go trick-or-treating and ride ponies on the beach. Families can try old-fashioned beach games such as the wacky Broom Tossing Contest.
Both Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach offer a world-class beach getaway that is both eclectic and traditional. From the boardwalk to the boutiques, these two towns are full of excitement year-round.
Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. Visit Beach-Fun.com for more information or stop by the Visitors Center located at 501 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.