Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach welcomes visitors to its sandy shores and quaint coastal community. Just off the water’s edge runs a boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, attracting vacationers from around the country, particularly those from the Washington, DC, area. In addition to the usual beach activities, other things to do include trips to nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park to hike, bike, fish, and bird watch.
The best time to visit Rehoboth Beach is between May and August when the weather is the warmest. This is also when you can expect the largest crowds. So, if you’re planning to visit during peak season, booking accommodations early in the year before properties fill up is best. After Labor Day weekend in September, you’ll encounter fewer tourists and more affordable hotel rates. However, remember that some attractions and restaurants will be closed or operate with limited hours.
It’s easy to navigate the square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) city on foot, but a car is needed to visit sites like Cape Henlopen State Park. Delaware's transit system (DART) runs along the Coastal Highway corridor into downtown Rehoboth, continuing south to other beach towns. Rehoboth Beach’s mass transit system, the Jolly Trolley, provides daily service between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and weekend service during the shoulder seasons.
Just north of Rehoboth Beach’s city limits on Route 1, you’ll find three Tanger Outlets shopping centers home to popular stores like Coach, Nike, and Old Navy. And because Delaware doesn’t have a sales tax, the outlets are a popular pitstop during a beach vacation and make for a good alternate plan on rainy days.
Rehoboth Beach is considered one of America's best gay-friendly beaches, with some nightlife establishments catering specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community, but all are welcome.
