Why Go to Rehoboth Beach
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Rehoboth Beach is a charming, walkable beach town on the Delaware coast. It covers just about one square mile and has only around 1,500 year-round residents, but in summer it fills with visitors, and it's long been a favorite escape for people from Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Rehoboth began as a Methodist camp meeting site in the 1870s, and the boardwalk took shape soon after. A railroad and highway brought more visitors, and by the 1920s it had become such a popular retreat for Washington's political elite that it earned the nickname the Nation's Summer Capital. The clean beach and mile-long boardwalk are still the main attractions, with Dolle's saltwater taffy, Thrasher's fries and Funland's classic rides.
Today, Rehoboth welcomes everyone, from families on summer vacation to a large and vibrant LGBTQ community. Enjoy the town's great restaurant scene, shop tax-free in Delaware's outlets, and explore nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and the craft beer of Dogfish Head. I'll find you a beach hotel or rental and plan a relaxing getaway.
BEST FOR
Beach-loving families, couples, boardwalk enthusiasts and coastal foodies
BEST MONTHS
Summer is the liveliest beach season; spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Some boardwalk attractions are seasonal.
EXPLORE
The oceanfront boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue form the walkable heart of town; nearby Dewey Beach is livelier, while Cape Henlopen offers natural coastal scenery.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Rehoboth Beach
North America › Mid-Atlantic › USA › Delaware
Classic boardwalk charm on the Delaware coast
Coastal & Harbor
Family
Boardwalk
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
For a summer stay, book accommodation and dinner reservations early and check parking arrangements before arriving. If you prefer quieter beach time, plan morning walks on the boardwalk and consider nearby Cape Henlopen for a change of scenery, subject to park access and weather.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Walk early in the morning before peak summer crowds gather.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The mile-long oceanfront promenade passes beach views, snack stands, shops and seasonal amusements.
Follow lifeguard directions and posted beach rules.
Rehoboth Beach
The broad public Atlantic beach is the destination’s summer centerpiece for swimming and relaxing.
Check its seasonal opening calendar before promising rides to children.
Funland
The family amusement venue near the boardwalk offers rides and classic midway entertainment in season.
Park once and explore the downtown blocks on foot.
Rehoboth Avenue
The main downtown corridor connects restaurants, shops and galleries with the boardwalk and shoreline.
Bring water and use designated paths to protect dune habitat.
Gordon’s Pond Trail
A coastal trail in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park crosses wetlands and dunes with opportunities to see birds.
A Victorian-inspired beachfront hotel directly on the boardwalk.
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel with garden spaces a short walk from the beach.
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa
Downtown Rehoboth Beach
Hotel Tags
A centrally located hotel convenient for the beach, shops and restaurants.
Avenue Inn & Spa
Rehoboth Avenue
Hotel Tags
A modern boutique property near the town's main shopping and dining streets.
Hotel Rehoboth
Downtown Rehoboth Beach
Hotel Tags
An oceanfront hotel with direct access to Rehoboth Beach and the boardwalk.
Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center
Oceanfront / Boardwalk
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Rehoboth Beach
High 59°F · Low 42°F · Rain 3.4 in
Quiet fall weekends and tax-free holiday shopping make November relaxing.
Summer is the liveliest beach season; spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Some boardwalk attractions are seasonal.
Best Times to Visit Rehoboth Beach
WHEN TO GO
06
Summer Arrival Traffic
Beach highway traffic can be heavy on changeover weekends. Allow extra time for check-in and dining reservations.
05
DART Buses
Delaware DART seasonal and year-round buses serve selected coastal routes. Verify the schedule for your visit.
04
Walking and Cycling
The boardwalk and downtown streets suit walking, while dedicated bike paths can connect other destinations.
03
Jolly Trolley
Seasonal trolley services can link resort areas and neighboring beaches. Confirm dates and routes.
02
Rental Cars and Parking
A car helps reach inland attractions, but downtown parking may be metered or permit controlled in season.
01
Regional Air Connections
Most travelers arrive through larger Delaware, Maryland or Philadelphia-area airports and continue by road.
Downtown is walkable; plan for paid parking and use local buses or park-and-ride services where available. Driving is common; visitors may arrive via regional airports and continue by rental car. Expect summer bridge and coastal-highway traffic.
Getting Around Rehoboth Beach
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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