Rehoboth Beach is a popular resort town located next to the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware. It is often referred to as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” because it offers a wide range of enjoyable attractions and outdoor activities for vacationers.
In addition to its beautiful beach and lively boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach has many amusement parks, waterparks, and mini-golf courses to explore. Visitors can also enjoy tax-free shopping and discover interesting historic sites and natural spots along the coastline.
The town is conveniently located near Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, attracting a large number of tourists every year. With its lively yet relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe, it’s no wonder that families have been enjoying their summers in this vibrant town for generations.
12. Junction and Breakwater Trail
If you want to explore the area and get some exercise, you can walk, run, or bike on the Junction and Breakwater Trail. This paved path is six miles long and goes from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park. The trail used to be a railroad track, so it passes through both communities and natural areas.
Along the way, you’ll see historical sights like a World War II observation tower and an old bridge. Most people enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature, with wetlands, woods, farms, and flower fields next to the trail.
11. Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
If you’re looking to enjoy some live music, see a show, or watch a movie, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand is the perfect place to go. This historic open-air venue hosts numerous free concerts, comedy acts, and movie nights during the summer. Situated near the bustling boardwalk, the bandstand is located at the end of Rehoboth Avenue.
Built in 1963, it is surrounded by white benches and offers a beautiful stage with views of both the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The bandstand draws both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy a diverse range of events including tribute bands, orchestras, and jazz groups.
10. Funland
Funland, a family-friendly amusement park, opened on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk around the same time. It offers thrilling rides, exciting carnival games, and an arcade, making it a must-visit for families with young children.
Surprisingly, five of the original rides are still operational, allowing generations to experience the same excitement and emotions on the drop tower and Ferris wheel. Additionally, Funland features gigantic swings, a Pirate Ship, bumper cars, carousels, and a haunted house.
There are also plenty of claw machines and carnival games spread throughout the park. Apart from the affordable rides and attractions, Funland’s lively yet laid-back atmosphere and nostalgic charm keep drawing people back year after year.
9. Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is located on a beautiful stretch of sand between two bays and the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s beaches, dunes, and shallow waters are a favorite among visitors. Swimmers and surfers are drawn to the sparkling waters surrounding the park.
Those who prefer a more relaxed experience can lounge on the beach, sunbathe, or go clamming and crabbing in the shallow areas. Sailing and windsurfing can also be enjoyed in the protected waters of the bays.
This park has been a popular destination since its establishment in 1965, and its serene and secluded campgrounds have been cherished by generations of summer vacationers.
8. Penny Lane Mall
Penny Lane, an open-air mall in downtown, has a charming and colorful European-inspired design. It is filled with cozy cafes and tempting little boutiques, making it a delightful place to explore. The mall offers a wide variety of items for sale, including art, accessories, clothes, souvenirs, and sunglasses.
Despite its small size, there are plenty of quirky and cute shops and attractive storefronts to discover, which can easily occupy your time. The entire street has a lovely atmosphere. In addition, you will find a few local cafes and small restaurants scattered around.
The mall’s convenient location, just a short distance from the beach, boardwalk, and Rehoboth Avenue, makes it nearly impossible to visit the seaside city without paying a visit to Penny Lane.
7. Indian River Life-Saving Station
A short drive south from the center, you can visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station. It is located in Delaware Seashore State Park and offers interesting and educational exhibits about the history of shipwrecks and life-saving in the area. The station was first built in 1874 and has been restored to its original appearance.
It used to be part of a larger complex and was used for nighttime beach patrols and heroic rescues at sea. Now it is a National Historic Landmark with a magnificent museum that showcases many shipwrecks along the Delaware coast. After exploring the exhibits, you can enjoy sunbathing or taking a leisurely stroll on the beautiful beach outside.
6. Cape Henlopen State Park
Located at the entrance of Delaware Bay, Cape Henlopen State Park is a beautiful destination for visitors. It features untouched pine forests, wetlands, and dunes, with its stunning coastline and picturesque beaches found to the east of Lewes.
This state park was actually one of the first public lands to be preserved in the United States, as it has been protecting its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife since 1682. In addition to leisurely walks, visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and camping in the cape.
The Seaside Nature Center within the park offers captivating exhibits on its rich fauna and flora. Among the park’s popular trails is the breathtaking Gordons Pond, which provides mesmerizing views of the dunes, wetlands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Sunbathing, swimming, and surf-fishing are also beloved activities among locals.
5. Enjoy the Beach
When visiting this city, it is essential to spend some time at its beautiful beach, as the city is known as the ‘Nation’s Summer Capital’. After enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the boardwalk, relaxing on the warm sands is the perfect way to unwind.
Although it may get crowded during the summer, the clean and spacious beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and there are also opportunities for surfing and deep-sea fishing. After soaking up the sun and admiring the stunning views, you can grab a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants along the boardwalk.
4. Boardwalk
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk offers amazing views of the beach and ocean. It is filled with many attractions and places to eat. You can enjoy taking a stroll along this pleasant promenade because there is always something new and interesting to see and do. The boardwalk was built in 1873 and stretches just over a mile next to the sandy beach.
You can have fun at Funland and Penny Lane Mall, or enjoy concerts and performances at the bandstand. There are also arcades, ice cream stalls, and mini-golf courses to enjoy. Additionally, you can find great seafood restaurants and souvenir shops along the lively boardwalk.
And if you’re looking for a place to relax and have a drink, there are plenty of cafes and bars tucked away among the hotels and holiday homes.
3. Jungle Jim’s
The Jungle Jim’s is the biggest waterpark in Delaware and is located just a five-minute drive away from the beach and boardwalk. Families love this waterpark because it offers various activities for people of all ages, such as mini-golf, batting cages, and a go-kart track.
The park has a large area filled with fun slides, wildlife-themed pools, and a lazy river where visitors can relax and enjoy the sun. You can also find places to sunbathe and snack stands throughout the park. In addition to the exciting wave pool and the calmer kiddie pool, guests can also enjoy bumper boats and floats.
Besides swimming and playing in the water, you can also have fun racing go-karts, playing mini-golf, and grabbing a bite to eat at the poolside cafe, which offers a shady area for relaxation.
2. Tanger Outlets
If you’re heading out of the city along the Coastal Highway, you’ll come across the Tanger Outlets, which is one of the largest and most popular places to shop in the state. It has more than a hundred well-known shops and designer stores to explore, along with various restaurants and cafes.
The mall opened in the nineties and has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its large number of stores and tax-free savings. Some of the well-known brands you’ll find there are GAP, Levi’s, Nike, Old Navy, and The North Face. There are also many cosmetic and home decor stores available.
After a long day of shopping, you can enjoy a delicious meal or a quick drink at Applebee’s or Chipotle.
1. Cape May-Lewes Ferry
A great way to enjoy the scenic surroundings of the city is by taking a breezy ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Starting from Lewes near Cape Henlopen State Park, it carries you across the Delaware Bay to Cape May in New Jersey.
Originally designed as an essential transportation link, the ferry route has become a favorite among tourists as well. The large boats provide wonderful views from their decks of lighthouses, beaches, and capes, and you might even spot dolphins and seals swimming nearby.
Moreover, the 85-minute journey helps pedestrians, cars, and buses to travel swiftly between the beaches and coastal towns of Delaware and the Jersey Shore.