Rehoboth Beach is a fantastic seaside destination located right in the Mid-Atlantic USA. It has a blend of classic boardwalk charm, trendy eateries, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some fun things to do in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
I’ve been to Rehoboth Beach many times over the years! It’s very close to Baltimore and DC (I’ve lived in this area since 2011). It brings back memories of the first years I moved to the East Coast and has tons of fun things to discover!
1. Explore the boardwalk
At a mile long with plenty of spots to stop at, the boardwalk gets the first spot on this list! Spending the afternoon walking into the shops or pop into one of the arcades. Strolling along during a quieter evening is time well spent.
While here, grab Thrasher’s fries, a boardwalk staple! I recommend trying them with the classic vinegar and salt for something even tastier. You’ll also find a bunch of ice cream shops, perfect on a hot, sunny beach day.
2. Enjoy rides at Funland
Toward the end of the boardwalk on the south side, you’ll find Funland. This classic amusement park on the boardwalk has affordable rides, arcade games, and a carousel. It’s family-friendly but nostalgic enough for adults too!
Almost everything here is done by tickets, so you purchase a ticket or card and can ride as many rides as you’d like based on the number of tickets purchased. Most rides require 2-6 tickets.
My favorite ride here is the haunted mansion ride. It’s not scary, but it is a fun ride for adults! I also love the 25 cent skeeball games with fun little prizes to win.
3. Rent bikes and explore
There are several places in Rehoboth you can rent a bike from and plenty of places to enjoy a ride! Many people enjoy renting a bike for their entire trip to get around town instead of worrying about trying to park, which can be a nightmare in summer.
You can bike through town or head over to Cape Henlopen State Park to take a bike ride on the Junction and Breakwater Trail. This scenic bike trail runs from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes and takes you through forests, marshes, and a historic railroad bridge.
You can only bike on the Rehoboth boardwalk between 5-10 am May 15-September 15.
4. Play some classic mini-golf
There is no shortage of mini-golf options in Rehoboth to try out! You’ll find it directly on the boardwalk and around town. Mini-golf is a classic East Coast beach day activity. Many have fun themes like Jurassic Golf and Shell We Golf which respectively have a dinosaur and nautical theme.
I recommend avoiding these spots in the middle of the day as they tend to get hot and have little shade despite having umbrellas. Most people end up doing this in the evening though so it can get crowded!
5. Relax at the beach
The wide, sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
Early morning is great for a quiet beach walk or the sunrise. Consider getting up early to enjoy a more peaceful scene!
No alcohol is permitted on the beach in Rehoboth and seagulls get bold here. I once had a seagull swoop down and take a hot dog right from my hands. Be careful eating on the beach.
6. Go shopping at boutiques
You’ll find many cute shops around Rehoboth Beach to check out. Head into some shops and grab something unique to take home from your vacation! Many boutiques are curated to a coastal feel and vibe.
Make sure to head down cute side streets and off the beaten path for the cutest spots!
7. Grab a drink at a happy hour
One of the great things about this area are the many happy hours that happen (at many spots) 7 days a week! On my most recent trip, we had no trouble finding plenty of options to choose from. Typically food and drinks are included so you’ll find happy hour includes things like oysters and other seafood in addition to drinks.
A lot of places also offer live music in the summer. Checking social media is usually the easiest way to find out what is happening! Research ahead if you’re with family, as some places won’t allow kids in their bar area, while others will let you sit anywhere in the restaurant to enjoy the HH prices.
8. Sip at a brewery and winery
Delaware has a growing craft beer and wine scene, with places like Dogfish Head Brewery (nearby in Milton) for beer and Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery for wine tasting.
Rehoboth also has a Dogfish Head Brew Pub right in Rehoboth near the beach, which is a good option for trying some local beer. You’ll also find Thompson Island Brewing Co. and Revelation Craft Brewing in Rehoboth.
Photo by Alexis Gethin on Unsplash
9. Rent kayaks and explore Rehoboth Bay
The nearby Rehoboth Bay offers calm waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring coastal wetlands. The bay is home to wildlife like ospreys, herons, and bald eagles.
Guided tours are also available if you’d prefer to go with a group or are new to kayaking and want to give it a try.
Either way, you’ll love soaking up the sun and feeling the breeze on your skin as you paddle along through the bay!
10. Take a Dolphin Cruise
If you’re interested in seeing some wildlife, consider taking a boat cruise from Lewes to encounter some wildlife! You can spot dolphins and other marine life on these cruises. These trips are relaxing and provide a different perspective of the coastline.
Most tours last 1.5-2 hours and offer commentary throughout. These are great boat trips for all ages.
11. Find deals at the outlets
Known for tax-free shopping, the Tanger Outlets offer great deals on popular brands. Perfect for an afternoon if you want a shopping break from the beach.
You’ll find multiple groups of outlets in this area with plenty of different shops to choose from.
12. Explore historic Lewes
Lewes was founded in 1631, and its rich history is reflected in its beautifully preserved buildings and museums. Strolling through the town’s historic district, you’ll love stopping into the cute shops and visiting historic spots along the waterfront.
Lewes has great boutiques and restaurants as well. There’s lots to do here, and it’s a completely different pace than Rehoboth while only being about 20 minutes away! On my latest Delaware beach trip, we stayed here instead of in Rehoboth for something quieter.
13. Hire a fishing charter
If you love fishing, or maybe want to try it for the first time, you can hire a fishing charter for some ocean fishing! Many different types of fish call Delaware home such as flounder, tuna, seabass, marlin, and more.
This is a great group activity as most charters take up to 6-8 guests out on the water. Most charters are half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours). Read reviews of different charters here.
14. Rent a pontoon boat and explore the coast
Enjoy a day on the water with a pontoon boat rental in Rehoboth Beach. Cruise along the coast and soak up the sun and scenery in comfort and style. You can rent a boat for 2 – 8 hours, so there are many different options depending on what you want to do.
Whether planning a day of fishing, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with loved ones, being out on the water in your boat is a fun experience. Pack a picnic, grab sunscreen, and prepare for a fun day on the water.
15. Explore Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a beautiful coastal park known for its natural landscapes, rich history, and recreational activities. It’s about thirty minutes from Rehoboth and well worth the drive!
The park has a really nice beach (a personal favorite of mine), but it also offers historical sites. Fort Miles was a critical coastal defense site during World War II. Visitors can explore gun batteries, bunkers, observation towers, and a museum today. There’s also an observation tower here.
The park offers bike rentals, beach equipment rentals, and camping. It’s a great spot to spend the day! Expect to pay a park entrance fee here.
I hope these fun things to do in Rehoboth have helped inspire you for your trip! Rehoboth is a fun place to visit and a popular summer destination for so many.
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