Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a famous tourist destination because of its location along the Atlantic coast. The city is known as “America’s Summer Capital” due to the seemingly infinite number of exciting tourist attractions and outdoor pursuits available to visitors.
Besides a beautiful beach and a lively promenade, visitors to this town can enjoy a wide variety of amusement parks, water parks, and even mini-golf courses. In addition to the beach and the many intriguing historic sites and beautiful natural locations scattered along the coast, Rehoboth Beach also offers some wonderful tax-free shopping.
There are a lot of people who go to the shores of Rehoboth Beach every year because of its proximity to the nation’s capital and the states of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It’s no surprise that this dynamic town attracts visitors from all over, including younger generations, throughout the summer months.
12. Jungle Jim’s
Five minutes from the beach and boardwalk is where you’ll find Jungle Jim’s Water Park, the largest waterpark in Delaware. Miniature golf, batting cages, and a go-kart track make it a hit with kids and grownups of all ages.
The park’s wildlife-themed pools and lazy river encompass a massive area with sunbathing areas and snack stalls, and they’re full of entertaining slides. In addition to the kiddie pool and the wild wave pool, guests can also use the bumper boats and floats.
You may swim, splash around, play go-karts or mini-golf, and eat at the poolside cafe under a canopy.
11. Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The now-famous Rehoboth Beach Bandstand is the place to go whether you want to hear live music, see a concert, or watch a film. Throughout the summer, the classic outdoor amphitheater plays host to a seemingly endless roster of free concerts, comedy shows, and movie screenings.
The end of Rehoboth Avenue is where you’ll find the stunning historic bandstand, just steps away from the bustling boardwalk. Built in 1963, it features an evocative stage that looks out over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean and is encircled by dozens of beautiful white benches.
Locals and visitors alike travel to the bandstand to hear the many different performances by excellent tribute bands, orchestras, and jazz groups.
10. The Indian River Rescue Center
The Indian River Life-Saving Station is a fascinating and instructive destination just a short drive south of the city center. Located in Delaware Seashore State Park, the museum is a great place to learn about the area’s shipwreck and rescue history.
The charming Queen Anne–style station, originally constructed in 1874, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. The now-isolated red and yellow building was once a part of a bigger complex and was utilized for daring sea rescues and nightly beach patrols.
Now a National Historic Landmark, the museum there features exhibits on the scores of ships that have gone down along the Delaware coast. After taking in the museum’s displays, visitors can relax in the sun or take a stroll along the beautiful beach outside.
9. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Taking the windy journey on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a great chance to explore more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city. Beginning in Lewes, Delaware, close to Cape Henlopen State Park, the route travels across Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey.
The ferry crossing was built to serve as a vital transit hub, but it has since become a major tourist attraction as well. This is due to the fact that the decks of the larger boats provide excellent views of landmarks like lighthouses, beaches, and capes. Some dolphins and seals are occasionally spotted here.
The 85-minute crossing also facilitates the rapid movement of foot passengers, autos, and buses between the shore cities of Delaware and New Jersey.
8. Trail Intersection and Breakwater
The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a great place to go for a stroll, run, or bike ride if you want to get to know the area while burning calories. The attractive paved path spans a distance of six miles, from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes and the Cape Henlopen State Park.
The trail travels through urban areas and unspoiled wilderness as it mostly follows the route of the defunct Pennsylvania Railroad. The picture-perfect path also features interesting historical landmarks including a World War II observation tower and a picturesque bridge that dates back a century.
However, most visitors come to enjoy the trail’s picturesque surroundings, which include marshes, woodlands, and beautiful farms and flower-filled fields.
7. Count Seven Tanger Stores
The massive Tanger Outlets, one of the largest and best places to shop in the state, can be found along the Coastal Highway leading out of the city. More than a hundred name-brand and high-end specialty retailers, as well as restaurants and cafes, can be found within its expansive shopping center.
The huge shopping center has been a popular destination for both locals and visitors since it first opened in the 1990s, thanks to its abundance of retailers and generous tax-free policies. It includes brands like Nike, Old Navy, and The North Face in addition to GAP and Levi’s. You can also find a wide selection of beauty supply stores and boutiques selling decorative accents for your house.
After a long day of shopping, refuel with a quick lunch or drink at Applebee’s or Chipotle.
6. State Park at Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen State Park, located near the mouth of Delaware Bay, is another fantastic destination for vacationers. Just to the east of Lewes, you’ll find a stunning coastline with magnificent beaches backed by pristine pine trees, wetlands, and dunes.
Since 1682, when it was first designated as a public park, the area’s beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife have been safeguarded. Camping and birdwatching are two more popular pastimes on the cape, in addition to strolling around. The Seaside Nature Center has several interesting displays of local flora and fauna.
Gordons Pond, one of its most beautiful walks, offers breathtaking views of the dunes, wetlands, and Atlantic Ocean and is hence quite popular. In addition to surfing and fishing, sunbathing and swimming are popular activities among locals.
5. Penny Lane Mall
Penny Lane, an open-air shopping district with a bright, European-style design, is situated in the middle of downtown. The retail street is exciting to stroll down because of all the cute cafes and shops lining it. You can buy a wide variety of items, including artwork and accessories, clothing, souvenirs, and sunglasses.
Although it’s not very big, you can spend a lot of time window shopping at the unique boutiques and charming stores. The entire atmosphere of the street is very pleasant. In addition, the area is home to a number of charming cafes and cozy eateries.
The mall is in a prime location, being within walking distance of the city’s main attractions (the beach, the boardwalk, and Rehoboth Avenue).
4. State Park of Delaware’s Seashore
Delaware Seashore State Park is located on a long, thin spit of sand between the bays of Rehoboth and Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. Just south of the downtown area, you’ll find stunning beaches, dunes, and shallows that are sure to please beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s lengthy history of attracting swimmers and surfers can be attributed to its prime location next to glistening bodies of water. Yet some would rather bask in the sun and swim in the shallows in search of clams and crabs. The calm seas of its bays are perfect for sailing and windsurfing.
Since its inception in 1965, generations of campers have enjoyed the park’s peaceful, private facilities during the warm summer months.
3. Amusement Park
Simultaneously, the busy Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk saw the opening of the family-friendly Funland. It’s a must-visit for families with kids since it has so many fun attractions, including thrilling rides, fascinating carnival games, and an arcade.
Five of the original attractions, including the drop tower and Ferris wheel, are still active today, providing thrills and chills to new generations. In addition to the enormous swings and the Pirate Ship, other attractions include bumper cars, a carousel, and a haunted house. There are also a ton of carnival games and claw machines all about.
People keep coming back to Funland year after year not just because of the low prices of the rides and attractions, but also because of the pleasant, nostalgic vibe that permeates the park.
2. Boardwalk
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is home to countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, not to mention breathtaking vistas of the beach and ocean. The pleasant beach promenade is always interesting to walk along because of the variety of sights and sounds to behold.
The city’s wooden boardwalk, which was constructed in 1873, runs for a little over a mile beside the city’s sun-kissed sands. There are also various arcades, ice cream kiosks, and mini-golf courses, in addition to Funland and Penny Lane Mall.
The busy boardwalk is also surrounded by some fantastic seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Amidst the hotels and vacation houses, you’ll also find countless restaurants and pubs.
1. Take Advantage of the Beach
There’s no way to really appreciate the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” as the city likes to term itself, without spending some time on the city’s world-class beach. When you’re done taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the boardwalk, nothing beats laying back on the soft, warm sands and letting your mind wander.
The wide beach is typically clean and the water is normally tranquil, but it can get crowded in the summer. Sunbathing and swimming are both highly recommended, and offshore, you can go surfing or deep sea fishing.
After spending the day soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking scenery, it’s time to refuel at one of the many restaurants and bars that dot the boardwalk.
Is Rehoboth Beach worth visiting?
Situated along the Atlantic Ocean in southern Delaware, Rehoboth has been beloved by generations of summer holidaymakers. With great food, lovely beaches, tons of family-friendly activities, and other fun things to do, Rehoboth Beach is a great destination for people of all ages.