There are plenty of things to do in Rehoboth Beach Delaware, from visiting the soft sandy beaches, to the incredible food scene. You will have plenty to fill your time, whether it’s for a day or a week.
How do you get to Rehoboth Beach?
Rehoboth Beach is located in southern Delaware, right on the Delaware Bay.
Driving distances from major mid-Atlantic cities:
- Annapolis: +/- 2 hours 15 minutes
- Baltimore: +/- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Philadelphia: +/- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Washington DC: +/- 3 hours
- Wilmington: +/- 2 hours
For a more unique experience, you can take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Cape May, NJ to nearby Lewes, Delaware. The ferry ride is about 90 minutes each way across the Delaware Bay. For schedule and fare information visit the official ferry page.
When is the best time to visit Rehoboth Beach?
Summer is the peak season for Rehoboth Beach due to the comfortable summer weather and beautiful coastline. That said, you can still have a great time visiting in the offseason as there are plenty of things to do in Rehoboth Beach year round.
Things to do In Rehoboth Beach: Visit the Beach & Boardwalk
Of all the things to do in Rehoboth Beach, the biggest draw is visiting the beach. Rehoboth Beach is famous for its mile long boardwalk and adjacent beach. You’ll find an expansive, well maintained boardwalk. The further you walk away from Rehoboth Ave, the center of downtown, you’ll mostly find hotels along the boardwalk.
The beach itself is made up of powdery soft sand, perfect for a beach vacation. You can enjoy sunbathing in the summer or taking in an early morning sunrise on the water.
If Rehoboth Beach is too crowded, you can visit Cape Henlopen State Park. This large state park has miles of hiking trails and multiple beaches. From the beaches there are different views of the multiple nearby lighthouses.
Things to do In Rehoboth Beach off-season
Whether you’re visiting in the offseason, or just get a bad weather day, there are still plenty of things to do In Rehoboth Beach aside from the beach.
Shopping
In the heart of Rehoboth Beach you’ll find a ton of local shops on Rehoboth Ave from tourist shops, to local boutiques. When walking around, be sure to go through the side alleyways like Penny Lane Mall. In these alleys you will find more specialty shops for handmade soaps, vintage stores, and small cafes and coffee shops.
If you want to do some heavy duty clothes shopping, you’ll find two outlet malls on the Coastal Highway 10 minutes west of the town center. Since Delaware is a tax free state, you will get an even heavier discount on top of the deals at the outlet shops.
Wine Tasting
You may be surprised to hear there are wineries in Delaware. The most award winning winery in the state is located just outside of Rehoboth in nearby Lewes. This is one of the great things to do in Rehoboth Beach when it rains.
Read the post “Wineries in Delaware: An Unexpected Surprise” for more information on visiting a local winery.
Things to do In Rehoboth Beach: Dining
Rehoboth Beach Restaurants
Prior to visiting Rehoboth, I had no idea there was such an extensive food scene. Eating your way around town is one of the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach!
Shorebreak Lodge
The Shorebreak Lodge has been around Rehoboth for a while, but only just reopened in February under new ownership of the very friendly husband & wife team Ben & Diane.
Ben is well known around Rehoboth as not only the best bartender in the city but also one of the best in all of Delaware. Believe me, this is well worth the hype as his cocktails are incredible.
The food is also very good. You can either get small plates for yourself, or to share. I recommend the Brie & Naan plate.
Show up right at opening if you want to get a seat at the bar, otherwise make a reservation. This place is small and popular, and fills up quickly. They are open Tuesday – Thursday 5-9:30pm and Friday – Saturday 5-1030pm.
The Pines
Along Baltimore Avenue you’ll find a variety of restaurants, and The Pines is not to be missed. The Pines features a farm to table menu of elevated classics. The homemade pastas are especially delicious. Check their website for weekday specials.
You can also enjoy happy hour in the downstairs bar Wednesday – Monday from 5-7 or upstairs in the Treetop Lounge Thursday – Saturday from 5-10pm.
Other local favorites
Sadly due to limited time we only were able to visit a few restaurants, but these are local recommendations.
- Drift
- Bode kitchen
- Blue hen
- Victoria’s
- Rehoboth Ale House
Breakfast & Brunch
To see where to get breakfast in Rehoboth read: The Best Places to Eat Breakfast in Rehoboth Beach
Things to do In Rehoboth for Adults
Nightlife in Rehoboth
Top of the Pines
Located above The Pines you’ll find the Treetop Lounge which is a very whimsical setting to grab a cocktail. But on Saturdays, you’ll get something special.
The Top of the Pines hosts DIVAS drag show every Saturday night from 7:30 – 9:30pm, with doors opening at 7. Tickets are $5 per person, and you must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are for entry only and do not include food or drinks. Reservations are strongly recommended as they usually only have a space to add a few walk-ins. Book your tickets ahead of time here.
You will NOT be disappointed with these amazing queens! Mona Lotts is a fantastic host with 3 equally incredible queens performing multiple sets for the night. Don’t forget to bring your ones to tip the ladies, or you can give them love via Venmo once there.
Finding the DIVAS drag show was a happy accident, and one of the most fun things to do in Rehoboth.
Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats
An offshoot of the Dogfish Head Brewery located in nearby Milton, this location has a restaurant and bar. Sample one of the many locally made beers or craft cocktails made with Dogfish Head liquor.
On Fridays and Saturdays they regularly host live music from 9-11pm. You can check their event calendar to see who will be performing.
Diego’s Bar Nightclub
If you want to really take your night to the next level head inland across the bridge over to Diego’s. This is a gay bar, but friendly to all. This is one of the largest bars in Rehoboth and the best place for dancing, with DJs on the weekends.
There are three different areas to Diego’s. The outdoor “beach” patio that also has a wood fired pizza oven for late night slices. The Indoor covered patio, if you don’t want to be in the middle of the dance floor. And the main bar and dance floor. Each of these three areas has its own bar area.
On Fridays and Saturdays expect a $10 cover. This may be more in the summer or during special events, so check their event calendar. In the offseason you’ll have plenty of space on the dance floor, but in the summer it will be packed.
If you happen to be staying across the street at the Ocean Glass Inn like we were, you have the easiest post-bar commute ever.
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