There’s no denying that I love to travel, but one thing that’s for sure is that I’m happiest when I’m by the water. That’s one of the reasons Rehoboth Beach, Delaware has a special place in my heart.
We have been for numerous family trips (whether it’s for Fourth of July weekend or a random weekend getaway) and we always have the best time together. There truly isn’t a shortage of things to do in Rehoboth Beach, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
When visiting, I always like to have a plan/know what we’re doing each day, but the thing that’s nice about Rehoboth Beach is that you can kind of play things by ear. You can go to a beach, decide to play mini golf, or stop by an arcade on a whim. It’s an easy place to visit and set a loose plan and then see where the day takes you.
Between the oceanside views, family-friendly activities, and delicious food and drink options (here’s to looking at you, coconut margaritas), Rehoboth beach is truly the perfect vacation destination. If you’re planning a trip or thinking about visiting, this travel guide will help you put together the perfect itinerary.
p.s. In case you missed it, we bought land in Rehoboth Beach and are building a house! We are so excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to make even more memories in this special place.
Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach
While there isn’t a shortage of things to do last-minute in Rehoboth Beach, there are certain activities that you’ll want to pencil into your itinerary. Things like wine tasting, boating and kayaking, fishing, and taking the ferry to Cape May all require some planning ahead.
To help you organize your own trip, here are some of our favorite things to do in and near Rehoboth Beach.
Beaches
The beaches are obviously a huge draw for visitors and locals alike. We had such a great time just hanging out on the sand and relaxing — there’s really nothing better! Don’t miss out on Bethany Beach and Lewes Beach during your visit.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
One of the best ways to see this beach town from a unique/local perspective is by biking or scootering around. This is such a simple activity but it can make for quite the memories — I’d highly recommend!
Mini Golf
Something about mini golf just screams summer vacation, am I right? There are quite a few places to play in Rehoboth Beach, but one popular spot is Shell We Golf.
Arcades
Zelky’s is known as one of the best family arcades in the state of Delaware and is located in a prime spot along the beach. They actually have three separate locations all within walking distance of each other on the boardwalk.
After you’re done playing games at the arcade, you can hit up one of the waterparks or go kart places in Rehoboth.
Fun Land Boardwalk Carnival
This carnival/arcade/amusement park on the boardwalk is an absolute must-do activity if you’re visiting with your family. You can spend a lot of time here playing different games, going on rides, and trying different snacks.
Boardwalk Shops & Restaurants
While you’re in the area, be sure to pop in some of the shops and restaurants along the boardwalk. This is one of my personal favorites while visiting Delaware — there’s always something new to see and try!
Also, while it’s not along the boardwalk, Yesterday’s Fun is such a cool shop (especially if you’re traveling with kids.) It’s a vintage store that’ packed with a huge selection of Barbie collectibles — the location in Bethany Beach is large and only a 20 minute drive from Rehoboth.
Tanger Outlets
Speaking of shopping, another big draw for travelers is the Tanger Outlets. While I don’t typically spend much time here (because we’re busy doing beach activities), I still think it’s worth stopping by if you’re in the market for some new closet staples.
Boating, Kayaking, and Fishing
My kids loved fishing earlier this summer when we went on a family trip to Destin, and Rehoboth Beach is another great spot to try this water sport. Boating and kayaking are two other popular excursions in the area.
Henlopen State Park
Stop by Henlopen State Park for some of the best views of the Delaware coastline. It’s a super relaxing excursion that everyone in your group will love.
Wine Tasting and Local Distilleries
There are a surprising number of wineries and distilleries in Rehoboth Beach, so if that’s your thing, you’ll be pleased. Bin 66, Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery, and Nassau Valley Vineyards & Winery are a few good go-to spots.
Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market
You can find a variety of fresh food, produce, flowers, and handmade goods at this farmers’ market. We had a good time walking around and seeing everything that was offered. It’s a nice, free activity to do if you have some downtime.
Fun Towns Around Rehoboth Beach
If you’re hoping to hit more stops than just Rehoboth Beach, these nearby towns are sure to impress….
Downtown Lewes
The little town of Lewes is a big draw for people traveling through Delaware. It’s just 20 minutes or so from Rehoboth Beach (traffic dependent) and is soooo charming. It’s a good spot to add to your itinerary so you can get a change of scenery as well as check out some more off the map restaurants and shops.
Assateague Island
This 37 mile long island is situated along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. It’s insanely beautiful and is home to a variety of wild horses. You can go camping, hiking, or biking on the island.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City has some of the best sandy beaches in the area and is home to a fun boardwalk, great boat and jet ski tours, a lively nightlife scene, and more. It’s just under an hour away from Rehoboth, so it’s a doable trek even for a day.
Take the Ferry to Cape May
If you’re on a longer trip in Rehoboth Beach, one fun outing you can do to switch things up is to take the ferry to Cape May, NJ. It’s one of the most quaint and charming beach towns on the East Coast and there are so many fun restaurants and bars in the area.
Where to Eat and Drink in Rehoboth Beach
If you’re as big of a foodie as I am then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many tasty and unique options there are in this beach town. Below, I’m sharing some of our favorite places to grab a bite when we’re in Rehoboth.
Rise Up Coffee
This is definitely one of the most loved coffee shops in the area and it hits the spot every time. They offer tons of hot and iced drinks as well as frozen options, like a frozen chai and frozen hot chocolate.
Salt Air
I’ve been to this restaurant a few times and can confirm that they have such great service and the food is delicious! The ambiance is perfect for a special dinner or just a fun night out. My favorite time to go is actually during the off season when it’s cold out. It’s so cozy in there and they have amazing comfort food selections as well as fresh seafood options. Also, the drinks are really good.
Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill
Whether you’re into seafood or not, Zogg’s has something enticing for everyone. It’s super casual so it’s a good option for a post-beach lunch.
The Blue Hen
If you’re craving seafood that’s taken up a notch, make a reservation at The Blue Hen. Their menu is often being refreshed, but some staples include oysters, scallops, biscuits, and pasta dishes. Another perk? They have a great wine selection.
Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
We often stop by this restaurant when we’re in town and have always been impressed. I love to order the fried oysters and the chopped salad. They also have the best calamari appetizer and spinach dip. I’d suggest trying to go for happy hour so you can grab a table in the bar area.
Cafe Pink Blossom
This is a new-to-us place that we went to on a recent trip and everyone said their food was 10/10. I had the Mediterranean omelette and it was delicious. The service was also superior so we will be back!
The Coffee Mill
I always look forward to my daily coffee and this spot certainly doesn’t disappoint. They have a variety of flavored drinks, organic grinds, tea, and pastries.
Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
This ice cream shop is located right on the boardwalk so you can stroll while you savor a cool treat. Be sure to ask for your ice cream to be dipped in sprinkles — it’s the best.
Where to Stay in Rehoboth Beach, DE
I know that finding a good place to stay while traveling is one of the most daunting tasks of planning a trip. Luckily, we’ve come across a handful of nice, comfortable, and reasonable hotels in the area that I would highly recommend. Here are some that we’ve really enjoyed…
- Surf Shanty Motel
- Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- The Avenue Inn and Spa
- Homestead At Rehoboth Bed & Breakfast
- The Savannah Inn
- Ocean Glass Inn
- The Avenue Inn & Spa
- Hyatt House Lewes
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