Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach, DE

  • Published 2022/10/19

Rehoboth Beach in Sussex County is a premier beach destination known for its pristine beach and its range of seaside amenities complementing its modern resort-town vibe.

Located in the eastern Sussex Country of Delaware, facing the vast Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Beach is one of the best beaches in the state, with over 1,327 population as of 2010.

All year round, Rehoboth Beach is filled with families spending time in their vacation homes while travelers occupy numerous hotels along its 30-mile coastline.

Rehoboth Beach is a destination for all ages.

It is home to various exciting hiking trails, sports activities, entertainment, events, and gastronomic adventures.

It is a favorite spot for vacationers from Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and other neighboring states who prefer a beachside getaway.

If you are about to spend your summer for the first time here, put these best things to do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in your itinerary.

Take a Stroll along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Shops along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

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The first thing you can do in the city is to take a stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, located just in front of Rehoboth Beach.

Spending time in this spot can immediately turn your vacation mode on.

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk features a one-mile wooden boardwalk and an array of interesting local shops, hotels, and restaurants that are worth checking during your stay.

A pavilion at Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

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If you want a less crowded walk, take a stroll down the beach and enjoy the scenic Atlantic Ocean resting before your eyes.

The fresh ocean breeze and warm sunshine can give you a calming vibe as your start your day in the morning or while you relax in the afternoon.

Benches along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

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See a Show at Clear Space Theatre Company

The beach town has an array of entertainment hubs if you are done with beach activities.

You can watch magnificent theater performances by Delaware artists at Clear Space Theatre Company and marvel at the incredible talents of local artists.

Founded in 2004, this non-profit organization at Baltimore Avenue is a go-to place for popular Broadway shows, musicals, and plays all year round.

It also hosts hundreds of educational programs, tours, and presentations that stage quality performances for the guests.

One of the theatre company branches is the Arts Institute educational program which conducts over 1,000 classes for students of all ages.

The Clear Space Theatre Company is an ideal go-to place for everyone, from a romantic night out with your significant other or a family bonding activity with your kids.

Bike around Gordons Pond

Boardwalk at Gordons Pond

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Gordons Pond is a 5,200-acre wildlife area with a 900-acre saltwater lagoon in the middle of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Its finely crushed gravel trail with a slightly elevated boardwalk is an excellent choice for biking at a slow pace.

You can start pedaling from the trail’s southern end at the Gordons Pond parking area in Rehoboth Beach, reach the northern access in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, and return to the city.

Scenic sunset at Gordons Pond

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With its scenic overlooking view of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll take your time and enjoy the picturesque view right before your eyes.

The 5.2-mile Gordons Pond trail offers stunning landscapes of lush forests, bird-watching opportunities, mesmerizing wildlife sounds, and sightseeing of exciting reptiles and mammals.

The beach of Gordons Pond

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Play Golf at Shell We Golf

Golf enthusiasts will have a grand time spending a day at Shell We Golf.

This 19-hole mini golf course along Coastal Highway is a favorite spot for the family for its Hawaiian beachcomber-themed amenities.

Each hole is separated within a 10-feet distance and is surrounded by waterfalls and aquatic ponds adorned with numerous shells and waterlilies your kids will surely love.

There are also a lot of lush trees and shaded benches when you want to take a break while the rest play around the mini golf course.

After your golf outing, drop by the Sea Shell Shop beside the Shell We Golf course and try homemade fudge for a sweet treat.

Hike at Junction and Breakwater Trail

Bike path at Junction and Breakwater Trail

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The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a six-mile trail for nature hikers which connects Lewes Beach and Rehoboth Beach.

One of the main features of this trail is an old railroad bridge built in 1913 that measures up to 80 feet long.

Opened in 2003 as a 3.6-mile northbound trail from West Rehoboth, the Breakwater Trail was extended in 2007 to six miles going to Lewes Beach and the Cape Henlopen State Park.

Marsh at Junction and Breakwater Trail

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It is a perfect place to boost your fitness, with the towering pine trees and the old stone trail serving as your backdrop.

You will also come across scenic views of an observation tower built in World War II.

If you want a long, serene trail with vast lush coastal forests and farms, go hiking through the Junction & Breakwater Trail.

Immerse in the Arts at Rehoboth Art League

Rehoboth Art League at Dodds Lane is a 3.5-acre campus for art education and promoting professional artists in the city.

The place is one of the leading artists’ hubs in Delaware, which history dates back to 1938.

Back then, the artists in Rehoboth Beach wanted to build an artist colony in the area to coincide with the increase in tourists.

The group sought the help of Colonel Wilbur Corkran, who bought and developed a 200-acre property which soon turned into the Rehoboth Art League’s location.

Today, the group comprises contemporary artist advocates who offer different art courses, including painting, writing, pottery and sculpting for all age groups.

Besides classes, the Rehoboth Art League also holds outreach programs, art events such as the Holiday Fair Show and Cottage Tour of Art, and solo and group exhibitions all year round.

Sunbathe at Delaware Seashore State Park

Loon on the waters of Delaware Seashore State Park

Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sitting between Rehoboth Beach and Indian River Bay is the Delaware Seashore State Park, an excellent spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Located at Inlet Road, this 2,825-acre park is surrounded by water and features sunbathing facilities.

It has plenty of bathhouses, umbrellas, chairs, rafts, and stalls offering snacks and drinks.

Aside from lounging around and getting your dose of Vitamin D, the park is also a favorite spot for sailing, surfing, and fishing.

You can also visit around July to marvel at the giant sand castles built for a yearly contest.

Don’t forget to bring your sunblock as you soak up the sun for a day at the Delaware Seashore State Park.

Buy Fresh Produce at Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market

The Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market at Grove Street provides an exciting avenue to learn more about the city’s local products.

On Tuesdays, the farmer’s market opens from noon to mid-afternoon.

Locals and tourists who want fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from the town’s numerous farms visit there regularly.

Aside from these, you can also find interesting items you can bring home, like soaps, candles, and even dog treats made by small business owners.

Upon entering the farmer’s market, you’ll receive a handy chart to brief you on what to expect around the hub.

Seasonal vegetables are listed down along with their prices, so it will be easier for you to shop around.

Music and performances will entertain you as you stroll around the Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market.

Tour the Indian River Life-Saving Station

Exterior of the Indian River Life-Saving Station

Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If learning about a place is your thing, you can book a tour at Indian River Life-Saving Station to learn about Delaware’s history.

This tourist spot along Coastal Highway was built in 1876 to rescue mariners shipwrecked along the coast.

It served as a headquarters for rescue operations on the high seas and beach patrols during a time when there was an increase in shipwrecks in the area.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station has been restored to its 1905 look, with a diamond-cut exterior that stands out along the white sand beach.

The Station also serves as a suitable venue for special events such as recreational and educational programs in the state.

The place is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of The Delaware History Trail.

Discover Your New Favorite Dish with Eating Rehoboth

To discover what Rehoboth offers regarding cuisines, you should get a tour with Eating Rehoboth.

Eating Rehoboth is run by three locals who share the same passion for food and have mastered the town’s culinary history.

The 2.5-hour walking food tour offers interesting gastronomic gems in the area and provides an opportunity to interact with the chefs behind the local cuisine.

You will taste various dishes and drinks at five of the best restaurants in Rehoboth Beach while your tour guide shares exciting pieces of Rehoboth Beach’s rich history.

Fill your tummy with the Eating Rehoboth food tour!

Try Thrilling Rides at Funland

Amusement rides at Funland

Tsole, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Funland is a leading entertainment destination located along Delaware Avenue.

Established in 1962, the amusement park initially offered five rides, but it has expanded into 19 rides.

The family-owned business features attractions, including 14 midway games, an arcade, a haunted mansion, Skeeball, and a redemption center.

Besides classic rides such as carousels, the famous Superflip360, a flying metal ride that swings you 360 degrees up in the air for several minutes, is another renowned attraction.

However, this ride is not for the faint-hearted and needs a lot of courage to try.

If you want milder rides, you can always get tickets for bumper cars, paratroopers, and cruisers.

Before ending your day trip, you can check out your spooky photos taken from the Haunted Mansion or drop by the Funland Store to buy from a wide selection of souvenirs such as shirts, mugs, and beach towels.

Go Fishing at Indian River Marina

Fishermen and boaters should head straight to Indian River Marina at Delaware Seashore State Park to catch various fish.

As one of the best fishing locations in Rehoboth Beach, the marina houses a fleet of charter fishing boats of different types.

You can have a half-day or full-day fishing tour and catch several fish, such as flounder, black drum, bluefish, sheepshead, and Atlantic croaker.

Aside from accessing the Atlantic Ocean, you can stay within the inland fishing grounds and dock your boats as you stroll around the marina’s amenities.

Shops offer the best boating needs, such as lures, baits, and even safety and repair supplies.

When you feel hungry after hours of fishing, head to the Indian River Marina’s restaurants offering freshly caught lobsters, shrimps, fish, and lump crab meat.

Learn History at Rehoboth Beach Museum

Exterior of the Rehoboth Beach Museum

John M. Chase / Shutterstock.com

Another learning opportunity awaits you at the Rehoboth Beach Museum.

Founded in 1975, this museum at Rehoboth Avenue is divided into two areas, the Anna Hazzard Tent House and the Ice House.

The tent house features hundreds of local artifacts.

It is also one of the oldest homes in Rehoboth Beach, a venue for gatherings back in the 1800s.

Building sign of the Rehoboth Beach Museum

John M. Chase / Shutterstock.com

On the other hand, the Ice House is a historic place that has played a significant role in economic events in the city.

It also has a comprehensive collection of the place’s history which many visitors find interesting.

Spend the day learning at the Rehoboth Beach Museum.

Listen to Great Music at Rehoboth Beach Bandstand

Daytime view of the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The beachside life will never be complete without good music serenading the people.

Immerse yourself in the local entertainment scene and listen to great music at Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at Rehoboth Avenue.

Since 1962, the outdoor entertainment hub has hosted live performances for all its beachfront visitors to listen to and enjoy.

Rehoboth Beach Bandstand is popularly known for its Summer Concert Series, held annually from mid-June until Labor Day.

It gathers over 40 live bands who play a variety of musical genres for all the beachgoers to see and hear for free!

Whether sitting on one of its benches, strolling on the Boardwalk, or checking in nearby shops and restaurants, you will have a great time listening to great music from the stage.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Try Stand-up Paddleboarding with DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures

Try thrilling adventures with DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures located in Dewey Beach, Delaware, 11 minutes from Rehoboth Beach.

If you want a full-body workout while exploring the open waters, you can try stand-up paddle boarding, a hit activity for tourists at Rehoboth Beach.

You can do this with a guide or jump into the waters with your friends for some sea explorations.

Aside from this, you can also check out several sports activities suitable for beginners, such as kayaking, winging, and windsurfing.

Feel the rush with DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures!

Final Thoughts

Rehoboth Beach is a premiere coastal destination in Delaware that offers different kinds of activities for everyone.

Aside from the classic beachside activities, you will never run out of choices if you seek other exciting places.

The city has everything you need, from art and entertainment hubs to hiking trails and fishing adventures.

If you are eyeing the beach, the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach will never disappoint you.

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