Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Rehoboth Beach is Delaware's best-known beach town, with a mile-long boardwalk, classic amusements at Funland, a surprisingly creative food scene and tax-free shopping, all within a few hours of Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
This guide covers the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Lewes, Cape Henlopen, Dewey Beach and Cape May, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Boardwalk
Mile-long promenade with fries and arcades.
Funland
Family amusement park since 1962.
Rehoboth Avenue
Shops, galleries and restaurants.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dunes, trails and WWII observation towers.
Gordons Pond Trail
Bike path between pond and dunes.
Lewes
Historic town and ferry terminal.
Tanger Outlets
Tax-free shopping on Route 1.
Dogfish Head
Craft brewery and brewpub.
Rehoboth Beach in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Boardwalk day
Start on the beach in the morning and walk the Boardwalk, grabbing Thrasher's fries and Dolle's saltwater taffy. Lunch on Rehoboth Avenue. In the afternoon, enjoy the classic rides at Funland. Dinner at one of the town's acclaimed bistros.
2Day 2 · Cape Henlopen
Bike to Cape Henlopen State Park via the Gordons Pond Trail and climb a WWII observation tower for coastal views. Picnic lunch by the beach. In the afternoon, swim at Herring Point. Spend the evening at the Dogfish Head brewpub.
3Day 3 · Lewes
Explore Lewes, the First Town in the First State, with its historic district, Zwaanendael Museum and canal-side cafés. Lunch by the water. In the afternoon, relax on the calm bay beach. Dinner in Lewes.
Rehoboth Beach in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Dewey Beach
Spend the day at Dewey Beach, with paddleboarding or kayaking on Rehoboth Bay. Lunch on the water. In the afternoon, shop tax-free at the outlets on Route 1. Catch a sunset over the bay at a Dewey bar.
5Day 5 · Cape May ferry
Take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry across Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey, famous for its Victorian houses. Lunch in Cape May. In the afternoon, walk the beach and the Washington Street Mall. Return on an evening ferry.
Rehoboth Beach in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Assateague
Drive to Assateague Island National Seashore to see the wild horses, beaches and marshes. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, explore Ocean City's boardwalk on the way back. Return to Rehoboth for dinner.
7Day 7 · Last day
Enjoy a final morning on the beach and Boardwalk, then do some last-minute tax-free shopping. Lunch on Rehoboth Avenue. Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC are about two and a half to three hours away.
What to do in Rehoboth Beach on a weekend
For a weekend in Rehoboth Beach, combine the Boardwalk, Funland, Cape Henlopen and an evening in Lewes.
Washington, DC is about two and a half hours away.
What to do in Rehoboth Beach in the evening
Evenings mean summer bandstand concerts, Rehoboth Avenue restaurants and lively bars.
Dewey Beach is the area's late-night hub.
Rehoboth Beach for couples
Couples can bike the Gordons Pond Trail, enjoy a chef's tasting dinner and catch the sunset in Lewes.
Rehoboth Beach with kids
With kids, Funland, the beach, Jungle Jim's water park and Cape Henlopen's nature center are favorites.
What to eat in Rehoboth Beach
Thrasher's fries
With vinegar, a Boardwalk classic.
Dolle's saltwater taffy
Since 1927.
Crab cakes
Mid-Atlantic staple.
Craft beer
From Dogfish Head.
Grotto Pizza
Local favorite.
Where to stay in Rehoboth Beach: best areas
Downtown
Walk to the Boardwalk.
North Shores
Quiet and residential.
Dewey Beach
Nightlife.
Lewes
Historic and calm.
What to do in Rehoboth Beach when it rains
On rainy days, go tax-free shopping at the outlets, visit the museums in Lewes or tour the Dogfish Head brewery in Milton.
How much does a trip to Rehoboth Beach cost?
Expect $200 to $400 per night in summer, $15 to $35 for a meal and about $60 one way for a car on the Cape May ferry.
Practical tips for Rehoboth Beach
Best time to visit
May to September.
Getting around
Walk or bike in town; Jolly Trolley to Dewey Beach; a car for day trips.
Our practical tips
- Arrive early for parking.
- Use the parking app for meters.
- Bike the trails.
- Shop tax-free.
- Book summer stays early.
- Check the bandstand calendar.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving downtown on July weekends.
- Ignoring parking rules.
- Skipping Lewes.
- Forgetting sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach?
The Boardwalk, Funland, Cape Henlopen and nearby Lewes.
Is shopping tax-free?
Yes, Delaware has no sales tax.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, especially around Funland and the beach.
How far is Washington, DC?
About two and a half hours.