20 Great Things To Do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach in Delaware is a popular vacation destination for many East Coasters. There are lots of activities for all interests around the beach, so if you have never been here before, it’s time to plan your trip!

Rehoboth Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast and offers all sorts of activities for visitors. You can go fishing or take a dolphin-watching cruise from a boat at Fisherman’s Wharf. Cape Henlopen State Park provides 6+ miles of coastline with beautiful views and opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, camping and more!

Here are 20 of the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

REHOBOTH BEACH PUBLIC BEACH

Rehoboth Beach is an oceanside resort town in eastern Sussex County, Delaware. Located between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Rehoboth Bay to the west, this small community is known for its clean beaches, laid-back vibe, and walking promenade. Downtown Rehoboth Beach features boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants along Rehoboth Avenue.

The Seafood Festival takes place on the boardwalk each September. Enjoy traditional New England clam chowder, as well as a variety of seafood offerings from around the world. A parade, kids activities, and live music are also part of the festival.

During July and August, free concerts are presented at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand on Friday nights. Free shuttle service is provided to concertgoers from several parking lots in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Whenever you’re visiting the area, there will be no shortage of events going on!

FUNLAND

Funland is a miniature amusement park in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The park has been owned and operated by the Fasnacht family since it opened almost 60 years ago, during which time they have built up a collection of 17 attractions as well as games and arcades.

Accessible from the boardwalk and close to the beach, the park has become an iconic part of the area.

GORDONS POND

The Gordon Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park offers one of the best spots in the state to view fall colors. It includes over 3 miles of hiking trails that takes you through several ecosystems, including salt marsh and upland forest, that offer stunning scenery when changing color for autumn. The trail also features a scenic overlook that provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

The trail is a popular spot for birders to observe a variety of waterfowl and wading birds, as well as osprey and a bald eagle that fish in the area.

EATING REHOBOTH

Discover incredible sights and tastes on the Rehoboth Walking Food Tour.

Rehoboth is one of the nation’s fastest-growing culinary hot spots! Enjoy food tastings with behind-the-scenes access, and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairing. Learn the history of the Rehoboth community and get five bites & five sips on a 2.5-hour tour of Rehoboth Beach.

Tickets are $59 for all food, beverage, and guidance.

DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK

Delaware Seashore State Park is a protected state park located at the Indian River Inlet on the Southern Delaware coastline. The park boasts 6 miles of ocean shoreline and 20 miles of bay shoreline, making it an integral element of the southern Delaware coastline.

The dynamic Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays with the Atlantic Ocean. It is the epicenter of many activities found at Delaware Seashore State Park, which includes fishing charters, surfing, camping, horseback riding, and hiking.

The beach on either side of the inlet welcomes anglers and beachgoers who stay for a day, or for an overnight stay, at the park’s waterfront campgrounds and cottages. The state park also boasts a boat ramp and the Indian River Marina, perfect for those who want to explore Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean by watercraft.

JUNCTION AND BREAKWATER TRAIL

The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a 6-mile rail-trail located on the southwestern side of Cape Henlopen State Park. It connects Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, and it’s the third rail-trail built in Delaware.

The trail follows parts of the old Pennsylvania Railroad Rehoboth Beach branch that used to transport passengers to several Methodist resort camps along the Atlantic coast. Penn Central eventually abandoned the line in the early 1970s. The trail is named after the former railroad line between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Pennsylvania Railroad’s Junction and Breakwater Railway, which operated from 1907 until 1931.

Visitors can enjoy walks, runs, hikes, or a bicycle ride on the trail. The trail is relatively easy, mostly flat, with some gentle grades. The trail is designated on its entire length as a class 1 bikeway by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

MIDWAY SPEEDWAY PARK

Midway Speedway Park was, until recent years, an old racetrack located in central Delaware.

The park first opened in 1949 as the Rehoboth Playground and Recreation Area. It was then sold to the Farmers’ Cooperative Exchange of Felton in 1968, which hoped to generate enough revenue by hosting races to fund potential development into a full-fledged amusement park. They were successful enough that the speedway was renamed Midway Speedway Park, and it became a popular destination for racing enthusiasts and families alike throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, Midway Speedway Park is most commonly known for its carousel and Ferris wheel, but it also has a batting cage, go-karts, and mini-golf, as well as the track that remains from its days as an old speedway. The park’s hours vary throughout the seasons; due to its location in central Delaware, it is only open during the summer.

JOLLY TROLLEY

The Jolly Trolley offers quick, efficient transportation to major points of interest in and around Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City, MD.

It is an iconic transportation service that was opened in 1970 by the Hastings’ Family. It is hard to miss this colorful trolley when it passes by!

A ride on the trolley is fairly inexpensive, and they also offer narrated tours too.

JUNGLE JIM’S

Jungle Jim’s is Delaware’s largest waterpark and highly ranked for family fun!

Jungle Jim’s has a waterpark with four giant water slides (Tornado, Python Plunge, Crocodile Calypso, and The Cesspool), a lazy river, wave pool, spray-ground, kiddie pool, and activity pool. Jungle Jim’s also has two go-kart tracks, batting cages, mini-golf courses, and bumper boats.

Jungle Jim’s is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Their busiest days of the week tend to be Tuesday-Thursday. 

INDIAN RIVER MARINA

The Indian River Marina boasts 294 slips with a floating dock system and 154 spots for indoor dry boat storage. A public boat ramp with shuttle service to parking is available in the summer.

The Marina serves as a waterfront event space with beautiful sunset views. Hook’em & Cook’em offers full-service bait and tackle, along with fish cleaning and an on-site seafood market.

For grabbing a bite, Hammerheads Dockside is a lively restaurant with a boat bar and live entertainment.

DELMARVA BOARD SPORT ADVENTURES

Delmarva Board Sport Adventures – Stand Up Paddle Boards, Windsurfing, Kayaking brags that they are the paddle board shop for real people.

Their specialty is giving folks a great time with paddleboard excursions, and helping people find the paddleboard that is right for them. They also take paddleboarders to various locations around Southern Delaware. They choose venues that will give you the best experience for each day’s wind and tide conditions.

Beginners to experienced paddlers are all welcome. You can either book a custom trip or choose from one of their regular paddleboard offerings in the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, or Rehoboth Bay.

REHOBOTH BEACH BOARDWALK

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a one-mile-long boardwalk in the city of Rehoboth Beach that runs along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy various forms of entertainment, including carnival games, amusement park rides, gift shops, and boutiques.

The boardwalk is a year-round place for various activities and events, including live concerts, parades, and beach yoga classes. Visitors can enjoy daily strolls on the boardwalk and take in the spectacular ocean views.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of food options throughout the boardwalk, including sweet and savory treats, soups, sandwiches, pizzas, and various seafood specialties. There are restaurants that offer outdoor seating, where visitors can eat their meals while taking in the fresh sea air.

Visitors can enjoy fresh local seafood, french fries, and other traditional boardwalk foods. Visitors can also find vendors selling homemade fudge for a sweet treat after their meal.

SHELL WE GOLF

Shell We Golf is a unique and challenging 9-hole miniature golf course that features beautiful landscapes amidst the heart of Delaware’s Atlantic coast. The idea behind Shell We Golf is to create an environment that will attract those who enjoy mini-golf courses, as well as those who are looking for a tropical environment. It was designed with the intent to have a very natural look as if it were not man-made or maintained.

The course’s atmosphere is enhanced by its lush plant life and soft musical soundtrack. Shell We Golf has been described as an extremely challenging miniature golfing experience, due to challenges such as waterfalls and bunkers that are scattered throughout the course.

After your game, stop next door at the Sea Shell Shop for a piece of homemade fudge!

CAPE WATER TOURS & TAXI

Welcome aboard! Come for a cruise with Cape Water Tours & Taxi to enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic coastline, the wildlife in our marshlands, historical sites & local attractions.

They’ve been in the tourism business for over 30 years. They offer sightseeing tours and water tours of Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The company also offers shoreline water taxis to Lewes and Dewey Beach. (En route, enjoy a Tiki Hut onboard bar!) 

The family-owned company serves all of coastal Delaware, including Cape Henlopen State Park, the Delaware Beaches, and towns of Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Rehoboth Beach.

DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY

Dogfish Head Brewery is a company located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that specializes in brewing high-quality craft beer. Their vision for the company was to provide an alternative beverage to the typical mass-produced watery, flavorless beers of large companies.

Dogfish founder and current president Sam Calagione began homebrewing with the help of his father as a teenager. Upon graduating from college, Sam traveled abroad for a year, where he visited 24 countries. When he returned to the United States, he moved back in with his parents, where he began to plan the brewery that would later become Dogfish Head.

Dogfish Head is best known for its 60 and 90 Minute IPAs. The 60 Minute IPA is one of the most popular craft beers produced in America with a fresh citrusy, earthy taste. The 90 Minute IPA boasts an incredible 19% ABV and has a strong hoppy flavor that will leave any true beer enthusiast satisfied.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF DOLPHIN WATCHING CRUISES

Come aboard the Dolphin Chasers and enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise on Rehoboth Bay. This family-friendly sight-seeing boat makes it possible for everyone to enjoy dolphin watching with small groups of up to 25 people. During peak season, Fisherman’s Wharf offers daily morning and afternoon cruises, as well as private charters and special events.

Fisherman’s Wharf excels in customer service. In addition to dolphin cruises, they offer fishing charters and feel confident that their fleet will provide a great experience for all ages. Whether you are looking to fish, gaze at the stars, or ride a historic lighthouse boat tour, this business has something for everyone.

CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK

Located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay sits Cape Henlopen State Park and its 6+ miles of coastline. The “point” of Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, shaped the history of this landscape.

Native people historically lived off the land’s abundant and rich resources, and in the late 1600s, William Penn’s family granted the land and allowed citizens to harvest many of the same resources. The area’s strategic position led to the construction of Fort Miles during World War II, with its iconic fire control towers along the Atlantic coast and which served as a federal defense installation from 1941-1979.

In 1962, the State of Delaware purchased nearly 10,000 acres around Cape Henlopen to create the state park that exists today. The area was designated as a registered National Natural Landmark, and in 1973, by Congress, as an International Biosphere Reserve and is currently home to over 1 million visitors every year.

The coastal conditions here support a variety of habitats, which is why the Cape Henlopen State Park is an ideal habitat for a vast majority of coastal ecosystems. The park’s maritime forest provides shelter for its many birds that are known to spend their summers here during migration season. Some of these migratory birds can be seen all year long at the park, but they are in abundance in the spring and fall during their migration routes.

Peregrine falcons, ospreys, barred owls, Cooper’s hawks, great blue herons, southern bald eagles, and American kestrels are all sighted here regularly.

CAPE MAY LEWES FERRY

Take advantage of Rehoboth Beach’s amazing location and take the short drive to the town of Lewes, where you can book a ride on the Cape May Lewes Ferry!

The Cape May Lewes Ferry runs daily from Lewes, DE to the seaside resort town of Cape May, NJ. Welcoming all methods of travel — vehicles, foot traffic, and bicycles — this is ferry ride takes you across the Delaware Bay for a fun cruise. You’ll enjoy seeing historic lighthouses, harbors, sea vessels, and maybe even a dolphin escort — while crossing the bay.

Make sure you explore the Ferry Gift Shop, or play a free round of mini-golf while you’re there! Grab a bite to eat at On The Rocks Dockside Grill (open seasonally in Cape May, but everyday in Lewes).

Taking a ride on the Cape May Lewes Ferry is a fun and unique way to explore the area. (It’s fairly inexpensive, too!)

REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM

The Rehoboth Beach Museum is the perfect place to stop to learn more about the history of Rehoboth Beach. This fun, little museum is full of facts, pictures, artwork, information, artifacts, and exhibits that explain the history of the area, and how it came to be the Rehoboth Beach we know today.

This museum is family-friendly! They have a room just for children, a funhouse mirror, and a scavenger hunt for them to take part in. There’s a playground nearby, so you can make an entire afternoon of it.

Admission to the Rehoboth Beach Museum is on a voluntary donation basis.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING IN REHOBOTH BEACH

After you’ve explored the beaches, parks, and water sports — it’s time to do some shopping! Downtown Rehoboth Beach has plenty of amazing shops to choose from.

Take advantage of Delaware’s tax-free shopping and avoid sales tax at your favorite retailers, art galleries, and boutiques.

Downtown Rehoboth Beach’s Main Street is full of boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and craft shops. You can also refresh your wardrobe at Tanger Outlets right on Route 1, just a short drive from Main Street.

Stop by Penny Lane Mall in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, and enjoy the unique boutiques and shops in this open-air mall. Or visit the collection of cute shops and a coffee mill that make up the Shops at Rehoboth Mews.

Make sure if you’re visiting in the summer months, you stop by the Farmers’ Market in Rehoboth Beach. This weekly market features fresh produce, and more.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO REHOBOTH BEACH

• ALL THINGS DELAWARE: 27 Things To Do In Delaware Everyone Will Love
• CAPE MAY: 21 Fantastic Things To Do In Cape May, NJ

WHERE TO STAY IN REHOBOTH BEACH

Best Luxury Option. Boardwalk Plaza Hotel is a primo location right on Rehoboth Beach. Popular points of interest near this property include North Shores Beach, Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Couples love this place.

Beach for Less. Beach View Hotel is only a 1 minute walk (350 ft) to Rehoboth Beach and 0.7 miles to Dewey Beach. It has a seasonal pool, and a continental breakfast each morning.

Beachfront VRBO. Oceanfront Condo is 2 bedrooms and 3 baths right on the beach. Enjoy the sunrise on a private deck. This is a great option for families due to its proximity to the beach and kitchen.