Headed to the beaches bordering the Rehoboth/Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean? Let this guide help you navigate the area’s most exciting summer activities, best restaurants and can’t-miss events.
Visitors can find beach bonfires and a legendary night life scene in Dewey; Rehoboth is home to a mile-long boardwalk and some of the area’s best restaurants; and those seeking a complete escape from the hustle and bustle head to Lewes for its quiet beaches and charming, historic town.
(Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
Ƶapp/Kate Ryan
Even on a gray day, the bright orange and yellow mural on one of the many Sea Esta Motel buildings welcomes visitors to Dewey Beach.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
This photo shows a pair of pug dogs getting a taste of Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Although dogs are not permitted on the beach or boardwalk from May 1-Sept. 30, its otherwise a dog-friendly destination, with a number of businesses offering treats and accommodations. Kohr Bros. custard is designed for human consumption but doting owners might try offering their dogs the peanut butter-flavored custard.
(AP Photo/Linda Lombardi)
AP Photo/Linda Lombardi
Lewes is full of boutique shops and restaurants and has the small town quiet feel lost in nearby Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
(Ƶapp/Judy Taub)
Ƶapp/Judy Taub
The Starboard, in Dewey Beach, is famous for its night life scene.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Can you taste the taffy? So many sweets wait for you at Dolle’s Candyland.
(Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
Ƶapp/Kate Ryan
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes offers calm beaches, surrounded by woodlands. There’s a great bike path from the park to Rehoboth, with fishing areas along the way. Take a tour of the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse or catch a ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes offers calm beaches, surrounded by woodlands. There’s a great bike path from the park to Rehoboth, with fishing areas along the way. Take a tour of the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse or catch a ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Beer lovers will have a ball at the beach. In Rehoboth, there’s the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Revelation Craft Brewing and Big Oyster Brewery. Lewes is home to Crooked Hammock Brewery, and Dewey has the Dewey Beer Co.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Beer lovers will have a ball at the beach. In Rehoboth, there’s the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Revelation Craft Brewing and Big Oyster Brewery. Lewes is home to Crooked Hammock Brewery, and Dewey has the Dewey Beer Co.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Take a tour of the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse or catch a ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May.
(AP Photo/Dan Gill)
AP Photo/Dan Gill
Some info that you’ll want before diving into the waters at Rehoboth Beach.
(Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
Ƶapp/Kate Ryan
There are at least 70 flavors posted at The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and manager Heidi Belote said come summer, there will be more than 100.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Alex Papajohn and his wife just relocated from Richmond, Virginia, to the beaches and enjoy tasting the new flavors at The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Looking for a fun night out with live music and fresh-squeezed crushes? There’s no shortage of options — especially in Dewey Beach. The Rusty Rudder is a favorite among locals and visitors.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Music lovers flock to Bottle & Cork for its nightly lineup.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
These crabs point you in the direction of some shopping or take a break on the bright red bench.
(Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
Ƶapp/Kate Ryan
Grab a cup of coffee at The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe or at its sister location, Schell Brothers Coffee House.
(Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty)
Ƶapp/Megan Cloherty
Peruse the selection at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and pick out your next beach read.
(Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more beach news, traffic and weather, visit Ƶapp’s.
Live entertainment and great eats at the beach (Ƶapp's Megan Cloherty)
WASHINGTON — North of Bethany Beach, Delaware, is the final stretch of oceanfront destinations in the : Dewey, Rehoboth and Lewes.
The three neighboring beach towns are only separated by a few miles of land, but each maintains its own sense of place.
Visitors can find beach bonfires and a legendary night life scene in Dewey; Rehoboth is home to a mile-long boardwalk and some of the area’s best restaurants; and those seeking a complete escape from the hustle and bustle head to Lewes for its quiet beaches and charming, historic town.
Best of all: The three towns are within a few minutes from each other by car.
Headed to the beaches bordering the Rehoboth/Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean? Let this guide help you navigate the area’s most exciting summer activities, best restaurants and can’t-miss events.
Don’t Miss
Drink in the salt air — and the craft beer: Beer lovers will have a ball at the beach. In Rehoboth, there’s the , and y. Lewes is home to , and Dewey has the
Big Oyster Brewery is one of the many craft breweries in the Rehoboth Beach area. (Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
Night life: Looking for a fun night out with live music and fresh-squeezed crushes? There’s no shortage of options — especially in Dewey Beach. , , and are perhaps the most well-known haunts for evening entertainment and eats. Music lovers flock to for its nightly lineup.
Wildlife and water sports: Check out free Saturdays, June 17 through July 8 in Dewey Beach, or crabbing and in Rehoboth. in Lewes offers calm beaches, surrounded by woodlands. There’s a great from the park to Rehoboth, with fishing areas along the way. Take a tour of the or catch a .
Shopping: No beach guide for Rehoboth and Dewey is complete without a mention of outlet shopping. draws a large crowd looking to take advantage of the state’s lack of sales tax — especially on rainy days. For smaller, independent stores, head to downtown Rehoboth and .
The Rehoboth Boardwalk: Rehoboth’s mile-long boardwalk (and surrounding streets) is lined with restaurants, shops and galleries. Pick up some saltwater taffy at the famous , grab a refreshing scoop of ice cream at the appropriately named , or spring for a slice of pizza at the iconic .The hosts free summer concerts Fridays through Sundays in the summer at 8 p.m. Read more:
Food
Food lovers will feel right at home in the area. Rehoboth, alone, has more than 100 restaurants, and Lewes has its share of cute and inviting eateries.
Movies and bonfires on the beach: Dewey Beach hosts Monday nights June 12 through Aug. 28, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
June Festival: Rehoboth is celebrating first responders with its “” festival, complete with a 5K run, sports events on the beach, live music and more.
Fourth of July: Catch fireworks over around 9 p.m., an in Lewes and the annual in Rehoboth.
Rainy Days
Don’t let bad weather get you down. In addition to outlet and boutique shopping in the area, here are some other entertaining activities:
Peruse the selection at in Rehoboth and pick out your next beach read.
Grab a cup of coffee at or at its sister location, .
Explore Rehoboth’s Silver Lake neighborhood for a change in scenery. Walk along the lakefront and take in the views of the beautiful homes.
: This indoor bowling alley, arcade and laser tag arena is a great hangout for adults and kids, alike.
It's going to be a sweet — and savory — summer at the beach (Ƶapp's Megan Cloherty )
How to Get Around
Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, says metered street parking is at a premium during the summer months.
Can’t find parking? The bus and trolley are great options. Rehoboth and Dewey Beach are also bike-friendly. (Ƶapp/Kate Ryan)
She suggests taking advantage of the town’s , which makes stops at the outlets, the boardwalk, and Dewey and Lewes beaches.
The runs throughout Dewey and Rehoboth Memorial Day through Labor Day, and visitors can purchase a parking permit at the visitor’s center for additional parking options.