Rehoboth Beach Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

While Dewey Beach might be a wild and crazy party town, the nearby Rehoboth Beach is it’s more responsible, refined (and sober) older brother. Once an artist colony, Rehoboth Beach resembles a mini-Hamptons with immaculately manicured gardens, lush green lawns and expansive homes that look like they could be on the cover of a magazine. The beach—a wide band of golden sand separating condo developments from the deep blue Atlantic—serves as a pristine backdrop, and the outlet malls—three enormous strip malls with over 120 stores—make for a perfect distraction on rainy days. A perfect family vacation destination, Rehoboth Beach boasts numerous natural sites and attractions that’ll keep the kids entertained and the adults happy (because if the mamma ain’t happy; no one’s happy). With a bevy of Rehoboth beach rentals and family friendly rentals, Rehoboth Beach is an ideal spot to spend all that excess vacation time that comes with working those 60 hour weeks.

The town of Rehoboth Beach itself is also a main draw considering several affordable vacation properties and resort communities can be found more inland. Take a leisurely stroll down Rehoboth Avenue – the main drag in the town – and enjoy the numerous local shops and restaurants. Keep going to the very end and devour some of the world famous salt water taffy from Dolle’s (make sure to floss afterwards). Those looking to settle down in their twilight years will find the Rehoboth retirement living and the Rehoboth golf properties to be second to none. Venture over to Silver Lake as well for some relaxing scenery and plenty of bird watching opportunities. The main attraction of both Dewey Beach and Rehoboth, however, is, and will always be, what goes on after dark. The festivals that make up Dewey Beach Fest—Americana Music Fest, Chickfest, Jamfest, Popfest and Delaware Music Festival—draw thousands of visitors every year. And with Rehoboth beach front property sales exploding like a flurry of notes from a heavily distorted guitar at Jamfest, there really is no time like the present to buy yourself a present in the form of a slice of Rehoboth beach front paradise!

  • Beach, Boating, Family-friendly, Fishing, Night-life, Northeast, Ocean, Relaxing, Romantic, Rustic, Sailing, Singles, Surfing, Wedding
  • 82%

 
 
link38.6973675028-75.075759887712Rehoboth, DE, USA
link38.7064772014-75.0779914856Silver Lake Wildlife Reserve
link38.730267465-75.1335883141Rehoboth Beach Film Society
link38.715686195-75.0854587555Delaware Comedy Theatre
link38.6973675028-75.075759887712Rehoboth, DE, USA
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Distance from closest metropolitan area: 120 miles (from Washington, DC)  
 
Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (from Washington, DC)  
 
From Washington, DC, head east on Route 50 and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Follow Route 50 to Wye Mills on the Eastern Shore. At Wye Mills, take Route 50 to Route 404. Follow Route 404 and pick up Route 16 E after passing Denton, MD. Travel Route 16 into Sussex County, DE, through Greenwood, Ellendale and Milton, all the way to Route 1 at Broadkill, just 10 miles north of the beaches. Take Route 1 south to Rehoboth/Dewey.

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond007

    Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph...becoming south around 10 mph this afternoon.
    Hi: 59° F, Low: 43° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond007
    Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. West winds around 5 mph...becoming southwest around 10 mph in the afternoon.
    Hi: 63° F, Low: 48° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

Add Attraction

Silver Lake Wildlife Reserve

Silver Lake is a small fresh water lake just a few hundred feet from the salt water ocean. Finding a fresh water lake that close to the ocean is very unusual—in fact, Silver Lake, and Rehoboth's two other lakes, Lake Gerar and Lake Comegys, are the fresh water lakes closest to the ocean in the United States. The lake is protected as a wildlife reserve and a haven for waterfowl, such as Canvasbacks, Ruddy Ducks and Mallards.

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Rehoboth Beach Film Society

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society hosts independent film programs year-round in the Rehoboth area. The most notable is the Independent Film Festival held in November every year. Since it first started in 1998, the five-day festival has turned in to a premiere, Mid-Atlantic cultural event, showcasing around one hundred of the best American and international feature, documentary and short films. Seminars accompany the films, and celebrity guests give the festival a sense of glamour. For more information about the festival, and other events throughout the year, visit www.rehobothfilm.com.

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Delaware Comedy Theatre

Catch an improvisational comedy show by the Delaware Comedy Theater! Formed in 2004 by NYU-trained husband and wife team David Warick and Amy DeBartolomeis, the Delaware Comedy Theater brings professional improv training and Theatresports performances to Delaware.

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 82% for 9 reviews) 

  • Carlin Cwik
    Carlin Cwik
    • Top member
    Reviews: 9
    Posts: 32

    Bring your Camera

    10/17/2008

    88%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    My parents are always gloating over their childhood carnivals, where bearded ladies and clinky metal rides abounded. Those were the days, they say. I didn't think I'd get a taste until I found my way to Dewey beach. If you've ever wanted to see an old fair at its finest, or at least its clinkiest, there's an amusement park tucked away off the boardwalk. Grab a handful of salt water taffy from one of the pier's candy shops before heading in. We spotted some rides and games for everyone. But certainly, we were happy to pop sugar and salt blobs and munch away while our eyes boggled at the old machines and hippy dippy rides. As opposed to looking like a run-down 50's carnival, the place was packed with kids, familes and pimply teens. PACKED. A pretty eye-opening end to a lazy day beachside.

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  • superd
    superdReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    An emerging beach scene that's being noticed

    08/25/2008

    82%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    Part family getaway, part wild fiesta for prowling singles, Dewey Beach is many things for its (beyond) many visitors. Settling on the sand and taking a dip in the generally clean, blue waters are the most basic and best activities. But local shops along Rehoboth's boardwalk are worth perusing , not to mention Go Fish, a surprisingly authentic fish and chips joint and a mini golf course on a low rooftop overlooking the beach. Beware, though: Traffic to get there tends to be the low point, as Dewey has gained popularity with D.C. residents. My group ended up stuck in the car for two and a half times as long as the average drive in August when a tractor-trailer plummeted off of the one bridge leading to Dewey. There are literally no back roads. If you can make the trip successfully and find a place to stay, do it.

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  • Claudia Newell
    Claudia Newell
    • Top member
    Reviews: 10
    Posts: 8

    Rehoboth Beach - more, more more!

    08/21/2008

    77%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    Rehoboth Beach was never on my travel itinerary, yet my crafty D.C. friends soon had me in the car headed for the seaside. Most vivid was the boardwalk that seemed bigger and louder than anything from my New England childhood. Here one could play anthropologist and observe the current teenage ritual of temporary tattoo application, or see the determined little gulls dive for French fries in the crowd. Most mind-bendingly fun was the arcade that functioned as museum of games – new amusements were added, but it seemed like none were ever removed. I calmed myself with the Zen of Skee-ball while I let the sound of infinite and simultaneous bells and alarms wash over and through me. A trip to Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats provided the proper adult respite – I seem to remember a tasty Orange Cream cocktail and delicious stout cheesecake amongst the offerings.

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  • Sandy Snyder
    Sandy Snyder
    • Top member
    Reviews: 11
    Posts: 21

    Rehoboth...truly a dream

    08/09/2008

    89%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    When you drive into Rehoboth from what I call ”the back way”, from Dewey Beach past Silver Lake; there is a line of beautiful ocean-front homes off to your right. I always say that when I win Powerball…the cedar one with the white trim is all mine. My son is now in on this too…”Which house are we going to get again Mom when we win the jackpot? Oh, yeah, that one.” I can’t imagine a better spot to spend summer days with the ocean in front of me, the beauty of Silver Lake behind me and the towns of Rehoboth and Dewey just a few blocks away on either side. Rehoboth is a blend of what’s old and new. I could walk around for hours just looking at the different houses, from old characteristic homes to new and impressive ones. The town has an artsy charm with loads of shops and restaurants. You can also find the old beach traditions here; a boardwalk with all the typical attractions…arcade games, t-shirt shops and pizza (although in Delaware it’s all about the Grotto’s pizza). My kids love Funland where we have spent many evenings riding the viking ship, bumper cars, tea cups and what we call “the frogger”, although I’m not sure if that’s its actual name. Yeah, we would sure like to be living in that cedar house. Now if I could only actually win that jackpot.

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  • Sandy Snyder
    Sandy Snyder
    • Top member
    Reviews: 11
    Posts: 21

    Dewey has a beach?

    08/09/2008

    89%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    I spent many a night in Dewey Beach during my 20’s. No doubt about it…this is a party town. It’s made up mostly of college students, young professionals and partiers alike. Lots of hotspots like the infamous Starboard, Bottle & Cork and Rusty Rudder. Take a drive through Dewey during a summer night and you’ll find the streets crowded with good-looking groups of people wearing the latest beach fashions, walking from bar to bar or beach house to beach house. During the day, the town takes on a much quieter appearance (I tend to think it’s because most people staying there are probably sleeping until late into the afternoon). I’m going to be honest here and this is embarrassing to admit considering I’ve spent quite a few weekends in Dewey, but I’ve never actually seen the beach! Aw, but who needs to really? While I’m sure it’s a fine beach…Dewey is more about the vibe. Now that I am well into my 30’s, I had to question…am I too old for Dewey?? One of my girlfriends and I went for a visit last summer to hit the old jaunts and see. What a relief to find out that it felt the same as it always did. In Dewey, no one cares how old you are as long as you don’t. So, jump in your jeep, dress in your hottest summer gear, step into the Starboard and grab a Miller Lite…summer is here!

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  • Dorothy Carlow
    Dorothy Carlow
    • Top member
    Reviews: 11
    Posts: 23

    Don't Tell My Husband!

    07/03/2008

    85%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    The summer I starting dating my husband, I was also dating someone else. That someone else, took me on a fabulous date to Dewey Beach! We played in the surf, drank margaritas and played bar games in the friendly pubs! I must admit, the date was fun, but my heart was elsewhere. So, I guess this is bad, but the next weekend, I recreated the exact same date with my then boyfriend, who is now my husband. I have fond memories of saying, "Oh, yes this is the first time I have been here." A little white lie to keep the romance alive was a small price to pay for marrying the best man in the world. I guess you could say, Dewey Beach is where I decided to drop the other guy and go for it with my hubby! If you are a DC resident, this a great beach for romantic day trip! Trust me!

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  • dmonson
    dmonson
    • Top member
    Reviews: 11
    Posts: 5

    A Few Hours Drive

    06/30/2008

    78%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    These beaches are only a few hours drive from DC. Head up to Cape Henlopen for a nice cape walk. Also check out the WW2 guard towers down the shores. Below Ocean City you can stay with the wild horses on Assateague Island. It's great!

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  • holmeem
    holmeemReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Bethany Beach is a great spot for a family vacation

    06/24/2008

    100%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    This family oriented beach town probably one of best places for a relaxing family vacation. If you're looking for night life, bars, honkie tonk amusement parks, etc, you'll need to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a great place to relax and unwind at the beach, this place should definately be on your short list.

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  • Vinnie the man!
    Vinnie the man!Reviews: 2
    Posts: 0

    DUI Beach

    06/19/2008

    50%

    Rehoboth, DE, USA

    This is a great beach. The best thing to do is rent a house close to the boardwalk. The board is a lot of fun. They got all the junk food you'd expect aka funnel cake and hot dogs etc... The beach is actually relaxing and at night, you should try to meet some folks. Everyone has some kind of cook out or party going on.

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 Bookmarks (7) 

 


   

 Real estate buzz 

Interested in learning more about the Rehoboth real estate market?

During the real estate peak of 2005, a lot of people bought Rehoboth vacation properties based on future appreciation. Not only are those Rehoboth properties not appreciating anymore, but property values are falling, and as a result we have the largest inventory of properties I've seen in a long time.

Asking prices are much lower today then they were just a year ago, and even at these lower prices, offers are coming in at 7-10 percent below the asking price. I've see people come in, dig in their heels, and make ridiculously low offers. As a buyer, it's much better to shop by comparison, and then make a reasonable offer.

Some segments of the Rehoboth real estate market are doing far better than others. Beachfront properties, for example, are faring much better than other types of properties. We've seen an 18-20 percent drop in beachfront properties since the peak, compared to a 10-30 percent drop for the overall market.

It's a great market for buyers, provided they don't have to sell their current homes in order to buy their new ones. Rehoboth builders are offering deep discounts for new construction and there are some great deals to be made. Retirees make up the bulk of our business, but the problem there is sometimes they have to sell their homes in the city in order to afford the home they want to retire in, and they're having a hard time getting the prices they want for their city homes.

Some smaller communities, like Lewes, are also doing quite well. Lewes is like a small Williamsburg. It has a low crime rate and it's a great place to raise a family. It has a modern hospital, good schools and low taxes. We haven't seen the same drop in Lewes as we have in other communities.

A local realtor, Rehoboth

 

   

 Photos and Videos 

Photos

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Videos

Dewey Beach The Movie - BloopersPlay
Tenspoke Indies/Matt Pinfield at Dewey Beach Music FestPlay
Dewey BeachPlay