Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE 2023

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Greetings Internet Stranger, and welcome to 24 hours of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE.

Delaware has the unfortunate reputation of being one of the most boring states in the United States. When Wayne and Garth stopped here in the movie Wayne’s World, they literally had nothing to say except, “Well, we’re in Delaware!”

But don’t let the hype keep you away from one of the most charming beach towns on the East Coast. Come to Rehoboth Beach for the old-fashioned boardwalk, stay for the laidback lifestyle, surprisingly delicious food, and absolutely zero sales tax on any shopping!

By the end of the day of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE, you’ll have a jillion things to say about Delaware.

Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE

Morning: Hit the Beach!

Of course, the first thing you’re going to want to do Rehoboth Beach DE is hit the beach! I mean, the town has beach in the name! They’re not exactly being subtle.

But even though the beach is the most popular activity in Rehoboth Beach, that doesn’t mean it’s undeservedly popular. Plan on spending at least half a day here, and possibly more.

You’re going to want to bop on over from the hotel after breakfast and pick a convenient spot on the sand. That way you can divide your time between soaking up the rays, swimming in Delaware’s finest waters, and rambling about the historic boardwalk. I’ll help you get started with…

Three Fun Facts: Rehoboth Beach Beach

1) Why is Rehoboth Beach?

Are you asking how Rehoboth Beach got that name? What an interesting question! Rehoboth Beach was founded as a Christian resort for the St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church back in the 19th century. (I know, I know, what town hasn’t been founded as a resort for the Methodist Episcopal Church?)

I had never heard the word Rehoboth before I started planning this trip to Delaware, but in fact, while I was in Delaware, I learned that the word Rehoboth shows up in the Bible several times. As a Jewish person, I wonder if Rehoboth is the only town in Delaware with a Hebrew name. It wouldn’t surprise me at all.

The Methodist Episcopal camp didn’t last that long, and in any case, no one could have kept this sweet a piece of beachfront territory a secret for very long, and eventually it became a secular resort destination. I feel a little sorry for the Methodist Episcopalians, but happy for the rest of us.

Just look at that crystal clear water and golden sand! You don’t need to be a Methodist Episcopalian to want to spend your beach vacation here!

2) What Do I Need to Know Before Hitting the Beach?

Well, the most important thing is to bring a quality mystery novel and some chill vibes so you can bliss out on the sandy beach! I mean, maybe you’d prefer a romance novel or a book on tape, but for me it’s always a sweet Agatha Christie on my Kindle that makes me bliss out on the beach.

If that’s not specific enough, there are a few more helpful tips I can give you about how to get the most out of Rehoboth Beach Beach. Unlike say, Cape May, New Jersey, there’s no fee for being a human on Rehoboth Beach, so the beach itself can get a bit crowded.

The earlier in the day you can stake out your spot, the better. That way you can beat the mad hordes of Delaware as they descend upon the sands like so many Delawarian locusts.

If you’re looking for affordable towels and chairs for your beac vacation, just ask at the Avenue Inn and Spa! They will provide this service free of charge. In fact, if you need help getting down to the beach, they even have a ride. (But it’s a short trip, so I preferred to walk.)

Just keep in mind that during the high season, furry friends are not permitted on the beach. You’ll have to leave Fido at home.

3) What is There To Eat?

So you might think it sounds silly to suggest having French fries for lunch, but believe me when you get your teeth around Thrasher’s Fries, located right on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, you’ll understand. They just taste so completely potato, and they are cooked in 100 percent pure peanut oil. Eating lunch here is definitely one of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE

I truly believe every baby potato wants to grow up and be a Thrasher’s French Fry. That’s why Thrasher’s does not serve ketchup to pollute their fries with–so don’t ask! Ketchup is perfectly fine for a McDonald’s fry, but you won’t want to sully these beauties with any condiments.

I recommend getting a Medium size for one person for lunch. That was just enough to take the edge off the appetite, but not so much that I felt too sluggish to go swimming afterwards.

After all those carbs, you’ll want a little protein, so saunter on over to The Ice Cream Store, also on the Boardwalk. This place is known for its wacky flavors: its two most popular are Crack and Better Than Sex.

It could be worse. I mean, at least they don’t have a flavor called Crack is Better Than Sex. That would be a terrible message to send to the ice-cream eating children of the world.

This ice cream stand also claims to have invented bacon ice cream, and bacon has protein, so bacon ice cream + Thrasher’s Fries = a well-balanced meal. Try the maple bacon which has the perfectly salty-sweet combination and real bacon pieces. This ice cream’s definitely filling enough to tide you over until dinner, especially if you took my advice and got the fries first.

Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE

Afternoon: Explore the Town

Despite the name, Rehoboth Beach is more than just a beach! After you’ve basked in the Delaware sun’s glory and had your fill of tales of crime and malfeasance, go for a stroll and get to know everything Rehoboth Beach has to offer. (Remember: absolutely zero sales tax! You don’t have to be a corporation to love Delaware’s tax code!)

Shopping is obviously one of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE, so allow me to point you in the right direction with…

Three Fun Facts: Exploring Rehoboth Beach

1) Where Should I Go Shopping First?

As a certified professional geek, I need to recommend amazing bookstores before all other places, so let’s start with Browseabout Books, the most famous bookstore in Rehoboth Beach.

This is the perfect place to go if the majesty of the Delaware sun’s beams burn to brightly for you. They do a mean selection of fancy coffees–iced and un–to cool you off as well.

It’s also the only bookstore I have ever been to that has a Joe Biden section, and keep in mind that I first visited when he was merely the former Vice-President and ex Senator from Delaware. Now that he has been elected President, this may change.

So if you see another bookstore with a Joe Biden section, please email me at bidenbookstores@aroundtheworldin24hours.com

2) What If I Want to Make My House Beautiful?

You’re in luck, Internet Stranger! Hunting for knickknacks and paddywhacks is definitely one of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE. I bought this adorable cigar box that had been turned into a spiffy jewelry box at Tideline Gallery, which has a fab-tastic collection of goods for the home, especially if you are looking for art glass or pottery.

Just don’t go looking for this marine-themed jewelry box you can see in my photo above! It’s one of a kind and mine, all mine! Mwahahaha!

If you’re looking for a smaller, quirkier place, try Bella Luna. They have everything from fine fragrances to gardening tools, and it’s all smushed together in what looks like some fabulous witch’s closet. I bought some perfume here because who doesn’t love to smell interesting in a good way? Enjoy!

3) What If I Want to Make Myself Beautiful?

Jewelry shopping is also one of the absolute best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE! (Ahem, did I mention the no sales tax thing?) And so much of the jewelry has a fun aquatic theme. I bought this adorable bracelet you can see in my photo above at a little shop called Sea Finds. They’re not mincing words here! You’ll buy beachy stuff in Rehoboth Beach, and you’ll like it!

What’s so beachy about the bracelet? Why the large “jewel” in the middle is actually full of local sand. Isn’t that cool? What a unique travel souvenir.

For something a little more upscale, try Salt + Stone. I collect earrings in every city I visit, so I purchased some lovely danglers here made out of seashells. The staff here is incredibly friendly and will love to make food recommendations. In fact, we’re going to benefit from one of their restaurant suggestions right now!

Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE

Evening: Dinner and A Show

I’ve lived in New York City my entire life, and that might seem like worlds away from a sleepy beach town in Delaware. And sure, NYC has over 8 million people and Rehoboth Beach probably only has about 15 year-round residents.

But I think deep down, people are pretty much the same, whether we come from the bright lights of Broadway or the…not quite as bright lights of Delaware.

But when you want to have fun in New York, what do you do? Take in dinner and a show! And if you want to find the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE, what do you do? Same thing!

I’ll show you exactly how to find the best dinner and show in Rehoboth Beach with…

Three Fun Facts: Rehoboth Beach Night Life

1) What Should I Eat?

Stop on over at Henlopen City Oyster House, which truly serves some of the best shellfish you will ever stuff in your face. Start off with their oyster platter, so you can sample every single oyster they have in the house on the day of your visit.

Each oyster will have its own unique brininess, squishiness, sense of humor, etc. If you’d rather have warm oysters, indulge in their decadent oyster stew instead. Or you can have both! God knows I did!

Be sure to save room for their spectacular lobster mac and cheese. There’s not a ton of lobster, but what’s there is choice. The sauce is lighter than you’d expect, and the hint of Cognac goes perfectly with the rich lobster.

2) How Can I Indulge Even More?

Fortunately, Henlopen City has some amazing cocktails. Try one of their seasonal Old Fashioneds! I had peach because I visited smack in the middle of summer, but they might make an Old Fashioned with just about any fruit there is!

If that’s not enough decadence, go for one of their desserts like this blueberry buckle. Nothing’s better than that combination of soft cake and sugary crisp-osity on top, combined with an oyster bucket full of fresh blueberries.

I had never even heard of a “buckle” dessert before visiting this restaurant, but apparently it’s an old fashioned term for a fruit based coffee cake. And how appropriate that Henlopen City serves old fashioned drinks and old fashioned desserts when Henlopen City is what Rehoboth Beach was called in the 19th century.

3) What’s This About a Show?

We’re in luck, Internet Stranger, because I’m taking you to see a show at Rehoboth Beach’s regional theater, the Clear Space.

Obviously a small town theater doesn’t have the production values of a Broadway show, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a blast. I saw Mamma Mia here, which I have also seen on Broadway, and I have to say that I enjoyed the performance at the Clear Space more.

The best thing about the production is that the enthusiasm was so infectious. The actress who played Sophie seemed to have her entire family in attendance, and they would totally lose it with gleeful abandon any time she concluded a song.

Plus the performance of “Our Last Summer” was actually better than it was on Broadway. That’s the magic of regional theater!

Pro Tip! The lines at the bathroom were insanely long at intermission, but if you stay at the Avenue Inn and Spa, it’s close enough that you can use your own bathroom instead of waiting. You’re welcome!

Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE

Where To Stay?

What fun is a beach vacation without a little glamour? That’s why I recommend staying at the Avenue Inn and Spa. I loved staying here and it would be my number one choice for when I go back to Rehoboth Beach.

It has a perfect location right by the beach, a fantastic and relaxing spa for you to enjoy after you’ve had your fill of the beach, and a delightful wine and cheese spread every evening. What more could a sophisticated beach bunny ask for?

If you’d like to try a great deal on this hotel, click here.

And if you’re looking for deals on tons of other hotels in Rehoboth Beach, just click here. This search engine will help you find the perfect place to stay during your day of the best things to do Rehoboth Beach DE. With hundreds of options to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find something for your schedule and budget.

Those Are The Best Things to Do Rehoboth Beach DE

What do you think are the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach? Are you ready to start booking your hotel in Rehoboth Beach right now? Are raw oysters, oyster stew, and lobster too much shellfish for one meal, or just enough? And what’s better: zero sales tax or a Joe Biden section of a bookstore? Please email me at stellajane@aroundtheworldin24hours.com and let me know!

Note: If you want to know how I put my travel itineraries together, just click here. Keep in mind that while each article is about how to spend 24 hours in a place, that doesn’t mean you should ONLY spend 24 hours with the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach. There is so much more to do in this adorable beach town that you won’t want to miss.

You can also try the best activities in Rehoboth Beach.