Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a family favorite in my household. My family has owned a house in at this Delaware beach for well over two decades. Growing up going up to Rehoboth regularly, my family has a long list of their favorite things to do in Rehoboth Beach, including favorite stores (tax-free shopping!), the mile-long boardwalk, rides at Funland, breweries and restaurants right on the Atlantic Ocean.
Listed below are some of my family’s favorite must-do stops in the city, whether you visit in the summer months or even after Labor Day. Located an easy drive from Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, Maryland (just north of Bethany Beach) and Washington, D.C., this family-friendly beach has it all!
Funland
Founded in 1961, Funland family amusement park is a staple of the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. It features a haunted house, tea cups, a pirate ship ride among many more.
Parents will love that there is a section of rides designated for younger kids, so everyone can feel included.
In addition, there are numerous boardwalk games and crane games that line the facade of the building that visitors can play right from the Rehoboth boardwalk. The best part is that visitors pay for rides and games individually, through the purchase of tickets, so parents can hang out for free while kids can explore the many rides and games. What could be better?
Jungle Jim’s
Known as Delaware’s largest water park, Jungle Jim’s is located along Coastal Highway Route 1 in the city of Rehoboth. Along with several massive water slides, it also has bumper boats, a lazy river, mini-golf course and batting cages.
In addition to these amenities, there is a kid’s spray ground and kiddie pool. Different areas of the park do require different tickets to be purchased, which can be done online or at the front gates of the park.
Shell We Golf
Shell We Golf is a tropical shell-themed mini golf course and the perfect spot to get a taste of the beach, without being on the beach.
This course has 19 holes and a fun, family friendly theme. Located along Coastal Highway Route 1, it is attached to the Sea Shell Shop (hence the sea shell theme) and also features an ice cream shop appropriately named Shell We Eat Ice Cream.
If you forget to pick up some goodies or want to wander on a rainy day, don’t worry– there is another Sea Shell Shop on Rehoboth Avenue, closer to the beach itself.
Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company
With two locations in close proximity to the beach, Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company offers a fun hands on experience for kids (and adults) to try out board games, puzzles, kites and so much more.
The store has a wide selection of kites, flags and games. There is a large area of games to freely play with and test before you buy too.
Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company is sure to be a highlight for the whole family, even if you don’t buy anything. The bright colors and fun things absolutely covering every inch of the store will definitely brighten and cloudy beach days too.
Candy Kitchen
Since 1937, Candy Kitchen has been a beach staple. With a wide variety of locally made fudges and candies, there is always something yummy to be had.
The store has a fun, classic candy store atmosphere, with large candy canisters filling the store. Even if you don’t buy any candy, the fresh chocolate smell that fills the store is reward enough for stopping in.
There are Candy Kitchen locations in both Rehoboth and Ocean City, MD.
Grotto’s Pizza
With three locations in Rehoboth alone, Grotto’s Pizza is THE pizza shop to try. A variety of freshly baked pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, Grotto’s is more than just another pizza shop.
The restaurant boasts “the legendary taste” of Grotto’s, but there’s only one way to find out if it lives up to its praises. Grab a freshly baked pizza to enjoy right on the beach for the full, authentic Rehoboth experience.
Thrasher’s French Fries
Since 1929, Thrasher’s French Fries has been a boardwalk staple of Rehoboth Beach. It has perfected its recipe of french fries fried in peanut oil (nut-allergy sufferers take note).
You can order different sizes of the classic french fry but all come with extra fries heaping out of the cup. You’ll be sure to recognize Thrasher’s with its tall clock tower located next to the iconic Dolly’s taffy shop on the boardwalk.
Bella Luna Boutique
Bella Luna Boutique is arguably the cutest little boutique in the city. With handmade jewelry, books, candles, knick knacks, sunglasses and all kinds of cute items, this is a great girly local shop.
Parents take note: this may not be the best place to bring young kids, as there are many breakable items. Try to pop in as this is a great small shop to support while at the beach.
Browseabout Books
Browseabout Books, an expansive bookstore in Rehoboth Beach, is the perfect place to find your next beach read. The store has a large selection of fiction, nonfiction, novels, magazines and a huge section of kids books.
Throughout the year there are author book signings and book talks held at the store, featuring some of the year’s bestselling and local authors. Check out their website for more details on book events.
Nuevo Taco
For authentic, filling and delicious tacos, check out Nuevo Taco. On the menu, the restaurant boasts a taco with three different kinds of meat and a salsa platter with a whole host of homemade salsas, guacamole and queso.
Located near the beach, this is an easy place to order takeout and bring to a picnic on beach.
DogFish Head Brewings and Eats
Dogfish Head is a beloved local Delaware brewery that has a pub in Rehoboth Beach. Kids are welcome, with coloring and kid-friendly menu,so don’t be shy about grabbing a table.
Parents will love that they can get a flight of beer, and even a flight of gin to find their favorites. While we love their “Mellowdious Gin” and 120 IPA, you are sure to find something in their shop next door.
There are plenty of tables and even outdoor seating, so pull up a chair and see what Rehoboth Beach offers in the form of beer.
Love state parks? Check out this hike to Cunningham Falls in Maryland!
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen is a Delaware state park in Lewes, DE (Sussex County), just north of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. There are bike loops to wander and mile-long nature trails to explore when you visit this seaside park. Horseback riding is allowed (seasonally), and there are camping sites you can book if you want to stay the weekend.
You may even see surfers out catching a few waves, not something many of us think about doing when planning a Delaware trip. There are lifegurards at designated beaches, so bring your swimsuit on warm weather days.
History buffs should not skip a trip to Fort Miles Historic area to learn about past battles, and down by Gordon Pond to see the WWII Artillery Fire Observation Tower.
Looking for a Rehoboth Beach Hotel?
Check out a few of our favorites hotels in Rehoboth that are close to town and the beach.
- The Bellmoor Inn and Spa: Modern inn close to the action
- Hampton Inn Rehoboth Beach: Free breakfast + pool
- The Homestead at Rehoboth Bed & Breakfast: Top-rated B&B at the beach
- The Breakers Hotel and Suites: Pet-friendly with a pool
- Boardwalk Plaza Hotel: Oceanview rooms
Looking for more? Search for a great deal on Booking.com.
Rehoboth Beach Airbnb + VRBO Vacation Rental Options
Sometimes we want a little more space, which is why we rent a beach house or condo. We aren’t so into sharing a private room in someone else’s house via Airbnb.com, so these are our favorite private properties you can get all to yourself.
- Entire newly renovated cottage
- Ocean Front Rehoboth Boardwalk
- Rehoboth Oceanfront chic condo
- Charming 1 Bedroom Cottage in Rehoboth Beach Pines
- Townhouse 1-block from beach
