If You're NearbyBeachesBeachesBoardwalks

Rehoboth and Delaware's Beaches

Delaware

The "nation's summer capital" beach towns: Rehoboth's boardwalk, historic Lewes, and tax-free shopping.

Photo: Dough4872 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Washington's families and many LGBTQ visitors have long come to Rehoboth. Lewes, the first town in the first state, is quieter. Cape Henlopen State Park has big dunes and World War II towers.

Best Time
June–September
Time Needed
2–3 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Check before you go; hours vary by season
Getting There
About 2.5 hours by car from Washington, DC.

What to See

2 of 3 are free
Free2 hours

Rehoboth Boardwalk

A mile of fries, arcades and Funland.

Free2 hours

Lewes

Historic homes, canal and Zwaanendael Museum.

Half a day

Cape Henlopen State Park

Dunes, trails and a climbable WWII tower.

Know Before You Go

  • Summer parking and traffic are hard. Book rooms early.

Where to Stay

Stay in Rehoboth or Lewes.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Something wrong or out of date?

Traveler Reviews

Sign in and mark Rehoboth and Delaware's Beaches as visited to write a review.

Go Next

Worth a Detour
Heritage · Gardens

Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine Valley

Pennsylvania and Delaware

The du Ponts' country: America's greatest garden, Winterthur's vast decorative arts collection, and the Wyeths' art.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Beaches · Wild ponies

Chincoteague and Assateague

Virginia

An undeveloped barrier-island beach where wild ponies graze in the marsh.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Beaches · Beaches

Ocean City

Maryland

Maryland's classic beach town, with a three-mile boardwalk, crab feasts and Assateague's wild ponies next door.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.