The Best Places to Play in Rehoboth Beach
The resort town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, draws thousands of visitors each year. While this East Coast beach town used to be pretty quiet during the shoulder months of vacation season, people now come to visit its famous mile-long boardwalk all year round. This is due in no small part to all the cool things the city has to offer.
01 Stroll down the boardwalk
Sturdy boards, seasoned with salt from the sea air, create a path of discovery along the Delaware shore. Scents of grilled burgers and fries from beachside cafes invite you to lunch. For dessert, dig your toes into the sand and snack on saltwater taffy as you watch the waves roll in. A walk on a concrete sidewalk will never feel the same again.
02 Go shopping at the Penny Lane Mall
Since you're going to be on the boardwalk anyway, a stop by Penny Lane Mall is in order. On this side street just off the boardwalk, small shops call to mind Harry Potter's experience in Diagon Alley. Mystical jewelry, imported wines, and even rocking chairs for resting are all part of the magic. For the best experience, visit the shops at night, when the stars above the open-air mall light your way.
03 Catch a crab boat
Rehoboth rolls out the sandy carpet, so to speak, to would-be crabbers. Places like Holts Landing State Park attract lots of experienced crabbers. If you haven't yet fished for these little crustaceans, there are charter tours that teach you how. Boat crew members help you set the crab traps and encourage you to throw out a line while you wait for dinner to be caught.
04 Play at Jungle Jim's
If you and yours are having a spirited debate about whether to go to an amusement park or a waterslide for the day, stop arguing and head over to Jungle Jim's. Part amusement park, part water park, Jungle Jim's turns on the cool when the weather gets hot. A stint in the innertube bumper boats solves the issue of which activity to do first, once and for all.
05 Buy some fresh produce at the farmer's market
You'll find all you need at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market to make a feast, from blueberry muffins bubbling over with brown sugar to succulent tomatoes. This experience is a staple in every sense of the word. If you go, pack along your produce bag and your rain slicker because this foodie love affair happens every Tuesday, rain or shine.
06 Tour the Indian River Life-Saving Station
Life by the sea means salty air, moonlit tides, and in the old days, shipwrecks. You can experience two of the three things on this list pretty much anywhere in town. However, the Indian River Life-Saving Station is the only place to learn about the brave people working to save those sinking boats. This treasure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for self-guided tours.
07 See a rock concert at the Bottle & Cork
What concerts at the Bottle & Cork lack in polish, they make up for in rock-n-roll grit. This 21-and-over experience has more prominent names than you might expect at a bar, including the Goo Goo Dolls and the Dave Matthews Band. However, be sure to stop by an ATM for some cash before you go. The bar doesn't take credit cards, but what it might lack in convenience, it more than makes up for in the jam.
08 Take the kids to the Lake Gerar Tot Lot
Growing youngsters have a lot of energy, and if they don't get the opportunity to blow off some steam from time to time, they're bound to erupt. Thankfully, the Lake Gerar Tot Lot offers a solution to keep tantrums at bay. This little playground comes equipped with all manner of kiddie delights, including slides. For grown-ups, the lake and walking trails create opportunities for exercise and contemplation.
09 Visit the Sea Witch Festival in October
In Rehoboth, the Sea Witch comes out every October to escort costumed kiddies down the street for one colorful parade. Fall festival fun includes food and games, wares by local artisans, and live entertainment. If you're really ambitious, lace up your sneakers and run the 5K before indulging in the sights and tastes of this pre-Halloween celebration.
10 Unwind with a craft beer
For a beer connoisseur, there's no better way to enjoy an afternoon than with a carefully crafted local beer or two. Rehoboth has acquired its share of craft breweries in recent years, allowing brew aficionados a chance to compare notes with like-minded folks. Places like Dogfish Brewery offer tours of their facilities, allowing you to build up your knowledge—and your thirst—before you sip.
11 Bike the scenic route between Lewes and Rehoboth
Bike riding counts as a favorite activity among outdoor enthusiasts in the area. The trail at Gordon Pond grants cyclists access to the scenic route between Rehoboth and Lewes, two of Delaware's most popular resort areas. Instead of honking horns and traffic lights, riders breeze by a saltwater lagoon and local flora and fauna to get to where they're going, whether it's to a beach picnic or a tasty meal at a local pub.
12 Get lost in a story at Browseabout Books
If you're looking for a novel way to spend the afternoon, look no further than Browseabout Books. Aside from selling tomes by big-time and local authors alike, this bookshop also stocks puzzles and games. They keep the coffee brewing 363 days a year, making it a haven for residents and visiting lit lovers alike. It's a very literary way to spend an afternoon.
13 See a show at Clear Space Theater Company
Live theater unites audiences through laughter and shared universal truths. In this city, the place to experience that is at the Clear Space Theater Company. Aside from giving you the chance to watch productions of "Grease" and other plays, spending an evening at this theater supports local kids' programs long after your stay in Rehoboth is done.
14 Enjoy outdoor performances at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Every year from June until late summer, live musical acts perform at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. It's an experience that tickles the ears and feeds the soul. That it takes place right at the beach is a bonus. After this experience, it's likely that music backed by ocean waves will become the soundtrack of your life.
15 Get your creativity on at the Rehoboth Art League
Taking home some local art beats going to a souvenir shop any day, and in this city, there are few better ways to find that art than at the Rehoboth Art League. Three art galleries form the foundation for the artistic experience, while classes and community tent shows create space for art lovers to learn more about various disciplines in a low-key way.
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