City of Rehoboth Beach has been around since its founding in 1873. Its mile long boardwalk is lined with wide dunes, beach and Atlantic Ocean on the seaward, and restaurants, shops, hotels and amusements on the landward. Locals claim it is the "Nation's Summer Capital," but this might be challenged by numerous other vestigial surf and sand spots on the east, west and gulf coasts. Still, it's okay if they want to brag; we all do.
As Jersey Shore folk for decades, we were very pleasantly surprised by how nice Rehoboth Beach was. It has a seductive human scale that is very appealing. Boardwalk easily walked end to end, well preserved natural beauty in dunes, wide beach and pounding surf, and better than decent snack options all along the way. Even Kohl's Soft Ice Cream at three locations.
Our hotel was 100' from the boards, and our second floor balcony allowed us to see and hear what was going on without being overwhelmed. We spent dusk walking the beach witnessing amazing pastel colors at the wide horizon. Seagulls wheeling overhead and divebombing us looking for handouts. It was all quite wonderful.
The businesses we visited were energized, friendly and reasonable priced for a vacation town. Sure, there was some honky tonk, but not too much, and it all mixed in well.
Cape Henlopen State Park is just to the north, with even more dunes, beach and remains of a World War II military base. Too, the homes in North Shore Estates are incredible and incredibly expensive.
I think we were seduced by Rehoboth Beach. We're not complaining. read more