Ugh!! Another day at the beach, nature sights, tax-free shopping, and scenic bike and walking trails.
Just kidding. Of course, these are all wonderful. Still…is there something different I haven’t tried, or friends from out of town would really find interesting?
YES! There are endless possibilities for retiree and family excursions in Rehoboth Beach and its surrounding beach communities! Well beyond the typical day spent at the beach, here are three days of fun, planned out for you. These suggestions will help newbies to connect like a local, and highlight some great options so that even those who have lived here for a long time can pick activities to engage your friends with some of the great options at your doorstep.
DAY 1
Today gets you out and about for an active day, so be sure to set aside enough time to soak in the sights, and be sure to bring plenty of water (don’t forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes).
Enjoy the bounty of local farms with a morning visit to Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, where you can find local produce, jams and lavender products, and even flash-frozen sockeye salmon.
Then, enjoy a stroll or bike ride through Cape Henlopen’s most popular trail, Gordon’s Pond Trail. This 5.2 mile trail is an easy hike with level terrain Bike or walk through magnificent water and wildlife views! People rave about the pond’s boardwalk that goes over marshlands and through natural wetlands. Access to the trail is convenient, with two options, through either the Rehoboth Beach or Lewes parking lots within the state park.
Spend the evening cooking up some amazing local fare for your company with your fresh produce from the Farmers Market. Fire up the grill for some great barbeque, or grill up a local catch. (The local seafood is exceptional!) Enjoy the sunset with great food to match your great company. If you need a break after that long hike or bike, consider takeouts, or a celebration at one of the myriad award-winning restaurants Delaware offers.
DAY 2
Take in the sights and learn the local lure in a guided van tour! Even long-time residents might learn something new from the extremely knowledgeable guides. Enjoy a stroll on the famous Rehoboth boardwalk, before a fun-filled evening. Be sure to treat yourself with dinner at the new Port 25, followed by an entertaining show at Clear Space Theatre – all walkable in the heart of town!
You’ll start mid-morning with Delmarva Discovery Tours getting to know your surroundings in Rehoboth and beyond, as you discover the many treasures on the peninsula with Delmarva Discovery Tours. This interactive journey takes the mystery out of finding where the best places to eat, drink and enjoy yourselves. There’s nothing better than hearing about it from a local! Wineries, brew pubs, farms and beaches you’ve never heard of await you – and they do all of the driving, so you can relax. With private and group tours available, this is a great way to engage your visitors!
When you return from your tour, you’re going to need to stretch those legs, and there’s no better place than Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk! This famous, one-mile long boardwalk has plenty of sightseeing, shops and restaurants, from the famous frozen yogurt from Kohr’s Bros. to the iconic pies at Grotto’s Pizza. There’s plenty of cuisine to suit the entire family, and for the grandkids, there’s Funland. This iconic amusement park has been in operation for three generations. (For more fun, remember bikes are allowed on the boardwalk are allowed until 10 am during the summer season.)
DAY 3
Time to relax by now, wouldn’t you agree? A morning at one of the many beaches down the coastline is in order, and there are many to choose from. Rehoboth Beach is popular, and has the boardwalk amenities right there. But if you are looking for a more rugged or dog-friendly destination for your morning visit, you’re in luck because Delaware loves dogs! They really do. Cape Henlopen State Park, where natural, uninterrupted beaches allow for long walks, lounging, or surf fishing,also welcomes dogs on the beach YEAR ROUND (with certain restrictions, of course). Check out Cape Henlopen’s designated pet areas before you visit. With over 26 miles of coastline you can’t go wrong choosing your style of being a beach bum.
Go home, relax and regroup before heading out for dinner and a show as the grand finale of your 3-day visit. For casual dining (perfect after a day spent at the beach), try the stylish new Port 251, which features indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu of Europe’s finest port cities cuisine. Billing itself as flip-flop and dog friendly, it has already been voted as Best Outdoor Restaurant in Rehoboth. Serving brunch and dinner, it also offers a large selection of European and domestic wines.
Finally, you can top off the 3-day staycation by taking in a stellar, local performance. Clear Space Theatre Company is a unique, beach-block community theatre company that will draw you in with spellbinding theatre. It consists of professional actors and community volunteers alike. A gem in Southern Delaware, it not only provides entertainment in its numerous shows, but also has an academy that provides students with an interest in the arts with camps and ongoing education (senior classes too). Clear Space recently announced its 2020-21 season of musicals that you won’t want to miss!
Three days of taking in the sights and sounds of the Rehoboth-surrounds will leave your visitors planning when they can visit again – and leave you reflecting on how much you LOVE LIVING HERE! As you can see, it’s not just about the beach and boardwalk. There are endless opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Enjoy!