Rehoboth Beach: The Nation’s Summer CapitalRehoboth Beach: The Nation’s Summer Capital Nestled along the Atlantic coastline, Rehoboth Beach has earned the affectionate nickname “The Nation’s Summer Capital,” attracting countless Washingtonians and visitors seeking a blissful seaside escape. Distance from Washington, DC: * Approximately 199 kilometers (123 miles) * Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes LGBTQ+ Destination: In the 1950s, Rehoboth Beach became a popular destination for LGBTQ+ beachgoers, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that continues to thrive today. Charming Downtown: Strolling down the main drag of Rehoboth Avenue, you’ll discover a delightful fusion of boutiques offering chic attire and Scandinavian art, alongside beloved local businesses like Browseabout Books and Penny Lane Mall. Boardwalk Bliss: The iconic mile-long boardwalk offers a classic seaside experience, with arcades, shops, and ample space for strolling. The historic Funland amusement park is a must-see for families, featuring old-school games and modern rides. Cozy Beaches: Just a few blocks from the bustling downtown, the beautiful beach provides ample space for relaxation and sunbathing. Head southward towards Poodle Beach, a popular LGBTQ+ hangout, or explore the scenic North Shores beach, a longstanding lesbian beach. Nature’s Embrace: Beyond the boardwalk, Rehoboth offers a tranquil escape at Gordons Pond, a salt marsh habitat rich in birdlife and surrounded by hiking and biking trails. Timeless Appeal: Despite the passage of time, Rehoboth’s timeless essence remains intact. The streets outside the downtown area are adorned with charming homes rather than towering condos, preserving the resort town’s intimate ambiance. Beer and Wine Trails: Embark on an enticing beer and wine adventure in the surrounding area. Discover bold flavors and unique ingredients at Dogfish Head, embark on a guided tour at Nassau Valley Vineyards, or savor the sweet notes of smoothie-like fruit sours at Dewey Beer Co.
Distance from DC: 199 kilometers, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by car.
So many Washingtonians flock to Rehoboth Beach, Del., each summer that the city long ago adopted the nickname “The Nation’s Summer Capital.” It’s a destination for diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ beachgoers, who began arriving in the 1950s and eventually transformed the city. It’s known for restaurants, shopping, a beloved boardwalk arcade and lots of ice cream and pizza shops. Oh, and cameos from President Biden, who has a beach house just north of downtown.
It can be tough to reach a consensus in Washington, DC, but Rehoboth is our pick for a beach town that’s suitable for almost any occasion: a multi-generational reunion, a get-together with college buddies, a weekend getaway with the kids, or a romantic couples getaway.
Rehoboth has established itself as the grande dame of Delaware beaches — you’re more likely to find boutiques selling chic dresses or Scandinavian art on the main drag of Rehoboth Avenue than questionable T-shirts. Longtime favorite Browseabout Books is where to pick up a beach book or stop by an author signing. Penny Lane Mall, tucked down a quaint alley, is a window-shopper’s dream, with a photo gallery, nautical-themed home-decor shops, jewelry stores and an ice cream parlor. The decades-old CAMP Rehoboth hosts art shows and meditation classes. Rock, country and tribute bands (think Elton John or the Eagles) play Friday through Sunday nights in the boardwalk gazebo.
The mile-long boardwalk, a few blocks from the central business district, offers the expected mix of arcades and shops selling ice cream, bodyboards and T-shirts. The historic Funland amusement park, filled with old-school games and modern rides, is a must-do for kids of all ages. The rest of the boardwalk functions as a wooden walkway. On weekends, when the beach closest to the bandstand is covered in towels and umbrellas, pick a direction and follow it to less crowded areas. Head south and you’ll eventually come to Poodle Beach, a longtime gay hangout. For more exercise, just north of Rehoboth is Gordons Pond, a beautiful salt marsh known for its migrating and nesting birds, with hiking and biking trails. Between Gordons Pond and Rehoboth is North Shores, the city’s longstanding lesbian beach.
But Rehoboth’s charms are timeless: The streets outside the center are lined with homes, not towering condos and hotels. The atmosphere of Rehoboth is largely the same as it was a decade ago, or a decade before that. And that’s what keeps people coming back.
Do not miss it: Rehoboth is a great starting point for exploring the area’s beer and wine scene. Nearby breweries include Dogfish Head, known for its bold flavors and unusual ingredients, which offers tours and tastings on its mothership in Milton, and Dewey Beer Co., which has built a national reputation for smoothie-like fruit sours and tropical hazy IPAs and now has a brewery and tasting room in Harbeson, as well as the original brewpub in Dewey Beach. Wine lovers should head to Nassau Valley Vineyards, which has live music and an art gallery, along with guided tours and tastings. —Fritz Hahn
