Rehoboth Beach | USA Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a coastal municipality and major Atlantic resort town in Sussex County. It serves as the primary regional center for seasonal tourism and retail, known as the "Nation’s Summer Capital" due to its proximity to the District of Columbia.

Historical Timeline

The city was incorporated in 1891, originally established in 1873 as the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Governance transitioned from a religious retreat to a secular summer resort in the late 19th century. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 1925 completion of the paved highway from Georgetown, which enabled mass automobile tourism and initiated the development of the Boardwalk and commercial commercial grid.

Demographics & Population

The permanent population is approximately 1,151, though summer weekend populations frequently exceed 25,000. The top three ethnic demographics are White (89.5%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%), and Two or More Races (3.1%). The median age of permanent residents is 64.2 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized on a grid centered on Rehoboth Avenue. The Boardwalk (East) is the primary entertainment and tourist district. The Downtown/Commercial District (Central) contains the highest density of retail and dining, while North Shores and Henlopen Acres (North) serve as affluent residential enclaves.

Top City Landmarks

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Funland (Historic amusement park)

Penny Lane Mall

Anna Hazzard Museum

Indian River Life-Saving Station (Nearby)

Transportation Network

Movement within the city is facilitated by the DART First State bus system and the "Jolly Trolley" shuttle connecting to Dewey Beach. There are no metro or tram systems. Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft is highly available during summer. Official taxis include Beach Ride and City Cab. Traffic density is critical on Route 1 and Rehoboth Avenue from June through August.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is high. There are no specific "red zones," though the Boardwalk area can experience minor disturbances during late-night hours in peak season. Bicycle theft is the most common property crime; cyclists should use high-security locks.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 400 Mbps via Comcast Xfinity or Verizon. Main mobile carriers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is universal, though some boardwalk stalls are cash-only. Delaware has no state sales tax. ATMs are ubiquitous along Rehoboth Avenue.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -1°C to 7°C in January and 21°C to 30°C in July. Air quality is high due to Atlantic sea breezes. Weather risks include significant coastal flooding during Nor'easters and the potential for hurricanes between June and November.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping of 18–20% is standard. Greetings are informal. Dress code is beach-casual, though shirts and shoes are required in all restaurants. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the beach, boardwalk, and in parks.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in the Downtown/Boardwalk area for walking access to the beach and primary attractions. Stay along Route 1 (The Highway) for proximity to tax-free outlet malls and lower-cost hotel chains.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: USD 4.75

1 Standard Lunch: USD 22.00

1 Bus Ticket: USD 2.00 (DART)

Nearby Day Trips

Cape Henlopen State Park (8 km)

Lewes, DE (10 km)

Bethany Beach, DE (20 km)

Ocean City, MD (45 km)

Facts & Legends

Rehoboth Beach is a designated "Blue Flag" beach, an international mark of high environmental and quality standards. Local legend involves the "Cape Henlopen Ghost," a spectral figure believed to be a British soldier from the Revolutionary War who is occasionally sighted on the dunes of the neighboring state park during the winter solstice.