Rehoboth Beach: Sand, Seafood, and So Much More

Explore Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The aromas of sea and saltwater taffy fill your senses when you arrive at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This charming seaside town makes a perfect getaway, promising to get the kinks out of your bones as well as your psyche. How's all that possible in a weekend? Almost everything you need lies within walking distance of the mile-long Boardwalk--flanked by beach and Atlantic Ocean on one side and restaurants and shops on the other.

Lodging
Do your best to stay on the beach. (No, it's not cheap, but no bargains await here in the summertime.) The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel is a beauty and close to the annual Sandcastle Contest. It has a good restaurant (Victoria's) as well as an indoor pool and Internet access ( Olive Avenue and Boardwalk; [302] 227-7169 or www.boardwalkplaza.com). Rates start at $244.

The Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center makes another great option with a vintage feel ( 101 North Boardwalk; [302] 227-2511 or www.atlanticsandshotel.com). Don't miss the oceanfront swimming pool and Oasis Spa. Rates start at $245.

left: Reserve an oceanfront room with a balcony at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel.

Dining

The salt air really revs up an appetite, and you won't go hungry in this town. Ready for breakfast? Dine at Victoria's, the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel's restaurant. Indulge in the tiny blueberry muffins and great coffee. Follow with the Raspberry Swirl French Toast ($11.95). For a Continental experience, try Café Papillon. A strawberry-and-whipped cream crêpe ($5.95) should start your day off right; (302) 227-7568. Another local favorite, Retro Cafe, serves up a great breakfast wrap ($6) of eggs, cheese, salsa, bacon, or sausage that also makes an excellent lunch; (302) 227-9752.

Try Jakes Seafood House for an early lunch (it gets crowded), and don't pass up the seafood bisque ($5-$7). The fried crab cake sandwich tastes great too ($10.95); (302) 227-6237 or www.jakesseafood.com.

Another popular lunch spot, Grotto Pizza, sits right on the Boardwalk. Get the Baker's Choice--pepperoni, sausage, sweet peppers, and a wonderful light crust ($17.29); (302) 227-3601. For dinner, you can't beat Blue Moon. They've been around for 25 years and have a yummy fried green tomato appetizer ($14) and a delicious rosemary-crusted rack of lamb ($39). Service and atmosphere make this a cut above; (302) 227-6515 or www.bluemoonrehoboth.com.

Atlantic Seafood Grille--located in the Atlantic Sands Hotel--offers such entrées as Mediterranean Chicken with artichoke hearts, basil, capers, and feta ($17); (302) 227-2093.

 

left: Blue Moon, a fine dining restaurant, serves mouthwatering tuna dishes.

Shopping

The main thing you need to know: Purchases are tax free, so get ready to do some heavy lifting in the shopping bag department. You must stop in at Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company, where you can buy all manner of flags, wind socks, kites, and toys; (302) 227-6996.

Serious shoppers head to State 1 and the Tanger Outlet Center, where more than 130 shops such as GUESS and L.L.Bean offer bargains; (302) 226-9223 or www.tangeroutlet.com.

Attractions
Look no further for entertainment than Funland. This family-owned amusement park offers rides and arcade games that light up the night sky; www.funlandrehoboth.com.

Check out the Rehoboth Art League, which features changing art exhibits and workshops; (302) 227-8408 or www.rehobothartleague.org. Their 33rd annual Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Exhibit takes place August 12-13 and 19-20.

Enjoy the free concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 8 p.m. on most Thursday-Sunday nights; www.rehobothbandstand.com.

Jungle Jim's River Safari Water Park is a popular choice for little ones who tire of the ocean waves. Here you'll find a lazy river, giant waterslides, and a great children's area; (302) 227-8444 or www.junglejimswaterpark.com.

For more information: Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, (302) 227-2233, 1-800-441-1329, or www.beach-fun.com.

left: The Rehoboth Art League features changing art exhibits and workshops.

Don't Miss

• 28th Annual Sandcastle Contest: August 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m.; located at the north end of the Boardwalk.
• Annual All Saints Episcopal Church Antiques Show: August 3-5, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center; (302) 227-7202.
• Saltwater taffy at Dolle's: It's an icon of the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Not a taffy kind of person? Their caramel popcorn is also a favorite; (302) 227-0757 or www.dolles-ibachs.com.
• Stopping in at Udder Delight for a cone of creamy homemade ice cream (get the Chocolate Chocolate Thunder) or Kohr Bros. for frozen custard; www.kohrbros.com.

left: Sand sculptors of all ages descend upon Rehoboth Beach for the annual Sandcastle Contest.

When You Go

Friday

• Check in to Boardwalk Plaza Hotel.
• Eat lunch at Jakes Seafood House.
• Pick up some saltwater taffy at Dolle's.
• Hit the beach.
• Dine at Blue Moon.
• Enjoy a bandstand concert on the Boardwalk.

Saturday

• Have breakfast at Café Papillon.
• Buy a kite at Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company.
• Stop for lunch at Grotto Pizza.
• Visit the Rehoboth Art League exhibits.
• Sample the fare at Atlantic Seafood Grille for dinner.
• Spend the evening at Funland.

Sunday

• Linger over breakfast at Victoria's.
• Shop at the Tanger Outlet Center.
• Grab lunch at Retro Cafe.
• Get wet at Jungle Jim's River Safari Water Park.
• Indulge in a cone of frozen custard at Kohr Bros.

left: At night, take in the 18 rides and 13 midway games at Funland.


"Sand, Sea, and So Much More" is from the August 2006 issue of Southern Living.