Southern Delaware is home to some of DC’s favorite beach destinations. With five family-friendly destinations to choose from, it can be hard to narrow the choices and pick which beach town is just right for your family. From kid-friendly eats to rainy day fun, we rounded up the best family activities in each destination to help you make the best choice. Once you settle on your home base, be sure to check out our guides to nearby Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island for more fun things to see and do in Southern Delaware. For more information on Rehoboth Beach, read on.
Rehoboth Beach
Just a quick 3-hour trip from Washington, Rehoboth Beach ranks as the #1 beach destination for DC residents. In fact, so many people make the drive from DC to Delaware that this small town is often referred to as the nation’s “Summer Capital.” From boardwalk staples like Funland amusement park and Zelky’s arcade to natural attractions like the free public beach and Gordon’s Pond State Park, it’s no wonder families flock to this beach destination. Scroll down to discover the best places to stay and what to do with kids when you’re in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Where to Play
Gordon Pond State Park includes a recreational beach area and a bike path that winds its way around a marshy pond, through a coastal forest and over a bike-friendly boardwalk ($10 fee for out-of-state vehicles). To get there, you’ll drive through the tony oceanfront neighborhood of North Shores where President Biden has a home.
If you’re looking for a unique bike ride, head to the boardwalk downtown where you can rent a 2 or 4-seat surrey at Bob’s Bike Rental (just a few doors down from Avenue Inn). The boardwalk is also home to Funland, which has been serving up peace, love and (naturally) fun since 1962.. This year they are celebrating 60 years of classic rides, toddler favorites and teen thrills. From fire trucks and a kiddie wheel (a pint-sized Ferris wheel) to tea cups and bumper cars, you’re guaranteed to find fun at this adventure park.
Rainy Day Fun
Funland also works on a rainy day. Most of the rides are outside, but you will find a number of toddler-friendly attractions indoors, a carousel, the Haunted Mansion and carnival-type games. Just a few steps away is Zelky’s, a family-friendly arcade, and another must-stop on the boardwalk (rain or shine). Challenge the fam to a rousing game of skeeball or air hockey or try your luck at one of the many claw machines.
photo: Jean Balzan via Pexels
Where to Eat
Salt Air, self-described as “beach picnic” fare, is reminiscent of a beach picnic Gwyneth Paltrow might pull together. This upscale restaurant offers fresh, inventive dishes using local ingredients and sustainable fish. Despite catering to foodie adults, this restaurant has a children’s menu for kids with grown-up taste. Just a short walk away, DC restauranteur Chef Todd Gray owns Federal Fritter where you can carry out corn fritters as a beach-side snack (or eat them as you stroll the boardwalk). When a hot day has you yearning for a scoop (or two), be sure to head to The Ice Cream Store where you can sugar load with a flavor aptly named Crack.
Where to Stay
There are a couple of hotels that line Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk, like the Atlantic Sands and the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, but one of the best-kept secrets is the family-friendly Avenue Inn & Spa, tucked along one of the side streets downtown just one block from the beach and boardwalk. This hotel helps you unwind after playing all day with a complimentary wine and cheese hour from 5-6 p.m. and fresh baked cookies every night at 8 p.m. Bonus: there is an indoor saltwater pool onsite. If you’re looking for a little more room than a hotel or inn offers, consider this modern, 3-bedroom Airbnb townhouse just a 5-minute drive to the beach and within walking distance of downtown Rehoboth
