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2018 Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes beach guide

Fins Raw Bar is a popular restaurant in Rehoboth. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
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Visitors can find beach bonfires and a legendary nightlife scene in Dewey; Rehoboth is home to a mile-long boardwalk and some of the area’s best restaurants; and those seeking a complete escape from the hustle and bustle head to Lewes for its quiet beaches and charming, historic town.   (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
(WTOP/Judy Taub)
An $11.5 million passenger terminal for the Cape May Lewes Ferry opened Thursday June 7, 2001, in Cape May, N.J. The terminal includes a glass enclosed bridge which connects to the ferry as well as a art gallery, gift shop, out door playground and miniature golf course. (AP Photo Chris Polk)
February 15, 2025 | New restaurants open in Dewey, Rehoboth for 2018 season (WTOP's John Domen)

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more beach news, traffic and weather, visit WTOP’s Summer Beach Guide section.

WASHINGTON — North of Bethany Beach, Delaware, is the final stretch of oceanfront destinations in the WTOP Summer Beach Guide: Dewey, Rehoboth and Lewes.

The three neighboring beach towns are only separated by a few miles of land, but each maintains its own sense of place.

Visitors can find beach bonfires and a legendary night life scene in Dewey; Rehoboth is home to a mile-long boardwalk and some of the area’s best restaurants; and those seeking a complete escape from the hustle and bustle head to Lewes for its quiet beaches and charming, historic town. All three are home to a growing craft brewery scene.

Best of all: The three towns are within a few minutes of each other by car.

Headed to the beaches bordering the Rehoboth/Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean? Let this guide help you navigate the area’s most exciting summer activities, best restaurants and can’t-miss events.

Don’t Miss

  • Shopping: No beach guide for Rehoboth and Dewey is complete without a mention of outlet shopping. Tanger Outlets draws a large crowd looking to take advantage of the state’s lack of sales tax — especially on rainy days. For smaller, independent stores, head to downtown Rehoboth and downtown Lewes.
Right near the bandstand and the boardwalk in downtown Rehoboth is Thrasher’s, a popular spot for hot french fries. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

Food

Food lovers will feel right at home in the area. Rehoboth, alone, has more than 100 restaurants, and Lewes has its share of cute and inviting eateries.

The Rehoboth Beach farmers market operates Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the summer; the historic Lewes farmers market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the summer.

Activities and Events

February 15, 2025 | It's all about the beer: Delaware's booming beach brewery scene (WTOP's John Domen)
  • The 3rd Annual Beach Goes Red, White & Blue Event: On June 9, the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Delaware’s police officers, firefighters, paramedics and military members. Entertainment and programming takes place around the Rehoboth bandstand, beginning at 11 a.m.

Rainy Days

Don’t let bad weather get you down. In addition to outlet and boutique shopping in the area, here are some other entertaining activities:

  • Peruse the selection at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and pick out your next beach read.
  • Explore Rehoboth’s Silver Lake neighborhood for a change in scenery. Walk along the lakefront and take in the views of the beautiful homes.
  • Lefty’s: This indoor bowling alley, arcade and laser tag arena is a great hangout for adults and kids, alike.

How to Get Around

Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, said metered street parking is at a premium during the summer months.

She suggests taking advantage of the town’s Park and Ride shuttle, which makes stops at the outlets, the boardwalk, and Dewey and Lewes beaches.

The Jolly Trolley runs throughout Dewey and Rehoboth Memorial Day through Labor Day, and visitors can purchase a parking permit at the visitor’s center for additional parking options.

Two new options for accommodations are coming online for the season, including Hotel Dewey (formerly the Sea Esta III). Crosswinds Motel in downtown Rehoboth recently added rooms and amenities.

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