Welcome to Rehoboth Beach Delaware!
Rehoboth Beach Delaware History

Rehoboth Delaware, (also known as the 'Nation's Summer Capital') is a popular, entrancing resort city located on the eastern shore of Delaware. Though this blissful city is complete with every accommodation one could desire or need, it still carries the sensation of a small town with an invitation on every corner saying; “ Welcome, come in and stay awhile and enjoy our bounty.” The first to enjoy this beautiful oceanside land, were the Native Americans as they'd travel and visit during the summer months to enjoy the cool ocean breezes, warm sun and vivid blue skies. It was not until the years of 1650 to 1675 that the English and Dutch settlers put their roots down and the land became home to many farmers and participants of the William Penn's earliest legislatures. In 1872, after the Reverend Robert W. Todd visited a camp meeting on the Jersey beaches, he decided to pursue the idea of starting a camp meeting himself on the Delaware shore. In 1873 he bought over 400 acres of land from the local farmers and began the Rehoboth camp meeting association. Soon, many others traveled to Delaware and began utilizing the grounds as well. In 1891, the Delaware General Assembly established a municipality for the land naming it Henlopen City, and months later, it was renamed Rehoboth Beach. The first paved road in the city was designed and implemented in 1925, creating new avenues of travel, especially to the city of Washington DC. This brought many legislators, diplomats and government employees to the beach area, thus came the nickname for Rehoboth becoming the 'Nation's Summer Capital'. Even with its tremendous growth over the years, Rehoboth has never lost it's charm or coziness. In 1873, the infamous boardwalk was built, a place currently that millions of people frequent from all over the world. This mile long, seaside gathering spot is a wonderful place to stroll with the sound of the breaking waves and seagulls clamoring, the smell of salt in the air, boutiques, eateries, and a birds eye view of the dolphins as they frolic and splash in the ocean water.

In the famous Dickens classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol, the beloved character Tiny Tim spoke the memorable words, “There was everything and more”. When one visits Rehoboth Delaware, those words ring ever so true, as there is an abundance of everything in this city to delight every one of the senses. Not only does this city offer vast sandy beaches, surfing, volleyball, sand castle contests, beach combing, prosperous fishing with a bounty of bluefish, rock fish, tautog, flounder and sea trout, but there is also all the advantages of city life. For those who love to shop, there are plenty of boutiques to wow you on Rehoboth's Main street as well as the Tanger Outlets with 130 brand name shops to fulfill every need or desire one could have. For savory dishes to please every kind of palate, Rehoboth offers many diverse eateries, from formal dining to casual, or a quick bite of hot, cheesy pizza at the infamous Grotto's pizza, while strolling along the boardwalk. Vitoria's restaurant, nestled within the spectacular Boardwalk Hotel, is one of the beaches favorite and most popular places to dine. Victoria's is known for it's gourmet dishes, scrumptious Sunday brunches, afternoon tea, cozy bar with a fireplace, and for the ambiance of going back in time to the Victorian era, making each guest feel pampered, peaceful and like royalty! Another popular eatery in town is The Pig and Fish Restaurant Company. This cozy eatery is open year round, offering a delightful happy hour with a fireside bar, along with a delicious prime rib dinner on Sundays. For a soul warming evening, Partner's Bistro and Piano Bar offers live entertainment nightly. One cannot visit Rehoboth without eating at the renowned Nicola's pizza. Not only is the pizza out of this world, but the ambiance of this eatery is enchanting with it's abundance of autographed pictures of famous stars who have frequented this happy abode, and a train that takes you back to your childhood days as it continuously circles the restaurant, while you sit and enjoy the mouth watering, authentic pizza, a frosty mug of beer, glass of wine or ice cold soda!

For those who love history, the city has several museums as well as the Rehoboth Beach Historical society. The Anna Hazzard Museum contains photos, maps, descriptions and information on all the places to go and things to do in the city. The Rehoboth Beach Museum offers plenty of information on the city's rich and exciting history. The Rehoboth Railroad Station serves as a visitor center where maps and info on local events can be obtained. While in Rehoboth, the outside activities are limitless. With Kings Creek Country Club as well as Rehoboth Beach Country Club, there are beautiful areas to enjoy golfing by the water and get a bite to eat, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Bay. Rehoboth is nearby the Nassau Vineyards located in Lewes, where wine tasting and touring is encouraged. For the kid in all of us, there is Jungle Jim's amusement Park with bumper boats, rock climbing and a water park.

The city has wonderful physical fitness facilities with Gold's gym, the YMCA, Curves and Body Shop Fitness Center. For the art buffs, there is the Gallery 50 winter film series every Saturday through the month of March where influential artist's such as Jackson Pollack and Vincent Van Gough are explored. Another great place to visit for some R&R is the Sea Witch Manor Inn and Spa, where the B&B will take you back to your favorite period of time with it's many diverse theme rooms.

Though Rehoboth is a renowned city, it has all the charm and attraction of small town living with it's many community fetes. Some of the popular city events that attract people from all around the world are Rehoboth's annual Christmas parade, yearly Chocolate festival, and the film and jazz festival. Being that the city is only 2 hours from the Nation's Capital, Washington DC, and historic Maryland , Baltimore and Pennsylvania, it is a perfect location for those who love to travel and enjoy more of the east coasts spectacular history and beauty. Whether you are looking for a place to settle down, spend a summer or take a weeks vacation, Rehoboth beach is a city that is not only captivating, but is a city that will charm you and draw you back, beckoning you to return, with it's warmth, beauty, friendly people and enduring history.

AARP has named Rehoboth Beach as one of five dream towns as "Best Places to Retire". See their article in the July issue of AARP's magazine or access the article online: Rehoboth Beach - Dream Town.

Delaware's extraordinary qualities rate high on most people's wish list. With no state sales tax, no personal property tax, and one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, it certainly has its advantages to residents. Consider the fact in Delaware, you've got lower housing costs than most of the people in the nation. Clean air and water, great shopping a short drive from any part of the state, beaches, bays and beautiful parks make it the ideal place for your home. Centrally located, Delaware is a short commute away from Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and other major metropolitan hubs.

Why Sussex County?
Sussex County is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with gorgeous beaches, vast forests, state parks, and other attractions minutes away. Come see why this thriving community is the perfect spot for your home or business!