Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk stretches one mile along the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware's most popular seaside resort, drawing millions of visitors each year to a classic blend of beach access, amusements, and ocean air. The wooden planks run parallel to the sand from Rehoboth Avenue south toward Poodle Beach, lined on the inland side by a lively mix of restaurants, ice cream stands, souvenir shops, and the beloved Funland amusement park. Funland, a family-owned institution since 1962, anchors the mid-boardwalk with rides including the Haunted Mansion, Skee-Ball, and the iconic Paratrooper — all priced individually at $1-3 each.
The ocean side offers broad sandy beach access at multiple points, with lifeguards stationed at regular intervals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors can walk the entire length in roughly 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, though most spend considerably longer stopping to eat, people-watch, or descend to the sand. The widest section near the Rehoboth Avenue entrance features benches, a small plaza, and the adjacent Rehoboth Beach Bandstand — a natural gathering point. Sunrise views looking south along the planks, and sunset colors over the dunes, are highlights of early morning and evening visits.
Summer evenings transform the boardwalk into a vibrant promenade where families, couples, and groups stroll well into the night. Thrasher's French Fries — served with vinegar in cardboard cups since 1929 — and Dolle's Saltwater Taffy, operating since 1927, are landmark stops near the northern end. Bicycle rentals are available nearby, and cycling is permitted on the boardwalk before 10 AM and after 5 PM in summer.
Parking fills by 9 AM on peak summer weekends; the Convention Center Garage on Rehoboth Avenue at $2/hr is the closest option. The DART Beach Bus from Wilmington and points north terminates steps from the main boardwalk entrance. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk before 9:30 AM and after 5:30 PM during the summer season, with no restrictions in the off-season. September through May brings quieter conditions, lower accommodation prices, and the same sweeping ocean views without the summer crush.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; Funland rides operate May-September, noon-midnight
- Best time
- Early morning or evening to avoid summer midday heat
Location
Rehoboth Avenue at the Ocean, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
38.7168, -75.0760 View on map
Highlights
- One-mile wooden boardwalk with direct access to a broad Atlantic Ocean beach
- Funland amusement park with classic rides and Skee-Ball, open May-September
- Dolle's Saltwater Taffy (est. 1927) and Thrasher's French Fries, iconic boardwalk institutions
- Early morning cycling permitted and dog-friendly hours along the oceanfront
- Adjacent Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for free summer concerts at the avenue's foot
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to find street parking on side streets before lots fill
- Funland operates on a cash or token system — bring small bills for rides ($1-3 each)
- Cyclists must clear the boardwalk by 10 AM and may return after 5 PM in summer
- Dogs are permitted on the boardwalk before 9:30 AM and after 5:30 PM in summer
- The DART Beach Bus from Wilmington runs direct to Rehoboth Ave and avoids parking congestion
When to visit
Early morning before 9 AM in summer for the best light and fewest crowds. September and October offer pleasant ocean weather, open parking, and significantly fewer visitors than July and August.
Accessibility
The boardwalk surface is wide, flat, and fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids along its entire one-mile length. Free beach wheelchairs with oversized sand tires are available at the Beach Patrol station near Rehoboth Avenue.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a walk along the full boardwalk take?
Walking the full mile end to end takes about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace. Most visitors spend 2-5 hours once stops for food, beach time, and Funland are factored in.
Is the boardwalk accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids?
The boardwalk surface is flat and fully accessible throughout its entire length. Beach wheelchairs with oversized sand tires can be borrowed free from the Beach Patrol station near the Rehoboth Avenue entrance.
Is the boardwalk open year-round?
The boardwalk itself is open 24 hours year-round. Funland, most food stands, and seasonal shops operate May through September only.