From a religious camp meeting site in the 1870s to “The Summer Capital of LGBTQ+ Delaware” in the modern day, Rehoboth Beach has had quite the trajectory. The newer epithet goes back to the 1930s when famous lesbian socialite Louisa Carpenter would throw queer parties in her beach house. Now the seaside town continues to wield the LGBTQ+ vacation torch alongside Key West and Provincetown when it comes to inclusive cities with queer personalities bigger than their size.
Rehoboth actually means “room for all,” and there’s certainly that on its mile-long wooden walkway and hot sandy beaches. The city refuses to sell out to the man (or rather, big chain stores), and its boardwalk remains lined with colorful boutiques, local craft stores, buzzing beachfront bars, farm-to-table restaurants, and even a family-owned attraction park. The gay scene is kicking and versatile, with fun gay bars which house both busy dancefloors and large terraces to take in the sea air, as well as more intimate, local-feeling taverns hosting drag brunches, karaoke, and piano shows.
Rehoboth Beach is a mood, and that mood is vintage beach vacation meets modern summer joy. So book yourself into one of its cozy guesthouses or beachside hotels and use this guide to make the most of your Rehoboth Beach gaycation.
Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Airport Transfer and Transportation
3. Gay Hotels in Rehoboth Beach
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Rehoboth Beach
5. Restaurants and Cafes
6. Rehoboth Beach Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Rehoboth Beach Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Gay Beaches in Rehoboth Beach
9. Gay Events in Rehoboth Beach
10. Day Trips from Rehoboth Beach
General Tips
Rehoboth Beach predictably fills during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Visiting during that period has its pros and cons: on the one hand, Rehoboth Beach has a palpable, exciting atmosphere in the summer, and you can dive into its pool parties and slide in among the many sexy men on the gay bars’ packed dance floors. On the other hand, you’ll be battling for towel space on the gay beach, queuing longer for your cocktails, and paying considerably more for your guesthouse room—especially during big summer parties like Pride or Labor Day itself.
Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer sunny days, shorter lines, and sweet off-season deals. Unlike similar places (cough Provincetown), Rehoboth Beach doesn’t slow to a crawl off season either, so you can still expect it to be buzzing, even if not quite to the extent of summer.
One thing to know about Rehoboth Beach is that it’s extremely pet-friendly—from the hotels and guesthouses to the restaurants and even bars. However, in the summer months dogs are forbidden on the beach itself, so if you’re looking for some beach time with your furry friend (of the actual animal variety, that is), definitely visit during the off-season.
Airport Transfer and Transportation
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or Salisbury–Ocean City (SBY) are the two nearest airports for those flying into Rehoboth Beach. PHL is about a 2-hour drive down I-95 S → DE-1 S; rent a car curbside or book the Delaware Express Shuttle direct to Rehoboth (reserve early). SBY is closer—just under an hour via US-13 N; taxis and on-site car rentals make for a quick hop south. From Washington, D.C., your choices are either a three-hour drive or a bus—the route is very scenic, thankfully!
Once in town, hop on the seasonal DART Beach Bus (Route 305) from Lewes to the boardwalk or catch the silly-named Jolly Trolley, which runs a fixed route between Rehoboth and Dewey Beach to the south for a $3 one-way flat fare or $5 round trip. The trolley runs all week from 8:45 a.m. to 2 a.m. Driving in Rehoboth is completely unnecessary since everything is walkable (or cyclable if you rent a bike), so ditch your car at your hotel or guesthouse’s car park and get yourself some fresh seaside air.
Gay Hotels in Rehoboth Beach
Luxury
Ocean Club Hotel – A modern boutique retreat located at the oceanfront boardwalk with direct beach access and panoramic Atlantic views. This three-story property features 36 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites with coastal-inspired décor, plush bedding, balconies or patios, spa-style bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can relax by the heated outdoor saltwater pool, unwind in the sundeck lounge, or savor fresh seafood and cocktails at the on-site café. The hotel also provides a fitness center, fire-pit seating, and bike rentals.
Mid-Range
Rehoboth Guest House – The most iconic place to stay for LGBTQ+ visitors to Rehoboth Beach sits just a block from the boardwalk and five minutes from the gay bars. Rehoboth Guest House is a gay-owned, adult-only B&B renowned for warm hospitality and Victorian beach-house charm. Its bright, pastel-shaded façade and wraparound porches with rocking chairs evoke vintage coastal style, while inside it has all the modern comforts one could need. Each of the nine suites features a private bath, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cozy, plush bedding, and a refrigerator; some overlook the ocean or a verdant courtyard. Breakfast is also generous and can be enjoyed in the cozy dining room before heading out to explore the city.
The Bellmoor Inn and Spa – Combine an opulent home within a 19th-Century Victorian building with a luxury spa and you have this boutique hotel located just steps from Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk. The inn features 26 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each offering plush furnishings, spa-inspired bathrooms, and coastal-chic décor. Guests can unwind at The Spa at The Bellmoor, which provides massages, facials, and body treatments in a serene setting. The property also offers complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and concierge services for local dining, shopping, and activity recommendations.
Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection By Hilton – You can never really go wrong with the Hilton. Its Rehoboth Beach establishment is a stylish, LGBTQ+-friendly, 3.5-star boutique hotel a short stroll to the boardwalk (mind you most things are in Rehoboth Beach). Its 146 contemporary rooms feature coastal-inspired décor, plush bedding, spa-style bathrooms and private balconies in select units. The indoor salt-water pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace with ocean views, an on-site restaurant and bar, and convenient self-parking make for the full Hilton package.
Budget
Canalside Inn – Budget-friendly, LGBTQ+-friendly, pet-friendly, and just friendly in general, Canalside Inn is a popular choice for visitors. The quaint, award-winning boutique hotel sits on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, just 0.7 miles from the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and a short stroll from restaurants and bars, including the gay favorite Diego’s. Facilities include a seasonal outdoor pool (June–September), hot tub, outdoor shower, communal kitchen and social area, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, bike rentals, beach chairs and umbrellas, and luxurious spa services by reservation. Inviting guest rooms range from Single King suites with French doors that open to shared balconies with water views to Single and Double Queen rooms overlooking the canal or pool.
Sightseeing & Activities in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk — The main attraction (well, besides the titular beach) in Rehoboth Beach is this mile-long wooden boardwalk. With a refusal to sell out to “the man,” it retains a lovingly vintage feel — you’ll find no big-name chain stores here, but instead locally owned businesses, including boutique shops, unique restaurants and even a family-run fairground (see below). It’s pretty in the daytime sunshine, but also at night when it’s lit up by neon lights. Rehoboth Bandstand seems to always have a concert going in the summer, with the full gamut of local artists entertaining the masses. and if you're lucky in the summer you might notice events on the beach like open-air movie showings, bonfires and locally funded firework displays. The quintessential Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk experience, though, is munching into some Thrasher’s Fries while sitting on the seafront. Don’t expect to drown them in ketchup, though, as they insist on only salt and apple vinegar as the perfect condiments.
Funland – this family-owned amusement park on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has been delighting inner (and actual) children since 1962. With free admission and pay-as-you-ride wristbands, it offers 16 classic attractions—from vintage classics like the carousel, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel to more intense roller coasters like the Spider. Then there’s the arcade, seasonal events, and snack stands serving boardwalk favorites like funnel cakes and soft-serve ice cream. Open spring through fall.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Tour – Do you like beer—either casually, or are you the type to geek out over dry-hopped IPAs? Then take some time off the beach to visit this iconic, independent craft brewery in nearby Milton for an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience. Guided tours take you through the brewhouse and barrel-aging cellars, highlighting innovative techniques and quirky ingredients. You’ll sample a rotating selection of flagship and limited-release beers straight from the source, then explore the on-site brewpub, rather random retro-futuristic Steampunk Treehouse and retail shop. Just be sure to pace yourself! Book tour →
Cape Henlopen State Park Trails & Fort Miles –Just a five-minute drive from town, this area delivers a two-for-one adventure. On the one hands, you get miles of coastal parkland with dune ridges, maritime forests, expansive ponds, soft-sand beaches, and winding hiking trails. On the other is World War II bunkers, gun batteries, and concrete observation towers—one you can climb for killer views of the Atlantic and Delaware Bay. The restored Fort Miles houses the Fort Miles History Museum, where interactive exhibits chronicle wartime coastal defense. Hike, fish, bike, or swim to your heart’s content, and don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy by the shoreline. Book tickets →
Gordon’s Pond Kayak & Paddle Adventure – To really connect with the natural world, away from the busy boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach, rent yourself a kayak or paddleboard at Gordon’s Pond Wildlife Area and glide through tidal marsh channels lined with reeds and ospreys and full of wildlife like blue heron and playful otters—before paddling back to sandy shores. Rentals and guided eco-tours run seasonally. Book tours→
Rehoboth Art League & Gallery Stroll – Wander into the historic Rehoboth Art League and discover rotating exhibitions in a sunny beachfront cottage. Then meander along Baltimore Avenue’s gallery row to meet local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Stop for a drop-in workshop so you can leave with a handmade memento of your Rehoboth adventure.
Nassau Valley Vineyards Wine Tasting – A short drive from Rehoboth brings you to rolling Delaware vineyards, where you can sip Chardonnay and Pinot Gris in a rustic tasting room or on the sunlit patio. Learn about sustainable farming on a guided vineyard tour, then stroll the barrel room to taste blends you can’t find anywhere else. Weekend live music amps up the laid-back vibe. Book tours→
Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market – A beloved seaside tradition just off the boardwalk—offers fresh produce, artisanal breads, homemade jams, and gourmet cheeses each Tuesday morning. Vendors proudly showcase fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handcrafted goods, reflecting the area’s agricultural heritage. Expect fresh oysters, freshly roasted coffee, homemade pastries, and other sensory delights. Live music, friendly locals, and chef demonstrations make it as much a communal gathering as a proper market and an authentically Rehoboth Beach experience.
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center – Rehoboth Beach has come a long way with LGBTQ+ rights over the years, thanks in large part to the hard work of CAMP Rehoboth, an LGBTQ+ community center determined to Create A More Positive (CAMP) environment that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware. Pop in and they’ll help you make the most of your stay, learn about local events, and relax in their cozy lounge.
Restaurants and Cafes in Rehoboth Beach
Eden – Who said romance is dead? Certainly not this romantic looking gay owned restaurant, which is especially popular with couples. Eden is a charming bistro tucked just off Rehoboth Avenue, boasting candlelit tables, greenery, and outdoor seating. The seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients, including tender lamb chops, pan-seared scallops, and decadent chocolate lava cake. Their curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails perfectly complement each dish. Take your partner, lover or just treat yourself to some self-love at Eden.
Lori’s Oy Vey Café – Lori’s is a delightful, lesbian-owned eatery located in the courtyard of CAMP Rehoboth, a community center for the LGBTQ+ community, and is beloved as a hidden queer gem of a café. Bright and cheerful, the café offers cozy indoor seating and a charming patio. The menu features homemade bagels, creamy omelets, and signature avocado toast, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in classic Jewish deli flavors like lox and cream cheese, or explore inventive daily specials.
Blue Moon – Housed in a restored Victorian cottage, Blue Moon blends fine dining with theatrics. Candlelit tables showcase gourmet twists on American classics—think bacon-wrapped scallops and delicate soufflés—with live entertainment such as drag shows and live piano sing-alongs. Blue Moon also doubles as a popular gay bar, featuring weekend drag performances and brunch service. Head there on Sundays for a brunch bargain: filet mignon and a bottle of wine for under $30.
Salt Air – Where Southern comfort meets the sea, Salt Air is a farm-to-table (and sea-to-table) restaurant with a homey yet upscale setting on Wilmington Avenue in downtown Wilmington. The menu is creative, showcasing seasonal seafood like crab-stuffed flounder alongside locally sourced produce, inventive cocktail choices, and a selection of fine wines. There are many thoughtful touches—such as whipped goat cheese instead of butter served with the on-table crackers—and you won’t want to miss the award-winning pastry chef’s desserts or the casual oyster-roasting evenings on the back patio.
Mariachi Restaurant – Pretty in pink, Mariachi Restaurant is a firm favorite for everyone in Rehoboth Beach—especially LGBTQ+ folks. Beyond the cool exterior, colorful papel picado banners flutter above rustic wooden tables (inside and on the 2nd floor patio) as the aroma of sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, zesty ceviche, and freshly baked tortillas wafts through the air. Friendly servers pour ice-cold margaritas rimmed with tangy salt, while live Mariachi music—strummed guitars and spirited violins—creates the perfect Latino ambiance.
Cafe Azafran – Just off the boardwalk, this Mediterranean-inspired café features a screened patio where tapas nights, Paella Wednesdays, and weekend sangria sessions are local legends. The menu offers delights from across the ocean, including saffron-kissed seafood, Spanish tortilla, and olive oil–drizzled salads. Breakfasts are legendary, too: churro waffles, fluffy ricotta pancakes, or a savory shakshuka. And don’t miss the house-made focaccia sandwiches layered with prosciutto, roasted peppers, and gooey mozzarella.
The Cultured Pearl – Perched above Rehoboth Avenue in a rooftop koi-pond setting, this sushi bar turns dinner into theatre. You’ll sample artfully rolled nigiri and sashimi, then unwind on gazebos overlooking the boardwalk lights. The menu blends Japanese classics and modern touches—like Thai-inspired tempuras. O and the sake goes down easily… a little too easily!
Thrasher's Fries – “The best French fries on the planet,” according to them. As bold a claim as that is, it’s impossible to deny they’re delicious and an essential Rehoboth Beach experience on the boardwalk. Don’t be shy—get the large. And don’t expect any ketchup, because apple cider vinegar and salt are the only appropriate condiments to capitalize on the crunchy deliciousness that is Thrasher’s Fries.
Rehoboth Beach Gay Bars and Clubs
Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten – At Rehoboth’s only gay biergarten, tropical murals and festoon lights transform the patio into a gay oasis. The venue is locally iconic, serving as both a pub-fare restaurant and a buzzing gay bar. You can pull up a picnic-table bench anytime—day or night—and order craft cocktails or local drafts, then dive into nightly karaoke, colorful drag shows, and DJ sets. With daily drink specials and no cover charge, it’s the perfect spot to mingle under the stars.
Blue Moon – Mentioned above in the restaurant section, Blue Moon also deserves a place here as one of the most popular gay bars in the city. Housed in a restored Victorian cottage, it features weekend drag performances, piano singalongs and just a damn good atmosphere.
Diego’s Bar & Nightclub – Diego’s Bar & Nightclub is the place to get just a little messy on weekends. It features both a sandy, palm-shaded patio and Rehoboth’s largest dance floor. Expect plenty of topless eye candy, international DJs, hot shot-boys, happy hours, and surprise performances. Try the “Rehoboth Rum Rush” if your night out needs a kick-start.
Freddie’s Beach Bar – Neon signs and open-air seating set the scene at Freddie’s, where beachside trivia nights, drag bingo, and under-the-stars karaoke draw a fun-loving crowd. It’s also the city’s only video music bar, often playing cheesy classics and drag race. There’s no pretension—just good times, good cocktails, and good company. The Sunday Follies drag show is especially a good time.
Aqua Bar & Grill – Set right on the shore, Aqua is a seafood restaurant by day and a lively gay bar as the evening hits. Its breezy deck has a self-service bar, and inside, a sizable dance floor creates that party-by-the-beach feel. Seasonal events—from beachside DJ sets to charity fundraisers—keep the energy high, while mixology demos showcase local flavors.
Rehoboth Beach Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
There currently aren't any cruising bars or saunas in Rehoboth Beach after the closure of its leather bar. Watch this space though, it's sure to be replaced at some point!
Rehoboth Gay Beaches
Poodle Beach – For the official gay beach, head to the southernmost end of the boardwalk at Queen’s Street—you can’t miss it. In the summer, it gets busy—really busy—so head there early if you can to carve out some sand space. You’ll be treated to plenty of muscled eye candy for your efforts.
North Shore – The quieter lesbian beach is located in Cape Henlopen State Park. Everyone is welcome there, though, and you’ll also find gay men who prefer a bit more calm and fewer crowds.
Gay Events in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Pride – Every July, Rehoboth Pride is a five-day event (even though the main action happens during the weekend). There’s barefoot boardwalk processions, dune-side sunrise yoga, impromptu drag acts, comedy acts at the pavilion workshops, and a lot of parties! Local galleries host queer art pop-ups; family dogs roam in bespoke bandanas at pet-friendly meet-ups. The main parade on Saturday marches down Baltimore Avenue with hundreds of fellow celebrants and—of course—concludes in a beach party. Distinctly intimate yet vibrantly bold, this Rehoboth Beach Pride honors both place and people with heartfelt authenticity. Dates: 16-20 July, 2025.
Sunfest – Over Labor Day weekend, CAMP Rehoboth hosts a lively fundraiser mixing beachside lobster dinners, drag volleyball, silent auctions, open-air cinemas, beach parties, and wine-tasting sessions into one beautifully chaotic celebration. The main attraction, though, is Sundance—a huge party on Poodle Beach, usually filled with all the hot guys visiting from Washington, D.C. Dates: 28 August – 1 September, 2025.
Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend – Each September, beards and bubbly unite for five days of contests, pool parties, and shore-side socials. Hosted by Rehoboth Beach Bears, there’s brunch meet-ups, beer crawls, and sunset cruises. Dates: 17-21 September, 2025.
Rehoboth Beach Leather Weekend – Leather and the beach don’t have to be at odds with each other! At least not in Rehoboth Beach, and so every October, the town embraces leather culture with three days of parties, leather-clad social gatherings, contests, and kink-focused workshops. Leather Weekend’s edgy style and open-hearted fun bring a bold, welcoming spirit to autumn nights in Rehoboth. Dates: 4-6 October, 2025.
Day Trips from Rehoboth Beach
Philadelphia – Lots of people come to Rehoboth Beach for a day trip from the cities, but there's absolutely no reason you can't do the reverse! In about two hours you’ll swap sand for cobblestones in Philly, one of America’s most historic hubs. See the iconic Liberty Bell, wander world-class museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, then dive into Philly’s vibrant gayborhood. Don’t miss a classic cheesesteak lunch before cruising back to Rehoboth as the sun dips low.
Chincoteague Island & Assateague National Seashore – Head south across the state line for an unforgettable day among wild ponies and windswept dunes. You’ll meander nature trails through maritime forests, join a guided kayaking tour of tidal marshes, and watch shorebirds wheel overhead. Cap your visit with a leisurely drive along Assateague’s beach roads—keep your eyes peeled for foals frolicking at the water’s edge. Book tour →
Historic Lewes – Just a quick 15-minute drive north, Delaware’s “First Town” charms you with brick-paved streets, pastel clapboard houses, and a picturesque harbor. You’ll browse artisan boutiques on Second Street, sample fresh-off-the-boat clams at family-owned seafood shacks, and cruise the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal on a glass-bottom boat. Before heading back, wander the Lewes Historical Society’s restored homes for a peek at colonial life. Book tour →
Featured image by City of Rehoboth Beach
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