a woman in a car with her arm raised
America The Beautiful
Select a page

The History of Delaware

Your Guide to the
Great American Road Trip

Hit the open road and rediscover the heart of America as we celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Savor a year-long journey through seaside traditions, welcoming hospitality, and timeless coastal charm, right here in Rehoboth Beach. From boardwalk strolls to Atlantic sunrises, each stop celebrates what makes Delaware’s coast so special: community, independence, and classic American leisure. Experience local flavors, beachside favorites, and warm welcomes that feel rooted in history and as easy as home, no matter how far you roam.

a group of people walking on a path near a body of water
Stars, Stripes, & Staycations

Mid-Atlantic Residents Rate

Residents of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania can enjoy 15% off with our Mid-Atlantic Residents Rate! Must present valid ID upon arrival.

Book Now
a couple sitting in chairs on a beach with an umbrella
Stars, Stripes, & Staycations

Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Free!

Enjoy an extra day of vacation on us this summer at The Bellmoor Inn & Spa! Stay three nights and get the fourth free, giving you extra time to soak up the sun at the beach, explore the boardwalk shops, or unwind by the pool. Don’t let this summer slip away – book your stay today!

Book Now
Tanger Rehoboth Beach
Stars, Stripes, & Staycations

Shop & Stay

Book our Shop & Stay package to unlock exclusive savings of up to $200 at Tanger Rehoboth Beach, plus a free Tanger gift when you check in.

Tanger Rehoboth Beach is Delmarva Peninsula’s upscale, open-air outlet shopping destination, featuring a coveted collection of top brands and local shops. Known as the "Mile of Style!", Tanger Rehoboth is home to 115 brand name outlets in 3 locations on Coastal Highway Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: Tanger Surfside, Tanger Seaside, and Tanger Bayside Brand names include Ulta Beauty, Barnes & Noble, Nike, J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Serena & Lily, Under Armour, Coach, Michael Kors and more

Book Now
a woman reading a book on a lounge chair by a pool
Stars, Stripes, & Staycations

Stay More, Save More

Escape to The Bellmoor Inn & Spa for a well-deserved 3-night retreat and enjoy up to 15% off your stay.
Relax, unwind, and let coastal charm take care of the rest. From spa indulgence to beachside serenity, every moment is designed for pure relaxation.

Book Now
a group of people on a beach

History of Rehoboth Beach

  • Rehoboth Beach is a classic American seaside town on the Delaware Coast, where the First State meets the Atlantic.
  • Rooted in early maritime trade and colonial history, the region reflects Delaware’s role in the nation’s founding and its independent coastal spirit.
  • Today, Rehoboth blends historic charm with boardwalk tradition, offering a timeless beach experience connected to America’s early story.

Must-see historic spots nearRehoboth Beach:

  • Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
  • Rehoboth Beach Museum
  • Grove Park & Camp Meeting Grounds
  • Cape Henlopen State Park
a city next to a body of water
Road Trips from The Bellmoor

Lewes, Delaware

  • About 15 minutes/7 miles from Rehoboth Beach
  • Lewes is one of the oldest towns in the United States, founded in 1631 by the Dutch, and often called “The First Town in the First State.”
  • Its history reflects early European settlement, colonial conflict, and maritime trade.
a street with flowers and houses
Road Trips from The Bellmoor

Milton, Delaware

  • About 30–40 minutes / ~20 miles from Rehoboth Beach
  • Milton is a historic river town along the Broadkill River, shaped by shipbuilding, agriculture, and river commerce in early America.
a brick building with a sign
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES

Dover, Delaware

  • About 60 minutes / ~55 miles from Rehoboth Beach 
  • Dover, the capital of Delaware, played a key role in colonial governance and the Revolutionary era.
a group of people riding bikes on a street with a flag pole in front of houses
Road Trips from The Bellmoor

Cape May, New Jersey

  • About 90 minutes / ~85 miles from Rehoboth Beach 
  • Cape May is one of America’s oldest seaside resorts, known for its preserved Victorian architecture and maritime history.
a city skyline with a statue in the middle
Road Trips from The Bellmoor

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • About 2–2.5 hours / ~125 miles from Rehoboth Beach
  • Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed.
a red push pin on a map
Road Trips from The Bellmoor

Visit More in One Trip!

Visit more than one must-see spot in one trip!

  • Just landed at the airport and want to add to your road trip on the way to The Bellmoor? From any Rehoboth Beach surrounding airport (DC, Philadelphia, Wilmington), stop in Dover on the way!
  • Scenic route from Philadelphia airport: Check out the city of Philadelphia, then → Cape May → Lewes → Rehoboth Beach
  • Or, flying in from DC? Check out the city, then hit → Milton → Lewes → Rehoboth Beach

Memories for Miles

a boardwalk with a building and a sign

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend in Rehoboth Beach marks the unofficial start of summer with a meaningful Memorial Day Ceremony at the Bandstand honoring those who served followed by the kick-off of the beloved Rehoboth Beach Summer Concert Series and lively coastal festivities.

Learn More
fireworks in the sky

4th of July Fireworks

Rehoboth Beach celebrates the Fourth of July with patriotic festivities that include a live band concert at the Bandstand followed by a fireworks display over the beach and boardwalk that lights up the sky for locals and visitors alike. The show typically takes place in the evening during the holiday weekend and can be seen all along Rehoboth’s mile-plus beachfront.

Learn More
a close up of flags

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend in Rehoboth Beach celebrates the final days of summer with lively events like art markets, live music, community gatherings, SUNFESTIVAL entertainment, and the traditional “Piping Out the Summer” parade along the boardwalk. It’s a festive, laid-back way to enjoy beachside concerts, local culture, and seasonal good vibes before fall arrives.

Learn More