The Ultimate Guide to a Washington DC to Rehoth Beach Day Trip
Feeling the need to swap the concrete corridors of Washington, DC, for salty air and sandy toes? A day trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is the perfect antidote. Just a few hours away, this classic American beach town offers a vibrant boardwalk, an acclaimed food scene, and the irresistible lure of tax-free shopping. Forget the capital hustle and get ready to unwind. This guide provides everything you need to plan the perfect, stress-free escape to one of the East Coast’s most beloved Delaware beach destinations.
Your Day Trip at a Glance
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from DC | Approximately 120 miles |
| Drive Time | 2.5 – 4.5 hours (highly dependent on traffic) |
| Best Time to Go in 2025 | Weekdays in Summer (June-Aug); May & September (fewer crowds) |
| Estimated Cost | $75 – $200 per person (excluding shopping) |
How to Get from Washington DC to Rehoth Beach
Getting to the coast is part of the adventure! Whether you prefer the freedom of the open road or the relaxation of a hands-off journey, there’s a straightforward option for you.
Driving to Rehoboth Beach (The Classic Road Trip)
The most popular way to reach Rehoboth is by car. The journey offers scenic views as you leave the city behind. The typical route is US-50 East across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, continuing onto DE-404 East, and finally heading south on DE-1 South directly into the beach area.
- The Bay Bridge Toll: Be prepared for a $4.00 eastbound toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Westbound travel is free. Using an E-ZPass is highly recommended to keep moving.
- Traffic Warning: Summer weekend traffic is legendary. On a Friday or Sunday, the drive can stretch to 4-5 hours. To avoid the worst backups, leave DC before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 AM.
- Parking Prep: Once you arrive, parking is the next challenge. Download the ParkMobile app before you go, as it’s essential for the metered spots ($3-$4/hour) that are in effect from May through September.
Taking the Bus (The Car-Free Option)
Want to avoid the stress of driving and parking altogether? The bus is your best bet. DART First State operates a seasonal “Beach Bus” service (Route 305) on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering direct service from DC to the Rehoboth Park & Ride. Greyhound also offers routes to the area. While the trip takes a bit longer (4-5 hours), you can simply sit back, relax, and be dropped off ready to enjoy the day.
Transportation Options Compared
| Mode | Travel Time (One Way) | Est. Round-Trip Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 2.5 – 4.5 hours | $40-$60 (gas + toll) | Flexible schedule, carry more gear | Traffic stress, expensive/difficult parking |
| Bus | 4 – 5 hours | $50-$80 | No driving/parking stress, relaxing | Fixed schedule, less flexibility, longer travel time |
Top 5 Things to Do on Your Rehoboth Beach Day Trip
With limited time, you’ll want to hit the highlights. Here are the five must-do activities that define the Rehoboth Beach experience.
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Stroll the Classic Boardwalk and Relax on the Beach
The heart of Rehoboth is its one-mile-long, accessible boardwalk. Take in the sights of the iconic Dolle’s Candyland sign, listen to the sounds of the arcades, and follow the irresistible smell of Thrasher’s French Fries. Best of all, beach access is completely free! Don’t forget the local rules: no alcohol or glass on the sand. For accessibility, free beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the lifeguard stations.
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Enjoy Old-School Fun at Funland
A beloved institution since the 1960s, Funland is a dose of pure nostalgia. It’s not a massive theme park, but a charming, family-owned amusement center right on the boardwalk. Rides operate on a simple ticket system (tickets are about $0.70 each, with rides costing 3-8 tickets). Don’t miss classics like the Haunted Mansion, the Paratrooper, and the breezy Sea Dragon.
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Indulge in Tax-Free Shopping
One of Delaware’s biggest perks is its completely tax-free shopping! You have two great options. Explore the unique boutiques, surf shops, and art galleries along Rehoboth Avenue for a local feel. Or, for the serious bargain hunter, head to the massive Tanger Outlets on DE-1 just before you enter town.
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Eat Your Way Through a Foodie Paradise
Rehoboth’s reputation as a culinary destination is well-earned. You can spend the day feasting on boardwalk classics like Grotto Pizza, or sit down for a world-class meal. The original Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats brewpub is a must-visit for craft beer lovers, and the town is packed with incredible seafood restaurants. We’ll break down more options below!
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Escape the Crowds at Gordons Pond
If the main beach gets too busy, find a peaceful escape at the north end of the boardwalk. Here you can access the Gordons Pond Trail, part of the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park. This scenic crushed-stone path is perfect for a walk or bike ride, offering stunning views of the marshland on one side and the ocean dunes on the other.
Sample One-Day Rehoboth Itinerary
Want a foolproof plan for a perfect day? Follow this simple schedule to maximize your beach time.
- 7:00 AM: Depart from Washington, DC to beat the traffic.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Rehoboth. Park at the DART Park & Ride or find a spot in town, then head straight for the beach to claim your spot.
- 1:00 PM: Boardwalk Lunch! Keep it classic and grab a slice from Grotto Pizza or a bucket of legendary Thrasher’s Fries.
- 2:30 PM: Choose your afternoon adventure: ride the rides at Funland, browse the shops on Rehoboth Avenue, or take a peaceful walk on the Gordons Pond Trail.
- 5:30 PM: Enjoy an early dinner. Sit down for a craft beer and delicious food at Dogfish Head or indulge in fresh seafood at Claws Seafood House.
- 7:00 PM: Take one last stroll on the boardwalk, grab some saltwater taffy for the road, and begin your drive back to DC.
Where to Eat in Rehoboth Beach (A Food Lover’s Guide)
From cheap and cheerful to refined and elegant, Rehoboth’s food scene has something for every palate and budget.
Budget-Friendly Bites ($)
- Thrasher’s French Fries: An absolute must-try boardwalk institution famous for its vinegar-drenched fries.
- Grotto Pizza: The iconic Delaware pizza with its legendary sauce swirl. A local rite of passage.
- Gus & Gus Place: Classic boardwalk stand serving up delicious burgers, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks since 1956.
Mid-Range Meals ($$)
- Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats: The original brewpub for the famous craft brewery, with an innovative menu and, of course, amazing beer.
- Claws Seafood House: A lively, casual spot perfect for steamed crabs, shrimp, and other fresh seafood catches.
- Fins Ale House & Raw Bar: An excellent raw bar with fresh oysters, clams, and a huge list of craft beers on tap.
Upscale Dining ($$$)
- Henlopen City Oyster House: Often cited as the best restaurant in town for high-quality, expertly prepared seafood and a stellar oyster selection.
- The Blue Hen: Serving refined American cuisine in a beautifully restored historic house, perfect for a special meal.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips for a Perfect Day Trip
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Beat the Bay Bridge Traffic: It’s worth repeating! Leave DC before 7 AM or plan to arrive at the bridge after 10 AM on summer weekends to save your sanity.
- Use the DART Park & Ride: Seriously, this is the easiest way to deal with parking. Park for free just outside of town on DE-1 and take the inexpensive shuttle right to the boardwalk. It runs frequently all day.
- Go on a Weekday: If your schedule allows, a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday trip during the summer of 2025 will be significantly more relaxed and less crowded than a Saturday.
- Bring Cash: While most shops and restaurants take cards, some smaller boardwalk vendors, games, or parking meters might be cash-only.
- Shower and Change: There are public restrooms with changing areas and outdoor rinse-off stations near the boardwalk. Use them to wash off the sand before your drive home for a more comfortable ride.
- Know the Seasons: Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day, when everything is open and lifeguards are on duty (10 AM – 5 PM). The shoulder seasons (May & September) offer great weather with fewer crowds.
What to Pack Checklist
Don’t leave home without these day trip essentials!
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Beach Towels
- Bathing Suit & Cover-up
- A full change of clothes
- Reusable Water Bottles to stay hydrated
- Cooler with extra snacks and drinks
- Beach Chairs and/or Umbrella
- Portable Phone Charger
- Cash & Credit Cards
Estimated Day Trip Budget
Your spending can vary wildly, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per person.
| Expense Category | Low-End Budget (Packed Lunch, Free Activities) | High-End Budget (Dining Out, Activities) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ~$45 (Gas + Toll) | ~$75 (Bus Ticket) |
| Food & Drink | ~$20 | ~$100+ |
| Parking | ~$8 (Park & Ride) | ~$30 (All-day Lot) |
| Activities | $0 | ~$50+ |
| TOTAL PER PERSON | ~$73 | ~$255+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get to Rehoboth Beach without a car?
The best car-free option is the bus. DART and Greyhound offer seasonal services directly from Washington, DC, to Rehoboth. This option completely eliminates the stress of Bay Bridge traffic and finding expensive beach parking.
Is Rehoboth Beach worth going to?
Absolutely! Rehoboth Beach offers a perfect combination of a beautiful, free beach, a lively and nostalgic boardwalk, a nationally recognized food scene, and tax-free shopping. It’s one of the most feature-packed and enjoyable beach day trips you can take from the DC area.
Which is nicer, Rehoboth Beach or Bethany Beach?
It depends on the vibe you’re looking for. Rehoboth is livelier with its bustling boardwalk, extensive dining, and shopping options. Bethany Beach is much quieter, smaller, and often considered more family-oriented with a calmer atmosphere. For a day trip packed with things to do, Rehoboth is often the top choice.
What Delaware beach is close to DC?
The cluster of beaches including Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dewey Beach are the closest and most popular Delaware beach destinations from Washington, DC. They are all located about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, traffic permitting.
In a Rush? Here’s the TLDR
- Getting There: Drive early (before 7 AM) to beat traffic or take the seasonal DART bus for a stress-free trip.
- Parking: The DART Park & Ride on DE-1 is the cheapest and easiest option.
- Must-Do: Walk the boardwalk, eat Thrasher’s Fries, and enjoy the free beach.
- Best Tip: Visit on a weekday in the summer or during the shoulder seasons (May/September) for the best experience with fewer crowds.
- Don’t Forget: Delaware shopping is tax-free, so leave room in your car!
