What to Do During the Fall in Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach is on the southern coast of Delaware and features the typical laid-back Coastal Delaware attitude. Even though it's a city on the beach, there are many exciting fall activities and events in Rehoboth for solo travelers, couples and families!
Fall Activities in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
If your fall travels bring you to Coastal Delaware and you're wondering what to do in Rehoboth Beach, you should know there are endless fun opportunities at your feet! Go outdoors to explore one of many nearby state parks, boat or fish in the Delaware Bay or the Atlantic Ocean and explore some of the numerous fall festivals and fairs.
Although Delaware is in the Northeast United States, the coast keeps fall temperatures in Rehoboth Beach more moderate than in surrounding states. You likely won't need your puffy jacket or fur-lined hood, but layers are a great idea, especially if you plan to engage in more active pursuits like hiking or kayaking. The most important thing to bring, however, is the willingness to explore and have fun.
Get Outdoors
Delaware might be the second smallest state in the U.S., but this little peninsula packs a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you're a backpacking and camping enthusiast or a more casual appreciator of the outdoors, Rehoboth Beach offers a wide range of activities for you to enjoy in the fall.
Hiking and Walking
With the crisp breezes and stunning views of the fall season, hiking and walking in Rehoboth Beach is an excellent activity for solo travelers, couples and families alike. At Trap Pond State Park, see the beautiful bald cypress trees growing out of the lake while you hike along the 4.6-mile Bob Trail, or get up close and personal with the water in a rented kayak. Though Trap Pond's main feature is the lake, it also offers an enormous range of other activities.
Cape Henlopen State Park is another popular destination for hiking and walking in Rehoboth Beach. The 5.8-mile Junction and Breakwater Trail or the 3.2-mile Gordons Pond Trail are two fantastic options for hiking and biking and offer spectacular views of the conifer forests, open fields and marshes. While there, you can get a view of the Cape Henlopen lighthouses, East End Breakwater and Harbor of Refuge. If you come in late fall, you might even be able to hike around the Point on the bay or walk on the ocean beaches!
If you're looking for a wheelchair- or stroller-friendly hiking option, the good news is that the packed earth and low grades of all these trails make that a possibility. If you want a short and sweet accessible trail, try the 0.3-mile Lake Gerar East Loop.
Campgrounds
In addition to hiking, Rehoboth Beach has some great campgrounds and amenities for when you want to fall asleep under the stars. Trap Pond State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park both offer campgrounds with water and electric hookups. You can bring your own tent and gear to set up at one of their sites or park your recreational vehicle. For those looking for a less rustic experience, Cape Henlopen offers cabins and Trap Pond offers canvas yurts.
In addition to campgrounds, these state parks offer a host of other amenities, such as:
Biking trails
Disc golfing course
Fishing
Pavillions for picnics and gatherings
Playground
Restrooms
Volleyball courts
Laundry facilities
Delaware's Fall Foliage
As the fall season descends with shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, the chlorophyll in the leaves of trees begins to break down, revealing the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that characterize fall foliage. Delaware has some of the most breathtaking fall imagery around, so it's a beautiful time to take a drive, walk or bike to admire the scenery.
The Beach During Fall
Visit Rehoboth Beach in the fall for the perfect combination of fall activities and beach fun. In early fall, the water is often still warm enough to swim in, and you can have a wonderful day at the beach exploring the unique features of Delaware's coast. Catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset at The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park or on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
Beach camping at Delaware Seashore State Park is a wholly unique experience. The park offers swimming, surfing and fishing, as well as crabbing in some areas of the bay. The pier also has a special access point for elderly individuals and those in wheelchairs to get an up-close look at the fishing action.
Fishing in the Fall
If you're an angling enthusiast or looking for something the whole family can do, fishing in the fall is a great activity.
You can fish at one of the many lakes and ponds around the area, or try saltwater fishing at places like the Inlet in Delaware Seashore State Park.
Check the Seasons, Limits and Regulations
If you plan to try fishing, crabbing or clamming anywhere in Delaware, make sure you obtain a fishing license before participating in any of these activities. You can go to the DNREC or another licensing agent, or you can register for one online. Delaware also requires anglers over the age of 16 toobtain a free Fisherman Information Network number (FIN) each year.
Keep in mind there are certain regulations and laws regarding what and where you can fish, and it's the angler's responsibility to know and follow these rules.
For tidal fishing, check out:
For non-tidal fishing, check out:
Be sure to keep documentation on you at all times, as enforcement officers can conduct checks to ensure all anglers follow the necessary laws and guidelines.
Ingram Pond, Millsboro
Ingram Pond is a reservoir in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge with excellent fishing opportunities and a good chance of catching something! You can find carp, pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and largemouth bass here, among other species.
Cape Henlopen State Park
The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park offers 24-hour access to fishing in the Delaware Bay, and it's a terrific option for safe family fun. You can also fish from the beach or shoreline here — a practice called surf fishing.
Charter a Boat From Lewes
If you want to get out on the water but don't have your own boat, you can charter one from nearby Lewes. Select from full- and half-day to overnight trips with a captain and crew. Explore the bays and coastline, or go on a daring deep-sea fishing trip for a one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to fishing, you can also charter boats for sightseeing tours to catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales.
Shopping Is Great All Year
No matter the season or weather, you can always shop. Rehoboth Beach offers fantastic shopping opportunities all year round, from outlet stores to small boutiques. Because fall weather can sometimes be wet and rainy, plan a few hours for shopping into your trip until the weather clears — or make a whole day of it if you're a shopping enthusiast.
Outlets
The Tanger Outlet mall offers over 100 stores and eateries conveniently located on Coastal Highway just west of Rehoboth Beach. At the Tanger Outlets, you'll find great deals and unbeatable prices on designer goods and clothes. Check out their directory for a complete list of their stores.
Specialty Shops
For specialty and boutique shopping, look no further than Main Street in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Find everything you need, from beach essentials to hand-crafted items. Book lovers can check out Browseabout Books, and if you want seaside souvenirs, check out Quiet Storm and the Sea Shell Shop, among others.
If you love finding hidden treasures while thrifting, there are also many thrift and consignment stores in Rehoboth Beach you can explore. If you want to discover hidden treasures, head over to the ample antique shops in nearby Lewes!
See Our Guide
For more ideas on shopping opportunities in Rehoboth Beach, check out our Guide to Delaware's Coastal Highway!
Yearly Fall Events in Rehoboth
Even if you love the sun and warm sand of summer at the beach, the Rehoboth Beach off season heats up with its wealth of annual fall festivals and events. No matter when you visit, there's bound to be something excited going on for solo travelers and families. Whether you're in town for business or vacation, attend one of these fantastic fall experiences in Rehoboth Beach.
Annual Rehoboth Fall Sidewalk Sale
The Annual Rehoboth Fall Sidewalk Sale happens in October and features a full weekend of deals from participating stores. Like it sounds, stores will set up shop on the sidewalk outside and offer some of their best deals all year. Check out stores in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and shops along Route One. The sale extends from Friday to Sunday, offering a weekend's worth of shopping fun and deals.
Lewes Craft Fair
Every year in October, The Lewes Historical Society holds the Fall Craft Fair in downtown Lewes. For a small admissions charge that benefits educational opportunities and preservation programs, you can explore all that the local craft scene has to offer. In addition to the incredible hand-crafted goods on sale, the fair offers live music and food vendors.
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is hosted every year by the Delaware Celebration of Jazz. It's a non-profit that directs its proceeds to help Sussex County families confront cancer and support cancer research. The jazz festival is a huge local gathering of music lovers that features acts from the global world of jazz, such as:
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Brian Simpson
Marcus Anderson
Najee
Maysa
Damien Escobar
This festival is perfect for jazz enthusiasts and casual music lovers alike! The event is ticketed, and you can purchase passes in person, on the phone or online.
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival
Instead of a weekend-long event, the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival occurs over about 10 days in October, with different movies playing every day. Come to see some of the most inspiring and engaging stories from independent filmmakers, and join fellow movie lovers in discussing and rating your favorite films for the audience choice award. Did you miss the festival but still want to see great independent films in Rehoboth Beach? The Cinema Art Theater (CAT) offers independent film showings year-round.
Rehoboth Art League Annual Holiday Fair — Fine Craft Show
The Rehoboth Art League supports its educational programs and exhibitions with the Annual Holiday Fair. Discover fantastic artisans selling fine jewelry, artwork, glasswork, ceramics and other mixed media goods. In addition to purchasing fine crafts and handmade items, attendees can also stroll through the art exhibits at Homestead, Chambers Studio and the Cochran and Tubbs galleries. The fair also has refreshments from local coffee shops and breweries.
Winter WonderFest
Beginning in November and continuing through the end of December, Rehoboth Beach's Winter WonderFest features over a month of holiday fun. The festival kicks off with a 5K run by the holiday light display. Glide around the large ice rink, enjoy a carnival ride and peruse the shops at the Christmas Village. If you prefer to stay in your car, you can drive through 1.5 miles of beautiful light displays in Cape Henlopen State Park. The festivities culminate with an impressive fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
Find Unique Dining Opportunities
No trip is complete without good local food. Find the best restaurants Rehoboth Beach has to offer and get a feel for the authentic Coastal Delaware atmosphere at the same time. In addition to eating some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere, check out these unique dining opportunities in and around Rehoboth Beach.
Great Craft Beer at Thompson Island
Relax from a busy day of fall activities at Thompson Island Brewing Company. As an independent craft brewery and restaurant, Thompson Island pairs the quintessential Coastal Delaware atmosphere with tasty food and craft beer offerings. On tap, you can find Thompson Island's original craft brews, as well as beers from other local breweries. After you enjoy your meal, gather your family or friends to play a round of ping pong or bocce ball in the beer garden for an evening of fun.
Best Wood Fired Pizza at Crust & Craft
We at Crust & Craft Wood Fired Pizza offer fresh ingredients and delicious flavors in our hand-crafted pizzas, pasta, salads and appetizers. Our chef-inspired menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options. The laidback attitude of this joint doesn't mean laidback flavors, however! Order a classic but bold pizza like The Queen with crushed tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and olive oil, or try something new like The South Philly, with shaved eye round, caramelized onions, cooper sharp and parmesan bechamel cheese.
There's no better way to warm up after a day of fall festivities than with a wood fired pizza and a large selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Check Out Crust & Craft Wood Fired Pizza in Rehoboth Beach
Visit Rehoboth Beach this fall for a huge selection of fun outdoor and indoor activities. With numerous festivals, fantastic dining choices and a wealth of opportunities to experience nature, this coastal city is the perfect fall escape. Characterized by the colorful fall foliage, a getaway to Rehoboth Beach guarantees fun for adults and children alike.
During your fun day of fall activities, stop by Crust & Craft Wood Fired Pizza for a comforting meal and drink in a cozy atmosphere. Join us for the best pizza on Coastal Highway, and catch our Happy Hour for great deals on drinks and food!
