Located along the Atlantic coast in Delaware’s beach region, Rehoboth Beach is a popular destination for visitors from across the country, and for a small, but warm and welcoming community of year-round residents too. Sometimes referred to as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” due to visitors arriving each summer and winter from Washington DC and other places, it is frequented by many people who enjoy not only its coastal beauty but all that it offers to see and do, including plenty of restaurants, a one-mile boardwalk, shops, and numerous yearly festivals and concerts to enjoy. Not only is it a wonderful place to visit, but Rehoboth Beach also offers a lot to its full-time residents, too. While it is not a particularly large community – in fact, it is one with only approximately 1500 full-time residents, it nevertheless has a thriving LGBTQ population and a friendly neighborhood feel. In fact, some even call it “The Nation’s Gay Getaway” – don’t miss your chance to get here for a getaway too!
The History of Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach was initially founded in 1873 as the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting Association by a local reverend. Eventually, the small community grew until in 1891, when it was officially incorporated as Cape Henlopen City. Shortly thereafter in 1893, its name was changed to Rehoboth Beach, and it remains so to this day. While it has always been a popular area for its coastal beauty, this area is also known for all that it offers residents and visitors alike. In fact, on its one-mile stretch of boardwalk, there are more than 100 places to eat, and Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding area are often referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Culinary Coast when combined with nearby Dewey Beach. Rehoboth Beach also offers more than 100 shops in its outlet shopping area, in addition to recreational activities like dolphin and whale watching, amusement parks, nature trails, family activities, and more. Truly, it would be a wonderful place to visit, or to call home!
Rehoboth Beach – A Few Fun Facts
Find more fun facts about Rehoboth Beach here.
The LGBTQ Community in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach has a warm, welcoming, and thriving LGBTQ community that is celebrated for all that it adds to the area. The LGBTQ community in Rehoboth Beach is well-supported by a variety of resources, including this lengthy list provided here by Camp Rehoboth Community Center, which is a community-based organization serving Rehoboth Beach and the greater Delaware area, and which is committed to celebrating diversity, building a strong sense of community, and encouraging a positive and accepting environment for all people. Whether you need educational resources, health care resources, networking opportunities, LGBTQ-friendly events, or more, you’ll be sure to find it here.
What’s the Weather Like in Rehoboth Beach?
Rehoboth Beach has generally pleasant weather year-round, although as it is in a state that is a bit further north, it does see cold temperatures in the winter including some snow. On average, Rehoboth Beach receives 44 inches of rain per year, which is 6 inches more than the US yearly average of 38 inches. It receives 12 inches of snow per year, and some sort of precipitation an average of 123 days per year. 205 days on average are sunny each year, with high temperatures in July usually averaging around 86° and the lows in January averaging around 28°.
The Best Events in Rehoboth Beach
The Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers Festival
Whether you’re visiting Rehoboth Beach for the first time, or if you’re a long-time resident, the Sea Witch Festival is one yearly event that you won’t want to miss. The festival is known across Delaware as a favorite Halloween tradition, and every year, in late October, hundreds of witches, zombies, monsters, and characters of all kinds gather in Rehoboth Beach to celebrate. In fact, almost 200,000 people attend the two-day festival each year. It includes, among other events, a costume parade, a dog parade, contests, art booths, rides, games, and more. The trick or treat trail is a favorite for families. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Delaware Pride is Delaware’s yearly pride celebration held in June of each year, to celebrate the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to Delaware. In some years the festival is actually held in Rehoboth Beach, and in other years it is held in a nearby community, but regardless of where it’s held, you won’t want to miss your chance to join in the festivities which include parades, networking events, parties, educational and advocacy resources, family fun centers, and more. Truly, a good time is guaranteed for all!
Where to Live in Rehoboth Beach
Because Rehoboth Beach is such a small area, there is no one specific “gayborhood” as might be expected in larger cities. Not to worry, though! This just means that the entire area is friendly to the LGBTQ community – so all you need to do is find a home that you love! The median list price in Rehoboth Beach is currently $524,900, and a variety of home styles and price ranges are available for interested buyers.
Arts and Entertainment
Since 1963, this popular outdoor entertainment venue has drawn performers from the local area and across the country to perform. Typically, as many as 50 different bands perform each summer, making it almost a sure bet that there will be a concert to fit every musical taste. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy it!
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival
The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival is an annual five-day event during which approximately 75 of the best American and international independent films are showcased to audiences each year. In addition to the screenings, the festival also includes seminars and other events that provide unique opportunities for the audiences to interact with film industry professionals.
Parks and Recreation
While all of Rehoboth Beach is gay-friendly, Poodle Beach is the main stretch of gay beach in the area. Enjoy an afternoon soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and walking on the boardwalk with old and new friends alike.
This annual Rehoboth Beach Labor Day tradition is a great time for all, spectators and participants alike! You’ll definitely want to be a part of this fun and unique annual event!
Rehoboth Beach Nightlife
The Purple Parrot Restaurant and Bar
The Purple Parrot is a staple of the LGBTQ nightlife in Rehoboth Beach. This brightly colored LGBTQ bar is known for its cartoon murals, excellent burgers and beer, and regular live entertainment.
Diego’s Bar and Nightclub is a high-energy LGBTQ nightclub offering a lively dance floor, strong drinks, plenty of televisions, theme nights, and a great outdoor seating area for visitors to enjoy.
Aqua Grill, aside from having delicious food and a beautiful view, is known as the place to see and be seen for the Rehoboth Beach gay community. It’s one nightspot you won’t want to miss.
Contact a Rehoboth Beach Realtor Today
Truly, Rehoboth Beach would be a wonderful place to find your next home. It’s a diverse, charming, welcoming seaside community that you’re sure to love. If you’re ready to start your search for the perfect place, Rehoboth Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
