Rehoboth Beach & Boardwalk

About

Rehoboth Beach has drawn visitors to the Delaware coast for over a century, and today it stands out as one of the most welcoming beach destinations on the East Coast for travelers of all abilities. The mile-long boardwalk is flat, smooth, and wide enough for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers to move comfortably alongside foot traffic. It's lined with shops, arcades, and food stands serving Thrasher's fries and Dolle's saltwater taffy - the kind of simple boardwalk pleasures that never get old.

The beach itself is the real draw. Fine sand stretches to a gentle surf, and the town has made a genuine effort to ensure everyone can reach it. Free beach wheelchairs are available during the summer season, and ADA-accessible beach mats (Mobi-mats) create firm pathways from the boardwalk down to the water's edge. You don't need to reserve ahead - just show up and check in with the Beach Patrol.

Beyond the sand, Rehoboth's compact downtown is easy to explore on foot or by wheel. Baltimore Avenue and Rehoboth Avenue are the main drags, packed with restaurants, boutiques, and ice cream shops. Many are at street level or have ramp access. The town's size works in its favor here. Nothing is far from anything else, so you won't spend your trip getting from place to place.

Families will find plenty to do. Funland, the beloved small amusement park right on the boardwalk, has been a fixture since 1962. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand hosts free concerts and movies throughout the summer. Cape Henlopen State Park is just a few minutes north and offers accessible nature trails, a fishing pier, and stunning views from the old observation towers.

Rehoboth is also one of the mid-Atlantic's most popular LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, with a welcoming atmosphere that extends to everyone. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a full week at the shore, it's a place where accessibility isn't an afterthought - it's part of what makes the town work.

Accessibility

Rehoboth Beach offers strong accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The Rehoboth Beach Patrol provides free beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis from Memorial Day weekend through the summer season, available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. No reservations are accepted. Beach wheelchairs can be picked up at beach shacks located at Maryland Avenue and other boardwalk access points.

Mobi-mat beach access mats are installed at multiple locations, creating firm roll-on surfaces from the boardwalk to the sand near the water's edge. The boardwalk itself is paved, flat, and wide, making it fully accessible for wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters. Ramps connect the boardwalk to the street and beach at regular intervals.

ADA-designated parking spaces are available in public lots near the boardwalk, including metered spots along Rehoboth Avenue. Accessible public restrooms are located along the boardwalk.

Many boardwalk businesses and downtown restaurants have step-free entrances or ramp access, though older buildings may vary. The compact layout of the town center means most attractions, dining, and shops are within a short distance of accessible parking.

Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park offers paved accessible trails and an accessible fishing pier. Contact the Rehoboth Beach Patrol at the main station on the boardwalk for current information on beach wheelchair availability and access mat locations. For the most up-to-date details on restroom locations and seasonal services, contact the City of Rehoboth Beach or visit their official website before your trip.

More accessible places in Delaware

• Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth Beach)
• Jungle Jim’s Waterpark (Rehoboth Beach)
• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (Dover)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)