I’ve been visiting Rehoboth Beach, DE since the late ’90s. Even now it’s still one of my favorite places to go. Caroline and I have been there in every single season and have been going there together since 2016. There’s a bunch of great places to eat, the beach, the boardwalk, and best of all it’s a queer-friendly LGBTQ town. Keep reading to what we recommend for the ultimate LGBTQ Rehoboth Beach, DE experience.
LGBTQ Friendly Bars in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach isn’t huge but despite its small size, it does have a number of gay bars, many of which have been in business for several decades.
Aqua Bar and Grill | 57 Baltimore Avenue
This pet-friendly spot is a cool place to chill for those looking for an LGBTQ safe space in Rehoboth Beach. As of now they’re a seasonal place. After their New Year’s Eve bash they close down until warmer temperatures return. If you’re in town for a few days, check ’em out, especially if they’re hosting an event such as the very popular Battle of the Bachelors.
Blue Moon | 35 Baltimore Avenue
You can’t talk about gay-friendly restaurants in Rehoboth Beach without mentioning Blue Moon. It’s been in business as long as I’ve been visiting, having kicked open it’s doors in 1981. The restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Rehoboth and has an extensive wine list to match the upscale food. It makes a great spot for a date and/or a night out with a group of friends. Bingo is regularly on the calendar but so are drag shows and other fun events, many of which you’ll need to make a reservation for in advance.
Diego’s Bar and Nightclub | 37298 Rehoboth Avenue Extension
The outdoor patio at Diego’s Bar and Nightclub has a tropical vibe to it with lots of seating options and sand beneath your feet. Saturday night shirtless dance parties are a big draw during the summer – they typically start at 9:30pm. If you can shake your hangover, there’s Sunday Funday Happy Hour specials to look forward to and of course year-round seasonal/holiday parties. Run by life partners Darryl and Joe, this is one gay bar in Rehoboth you won’t want to miss out on.
Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats | 320 Rehoboth Avenue
Beer. But not just any old beer. This is craft beer at its best. Dogfish was one of the first non-Miller Lite’s I ever tasted. I remember going to visit the one in downtown Rehoboth before they ever expanded and remodeled. It was a smaller place, often standing room only on the weekends and when there was live music. And every now and then you’d catch a glimpse of the guy who started it all, Sam Calagione. Fast-forward to today and Dogfish is still cranking out delicious, off-centered ales, and is a welcoming space for the queer community in Rehoboth.
Want to visit the brewery and take a tour? It’s just a short drive from Rehoboth to Milton, DE. The address is 6 Cannery Village Center. There’s outdoor space for cornhole, a tasting room, and plenty of easy and free parking.
northbeach | 125 McKinley Street
Technically, northbeach is in Dewey Beach. But it’s so close to Rehoboth (it literally buts up next to Rehoboth Bay) and it’s gay-friendly and we’ve been going there for a really long time and love it…so it makes the list. There’s a dance floor that gets hot on the weekends and lots of outdoor space to hang out. You can expect tons of picnic tables and umbrellas, corn hole, a fire pit, even a place to rent kayaks or SUPs. If you like to play while you drink this is a great spot to visit. northbeach recently started having drag shows on Wednesdays during the summer so check out their calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
Port 251 | 251 Rehoboth Avenue
Self-described as “Where the boys are” meets Florence Aperitivo Bar and a full restaurant, Port 251 has quickly become a go-to spot for the queer community in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. There’s an outdoor, covered patio, karaoke, drag shows, and live music throughout the week. The vibe is friendly, laid-back, and casual so come as you are, grab a drink, and have a little fun.
The Pond Bar and Grill | 19266 Coastal Highway, Unit #1
One of the first gay bars I ever went to was the Frog Pond in downtown Rehoboth. That was many years ago and I had so much fun I lost my favorite sweatshirt and had a massive hangover. Since then the Pond Bar has dropped the Frog part and has also moved to a different location with more space. Though it’s not strictly a lesbian bar, this gay-owned and operated business still draws a crowd that’s overwhelmingly women. If you’re looking to meet someone while in Rehoboth Beach, the Pond Bar and Grill is a good starting place. Bonus: There’s live music on most nights after 9pm.
The Purple Parrot | 134 Rehoboth Avenue
Do you want your beer poured by a shirtless … oh wait, you’re going to the Purple Parrot for the specials and the biergarten! The Purple Parrot is one of the best LGBTQ spaces in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The vibe is beachy and fun (think: Key West) and their Sunday brunch is one of the best in town with $5 mimosas and bloody marys. Come thirsty and hungry.
Gay Friendly Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
There’s an endless amount of options of things to do in Rehoboth Beach, including, well, going to the beach and the boardwalk.
North Shores Beach
While you won’t find a sign that says “Lesbian Beach” the beach at North Shores has been known to be a popular sport for women. To find it, head north out of Rehoboth. If you get to Gordon’s Pond, a state park, you’ve gone too far.
Poodle Beach
Poodle Beach has long been a place for gay men to visit. Again, there’s no sign but it’s the place to visit if you’re looking for a queer space in Rehoboth Beach. In the summer it’s a guarded beach that also usually beach volleyball games going on. To get here, head to the south end of the boardwalk near Queen and Prospect Street. It can get really crowded at the height of summer. Bonus: it’s dog friendly!
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk in Rehoboth is a must visit while in town. It’s almost a given that you’ll check it out since it’s near the beach and it’s home to some of the best food and drink in Rehoboth. The whole thing is about a mile long and is a great spot for taking a walk while catching a sunrise with coffee. There are frequent walks and runs that take place on the boardwalk. Check out the boardwalk calendar to see if something is going on while you’re in town.
Go Shopping at the Tanger Outlets
The entire state of Delaware is tax-free making it a great spot to go shopping. Luckily, the Tanger Outlets are a short drive from downtown Rehoboth. There are several sections of them and avid shoppers could easily spend an entire day checking out all of the stores. If it’s raining, visiting the outlets is what almost every single person in town will decide to do so if you want to avoid crowds and fighting for that last pair of jeans on the rack, pick a sunny day. Click here for their digital coupon book.
Visit CAMP Rehoboth Community Center | 37 Baltimore Avenue
CAMP Rehoboth is located right next to Blue Moon in downtown Rehoboth. This non-profit is dedicated to “…creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities.” CAMP Rehoboth does everything from fundraising for other non-profits to providing information and acting as a resource for the queer community, to helping fund art projects for the LGBTQ community. They have a regularly updated calendar of events some of which are free to attend.
LGBTQ Friendly Places to Stay in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Figuring out where to stay, especially when you’re looking for LGBTQ friendly lodging can be a hassle. But it’s worth doing some research so that you can have not only a good experience but a safe one. We’ve done some of the work for ya. Here’s a couple options of LGBTQ friendly places to stay in Rehoboth Beach.
Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center | 1 Baltimore Avenue
This hotel is not only conveniently located to downtown Rehoboth, it’s also got beach access and an oceanfront pool. It’s Sandcrab Beach Bar also has beer, wine, and cocktails for you to sip on throughout the day and on into the night. Parking and wi-fi are both free as well as access to the Club Room which is a public reading room complete with a fireplace. Bonus: The Atlantic Sands Hotel is the host hotel and proud sponsor of Rehoboth Bear Weekend.
Rehoboth Guest House | 40 Maryland Avenue
The Rehoboth Guest House is a gay-owned and operated bed and breakfast. They have 14 rooms but they are not handicap accessible and they do not accept pets. It’s located just two blocks from Rehoboth Avenue which is the downtown area of Rehoboth. This makes it a great spot for getting to the beach and walking into town for a bite or a beer. Your stay includes a hot breakfast. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available. Parking is free. Note: the Rehoboth Guest House is 18 years+ only.
Gay Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Recap
The next time you’re looking for a beach getaway, consider heading to the little state of Delaware. Rehoboth Beach is a great destination for the LGBTQ traveler with numerous restaurant, bars, and outdoor activities to choose from.
