Rehoboth Beach, Coastal resort city in Sussex County, Delaware.
Rehoboth Beach is a coastal city in Sussex County, Delaware, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean. Pastel-colored wooden houses line the side streets behind the beach strip, while ice cream parlors and souvenir shops define the main road leading to the water.
A Methodist preacher founded the town in the late 19th century as a religious summer camp by the sea. Gradually the church character faded, and families from neighboring states began building vacation homes and using the beach for recreation.
The town draws many same-sex couples and families during summer months, welcomed openly at public beaches and in dozens of bars. This openness shows during the annual beach fireworks and events where visitors of all backgrounds gather together.
Access to the sandy beach is available at several points along the boardwalk, and showers are provided at regular intervals. During peak season many visitors arrive on weekends, so starting early in the morning helps ensure a quieter experience.
The town name comes from Hebrew and means open space or wide place, which the founders felt suited the wide coastal setting. This biblical reference still recalls the religious origin, even though the beach has long become a secular vacation spot.
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