Pennsylvania is a state full of history and beautiful nature. Its landscapes fill big cities. But concerning beach lovers, Pennsylvania has no coastline directly fronting an ocean. But never fear, Pennsylvanians; the ocean is just a short drive away, putting sand between your toes and waves crashing on the shore within reach for a weekend or longer vacation. This article reviews the closest ocean beach to Pennsylvania with a reference guide to visiting: getting there, what to expect, and the activities that represent the greatest value. Want to feel the sun on your face, splash in the Atlantic, or enjoy the attractions along the coast? Our guide shows you the way.
What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Pennsylvania?
The closest ocean beach to Pennsylvania is Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. It is approximately 140 miles from Philadelphia and features a lovely boardwalk, many activities for families with children, and a beautiful coastline—ideal for every citizen of Pennsylvania looking for a short getaway to the beach.
Exploring Rehoboth Beach
The nearest ocean beach to Pennsylvania, particularly those well out into the city of Philadelphia, is Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Unpretentious, great, and small, Rehoboth is that beach town about 140 miles from Philadelphia—just the place for weekend wanderings. It hosts an active boardwalk, beautiful sandy beaches, and a whole host of activities for visitors of all ages.
It is an approximate two-and-a-half-hour drive from most locations in Pennsylvania to Rehoboth Beach, depending on traffic. The beach itself is famous for its cleanliness and family-oriented atmosphere. Lifeguards are available during the busy summer months so that things are safer for all visiting.
While Rehoboth Beach stands synonymous with sun and sand, it has a lot more to offer food lovers—from casual boardwalk eats to fine dining establishments. Being a shore town, seafood lovers certainly won’t go away disappointed with the fresh catches that find their way onto menus in myriad outlets. Added to this are several shops, arcades, and amusements along the boardwalk that provide fun for kids and adults alike.
Other highlights of Rehoboth Beach include its events and festivals. Visitors in the summer can enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and other community happenings that enhance the party atmosphere found on these beaches. Those who like the outdoors can experience kayaking and paddleboarding, and there is even a tour for dolphin-watching.
All in all, Rehoboth Beach can provide the right blend of relaxation and entertainment to make it the ideal destination for Pennsylvanians searching for the closest ocean beach. No wonder Rehoboth Beach would top the list of places to run away to for the coast. Its proximity with a great variety of activities to offer makes it incomparably the best ocean beach destination.
Attractions And Activities At Rehoboth Beach
The Boardwalk
While visiting the beach, the over-a-mile-long Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is one of the highlights. It is packed with varied shopping, eating, and entertainment activities. It’s a typically tranquil atmosphere through which one can take an ocean-view stroll or just indulge in traditional beach treats of saltwater taffy and funnel cakes. Arcades also feature mini-golf to add family-friendly activities at the boardwalk.
Dining Choices
From casual, beachy cafes to fine dining restaurants, there is almost any kind of cuisine one would be looking for available at Rehoboth Beach. Fresh seafood, specializing in local fish and shellfish, is particularly prominent. Some very popular ones include the famous Dogfish Head Brewery and Blue Moon, a restaurant that offers a dynamic setting along with creative cuisine.
Outdoor Activities
There’s plenty to do outdoors in Rehoboth Beach. From kayaks and paddleboards to veering around the waters by yourselves, to guided dolphin-watching tours that bring you up close and personal with these majestic creatures, the options abound. Cape Henlopen State Park, located right next door, offers other hiking, biking, and birdwatching opportunities.
Events and Festivals
Events occur all year round at Rehoboth Beach, but summer is when things get really busy. Free concerts at the bandstand, weekly fireworks, and special events like the Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival further energize the calendar. These activities would add to the community’s bombers and provide still more amusement for the guests.
Shopping and Souvenirs
There is much to see in Rehoboth Beach for shopping enthusiasts. This Delaware beach town is part boutique shops, part souvenir stores, and part outlet malls. There one can find gifts, beachwear, and a myriad of local crafts to carry back as souvenirs from the trip. Right off the beach, just a few minute’s drive away, are the Tanger Outlets, which feature a wide array of brand-name stores at discounted prices.
How To Get To Rehoboth Beach?
Getting to Rehoboth Beach from Pennsylvania couldn’t be any easier:
- From Philadelphia: Take I-95 southbound to Delaware Route 1 and follow through to Rehoboth Beach.
- From Pittsburgh: Go Eastbound on I-76 and take the exit for I-95 South. Look for signs for Delaware Route 1.
- Public Transportation: Services are available directly from different parts of Pennsylvania at very reasonable prices, an attractive alternative if you have no desire to navigate traffic.
Beaching It Close By
While it is the closest and happiest, the other beaches up the coast offer great calls for experiences. Lewes Beach offers a much quieter atmosphere and is steeped in colonial history just north of Rehoboth. If you would like to avoid the larger crowds and have a more low-key day at the beach, this is an excellent choice.
Further south are other options for accommodations in Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. These beaches are both wonderful for families, and they form an attractive and clean shoreline. These areas are perfect for those who wish to explore multiple beach destinations during their trip.
For a diverse beach experience, Ocean City, Maryland, is also well within driving distance. With its boardwalk full of energy and attractions, Ocean City promises a much more energetic beach component. It’s perfect for those who like to mix and match the serenity of the beach with livelier kinds of entertainment.
Planning Your Trip To Rehoboth Beach
Best Times to Visit: The peak season in Rehoboth Beach is from late May to early September. This is the time of the year when the weather is warm, and most attractions and events come into play. However, visiting during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—can also be quite agreeable since there are fewer people and the weather is still fine.
Accommodations: Places to stay in Rehoboth Beach range from its beachfront hotels to small bed-and-breakfasts. Among the largest in number are the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and the Bellmoor Inn and Spa. Reservations are recommended, especially for the summer season.
What to Pack: While preparing for your long weekend, do not forget to put some basic stuff like sunblock lotions, beach towels, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes in your packing list to have a leisurely walk on the boardwalk and other places of tourist interest nearby. A hat and dark sunglasses will help protect you from the harsh rays of the sun while open-air amusements are enjoyed.
Conclusion
Though Rehoboth Beach is the closest ocean beach to Pennsylvania, it has a character of its own, combining relaxation, adventure, and community events. No wonder this beauteous beachside town is always a favorite haunt for every Pennsylvanian approaching it for a quick and fun-filled sojourn at the sea; whether one wants to plan an eventful day out with family or friends, an exciting weekend fun spree, or a longer break and holidaying experience, Rehoboth Beach offers the right beach retreat in this regard.
FAQs
1. Which Ocean Beach Is Closest To Pennsylvania?
The closest ocean beach to Pennsylvania is Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.
2. How Many Miles Is Rehoboth Beach From Philadelphia?
Rehoboth Beach is, approximately, 140 miles from Philadelphia; hence, it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
3. What Are Some Of The Activities I Can Do At Rehoboth Beach?
Activities include swimming, sunbathing, fine dining, great shopping, and events and festivals. More energetic visitors enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding.
4. Are There Bus Services From Pennsylvania To Rehoboth Beach?
Yes, several bus operators provide services with direct routes to Rehoboth Beach from various areas in the state of Pennsylvania.
5. When Should I Visit Rehoboth Beach?
The best time to visit Rehoboth Beach is during the summer season—late May to early September—when it’s warm, and most attractions will be open.
