There used to be a secret artisan resort town on the southern Atlantic coast of Delaware where in-the-know DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore gays and politicians vacationed. Instagram made that hidden gem go viral, and now Rehoboth Beach looks like a circuit party on the boardwalk.
The seasonal hotspot has been serving queer joy for three decades, so let Queerty take you to the beginning of gayness in the “Nation’s Summer Capital.”
What is Rehoboth Beach?
Rehoboth Beach found its popularity as the destination of choice for beach-goers from the US capital, but over time, it developed a strong LGBTQ+ presence.
It might seem like the new summer “it girl” on your Instagram feed, but the town isn’t new to the scene. There are about 1,500 year-round residents, and the number snowballs with warmer weather. You’ll find most of the liveliness across the 1-mile boardwalk adjacent to the beach with restaurants, shops, amusements, and attractions.
Over 40,000 summer birds flock here during the summer peak, with nearly 200 LGBTQA-owned and operated local businesses eager to serve them.
Rehoboth’s queer history explained
The transformation from Rehoboth Beach from its early establishment as a seaside Methodist camp in 1883 to a tourist beach getaway began in 1925 with the completion of a paved highway from Georgetown.
The town gained the reputation as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” because of an influx of tourism from legislators, diplomats, and government personnel—some among them closeted politicians and budding gay advocates.
Legend has it that a DuPont mansion by the ocean birthed gay nightlife, and by the 1960s, several guesthouses started catering to gay men. Still, the area managed to keep a family-oriented reputation, unlike gay resort towns like Fire Island and Provincetown.
The peace lasted until the 1990s when the town’s inclusivity became too visible and sparked local protests, including denying liquor licenses to gay bars, bumper stickers saying “Keep Rehoboth a Family Town,” and gay-bashing incidents.
The rise of CAMP Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth was founded in 1991 as a form of resilience (“Create a More Positive” Rehoboth). Although it was in retaliation to rising homophobia, the organization focused on supporting the arts, developing health programs, promoting political awareness, hosting sensitivity training, and developing good relationships with the local media, police, government, and community.
Founders and real-life couple Murray Archibald and Steve Elkins were determined to prove Rehoboth could be a family town for all kinds of families. Their brainchild, led by the help of volunteers, “Letters from CAMP Rehoboth,” began as a modest 4-page local newsletter and blossomed into a 120-page publication reaching across state lines sporting a logo of a house with a heart inside.
Their storytelling brought together the community to find common ground in each other’s humanity and family values. Long summer short, Rehoboth’s heterosexuality and queerness live happily ever after, tax-free.
Is Rehoboth Beach still family-friendly?
Rehoboth Beach is still a family town at heart, even if there is plenty of fun for single gay men.
Just as there are queer visitors with kids, straight adults are having bachelorette parties. And sometimes, families have all sorts of ages and vacation prerogatives. However, one option doesn’t make the town any less friendly for the other. We love the magic of the multifaceted layers of tourism and bouncers!
All the places gays go
It’s still a small town, so don’t expect myriad options. We’re looking at you, city gays. Naturally, most of the action happens on the boardwalk and beach.
You won’t go wrong checking out Diego’s Bar Nightclub, Freddie’s Beach Bar, Blue Moon, and Purple Parrot Grill.
Of course, mark Rehoboth Beach Pride on your calendars. But here are other ways to have a good ol’ gay time:
Drag volleyball should seriously be an Olympic sport
Rehoboth Beach Film Society has movie buffs covered
Wave hi to President Biden
Our favorite activity: Gays being gay
Sing yourself a Happy Birthday Mr. President and get a little gay at Rehoboth Beach
Let’s be honest: Nobody expected US politicians and gays to pick the same vacation spot. But here we are in all the unsuspecting Delaraware glory.
Anything is possible during the summer, so enjoy the small-town charm with a side of Marilyn Monroe’s energy. You never know what past, current, or future politician could hit you up at midnight on Grindr!
Kidding, well, not really.
But again, the experience is whatever you make of it. Come alone, with friends, or with the family – the Rehoboth Beach community awaits.
Can we see some ID? The Queerty newsletter is for gays living their best adult lives.
Rugby8
Maybe you should check out your recommendations before you make them?
I’ve been going to Rehoboth Beach since 1982….one of the bars you “suggest” is in Virginia (Rehoboth is in Delaware) , another is Closed….
This does Not represent Rehoboth at all. It’s a great little town, with great places to go. Too bad you don’t seem to really know Anything about them
stephenbrown2
Rug: It takes a big, big man to admit he was wrong… Want to have coffee sometime?? Woof…
Tmswimhc
All 4 mentioned bars are open PLUS Aqua and The Pines.
Unfortunately, Drag Volleyball, a mainstay of Camp Rehoboth’s Labor Day weekend Sun Festival, is no more. ??
dbmcvey
Why not make your own recommendations. Different strokes for different folks.
Jack90210
In addition to Virginia, Freddie’s Beach Bar opened a second location in Rehoboth Beach.
Rugby8
Well then – I stand corrected regarding Freddie’s
But, I don’t believe this article begins to capture Rehoboth at all. It’s a great town – sure, lots of gay things going on — but, also Great restaurants (at variety of price levels), great little shops, and something you find more and more infrequently- T dance
No dancing, but still people gathering and drinking at Aqua at 4:00pm
JTinToronto
Is it clothing optional or do I not have a good reason for going there?
LifeinShaw
Thank God clothing is required.
GayEGO
Wow! It looks like a fantastic beach! It reminds me of Province Town on Cape Cod!
LifeinShaw
Not quite. But it is fun. A lot hotter than the Cape. The beach is def easier to get to.
RIGay
My husband and I are looking for new vacation spots to spend our money. We have heard a lot of charming things about Rehoboth Beach and would consider it for future destinations.
We live in driving distance to Provincetown, and we’re kind of over it. Too many baby strollers.
LifeinShaw
Rehoboth is awesome. However, if you can drive to PTown I’d stick with it.
PolishBear
Rehoboth Beach is a great place. Thanks to very strict zoning laws the community has managed to maintain a genteel atmosphere that, fortunately, is now very inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. There used to be a great bar called the Double L (read: levis and leather), and those of us of an, ahem, CERTAIN age remember a big dance club called The Renegade.