Just down the road in Dewey Beach, the rules are much more relaxed in peak season: dogs are allowed on the sand before 9:30 AM and after 5:30 PM all summer long. That leaves lots of time for sunrise strolls, splashing in the waves before the heat of the day, and golden-hour play sessions after most beachgoers have packed up their umbrellas.
Once the summer season wraps up, things get even better. For the rest of the year, dogs can roam free on the beaches at both Rehoboth and Dewey, turning these two neighboring towns into an off-season paradise for people who’d rather share their vacation with a four-legged copilot. Cooler temperatures, quieter streets, and empty stretches of sand make fall, winter, and spring especially appealing if your idea of a good time is long, peaceful walks followed by cozy evenings in a pet-friendly rental.
And you can do much more than just a simple swim or beach zoomies sesh with your pup. Many outfitters in the area can set you up with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or even pontoon boats, and rent or sell life jackets for dogs so your dog can join you safely on the water. A dog in a tiny life jacket on the bow of a SUP is practically a required photo op here.
Photos: Dana Dagle Photography/Shutterstock. JackSimmons3/Shutterstock, and Brandon Hirt/Shutterstock
Even if you’re set on a midsummer visit, there’s far more to Rehoboth and Dewey than their long stretches of sand. A network of nearby state parks offers shady trails and boardwalk paths where dogs are welcome year-round on leash. Cape Henlopen State Park mixes coastal forest, dunes, and bay views, making it perfect for a morning hike when the beach is off-limits. Holts Landing State Park has two dog-friendly trails (and smaller crowds, usually), while Delaware Seashore State Park allows dogs year-round on all of the non-lifeguarded beaches. Together, these parks give you plenty of options for scenic walks, trail runs, and photo stops without having to set foot on the “no dogs” sections of the beach.
When your pup is in need of sustenance from all this walking, the place to hit is Rehoboth Beach’s Salty Paws. The dog ice cream shop serves prime rib, bacon, and peanut butter ice cream topped with mini treats. And for when it’s your turn to get a little something, head to Dewey Beer Company in Dewey Beach for a pint, a cocktail, or a glass of wine. The brewery welcomes all dogs on leash and loves their canine visitors so much that it has an Instagram account just to feature their lovely, furry faces.
Many of the Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach restaurants that have an outdoor area will be happy to have your dog join you for a meal, too. That said, Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill is particularly beloved by dog owners as it allows pets inside. If it’s a spot of shopping you’re after – because Delaware has no sales tax, remember – you can take your pooch to Tanger Rehoboth Beach, a huge open-air mall that welcomes leashed dogs.
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Canalside Inn in Rehoboth Beach welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes with no weight limit. The property even provides dog treats, water and food bowls, leashes, and outdoor pet showers, and can arrange someone to walk your dog if you’re out exploring all day. It’s a bright, tropical hotel that almost feels like it should be in Key West.
The Breakers Hotel & Suites is a budget-friendly, dog-friendly hotel in Rehoboth Beach with a ton of perks, including free breakfast, an indoor pool, and free shuttle service around town all summer long. It’s next to Lake Gerar Park, so your dog can have an easy place to frolic, and up to two pups per room are allowed.
The newly renovated Hyatt Place Dewey Beach is one block from the beach and allows dogs up to 50 pounds, with a maximum of two pets per room. There’s an outdoor pool and a big ocean-view deck and patio for catching the sunsets. 