Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The small Size and eclectic nature of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware draws singles, couples and families, many of whom return year after year, in season and off, for day trips, weekends and week-long vacations.

Rehoboth Beach has all the East Coast beach staples: mini-golf, T-shirt and seashell shops, a mile long boardwalk, amusement rides, water parks, and all the beach fries, pizza and burgers you could eat. But it also boasts elegant, top tier restaurants serving sushi, fresh seafood and French cuisine; spoil-yourself spas; and shops that sell art, jewelry, clothing and household goods worth the splurge.

Members responding to our survey commented that the town, "was not to big," but added, "There's outlet shopping lots of golf and mini golf. If you can't find something fun to do here, you've got a problem.

A families typical Rehoboth routine includes time at the beach -- Rehoboth Beach itself. if they are inclined to larger crowds and more activity, or one of the numerous beaches at the three coastal state parks for those who prefer to retreat to a more natural environment of sand dunes and beach grass. Nearly half of the Delaware's 24.5 miles of sandy ocean beaches are contained in these state parks.

After a good dose of sun, sand and surf, beach goers head for dinner in one of Rehoboth's dining venues, many of which have been written up in magazines and newspapers of Baltimore and D.C. Dinner is often book ended by shopping along Rehoboth Avenue and the charming pedestrian-only shopping arcades that branch off this main road.

For families, a summer visit to Rehoboth would not be complete without a pilgrimage to Funland, a small amusement park on the boardwalk that has been family-owned and operated since 1962. A few of the rides will spin you silly or rattle your brains, but many are tailored to young children.