Rehoboth Beach: Salt in my hair, sand between my toes

Often called the nation’s summer capital, Rehoboth Beach sits within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Photo: Collected

Summer on America's East Coast feels incomplete without a trip to the seaside. For those who live along the eastern seaboard, a beach is always just a drive away — making coastal getaways a favourite pastime during the hot summer months. As someone who loves the ocean, the sand, and the salty breeze, days by the sea always rejuvenate me. 

For the past decade, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware has been my top choice. As a Delaware resident, I may sound biased, but having visited several beaches along the Atlantic coast, none have matched Rehoboth's vibrancy. 

Often called the nation's summer capital, Rehoboth Beach sits within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore. What truly sets it apart from other East Coast beaches is its energy. People of all ages flock here to enjoy its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, one-mile-long boardwalk, and countless eateries, shops, and arcades. The place buzzes from dawn until well into the night. If you're after peace and quiet, Rehoboth may not be your ideal destination.

This past July, we stayed at a hotel right on the boardwalk, which made it easy to visit the beach at any time of day. My favourite moments by the sea are during sunrise and sunset. Watching the sun descend into the ocean's horizon is a sight that never gets old – and never will. Anyone who hasn't witnessed a seaside sunset is missing out on one of nature's most spectacular displays.

Rehoboth feels calm only in the early morning, before tourists stir from a night of revelry. Photo: Collected

Rehoboth is a lively beach town, but the only time it feels calm is early in the morning, when most tourists are still asleep after a long night of revelry. For me, dawn is the best time to take in Rehoboth's beauty — its soft white sands and the fresh marine air. It's the moment when a delicate rose-pink light slowly brightens the sky, followed by the first rays of sunrise.

The coastal air is always cleaner than the city's, so I take deep breaths, standing barefoot on the sand with my eyes closed and the sun warming my face. With each exhale, my worries drift away into the ocean breeze, leaving me lighter and happier.

With each exhale, my worries drift away into the ocean breeze. The salty air clears my mind, the sound of waves soothes my heart and for a moment, time feels beautifully still. Here, by the sea, I feel lighter, calmer, and completely free.

Each year during our Rehoboth Beach holiday, I spend time basking in the sun. (Remember to wear sunscreen and sunglasses — UV radiation is stronger by the sea.) I try not to think of anything stressful. I simply lie on a picnic blanket, close my eyes, and breathe slowly. If I fall asleep, I don't mind at all.

This year, we noticed an unusually large number of jellyfish along the shore. Later, I learnt that their early arrival was linked to warming ocean temperatures — a worrying reminder of climate change. Jellyfish stings can be painful and sometimes dangerous, so as we walked along the shore, we made sure to tread carefully.

No beach trip is complete without a frozen treat. We always stop at Rita's, famous for its Italian ice — a dairy-free frozen dessert made from sugar, finely crushed ice, and fruit juice. Another must-visit spot for me is The Spice & Tea Exchange, a charming little shop that smells heavenly and specialises in artisan teas and spices. This year, I treated myself to a bag of hazelnut cookie-flavoured Ceylon black tea.

Beach holidays always recharge my spirit. I love filling my lungs with salty air, feeling the powdery sand slip through my fingers, and holding a delicate shell in my palm, marvelling at its intricate design. I even love the messy beach hair and the sun-kissed tan that comes with it.

Rehoboth feels calm only in the early morning, before tourists stir from a night of revelry. Photo: Collected

My annual trip to Rehoboth gives me the calm and positivity I need to live well and thrive. Now that autumn has arrived, it will be nearly a year before I can return to Rehoboth Beach again.