Rehoboth Avenue is the main street of town, running straight from the ocean to Route 1. The eastern half, nearest the boardwalk, is the busiest commercial strip: restaurants, bars, surf shops, ice cream parlours, and the particular mix of souvenir stalls and boutique clothing stores that characterises a prosperous American beach town.
The street has changed character considerably over the past two decades. The chain restaurants that moved in during the 1990s have gradually given way to independent operations, and Rehoboth Avenue now has a good selection of restaurants that would hold their own in any city. The town's LGBTQ community is particularly visible along this strip, and several of the bars and restaurants cater specifically to this clientele.
During the summer season, the avenue is busy from morning until well after midnight. The outdoor seating that spills onto the pavement from virtually every restaurant makes it feel like a European promenade on warm evenings. Delaware's absence of sales tax makes shopping here marginally cheaper than in the neighbouring states.