Are Canopies Allowed on Rehoboth Beach, DE? Rules & Regulations

Published November 15th, 2022 by Allen Campbell

are canopies allowed on Rehoboth beach, DE

Looking to relax on a sunny beach this summer? Well, before you pack your bags for Rehoboth Beach, DE, make sure you know the rules about canopies. According to the official website of the town, canopies are not allowed on the beach due to their potential to damage the dunes. 

So, if you’re looking to set up a shady spot on the beach, you’ll have to find another way to do it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time in the sun.

Are Canopies Allowed on Rehoboth Beach, DE?: Summary

Rules and Regulation at Rehoboth Beach, DE

In addition to the rule about canopies, you should also be aware of the following rules and regulations before visiting Rehoboth Beach:

  1. If you are hosting an event or gathering, you can use tents after getting a permit from the town. So, if you’re planning a beach party, make sure to get the right paperwork in order first.
  2. You can take circular umbrellas on the beach, as long as they are properly weighted down so they don’t blow away in the wind. Make sure the pole height is not more than 7’6″ and the diameter of the shade is no more than 8′.
  3. Additionally, baby tents up to 36″ high x 36″ wide x 36″ deep are allowed on the beach. These must also be properly weighted down and are only to be used to shade infants and small children.
  4. After using the baby tent and umbrella, please remove them from the beach by 10 pm each day. Any items left on the beach between 10 pm and 7 am will be subject to removal by the town.
  5. Please also remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of all trash properly. There are garbage cans located throughout the beach for your convenience.
  6. No grills or any other cooking devices that utilize fire are allowed on the beach.
  7. You can enjoy different smoke-free areas which are parks and playgrounds, the bandstand plaza, the boardwalk, and the beach.
  8. Between the hours of 1am and 5am, the beach is closed to visitors. To ensure a peaceful and issue-free experience for everyone, please adhere to this rule.
  9. In order to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of Rehoboth Beach, no glass containers are allowed on the beach or boardwalk. Not only is it illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, boardwalk, or public streets, but it’s also bad for your health and the environment.
  10. Any type of vehicle or driving on the beach is not allowed, with the exception of emergency vehicles and town-authorized vehicles. This helps to protect the delicate ecosystem as well as keep the beach safe for everyone.
  11. From May 15-September 15, Only bikes are allowed on the boardwalk from 5 am to 10 am. All other wheeled devices, such as skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters are prohibited starting at 10 am. Again, this is to help protect the boardwalk and keep it safe for all pedestrians.
  12. If children under the age of 12 want to ride a bike on the boardwalk, they should check with the police for regulations.
  13. It is illegal to skateboard on sidewalks and streets from May 15th to September 15th.
  14. You are not allowed to feed seagulls due to the potential health hazards for the birds as well as humans.
  15. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the beach, boardwalk, and Bandstand plaza. Designated smoking areas are available throughout town for your convenience.
  16. While lifeguards are on duty, games such as football, volleyball, and Frisbee are not allowed to be played on the beach. This will make sure everyone can safely enjoy the beach.
  17. A metered payment or the permit is required for parking from 10 am to 10 pm from May 15-September 15.
  18. You are not allowed to change clothes in your car or in public places. You can use the public restrooms or changing facilities located throughout the beach.
  19. Illegal drugs are not tolerated in Rehoboth Beach, and possession of such substances can result in arrest.
  20. Moreover, public urination and defecation are not allowed and will result in a fine.
  21. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1-September 30. This is to protect both the animals and the wildlife on the beach. City ordinances also require that dogs be on a leash at all times and that their waste be picked up and disposed of properly.
  22. Please be aware of any posted signs or flags, as they will help to indicate any hazards on the beach.
  23. You must be 21 years old to drink alcoholic beverages in bars. No exceptions are made for anyone under the age of 21, even if they do not plan on drinking.
  24. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent from the beach patrol to those with disabilities from 10am-5pm on a first come, first serve basis. The wheelchair is not allowed to be used on the boardwalk.
  25. Sleeping on the beach or any public property is not allowed. Furthermore, people are not allowed to sleep in their car if it is parked on a public street. No sleeping on or under the boardwalk or on benches is allowed.
  26. Please remember to have a great time, be safe, and respect both the beach and those around you! If you follow these suggestions, everyone can have a good time at Rehoboth Beach.

Bottom Line

The canopies are prohibited to use at the beach because they can obstruct the view of lifeguards and hinder their ability to do their job properly. If you’re looking for some shade while enjoying the beach, there are plenty of other options available, such as umbrellas. 

I have listed down all the rules and regulations for you so that you can have a great time while visiting Rehoboth Beach. Even though the beach is a place for fun, it’s important to be aware of the rules in order to ensure everyone’s safety. So please, take a look at the list and familiarize yourself with the regulations before heading down to the beach.

Allen Campbell with Master Canopies

Allen Campbell

Allen is a full time writer at Mastercanopies.com and enjoys traveling around the United States and exploring nature. He enjoys writing about canopies as he believes they are extremely crucial in having a successful camping trip whether it be a trip to the beach, mountains, or the open plains.

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