Rehoboth Beach says 4th of July weekend saw return to pre-pandemic crowds

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Businesses in Rehoboth Beach like Rehoboth Cycle Shop says this 4th of July saw pre-pandemic crowds, sales, and thrills on the boardwalk.

“It definitely feels like a regular summer again,” said Rehoboth Cycle owner Nate Baker adding “definitely by far July 4th was our biggest weekend both in the shop and looking out the window and seeing traffic at a standstill and people walking down the avenue.”

He says his business relies on rentals and equipment for visitors, both of which they sold out for during the holiday weekend.

According to the Rehoboth Lewes Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol Everhart, it’s not just the streets and stores that are packed; a record number of hotel rooms were sold out as well.

“In visitation, we are back to pre-pandemic levels,” Everhart said adding “One the weekend from January 1st to July 4th we went from 60,000 rooms to over 70,000 rooms booked.”

Everhart says those booked rooms are important to the whole town because while a day visitor to the beach spends around 100 dollars, that figure shoots up when they spend the night.

“An overnight visitor for just one night spends at least 200 dollars if not more so the impact is great it keeps tourism running,” she said.

Everhart says with the number of visitors back to normal, restaurants are still working hard to make up for the lack of supplies and staffing.

“Supplies and staff are still key for a small business making it,” she said.