Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach
Tax-free outlet shopping at the beach — 100-plus stores across three centers on Route 1, and a handy rainy-day or restock stop.
The Quick Version
- • Three outlet centers (Surfside, Seaside, Bayside) on Route 1 in Rehoboth with about 115 brand-name stores — and Delaware has no sales tax, so it's all tax-free.
- • Not a kid attraction, but a genuinely useful family stop: restock beach gear, clothes, and shoes, grab food, or wait out a rainy beach day.
- • Free to wander; plenty of stores parents need (kids' clothes, shoes, sporting goods).
- • About 1.5–2 hours from Wilmington, right by the Rehoboth beach and boardwalk.
Best Ages
All ages (parent-driven)
Plan For
1–2 hours
Admission
Free
What to Expect
Tanger Outlets Rehoboth isn't a kids' attraction — it's a big outlet-shopping destination — but on a Delaware beach trip it earns a spot as a practical family stop. There are around 115 brand-name outlet stores spread across three open-air centers (Surfside, Seaside, and Bayside) along Route 1, and because Delaware has no sales tax, it's all tax-free.
For families that means it's the place to restock beach gear, kids' clothes, shoes, or sporting goods, grab a meal, and — usefully — wait out a rainy beach day under cover.
Set expectations: little kids will tolerate it in short bursts, not a full afternoon, so go in with a list and keep it efficient. The centers are spread out, so check which one your stores are in before you park. It's open year-round, busiest on summer weekends, and sits right by the Rehoboth beach and boardwalk, about 1.5–2 hours from Wilmington.
Who It's Best For
Be honest with yourself — this is a shopping stop, not a play destination. Little kids tolerate it in short bursts; it's most useful as a practical errand or a rainy-day backup on a beach trip, not an outing the kids will ask for.
Highlights
Tax-free shopping
ParentsNo Delaware sales tax across roughly 115 outlet stores — genuinely cheaper than shopping at home.
Three centers on Route 1
ParentsSurfside, Seaside, and Bayside — figure out which one has the stores you want before you go.
Rainy-day beach backup
All agesA dry, do-something option (with food) when the beach is washed out.
Family restock
ParentsKids' clothes, shoes, beach gear, and sporting goods all in one stop.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • A full afternoon — kids fade fast in outlets; go with a list.
- • Assuming it's one place — it's three centers spread along Route 1.
- • Summer weekend midday if you can help it — it's packed.
Logistics
Admission
Free admission
Free to enter — it's a shopping center. Delaware has no sales tax, so everything is tax-free.
Getting There
Parking
Large free lots at each of the three centers.
The three centers are spread along Route 1 — check which one your stores are in before you park; summer weekends are busy.
Entrance
Open-air centers along Coastal Highway (Route 1) in Rehoboth.
Parent Logistics
Open-air, flat, and stroller-easy.
Restrooms in each center.
Typically in the restrooms — not confirmed.
Open-air with some covered walkways; bring sun cover in summer.
Food & Snacks
Food options across the centers (cafes and quick-serve); full restaurants are minutes away in Rehoboth.
Snack strategy: Grab a bite between stores, or save a real meal for Rehoboth nearby.
Pro Tips
- ✓ It's tax-free — factor that in versus shopping at home.
- ✓ Stick to the one center with the stores you want; they're spread along Route 1.
- ✓ Keep it in your back pocket as a rainy-day card on a beach week.
- ✓ Pair quick shopping with the Rehoboth boardwalk nearby.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Any time; an especially good rainy-day option on a beach week. Go on a weekday or off-peak to dodge summer-weekend crowds. Tax-free year-round.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round; busiest on summer weekends and holidays. Tax-free always — Delaware has no sales tax.
Rainy Day?
This is the rainy-day option — covered shopping and food when the beach is out.
While You're in the Area
Rehoboth Beach and the boardwalk (including Funland), Jungle Jim's, and Cape Henlopen State Park are all close.