Rehoboth Beach vs Dewey Beach DE

Hoping to get away for a few days late August with my husband and 10yr old son. Both places look to be within a driving distance we can deal with for a nice beach vacation.

Not terribly familiar with both places besides what I've read online and wondered if anyone had any experiences? 

I think I found a hotel, in Rehoboth Beach, within price range, 2 blocks from the beach- breakfast and chairs/umbrella included, so we don't mind the walk 

Thanks 

we have stayed in Bethany Beach DE for many, many years.  It's just south of Dewey and Rehoboth.  Just my perceptions, but Dewey looks like a little bit more of a college student/young person's town.  For a family, I'd be more likely to prefer Rehoboth (which we've always thought of as "Maplewood by the Sea" )

Thank you, that's what I've read about Dewey. Don't need that atmosphere. 

We plan on taking our bikes to head to the State forest also. 

Just got back from a 4 day w/e at Rehoboth.  Rehoboth is very very crowded right now. The boardwalk and beach are fun and lively but expect lots of people, and parking on the main ave is tough.  Dewey is definitely more college/live band type of town.  We spent a day in Bethany and its a mini version of Rehoboth with boardwalk, main ave, but less crowded, quieter, and more manageable crowd wise.  Your son is old enough where Rehoboth boardwalk might be funner with amusement park and games, etc.  The whole area has great beach and restaurants.

What ml1 and justal said, including a family preference for Bethany that dates back to the '70s. ("Just south," though, adds about a half-hour to the trip, which, if the drive begins from North Jersey and you're desperate to finally get there and just relax, can be significant.)

Just south of Dewey, but north of Bethany, lies the Indian River beach access points.  I think it is $5 to park and the beach is much less crowded, plus you can watch the boats entering/exiting the inlet to the bay. Stay away from Dewey and consider a trip to Cape Henlopen if you have time.

Thank you all! We planned to just leave the car at the hotel, which has parking, unless we headed to somewhere not within walking distance. 

Will look into Bethany Beach also