Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast spots, sweet treats and relaxing rituals. Yet with its 620-square-mile span, this Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? We’re here with our third edition of Island Hopping for the season, offering some of our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping to the Wildwoods, five miles of free beaches, a world-famous boardwalk, thrilling amusements and water parks, incredible dining, a variety of shops and so much more!
Start your morning with breakfast and cocktails at The Surfing Pig in North Wildwood! One of the only places on the island serving breakfast cocktails, The Surfing Pig offers Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Screwdrivers, Tequila Sunrises, Irish Coffee and more to pair with your breakfast. Enjoy your morning meal and drinks in an open-air atmosphere with waterfront views, palm trees and bay breezes. What better way to wake up?
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a morning bike ride at the shore. After breakfast, visit Crest Bike Rental in Wildwood Crest and take the family on a ride to view the beautiful Wildwoods from a bike seat. This rental outlet has bikes for everyone, with rentals including single, multi-speeds, low riders, tandems, tag-a-longs, surreys, training wheels and child seats.
Next, head to scenic Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest for some fun on the water at Lakeview Docks. Soak up the sun’s rays aboard a Lakeview kayak – peace and quiet has never felt as good as it does aboard a kayak on this Jersey Shore waterway! Only $20 per hour for a single and $30 per hour for a double, Lakeview kayaks can be great for exercise and even better for relaxation. New to kayaking? The Lakeview staff provides professional pointers on rowing, helping you get started.
For a different water experience, Splash Zone Water Park on the Wildwoods Boardwalk can help you stay cool in the summer heat. Offering a variety of experiences and adventure for all ages, Splash Zone features 20 attractions including body, tube, flume, raft, interactive, speed and children’s water slides, as well as other play areas. For the less adventurous and the little ones, the Hydro Zone is the perfect place to get ‘em wet! And for those who wish to unwind, relax in your own private cabana or float along the lazy river.
After an exciting, water-filled morning, head over to the Crab House at Two Mile Landing in Wildwood Crest to chill out with a famous Orange Crush in hand. Or, opt for one of the other fruity flavored crushes, grapefruit or strawberry-orange. Whatever you choose, pair it with some fresh local seafood for the perfect mid-day meal. Swing by during Crabby Hour from 2 to 5 p.m. for some sweet specials!
Spend the rest of your afternoon at the Wildwoods Convention Center, where you’ll always find special events and happenings. Stroll along the boards at Rio Grande Avenue this Saturday, Sunday or Monday and check out the handmade products at the Boardwalk Craft Show. Or, stop in the Convention Center Friday, Saturday or Sunday and find over 100 tables of the hottest collectibles on the planet at the Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show.
When the sun starts to set, hop on over to Morey’s Surfside Pier at 25th & the Boardwalk in North Wildwood. Here, you’ll find a variety of kiddie rides and family thrills in an environment fueled by neon colors, bright lights and music. This pier is home to KONG, a remake of the iconic King Kong that graced Morey’s Piers in early 1970s. Standing over 60 feet high, the reincarnation of the Morey’s classic will thrill you as you circle in planes flying through the sky.
Before leaving the Wildwoods Boardwalk, make sure you pick up some souvenirs at Boardwalk’s Best Gifts & Variety at Glenwood Avenue & the Boardwalk. This shop is your destination for all things Wildwood, providing swim and resort wear, shoes, accessories, gifts and more for everyone on your list, all at affordable prices.
For limitless dinner options, the Red Oak Restaurant in Wildwood serves the finest all-you-can-eat sea and land dinner buffets to satisfy the entire family at the most reasonable prices. The dinner buffet offers over 60 items – soups, a complete salad bar, pasta galore, fresh seafood selections, hand carved beef and ham, a variety of chicken dishes, roast stuffed turkey, macaroni & cheese, rice pilaf, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts and more.
Rather do dinner in the comfort of your own home, hotel or rental? Sample the renowned Asian fusion flavors of Dragon House in the heart of Wildwood. All menu items are available for takeout and/or delivery, including the ever-popular Scallion Pancakes appetizer, nicknamed “Chinese Pizza.”
After dinner, keep the fun going and grab some great drink specials at Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood. At Owen’s, Happy Hour at the bar extends all the way until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday for an even Happier Hour! If you stay past Happy Hour, you might be able to catch some live entertainment such as DJs or games like Name That Tune and Quizzo!
For a lively night out, the all new 2nd Street Annie’s on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood features Dueling Pianos every Friday and Saturday night. Grab a cocktail, sing along and be a part of the show! Stick around until midnight for 2nd Street Annie’s nightly New Year’s Eve celebration, because, why not?!