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 fifth 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!
After a quiet breakfast at home with the family, D R Bradley Bike Rental can help you work off those morning calories with a lovely bike ride through the Wildwoods! Conveniently located on Rambler Road and the beach in Wildwood Crest at the beginning of the Wildwood Bike Path, D R Bradley Bike Rentals has bikes to accommodate everyone. Rentals include single bikes, surreys, low riders, training wheels and trailers.
Once you’ve viewed the Wildwoods from a bike seat, head over to Mocean Waverunners in Wildwood and have an adventure on the water. Choose a leisurely cruise around, or open the throttle and see what you can do in over three miles of an open freestyle riding area. Don’t stress if you’re not experienced – Mocean’s professional instruction staff is available to help!
When lunchtime rolls around, Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood is sure to have a bargain to suit your budget. Owen’s believes it doesn’t have to be pricey to be perfectly delicious. That’s why nothing on Owen’s menu is over $14.99! Stop in for great lunch specials on their classic American fare.
Incredible barbeque is also available for lunch at the NJ State BBQ Championship, paired with live music from top blues acts performing at the Anglesea Blues Festival. Both events take place along Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood from July 13-15. Experience the BEST in barbeque and blues at this exciting three-day festival!
Next, take an afternoon stroll on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk, and be sure to get some shopping done while you’re there! We suggest stopping by Elby’s Variety Store on 25th Street, where you’ll find everything you need for your Jersey Shore vacation. Get swimwear, clothes, hats and shoes, plus souvenirs and gifts to remember your Wildwood Days forever!
The Wildwoods offer endless dining options for dinner. For fresh seafood, juicy steaks and gorgeous sunsets, head to the Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Deck located on the Wildwoods Yacht Basin. Grab two entrees for just $29 with Boathouse’s Sunset Specials nightly from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sit on the Marina Deck and pair your meal with spectacular views and a warm summer breeze!
Another great waterfront dining choice is Brine, located on scenic Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest. Brine is known for its fresh fare, seasonal cocktails, breathtaking sunsets and good company. Take in the bay’s salty air and stay for a while as you dine on locally sourced menu items to entertain every palate.
You can’t go wrong with some after-dinner cocktails at The Wharf, your “Hideaway on the Waterway.” Outside on the deck, which overlooks Otten’s Harbor on the Intracoastal Waterway, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunsets that you will ever see while sipping on one of The Wharf’s specialty drinks. Try the Voodoo Juice, full of fruity rums and juices and served in a souvenir “Voodoo Bucket.” The sounds of the best local bands often heat up the deck in the evenings, so stick around!
If you’d rather enjoy after-dinner drinks on your own front porch, swing by Cork ‘n’ Bottle on Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood and grab everything you need to unwind. Established in 1937, Cork ‘n’ Bottle has been serving wine, beer and spirits to both locals and visitors of the Wildwoods for over 80 years!