According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is just around the corner but winter’s not over just yet! Is the chilly weather leaving you with the winter blues but you can’t escape to the shore just yet? Luckily we have the perfect way to warm up your winter – start planning your summer fun at the Jersey Shore! Besides chasing away the winter blues with warm thoughts, planning your time at the Jersey Shore now has many advantages: increased availability for your preferred dates and accommodations, early booking discounts and perks, and time to research and plan what to do!
When will you go?
When planning your summer fun at the Jersey Shore, the first thing you want to do is decide when you want to visit. Weekends are the busiest times here at the Jersey Shore, so if you can, we suggest visiting during the week. If that’s not an option due to work or other commitments, consider visiting on a weekend after Labor Day through the end of September. The shore is less crowded, but restaurants, shops, and attractions are still open and it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach!
Where will you stay?
After choosing your desired dates, book your accommodations if necessary. Before booking your hotel, motel or bed and breakfast reservations, think about how you’ll be using the room. If you don’t expect to be spending much time in the room, consider saving money with a smaller room. If you have a romantic getaway planned, splurge for a bigger room or even an ocean view. Also, do your research and browse the internet for discounts and deals.
What will you do?
Now comes the fun part – deciding what to do! It’s not necessary to plan out every single minute of your trip, but it’s nice to have a general idea of what you want to do so you never get bored.
Here are some activities and attractions to plan time for:
Watersports – There are many activities that can keep you in the sunshine and near the water but off the beach. Try fishing, crabbing, renting a boat or wave runners, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or parasailing.
Biking – There are plenty of places to rent bikes and surreys around Cape May County, so get out and explore!
Mini Golfing & Golfing – There are lots of mini-golf sites both on and off the boardwalk that vary in features and difficulty. Mini golfing is the perfect family activity after a beach day or instead of a beach day! For the more experienced golfer, Cape May County has numerous golf clubs so you can hit the green.
Tours & Museums – There is an abundance of history behind your favorite shore towns in Cape May County. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) offers tours in Historic Cape May that the whole family can enjoy. The Cape May Lighthouse offers one of the county’s best vantage points, and the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse offers guided and self-guided tours.
The Boardwalk Experience – Ocean City and Wildwood are both home to great water parks and amusement rides on their boardwalks, as well as arcades, shops, and restaurants that make for great family fun!
Cape May County Park & Zoo – The Zoo not only offers the viewing of over 550 animals representing 250 species, but also a large playground, a picnic area, a gift shop, a carousel, and a rock-climbing wall.
Theatrical Shows – Cape May houses many talented local theater companies, including East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) and Cape May Stage.
Shopping – There are lots of small shops and boutiques that hold big treasures throughout Cape May County. Visit dotheshore.com/shopping for a list of stores that sell clothing, souvenirs, sweet treats and more!
Cape May-Lewes Ferry – The Ferry offers a great way to explore both coasts of the Delaware Bay. You can walk, bike or drive on and then explore the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth.
Wine and Beer Tastings – Want some alone time with your significant other? Attend a wine or beer tasting at one of Cape May County’s many wineries or breweries.
Events – There’s always something fun happening at the shore! Visit dotheshore.com/events for a calendar of events happening throughout Cape May County.
Remember to keep a few days free to soak up some sun on the beach or by the pool! Visit dotheshore.com/activities for information on these activities and more!
Where will you eat?
Of course, we can’t forget about dining. There are plenty of places to eat throughout Cape May County, from casual pubs to fancy restaurants. Visit dotheshore.com/dining for a list of restaurants that offer American food, seafood, Asian cuisine and more! Also, many of the pubs and clubs feature live entertainment and games like Quizzo or Name that Tune. An entertainment schedule is available at dotheshore.com/nightlife.
No matter what you decide to do on your trip to the Jersey Shore, have fun and take advantage of everything the shore has to offer! And if you decide to visit during the winter season, there is always something to do – just check dotheshore.com!