Are you spending time down the shore but not sure how to fill your free time? Here a few things you can do in Cape May County to have fun and get out of the house:
Shop Local Businesses
While some businesses are still open for curbside pickup, many businesses opened for indoor shopping on June 15! Whether you are shopping in-store or still quarantining, support these businesses and shop local for gifts, a new summer wardrobe, specialty foods, and more. Local businesses need your support now more than ever, so you may even want to consider getting your Christmas shopping done early this year!
Hunt for Cape May Diamonds at Sunset Beach
Go “prospecting” for these Jersey gems at Sunset Beach at Cape May Point. The “diamonds” are actually small, glistening pieces of clear quartz which can be culled, or “panned,” from the coarse sands of the Delaware Bay beaches. This is a great end-of-the-day activity so you can stay for a beautiful sunset and witness the vibrant colors of the sky over the Concrete Ship.
Visit the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
On June 22, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and gift shop re-opened to the public! The museum will operate under reduced capacity and limited hours to allow for additional cleaning, so get there early! Social distancing and face coverings will be required and there will be a limit of 10 guests in the gift shop at any given time. The museum and gift shop are located inside historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.usnasw.org
Take Advantage of Outdoor Dining
As of June 15, businesses can open for outdoor dining and so many restaurants in Cape May County are participating! Make reservations or plan to walk-in and enjoy your first night out in months. If you don’t have reservations, expect to get there early for a spot because restaurants will be at limited capacity and are still abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Visit the Cape May County Zoo
After following Zoo School on their Facebook page for months, the Cape May County Zoo is officially open to the public and the animals are waiting to welcome visitors once again! The Reptile House and Aviary will remain closed at this time, but the rest of the spacious zoo will be open at limited capacity so everyone can safely enjoy the zoo! Social distancing will be enforced and anyone over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask. For more information, visit cmczoo.com
Take a Walk on Your Favorite Beach
Beaches are officially open for the summer season! Take a walk on one of the Cape May County beaches and look for shells, watch the surfers catch some waves, or just enjoy the sounds of the waves. Soak up some Vitamin D while getting in some exercise and you’re sure to feel rejuvenated! Remember: if you’re going during the day, don’t forget your beach tag!
Order Takeout from your Favorite Restaurant
While many people are ramping up their cooking skills during quarantine, planning out meals every night can get exhausting. Take a break from the norm and order takeout from one of the many restaurants open in Cape May County. Take it home to enjoy with your family or bring it to the beach for a meal with a view. Bon appétit!
Visit Your Favorite Wineries & Breweries
With six wineries, eight breweries and three distilleries in Cape May County, and new ones constantly popping up, it’s easy to spend an entire day traveling this kegs, corks and spirits trail. Now that we are able to dine outdoors, many of the wineries and breweries are serving up your favorite drinks outdoors. Check with your favorite places, then head out to enjoy a day on the trail!
Explore Reeds Beach
Tucked away on the Delaware Bay in Middle Township, Reeds Beach is a popular destination for beachcombers and nature lovers. You’ll twist and turn through a residential area before finally arriving at Reeds Beach, where you may see birds, seals, crabs, or other creatures! The site is open all day, so enjoy exploring!
Visit Cape May Point State Park
The beach, dunes, freshwater wetlands, ponds and forested trails, located at the tip of the Cape May Peninsula, make Cape May Point State Park a wonderfully diverse natural area. The park offers great opportunities to see dolphins and other ocean life, bird migration, and more. There are beautiful ponds and dunes, a beach, and wonderful views of the ocean.
Play Mini Golf with Your Family
Mini golf is a classic seaside game the entire family can enjoy and many courses have finally re-opened! There are numerous mini-golf sites in Cape May County that vary in features and difficulty. Each one is unique in its own way, having its own theme that makes for an adventure at every hole. On the Wildwoods and Ocean City boardwalks, many of the courses have covered areas that make for great rainy day fun.
Create Your Own Happy Hour with Cocktails To-Go
While some restaurants and bars are open so you can enjoy a cocktail with waterfront views, that doesn’t mean you can’t host your own happy hour at home! All you need is a to-go cocktail from one of the many open restaurants in Cape May County. Kick up your feet, sip on a delicious drink, and relax for the perfect at-home happy hour.
Taste Test Boardwalk Food
Restaurants and shops are now open on the Wildwood and Ocean City boardwalks, so bring your family, hit the boards, and try out all the Boardwalk foods they have to offer! Make it fun by taste-testing everything from cheesy pizza to sweet fresh lemonade to determine the best of the boardwalk!
For more ways to Do The Shore, visit DoTheShore.com!