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, the Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all the ground to cover, where should you even begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Island Hopping is your go-to guide for the season with our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping all around the county to plan your day from dusk till dawn.
Choose a breakfast spot that the whole family will love and visit the Harbor View Restaurant on Ocean Drive in Cape May. With sights of the Cape May Harbor, here you’ll find the Cape’s best restaurant views! Enjoy classics such as pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelets, and eggs, or go for one of the house specialties.
After breakfast, spend some time on the green at Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range in Rio Grande. This 18-hole course allows those of all skill levels to have a successful game, making for a fun-filled morning. If you’re thinking about stopping by the beach after to soak up some afternoon sun, Cape May Par 3 welcomes those in beach attire to hit a round of golf before hitting the sand!
Visit Cape Atlantic Book Company on The Washington Mall in Cape May before you hit the beach to pick up your summer beach read. With a wide selection of books for all ages from fiction to nonfiction, mystery to romance, this bookstore allows you and your family to find the perfect book to get lost in on a summer day. You’ll find floor-to-ceiling collections of both current best sellers and old classics, plus a large children’s department for little bookworms.
Open from 11:30 a.m., Kelly’s Café on Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood is a great lunch option. A wide variety of menu options await you and your family, including burgers, wraps, grilled reubens, homemade soups, BBQ ribs, wings, steamed clams, pizza and much more! Come visit this 80-year Wildwood landmark!
Next, hop aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a trip across the bay to Delaware’s tax-free shopping and beach attractions. The ride is pleasant and scenic, and terminals on both sides have enjoyable restaurants, outdoor cafés, and well-stocked gift shops. Before heading out, grab a Happy Hour cocktail at On the Rocks Dockside Grill at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, overlooking the waters where the Cape May Canal and the Delaware Bay meet. Flip flops are encouraged so you can kick back and relax!
If you’re strolling through Avalon, be sure to stop into Ocean Galleries on 22nd Street. Ocean Galleries displays many great pieces of artwork for all to enjoy, as well as hosts many shows throughout the summer. From local artists’ watercolors to nationally-recognized artists’ originals, popular beach prints and high-end reproductions, you’ll surely be inspired by Ocean Galleries’ collection!
After a long day of hopping around the county (and possibly Delaware!), relax and unwind at 5 West Pub in North Cape May and grab some cool cocktails with friends. Even furry friends are welcome, as 5 West Pub’s outside patio is pet-friendly! Water is probably the best choice for Fido, but for you, we suggest the signature “5 West” cocktail made with Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, lemonade, cranberry juice and 7 Up.
If you’re itching to dance the night away, another nightlife option is Flip Flopz Beach Bar & Grill. Flip Flopz is the hottest place for dancing with state-of-the-art entertainment each night. Dance to DJ’s spinning the latest hits on Friday and Sunday nights, then stop in on Saturdays for live singers and bands. If that isn’t enough to satisfy you, take a walk upstairs to Tiki Topz by The Pool for fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
After a long day out in Cape May County, get home safely and relax. It won’t be long before you have to start planning your next fun-filled day at the shore!