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.
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the Rio Grande Diner to fuel up for the busy day ahead of you. Breakfast fanatics, you’re in luck. Breakfast is served all day with so many delicious options to choose from. If you’re having a Nutella craving, you can’t go wrong with the Nutella French toast, which is surely a fan favorite. If you want to visit later in the day, we highly suggest anything from the “french fry heaven” section, a house favorite burger, or both!
After you leave breakfast, head over to rent a bike from Harbor Bike & Beach Shop in Stone Harbor. Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, Harbor Bike & Beach Shop has bikes for purchase or rent for the entire family. Cruise the streets and take in your beautiful surroundings in Stone Harbor. Also in stock is a wide selection of skimboards, skateboards, metal detectors and beach supplies for other types of outdoor fun at the shore!
If you’re looking for a relaxing day of lounging, lay out your towel out on any beach along the coast. Bring a comfortable chair, a good book, and a lot of sunscreen and you’ll be ready to have some fun in the sun.
If you happen to find yourself on a Cape May beach around Queen Street and craving a refreshing mid-day drink, walk up to the rooftop bar at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill for an orange crush and a beachfront view.
If you had too much fun in the sun and need a break and possibly some aloe lotion, take a breather at Dogtooth Bar & Grill in Wildwood, known for its “good drinks, good food, and good friends.” Enjoy a more casual meal at the Wildwood favorite for both the “local crowd” and vacationers alike. Known for its diverse menu selection, choose from bar fare, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, flatbreads, wings, pasta and more… you name it, Dogtooth has it!
If you decide to skip the beach, you can pay a visit to Historic Cold Spring Village, where you can step back in time into the “age of homespun.” This open-air living history museum represents the life of South Jersey villagers between 1789-1840. With so many options in the village, you can choose to take a tour or even visit the brewery.
Did you forget something at home when you were preparing for the shore? Head on over to Glenwood Avenue where you’ll find what is best described as your one-stop shore vacation shop – Boardwalk’s Best in Wildwood. Convenience doesn’t even begin to describe Boardwalk’s Best three full service stores located on the boardwalk. Boardwalk’s Best stocks everything and anything you could possibly imagine to suit your beach needs, including sunblock, hats, beach chairs and the best selection of swimsuits for men, women and children. Boardwalk’s Best is “Shore” to please your eye and wallet. Life has distractions. Let Boardwalk’s Best take the packing pressure off your back. They also have locations at 5 Mile Marketplace on E. Schellenger Avenue and Elby’s Variety Store on 25th Street.
For a delicious, top-rated restaurant that is guaranteed to please, make reservations at 410 Bank Street in the heart of Cape May. With locally sourced produce, seafood, and prime meats, you’re bound to have a delectable meal. Start your meal with the 410 Market Salad, then choose from the specialities of the house, including the Coconut Battered Catfish, the New Orleans Voodoo Shrimp, or the Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon. Browse the dessert menu for the perfect end to an evening.
If you’re a night owl and you want the night to continue, you’re a short walk from the Boiler Room in Cape May, located underneath Congress Hall. The pizzeria and music club is known for it’s fun atmosphere, delicious food, draft beers, and live music.
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!