Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast favorites 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 second edition of Island Hopping, offering our map of suggestions of where to “do the shore” for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Start your day at Utsch’s Marina, THE place to experience the waters of Cape May. Located at the base of the Cape May Bridge, choose from whale watching, parasailing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing or partying on a boat – there is something for everyone to have fun on the water!
Want to cool off in a different way? Splash Zone Water Park, located on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, offers a variety of experiences and water adventure for all ages!
Don’t have everything you need for the water park? Just take a few steps next door to 5 Mile Marketplace, where you’ll find quality swim wear for the whole family, plus anything and everything else you need for your day of fun in the sun.
After an exciting, water-filled morning, head over to the Crab House at Two Mile Landing in Wildwood Crest to relax with a famous Orange Crush in hand. Or, opt for one of the other fruity flavored crushes, grapefruit or strawberry-orange. Whatever you choose, pair it with some fresh local seafood for the perfect mid-day meal. If you happen to swing by during Crabby Hour from 2 to 5 p.m. and are hanging at the bar, you can add an appetizer to your lunch for just $5, plus get $1 off your drinks!
If you prefer to eat lunch at home and relax a little before heading back out, Fish House Market & Eatery, also in Wildwood Crest, can provide you with delicious seafood to go, all cooked and ready to eat as soon as you walk through the door of your hotel room, condo or house. We suggest choosing the famous Lobster Bisque homemade soup – it’ll be sure to warm you up after your cool morning in the water!
Work off your lunch calories at Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range in Rio Grande, where you’ll find an 18-hole experience that can fill your entire afternoon. This easy course allows those of all skill levels to have a successful game on an excellent green. And don’t worry if you haven’t changed out of your swimsuit – Cape May Par 3 welcomes those in beach attire to hit a round of golf before or after your day at the beach or water park!
Once dinner time rolls around, visit Sapore Italiano in West Cape May for a delicious sit-down meal. With classic homemade Italian food including antipasti options, carne, pollo, pesce and “real” Italian pasta, there is no reason to leave hungry. This fine dining establishment makes for the perfect romantic night out, set in one of the oldest homes in the seaside resort town with a renovated dining room and intimate seating.
Perhaps a show after dinner? Catch the last performance of Cape May Stage’s “The Whipping Man” on June 24 at 8 p.m., or see the comical drama “Sex with Strangers” on June 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Whichever show you choose, Cape May Stage will give you a new appreciation for the arts.
Once the production is over, head back to the Wildwoods Boardwalk just in time for the first Friday Night Fireworks display on June 24 at 10 p.m. Launched from Pine Avenue beach, the fireworks are visible from anywhere on the Boardwalk. Pull up a beach chair or just stop in your tracks for a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks, all exploding to a musical score!
After a night of theater and fireworks shows, Echo’s in North Wildwood welcomes you to end your day of island hopping with drinks and dancing. Grab a beer or a mixed drink and put on your boogie shoes, because there’s always a live band or DJ at Echo’s!