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, this Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? We’re here with our fourth edition of Island Hopping for the season, offering some of our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping to both Sea Isle City and Ocean City, two beautiful cities packed with summer fun!
At Carmen’s Seafood Restaurant in Sea Isle City, you can wake up with waterfront views and a hearty breakfast! Although Carmen’s is known for lip-smackin’ seafood, juicy steaks and scrumptious Italian pasta, Carmen’s offers an extensive breakfast menu with both classic and unique options. Belgian waffles, golden pancakes, fluffy French toast, and fresh eggs and omelettes await you! Go for your favorite breakfast dish, or try something new like a Beefy Belgium Waffle covered with cream chipped beef, a Lump Crabmeat Omelette or Jersey Blueberry Pancakes. And who can resist the fresh-cut red-skin home fries? Visit Carmen’s by land – walk, run or drive – or pull up to the dock in your boat!
When you’re full and ready to start your day, have a relaxing water adventure at Harbor Outfitters. Experience the waters of the Jersey Shore on one of Harbor Outfitters’ kayak tours, catch waves during a stand-up paddle board lesson, or get wet while kayaking or paddle boarding! With a variety of tours and activities, your morning will be filled with fun for the entire family. Don’t forget to stop in the store afterward to browse the great selection of stand-up paddle boards and kayaks for you to try at home! Harbor Outfitters has one location in Ocean City and multiple locations in Sea Isle City.
After a morning on the water, it’s time to Ship a Hoy, Shop a Hoy! Shop ‘til you drop at one of Hoy’s 5 & 10’s two Ocean City locations, where you’ll find everything you need for your trip to the shore. Stock up on essentials for the perfect weekend at the beach like sand chairs, beach umbrellas, suncare products, beach toys, bathing suits, cover ups, hats, flip flops and more. Don’t forget to grab souvenirs to remember your beach vacation forever!
Make your next stop L.E.H. Soap Company, where you’ll find natural, handmade soap and skincare products, made fresh in small batches using only the best ingredients nature offers. Products include lotions, body butters, sugar scrubs, bath salts, body balms, fizzies, room sprays, candles and more! Vibrant and fruity scents such as Blueberry Cobbler, Pineapple, Beach Days and Jersey Girl are perfect for your time spent at the shore. Visit L.E.H. Soap’s Ocean City Boardwalk location, or the new second location on Asbury Avenue!
Continue your shopping adventures on Asbury Avenue in Downtown Ocean City, where you’ll find a shopping district not to be missed. From 6th to 14th streets, you’ll find many locally-owned businesses ready to welcome both visiting and local patrons. Find beach needs, apparel and accessories, surfing supplies, gifts for the home and more. While there are a variety of novelty shops, Asbury Avenue also features art galleries, imported furniture and fine fashion. Artisan ice creams and bakeries, exquisite dining and intimate cafés are located among the shops to please your palate for lunch!
The shopping doesn’t have to stop there. Hop on over to Sea Isle City’s Promenade, approximately 1.5 miles of paved sea wall that runs from 29th Street to 57th Street. Here, you’ll find multiple stretches that contain small, locally-owned stores for your shopping needs, as well as eateries and arcades for dining and entertainment. Within the streets of Sea Isle, you’ll find many other fashion boutiques, gift stores, surf shops and more.
If you are looking for a fun family experience when dinnertime rolls around, head to the Deauville Inn in Strathmere for live entertainment, delicious food, cold drinks and a quaint atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Corson’s Inlet Bridge between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, choose to sit outside and enjoy the view as you dine. The Deauville welcomes those coming by car, bike, foot or boat.
Keep the fun going all night long with a visit to Excursion Park, located at JFK Boulevard & Pleasure Avenue in Sea Isle City. Whether it’s Mondays at the Park, a Free Family Dance Party on Tuesday, Family Fun Night or Acoustic Open Mic Night on Thursday, a Free Movie Under the Stars on Friday or a Free Concert Under the Stars on Saturday, there’s always something happening that the whole family can enjoy!