The 157-foot-high Cape May Point lighthouse is still an aid to navigation. Visitors who climb to the top of the lighthouse can view the scenic Cape May peninsula. The first known lighthouse at Cape May was built in 1823. By 1847, the lighthouse had to be moved as the sea had encroached upon it to such an extent that the tower was surrounded by water and the foundation was threatened. The lighthouse was rebuilt on a high bluff and was never used. The current lighthouse was built in 1859. The Cape May Point State Park also contains a maritime museum, a guest shop, a bird observatory (this is a well known location for viewing fall bird migration), many nature trails, and surf fishing! Cape May Point State Park is a key site on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail. For further information, please call (609) 884-2159.
Be sure to visit the concrete ship "Atlantis" now sinking off beach known for Cape May Diamonds at end of Sunset Boulevard. The Circular Guard Towers are also located at Cape May Point. Cape May & Wildwood stood watch for World War II submarines.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a recreated 19th Century South Jersey Farm Village. Special events and activities are held. The Cold Spring Presbyterian Church was originally built in 1718; the present church was constructed in 1823. The adjoining graveyard dates back to 1742. Perhaps more Mayflower descendents are buried here than anywhere else outside of Massachusetts. Cold Spring, Rt. 9 (609) 898-2300.
Cape May Bird Observatory (Chapter NJ Audobon Society) has programs for bird enthusiasts. 707 E. Lake Drive, Cape May (609) 884-2736.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) / Emlen Physic Estate has an extensive display of Victorian furniture, clothing, toys, tools, etc. The Carriage House of the Physick Estate is the home of the Cape May County Art League, said to be the first such organization on a county basis in the US. Established in 1929. Located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May - (609) 884-5404.
Cape May Seashore Lines offers a 22 mile round trip train ride between the Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House, Historic Cold Spring Village and Cape May on the former Reading Company's steel speedway to the shore. www.capemayseashorelines.org
All aboard the Cape May-Lewis Ferry! Each crossing of the Delaware Bay can be the backdrop for a host of wonderful new memories and family stories. Sit back and relax as you cruise past historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, and local wildlife. For more information, visit https://www.cmlf.com/
Wildwood features one of the state's most famous beaches as well as the famous Wildwood Boardwalk, a 2 1/2 mile long boardwalk with seven amusements piers. Call for info, 1-800-WW-BY-SEA. Morey's Pier and Mariner' Landing on the Wildwood Boardwalk has family-fun filled piers with “more rides than Disneyland” and two spectacular water parks. 609-522-3900. Wildwood Crest's Turtle Gut Section is the site of the only American Revolutionary War battle fought in Cape May County. Turtle Gut Park is located at Miami & NJ Aves. The Wildwood Historical Museum, located at Wildwood City Hall Rooms 214 & 216, 4400 New Jersey Ave. The museum offers an interesting pictorial view of early Wildwood.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 and has a functioning light, memorabilia and antiques on display. 1st & Central Aves., North Wildwood. (609) 522-4520.
Wyland's Whaling Wall is a giant-sized wall mural (220' by 30') depicting life-sized whales and dolphins. Located at the Boardwalk Mall, Garfield Avenue.
The George E Boyer Historical Museum has exhibits on history of the Wildwoods. Holly Beach Station Mall, Pacific Ave., (609) 523-0277.
Cape May Court House / Stone Harbor
Cape May Court House is the location of the County Seat. Original courthouse and jail were built here in 1764. 300 years of local history is located in the 19th century Cresse Holmes house (and barn). This is the location of the Cape May County Historical Society and Museum. 504 Rt. 9 North, Cape May Courthouse (609) 465-3535.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a beautiful park for you to enjoy, with tree-lined paths, natural seasonal gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, bike trails and a pond for fishing. The Zoo is known for it's 600 plus inhabitants, the African Savanna, the reptile house, and it's World of Birds aviary. Park is just seven miles south of Ocean View Resort on Rt. 9. Donations accepted at gate.
Tree to Tree Adventure Park run by the Cape May County Zoo is South Jersey’s premiere aerial adventure course that features zip lines, nets, Tarzan swings, and other thrilling obstacles for the whole family. This is designed for any age and ability. There are color coded courses that progressively become more difficult in challenging the mind and body. Reservations are required for this; call (609) 388-8289. The address is 707 Rte 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.
Jersey Shore Alpacas is an alpaca farm located in Cape May. The farm provides weekly "Open farm" Saturdays where visitors can meet and feed the alpacas at the fenceline (carrots are provided). The farm does not have a charge, but donations are very appreciated. If you are not able to visit on a Saturday or want a more personal experience, they offer a $20/group private appointments that include up to 4 people, and additional people are $5 each. The address is 521 Route 47 South, Cape May, NJ 08204. Call for more information (609) 889-4957.
The Performing Arts Center of Middle Township is the largest performing arts center in South Jersey. Presents musicals and plays. Call for schedule of events. 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, (609) 463-1924.
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a nationally recognized nesting grounds. Visit the museum and observation tower. 111th to 116th Streets on 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. (609) 368-5102. The Wetlands Institute has a salt marsh trail, observation tower, tours & programs. Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor. (609) 368-1211.
The closest ocean beach to OVR is on the coast of Sea Isle City which is approximately three miles from us. At our entrance, turn right onto Route 9 south. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Sea Isle Blvd (east). You'll cross a bridge and discover a small shore town that in the 1870's was modeled after Venice, Italy by a man named Charles Landis. Many parking spots are metered in Sea Isle City; therefore, be prepared. The beach requires "beach tags" which can be purchased at the beach or from the Sea Isle Recreation Department. For additional information, please call (609) 263-0050.
Ocean City is called America's Greatest Family Resort with its boardwalk, amusements, concerts, and beaches. 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
The Ocean City Historical Museum, at 1735 Simpson Ave. contains many early Ocean Cit artifacts, including items from the "Sindia," wrecked on the beach at 16th Street - Call (609) 399-1801. The Discovery Sea Shell Museum has an amazing collection of sea shells and free admission! 2721 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. (609) 398-2316.