Points of Interest  
Belleplain State Forest Cape May Park & Zoo Nature Center of Cape May
Boardwalk Amusements Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Ocean City Music Pier
Boating, Fishing and Sightseeing Doo Wop Preservation League The Sunken Concrete Ship "Atlantus"
Cape May Bird Observatory Hereford Inlet Lighthouse The Shoemaker Holly Tree
Cape May County Historical Museum New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route Wetlands Institute
Cape May "Diamonds" Golfing Theatre & Music
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Historic Cold Spring Village US Coast Guard Training Center Cape May
Cape May Lighthouse and Museum Middle Township Performing Arts Center  

Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest was established in 1928 by the State of New Jersey for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reforestation Relief Act, supplying labor to the forest for over an eight-year period, set up three camps. A full range of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and boating are available within this 13,000+ acre area. Please call 609-861-2404 for further information.

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Boardwalk Amusements

Wildwood and Ocean City offer miles of boardwalk entertainment, food and fun. Take a casual stroll or ride on the tramcars. Enjoy games of chance, water parks, Ferris wheels and roller coasters. Generally open from early spring through September, these parks cater to families with children from tots to teens; thrill seeking adults, groups and company picnics. In Ocean City call Gillians Amusements at 609-399-7082 and in Wildwood call the Morey Organization at 609-729-3700.

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Boating, Fishing and Sightseeing

The clean water of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay offer an abundance of fish, fowl and aquatic mammals. Deep Sea Fishing, charter boat fleets and sightseeing trips are available from every resort town. Charter groups are available for half or full day charters and night trips too. Ride on an 80-foot schooner ship or an old fashioned paddleboat. Try parasailing, a fishing trip, a party boat excursion, a dolphin expedition, sailboat rides, guided kayak tours or even a dinner cruise.

Cape May Bird Observatory

The Cape peninsula is the most famous bird watching location in North America and one of the world’s most celebrated migratory junctions. An array of habitat types and a wealth of protected natural areas make Cape May a birding spot for all seasons. Located at 707 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point. Call 609-884-2736 for more information.

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Cape May County Historical Museum
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The John Holmes House, built in 1755, is one of the oldest structures in Cape May County. It’s listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Museum contains extensive and varied exhibits including furnishings, costumes, tools and decorative and practical objects from the 17th to 20th centuries. Please visit the museum’s website to find out more about Cape May History.

 

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Cape May "Diamonds"

Cape May “Diamonds” are pure quartz crystals that have washed upon the shore by tides. They travel more than 200 miles from the upper section of the Delaware River. When polished or cut and faceted, Cape May “Diamonds” have the look of an actual diamond, and when given as a gift the bonds of friendship and lasting goodwill follow. Searching for the “Diamonds” have become a popular family activity along the Jersey Shore, especially along Sunset Beach in Cape May Point.

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The Cape May-Lewes Ferry
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The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is the most relaxing way to cross the Delaware Bay. The Ferry runs daily between North Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware as a means of transportation or just a leisurely trip. There are five-handicap accessible vessels owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authorities. Each of the Ferries has an over 100 car and 800 passenger capacity. For departure schedules, passenger fare, special packages, information about the Twin Capes Value Card, or any other questions, please call 1-800-643-3779.

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Cape May Lighthouse and Museum

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a renowned maritime museum offering a breath-taking panoramic view of the Jersey Cape, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Oil House contains a fully accessible Visitor’s Orientation Center and Museum Shop. Located on Lighthouse Avenue at Cape May Point State Park. For fees and hours, call 609-884-5404.

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Cape May Park & Zoo

The Cape May Park & Zoo is a 128-acre park offering picnicking facilities, a playground, a pond for fishing, as well as walking and biking nature trails. Rent a pavilion for large groups and reunions. The world-class zoo contains over 500 types of animals including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes and a reptile house. Call 609-465-5271 for information on hours, group trips, and times of operation.

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Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

The Refuge was established in January 1989 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the Refuge's first 90-acre parcel from The Nature Conservancy in June of that year. Since then the Refuge has grown to more than 11,000 acres as the Service continues to buy land. Ultimately the Refuge will protect over 21,200 acres of precious wildlife habitat in New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge's key location in the Atlantic Flyway makes it an important link in the vast nationwide network of National Wildlife Refuges administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It will ensure availability of important habitat to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year as this long- distance flyers travel along the New Jersey coast. Located at 24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Point; call 609-463-0994 for further information.

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Doo Wop Preservation League
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The Doo Wop Preservation League is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose educational mission is to foster awareness and appreciation of the popular culture and imagery of the 1950s and 1960s and to promote the preservation of the largest collection of mid-century or “Doo Wop” resort architecture found in the United States, right there in the Wildwoods. For more information about the preservation please call 609-729-4000.

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Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Historic and picturesque, a beacon of safety and assurance to the 19th century mariner; Hereford Inlet Lighthouse has become a focal point for visitors and locals. Overlooking the wide Hereford Inlet, the lighthouse once served as a life saving service. Today, prize-winning paintings hang in the lighthouse and plans are underway for converting a large portion of it into a nautical museum. Located at First and Central Avenues in North Wildwood. Call 609-522-4520 or 609-522-2030.

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New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
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The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route was established in 1988 “to provide for public appreciation, education, understanding, and enjoyment” of significant natural and cultural sites associated with the coastal area of the State of New Jersey. The Trail Route extends south for nearly 300 miles from Perth Amboy to Cape May and westward along the Delaware Bay to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Five major themes of coastal life are showcased: Coastal Habits, Maritime History, Wildlife Migration, Historic Settlements, and Relaxation & Inspiration. Typical historic and natural areas include lighthouses, Coast Guard Stations, defensive forts, coastal beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Please call 1-800-537-7397 for further information.

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Golfing

The mild climate of the Jersey Cape allows for golfing almost year round. There is enough diversity in course layout to appeal to both the amateur golfer and those who are looking for a challenging game. Many clubs offer dinning facilities and pro shops for your convenience. Call ahead to reserve your tee time.

bullet Avalon Golf Club 609-465-4653
bullet Cape May National Golf Course 609-884-1563
bullet Cape May Par 3 and Driving Range 609-889-2600
bullet Sand Barrens Golf Course 609-465-3555

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Historic Cold Spring Village
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Stroll the shaded lanes on 22 acres as you step back in time to a South Jersey rural community of the mid-nineteenth century. Visit the crafters, tradesman, housewives and farmers of 150 years ago. Authentically garbed village craftspeople make history come alive as they demonstrate age-old crafts using traditional tools, methods and materials. Many of the craftspeople will invite you to become involved in their trade.. Located three miles north of Cape May at 720 Route 9, Cold Spring. Call 609-898-2300 for further information.

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Middle Township Performing Arts Center

The Middle Township Performing Arts Center offers a year round schedule of plays, concerts, and performances. The PAC is a popular 1000-seat arts center which is a part of the Middle Township High School; located in Cape May Court House on One Penkenthman Way, just off of the Garden State Parkway at Exit 10 East. The ticket office is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-1: 30 pm. Please call 609-463-1924 for ticket information, or 609-463-1925 for the business office.

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Nature Center of Cape May

The Nature Center of Cape May was founded in 1992, with the twin goals of creating a responsible stewardship program for open space surrounding Cape May Harbor and providing environmental education for people of all ages. Adopted by the New Jersey Audubon Society in 1995, the Nature Center is one of nine staffed nature centers throughout the state. This unique area is located on the shore of Cape May Harbor, near the United States Coast Guard Training Center, on Delaware Avenue in Cape May. The hours of operation are as follows, Winter Hours (Jan. Feb. March): Tues. - Sat. 10a.m. to 1p.m. Spring Hours (April, May): Tues. - Sat. 10a.m. to 3p.m. Summer Hours (June, July, Aug. Sept.): Daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Autumn Hours (Oct. Nov. Dec.): Tues. - Sat. 10a.m. to 3p.m. Please call 609-898-8848 for additional information about programs, special events, and membership.

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Ocean City Music Pier

The Music Pier is far from being just for music events. Located on Moorlyn Terrace on the Ocean City Boardwalk, not only is it home to the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, but it also hosts an array of other events throughout the year. It's the site for the annual Miss New Jersey Pageant, as well as train shows, doll shows, contests and festivals. And it is also the starting point for most holiday parades. For information on events taking place year round please call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

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The Sunken Concrete Ship "Atlantus"

The Sunken Concrete Ship of Atlantus is located at the very tip of New Jersey, just off of Sunset Beach at Cape May Point. Due to a lack of available steel during WW1, the Atlantus was one of 12 ships constructed out of concrete and steel rods. The Atlantus weighed 3000 tons and was 250 feet in length. Although the Atlantus floated, it was a very slow vessel and was put out of service; the Atlantus was wrecked in a storm, June 8, 1926. Over time, the Atlantus has gradually been sinking into the Atlantic Ocean and today only a small portion remains about water level. Visitors enjoy seeing the amazing site of the Concrete Ship and many return year after year to see how much is left about the surface.

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The Shoemaker Holly Tree

The Shoemaker Holly Tree is located at mile marker 23 on the Garden State Parkway. This 300-year-old tree is over 60 feet tall and has a trunk width of some 30 inches. According to the Holly Society of America, Inc., this is the oldest holly tree in New Jersey, and among the oldest in the United States. Discovered during construction of the Garden State Parkway, the tree was saved from being cut down as it was in the original path of the highway. The name Shoemaker comes from the former owner of the property. Today, a picnic and rest area is located at the site of the tree. Each year, holiday lights are strung on the tree during the Christmas Season.

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Wetlands Institute
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Founded in 1969 by Herbert Mills, Executive Director of the World Wildlife Fund, the Wetlands Institute is a not-for-profit organization promoting appreciation of wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Located in Middle Township near Stone Harbor and historic Cape May, the Wetlands Institute is uniquely housed in a cedar shake building designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century coast guard station. Situated overlooking 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands, the Institute hosts over 40,000 visitors each year. Here, visitors can learn the exciting facts about life in the salt marsh environment. Throughout the year, many species of birds can be seen from it’s viewing areas. For hours of operation and any other questions please call 609-368-3871.

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Theatre & Music

Many live performances are given throughout the county all year long, ranging from Dinner theater and professional equity theatre to local ‘players’. Musical entertainment offers everything from individual concerts to weekend festivals and full concert series. Call Cape May Jazz Festival at 609-884-7200, Cape May Stage at 609-884-1344, East Lynne Theater Company at 609-884-5898, Elaine’s Dinner Theater at 609-884-4358, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts at 609-844-5404, or South Jersey Cultural Alliance at 609-926-1639.

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United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May

The USCG Training Center Cape May was established May 31, 1948 as a training facility for all recruits from the East Coast. In the early 1980s, the West Coast training facility in Alameda, California was closed, making Training Center Cape May the only basic training center in the entire United States Coast Guard. Every recruit entering the United Stated Coast Guard begins his or her enlistment in Cape May, New Jersey. Visitors may tour the Training Center by car or foot traffic; however, the center may be closed to the public at any time, without advances notice.

 

     
Phone: (609) 465-7181 Fax: (609) 465-5017  E-Mail:  Send e-mail
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Web site by: Cape Graphics
Web Comments to:  bill@capegraphics.com
Revised: June 26, 2008 .