Experience Cape May in September

Local's Summer: Explore the Shore in Fall

Ask anyone who’s grown up in or spent any significant amount of time in Cape May County what their favorite time of year is, and you’ll almost invariably get the same answer: September. At first blush, that might seem odd. After all, summer has come and gone, school is back in session and the hustle and bustle of summer at the shore has subsided. With so little seemingly going on, what’s so magical about the month of September in Cape May County?

You can start with the fact that the weather is beautiful; the sun shines bright and warm, the humidity vanishes, and the ocean temperatures are just right – cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to be comfortable. On top of that, shops and restaurants are still open, the summer crowds have disappeared and the beaches are free. Taken altogether, that sounds like a great time to visit, right? Well, we’ll let you in on a little secret: it is!

Welcome to Local’s Summer in Cape May County.

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sunset over the sunken concrete ship

Shopping & Dining

Though most of the tourists have ventured back home, almost everything in Cape May is still open in September. Come enjoy your favorite restaurants without the long wait, or go from shop to shop or town to town without hitting any of the congested summer traffic. September provides a perfect opportunity to explore new areas of Cape May County; try that new restaurant you couldn’t get into all summer, or pull up a chair at the brewery you’ve been wanting to try and strike up a conversation with the bartenders and locals. Cape May County is full of characters and local flavor, and September provides the perfect opportunity to explore it all!

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Cape May Brewing Company

All the Fun, Not All the Money

The only thing better than having a great time on vacation is having a great time on vacation and saving money in the process. Fortunately, as the summer traffic slows down, so do the rates at local accommodations. Beyond Air B&B’s and hotel rooms, you’ll find readily available happy hours, end-of-season clearance sales at local shops and much more. It’s all the fun of summer at a fraction of the cost!

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Cape May shopping area

Events & Activities

Worried that there might not be anything to do? Don’t be. There are a wide variety of events going on throughout the county all month long. Each town offers something unique – from fall festivals to block parties, live music, the Irish Festival in North Wildwood, Cape May’s week-long Food & Wine Celebration, even an early Oktoberfest party at Morey’s Piers.

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Corsons Inlet

More Than Just the Beach

During the busy summer months, the prospect of getting back in your car to drive anywhere can seem daunting due to the high volume of traffic. However, with that hurdle removed in September, the County is yours to explore! You can stick to the islands and follow the gull from Cape May all the way up to Ocean City, or take a trip to the mainland side of Cape May County where you can check out Historic Cold Spring Village, or any one of the breweries or wineries in the area. Head to the western edge of the County to explore the Delaware Bayshore for a different waterfront view, or trek through the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge to spot local wildlife.

Come Live like a local!

Cape May Greenways

Cape May County Trails and Byways

The Cape May area has miles of scenic trails and byways that run through forests, farmland, state and county parks, wildlife management areas, historic towns, and dunes of preserved beaches. Birds and other wildlife abound. In fact, the Cape May peninsula is one of the top birding spots in North America!

Cape May Point State Park

Speaking of top birding spots, Cape May Point State Park is a major migratory route, especially in the spring, when many sea and shorebirds come through. At the end of the summer, dragonflies and monarch butterflies can be seen as they make their way across the Delaware Bay.

Three blazed trails will lead you through a variety of habitats in the park. On the wheelchair- accessible Red Trail, viewing platforms overlook ponds where wading birds, ducks, swans and sometimes even osprey come to feed and breed. The Yellow Trail is 1.5 miles long with views of wetland marsh and coastal dunes. The Blue Trail is the longest of the three.

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Image of the entrance to a beach in Cape May, NJ

In Cape May Point State Park, you’ll also find a historic 157-foot lighthouse. Built-in 1859, with 199 steps you can climb to the top to take in a view of the Delaware Bay and surround area. As a reminder of its days as a military base, the park also has a bunker. It now stands as a monument to the strategic defensive role the area played during World War II, and at low tide, you can still see the gun turrets.

Cape May County Park & Zoo

At the more than 200 acre Cape May County Park, you’ll discover a zoo that’s home to more than 500 animals representing 250 different species, and admission is free! There are miles of walking trails and a park with playgrounds for children.

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

At the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, broken out into three different units throughout Cape May County, a wide variety of habitats and species can be seen. At the Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood Crest, free family nature walks are available on Saturdays throughout the summer.

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

Birding is always excellent at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, especially from spring through early fall. In spring, when they are heading north, birds will rest and feed there after crossing the Delaware Bay. In summer, a number of species come to breed.  Because of this, pets are not permitted on the beach from April until September. This is also a great place to see dragonflies and butterflies, including monarchs. Higbee has more than two miles of nature trails with viewing platforms.

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Ferry Osprey

For fishing enthusiasts, Cape May State Park waters are home to weakfish, bluefish, flounder, tautog, and striped bass.

For more information and an interactive map of Cape May Trails and Greenways, visit the Cape May, New Jersey page on TrailLink.

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Delaware Craft Breweries

Craft Breweries in Sussex County


Are you into craft beer? If you take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to Lewes, there are a few excellent breweries to visit only a short distance from the terminal!

Big Oyster Brewery

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Big Oyster Brewery

Big Oyster Brewery is owned by Fins Hospitality Group. Their mission is to treat all employees and guests like family! You can find their beers being sold all the way from southern Maryland to Eastern Pennsylvania. Come be a part of the family and enjoy one of their most popular beers the “Dang!” IPA, which is brewed with flaked wheat and dry hopped for three times for a pronounced citrus, fruity aroma.

  • 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

Crooked Hammock Brewery

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Outdoor dining at Crooked Hammock Brewery

Looking for a place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal and craft beer? If so, the Crooked Hammock Brewery is the place to check out. A perfect place to bring the whole family with its backyard containing all types of games to play such as corn hole, ping-pong, ring toss and much more. There is something here for the whole family to enjoy.

  • 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes DE 19958

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

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Steampunk Treehouse at the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

The off-centered originators of the Delaware craft beer scene, Dogfish Head has been serving up industry-leading and genre-defining craft beers since 1995. Their Milton brewery is a must-stop for craft beer fans, where they offer tours, a huge selection of beers, craft cocktails and off-centered eats. You’re also going to want to check out Brewings & Eats and Chesapeake & Maine in downtown Rehoboth, and if you’re looking for a place to stay, they’ve got you covered there too with the Dogfish Inn in Lewes.

  • Brewery: 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968
  • Brewings & Eats: 320 Rehoboth Avenue. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
  • Chesapeake & Maine: 316 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Revelation Craft Brewing Company

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Snifter of Revelation Craft Brewing beer on a sandy beach

Revelation sits right along the Junction Breakwater Trail and is a perfect place to stop in for a beer, especially for cyclists out on their rides. They’re serving up an extensive list of high-quality beers and a one-of-a-kind experience, along with food from DaNizza Wood Fired Pizza, making this an inviting place for all!

  • 19841 Central St. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
 

Visiting the Cape May Airport

Cape May Airport

While visiting Cape May, a great way to spend the day is to stop by and check out the Cape May Airport. Not only is it a functional general aviation airport that logs approximately 39,000 airplane and helicopter take offs and landings each year, it is also home to a few interesting places to see while visiting Cape May.

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Jet fighter on display at Naval Air Station Wildwood museum.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (NASW) is a non-profit museum located inside historic Hangar#1 at the Cape May Airport. The museum features a variety of aircraft, engines, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays. You will be able to learn the history of the NASW and see what the airport was like during the World War 2 era. Friendly leashed pets are welcome.

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Cape May Brewing Company

Cape May Brewing Company

The Cape May Brewing Company is one of New Jersey’s premier independent craft breweries. Established in 2011, the Cape May Brewing Co. is loved by not just locals, but all of the areas their beer has traveled to, which is most of New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Come take a tour of the facility and see why it is one of the most successful breweries in the state of New Jersey.

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Airport diner exterior

Taco Shop and Flight Deck Diner

If you’re hungry after visiting the museum or the brewery, the Cape May Airport has a couple spots to grab a bite to eat. Stop by the Taco Shop and have some delicious traditional Mexican food, The Taco Shop is located right next to the Cape May Brewery tasting room. Or you could head to the Flight Deck Diner which is located inside the original terminal building of the Cape May Airport.

Christmas in July & Christmas Shops

Ways To Celebrate Christmas in July This Summer

Why celebrate Christmas once when you can celebrate it twice?  Christmas in July has become a very popular phenomenon throughout the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. When mid-summer hits and you’re hot, sweaty, and sunburnt, dreaming of the brisk holiday season can provide a welcome chill! And although you can’t change the season, you can certainly still celebrate it.

Take a break from the beach and pull out your Santa hat because we have the ultimate guide to help you deck the halls this summer.  These must see Christmas shops located in your favorite shore towns will make this “holiday season” the best one yet.

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe is a full service gift shoppe with three locations in Rio Grande (3137 Rt. 9 South, Rio Grande NJ), Cape May (526 Washington Street, Cape May NJ), and Wildwood (2910 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ).  Each Shoppe has its own unique touch filled with festive home decor, art, gifts, collectibles, and Christmas ornaments.  Winterwood is a must see shoppe in Cape May County!

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe
Photo Credit
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Mia’s Christmas Gallery is a famous landmark located on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, NJ.  It is a family owned business and has been around for 42 years, so it is filled with holiday tradition.  Be sure to stop in and check out all of the unique ornaments, decorations, and gifts that Mia’s has to offer.

 Mia's Christmas Gallery
Photo Credit
Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Paisley Christmas Shoppe has been around since 1985 and is located in the heart of Stone Harbor’s iconic Main Street among all of the awesome shops and restaurants.  Paisley Christmas Shoppe is most famously known for their beautiful handcrafted personalized Surf Clam ornaments, the perfect touch to your Christmas in July Celebrations!

Custom-painted Surf Clam Christmas ornaments
Photo Credit
Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit in Rehoboth Beach is a must see! This past winter, Christmas Spirit moved back to its original home of 20 years at 129 Rehoboth Ave.  Christmas Spirit sells everything from Christmas trees, to ornaments, wreaths, hand-painted sea shells and sand dollars, and just about everything in between. The store has over 60 different themes and you can personalize any item. Be sure to check out the new location right in the heart of Rehoboth beach.

Christmas Spirit Rehoboth
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Christmas Spirit

Spring Break Spots Just A Day Away From NJ

Spring (Break) It On

Spring break can mean a time for families to take a much-needed break from the daily grind of school, sports practices, chores, and errands and spend time relaxing in a family-friendly and slightly warmer destination before closing out the school year. Depending on whether spring break falls in March or April, families may head farther south or stay closer to home when spring weather is already in full bloom. Regardless of the month, plenty of East Coast spring break destinations lie within driving distance from New Jersey that meet the warmer weather requirement or just provide a more relaxed state of mind. 

Planning The Spring Break Trip

Many families find excitement in preparing for spring break because it often means a road trip is on the horizon. Beyond stocking up on snacks and games, be sure to consider an alternative route that avoids busy highways and traffic jams. For example, heading across the Delaware Bay via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will give you a chance to stretch your legs and unwind while you cruise past scenic views nowhere near busy roads. And, it’s not every day you can say you spotted a dolphin or an exotic bird during your road trip! 

Here are some spring break-worthy southbound destinations within driving distance from our Terminals:

Capital Wheel at sunset
Photo Credit
Johnny Silvercloud, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Maryland / D.C.

Ocean City, Maryland is one of the top beach destinations on the East Coast. With free beach access and a three-mile-long boardwalk, the area offers affordable and family-friendly activities ranging from waterside amusement parks and arcades to dozens of sweet and salty treat shops. If four-legged family members are traveling with you, the boardwalk is dog-friendly until April 30.

Spring weather can still be a bit cool, especially by the ocean. Consider heading inland and experiencing Washington D.C. There are plenty of monuments and museums to experience. A popular family-friendly museum is the International Spy Museum that features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. And be sure to experience new areas like nearby National Harbor, a new waterfront district that features the Capital Wheel (an iconic Ferris wheel), MGM National Harbor, waterfront dining, cruises on the Potomac River and over 160 shops.

Scene from Colonial Williamsburg
Photo Credit
Mobilus in Mobili, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Virginia

Head south through the Eastern Shore of Virginia and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to arrive at Williamsburg, one of the oldest and most historical towns in the country. Home to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, you’ll experience what a town was like in the 18th Century. The kids will not want to miss out on Busch Gardens, a theme park well-known for its heart-pumping roller coasters, animal encounters, special events, and performances.

An hour southeast of Williamsburg lies  Virginia Beach with a sprawling 28 miles of beaches to explore, some of which are home to playgrounds like Grommet Island, which is also handicap accessible. There are tons of accommodations and campgrounds for those traveling in an RV or who prefer outdoor camping.

Travelers can experience amusements at the Atlantic Fun Park, aquatic life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and an array of animals at the Virginia Zoo in nearby Norfolk. Looking for a water activity? The ocean can still be a bit cold, so instead, go for a guided kayak tour or dolphin trip.

North Carolina

The Northern Outer Banks experiences warmer temperatures in early spring. Book a roomy beach house in Nags Head and experience the towering sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park. Check out the wild horses in nearby Corolla, and rent an off-road vehicle to drive right on the beach. Take a hang gliding or parasailing lesson in Kitty Hawk, and explore aviation history at nearby Kill Devil Hills, home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

No matter your spring break travel destination plans, the East Coast has plenty of great options that are just a car (and Ferry) ride away.

Book Your Break!

Wildlife Seen From the Ferry

Spot Whales, Dolphins, Birds and More from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry

One of the great things about a Ferry trip is the ability to see Delaware Bay wildlife from a new vantage point. On any journey, it’s not unusual to spot Shore Birds such as Osprey, Red Knots, Gannets, and Egrets, and the ferry is a favorite among Birders for spotting many of the East Coast migrating birds. In addition, the Ferry is a great way to spot whales and dolphins. Here a just a few you might frequently see:

Osprey

  • When You See Them: Spring & Summer 
  • Where You See Them: Close to shore along the Delaware Bay
  • Color: Brown and White 
  • Favorite Food: Fish 
  • Fun Fact: A family of ospreys builds their nest by the Lewes Terminal every year, and you can say hi to them as you sail by!

Bald Eagle  

  • When You See Them: Year round! 
  • Where You See Them: Nests in trees near the bay 
  • Color: Brown, with a white head 
  • Favorite Food: Fish 
  • Fun Fact: Bald Eagles can sometimes be seen swooping down by the bay and catching fish with their powerful talons.

Dolphin

  • When You See Them: Spring & Summer 
  • Where You See Them: In the bay, alongside the ferry 
  • Color: Grey
  • Favorite Food: Small fish & crustaceans 
  • Fun Fact: Dolphins can sometimes be spotted swimming alongside the ferry, and they are excellent synchronized swimmers!

Egret

  • When You See Them: Summer
  • Where You See Them: In the marshes near the ferry
  • Color: White
  • Favorite Food: Fish, insects, and shrimp
  • Fun Fact: To look for food, Egrets stir the water up with their long skinny legs!

Gannet

  • When You See Them: Spring  
  • Where You See Them: All Around the Boat! 
  • Color: White, with Orange and Black 
  • Favorite Food: Small fish and squid 
  • Fun Fact: Gannets love following behind the Ferry, and diving in to eat up the small fish in our wake!

Horseshoe Crab

  • When You See Them: Late Spring & Summer 
  • Where You See Them: Along the shoreline 
  • Color: Brown
  • Favorite Food: Clams and Mussels 
  • Fun Fact: Horseshoe crabs aren’t actually crabs! In fact, they are more closely related to spiders than they are to actual crabs.

Piping Plover

  • When You See Them: Summer 
  • Where You See Them: Scurrying along the shoreline 
  • Color: Light brown & White 
  • Favorite Food: Small insects 
  • Fun Fact: If a predator comes near their nest, adult plovers pretend to have a broken wing in order to distract the intruder away from their young.

Red Knot

  • When You See Them: Spring & Summer 
  • Where You See Them: On the shore and beaches 
  • Color: Red and light brown 
  • Favorite Food: Insects and horseshoe crab eggs 
  • Fun Fact: Red Knots take a very long trip every year, migrating from Northern Canada to the southern tip of South America.

Seal

  • When You See Them: Spring 
  • Where You See Them: In the bay and by the rocks 
  • Color: Grey or Tan
  • Favorite Food: Fish & Squid 
  • Fun Fact: There are three different types of seal in the Delaware Bay: Grey Seals, Harp Seals, and Harbor Seals.

Whale

  • When You See Them: Year Round! 
  • Where You See Them: In the bay, alongside the ferry 
  • Color: Black or Dark Grey 
  • Favorite Food: Krill & small fish
 

Take a Ride on The Wild Side!

Wildflowers Near the Ferry

NJ Wildflowers Welcome Ferry Visitors

If you think flower season is limited to just the spring and summer, then you haven’t treated yourself to a fall ride down the Garden State Parkway. Whether you’re arriving at the Ferry from parts north, or leaving after traveling from the South, you’ll be welcomed by fields of purple and pink wildflowers throughout Cape May County on the Parkway.

In October, when many states farther north are deep into leaves changing, South Jersey is still treating visitors to the joys of blooming flowers.  Here are a 5 things you may not know about wildflowers on the Parkway:

  1. The nation has Lady Bird Johnson to thank for the proliferation of wildflowers throughout the country. Lady Bird, who served as the country’s first lady from November 1963 – January 1969, made beautification of cities and highways one of her key initiatives. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was nicknamed Lady Bird’s bill.
  2. The Garden State Parkway is so called because unlike many highways it was designed as a landscaped thoroughfare. Even as one of the busiest toll roads in the country, it is known for its wide green spaces particularly in South Jersey and robust assortment of deciduous and evergreen trees.
  3. The wildflowers displayed on the Parkway in the spring and fall can be purchased at gspwildflowers.com/shop in 1/4 pound bags for personal plantings around homes and offices.
  4. Wildflowers are not only easy on the eyes, but provide havens for birds, butterflies and pollinating insects.
  5. Fall wildflowers on the GSP are pink, but if you come in the spring, the assortment tends toward yellow and orange. In fact, Hammond’s yellow spring beauties are a type of wildflower only found in New Jersey!

Pints & Pedals: Bicyclist Beer Tours in Sussex County

Reach the Beach: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Looking for a way to sample some of Sussex County’s best beers, and get some exercise at the same time? Then grab a friend, your bikes and helmets and check out our recommendations below for short, medium and long-length bike tours centered around a few of the area’s best breweries. And if you happen to be heading the other way- across the Bay, we’ve got a suggested tour of Cape May County as well!


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Map of the cyclist short tour of Lewes from the Cape May - Lewes Ferry

Cyclist short tour

Distance: Up to 6.8 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries: 

  • Big Oyster Brewery: 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
  • Crooked Hammock Brewery: 36707 Crooked Hammock way, Lewes, DE 19958

Details: Easy on the legs, big on the beers! From the Lewes terminal, make your way out to the Lewes bike path and pedal over to Big Oyster Brewery. You’ll find a wide variety of beers to choose from, as well as lunch and dinner menus featuring seafood and barbeque options that will be sure to have your mouth watering.  If you need to cut your tour really short, go ahead and turn around here and head back to the terminal. If you’ve got the time to pedal on, jump back on the bikes and continue along the bike path to Crooked Hammock Brewery, where you’ll find a great selection of beers, a huge menu of lunch and dinner options, as well as a backyard area complete with cornhole, ping pong, kids play area, and of course, hammocks!


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medium distance bicycle tour of sussex county breweries

Cyclist medium tour

Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries: 

  • Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: 19815 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
  • Revelation Craft Brewing Co.: 19841 Central St. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
  • Big Oyster Brewery: 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

Details: Looking to get a decent ride in first before whetting your whistle? Check out our medium tour, which takes you out to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. With locations throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, Iron Hill has a reputation for great food and great beer. Pedal on over and check out what they’ve got on offer, or just grab a beer and check out the numerous other eateries in the area. After that, make sure to head over to Revelation Craft Brewing, which sits right along the Junction/Breakwater Trail. With food available from DaNizza Wood Fired Pizza along with an extensive beer list, it’s an inviting place for all and a perfect place to stop on your ride. Then when you’re done, pedal on back to the terminal, making sure to stop by Big Oyster Brewery on your way back if you’re looking for some additional refreshment!

Extra Credit: Though it can be a bit tricky to get to on a bicycle – especially if you have to cross the highway, Thompson Island Brewing Company is well worth the trip if you can fit it in. Opened in 2019, they’ve got a full menu of mouth-watering options and a line-up of beers that will make you want to plan another trip asap!


Cyclist long tour of Sussex County from the Cape May - Lewes Ferry

Cyclists Long Tour

Distance: 16.6 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

  • Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats: 320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Details: From the terminal, head out through Cape Henlopen State Park and make your way down the beach along the path, until you reach Rehoboth Beach roughly 8 miles down the road. This is a longer ride, but when the destination is Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats, you know it’s going to be worth it. Beers? You know Dogfish Head has them. From signature IPA’s to mouthwatering sours to creative concoctions, Dogfish Head has beers covered. And with food available at Brewing & Eats as well as their seafood restaurant Chesapeake & Maine (located right next door), there are plenty of options to refuel for your ride back to the terminal!

Pints and Pedals: A Cyclist’s Beer Tour of Cape May County

Explore the Shore: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Looking for a way to sample some of Cape May County’s best beers, and get some exercise at the same time? Then grab a friend, your bikes and helmets and check out our recommendations below for short, medium and long-length bike tours centered around a few of the area’s best breweries.  You can certainly mix and match between the tours, but we’ve listed only three per loop so you don’t get loopy while riding through the County.

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Map of Bicycle Tour from Cape May Terminal to Cape May Brewing Company

Cyclist Short Tour

Distance: 10.6-mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

  • Gusto Brewery. Address: 3860 Bayshore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • Cape May Brewing Co. Address: 1200 Hornet Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
  • Cold Spring Brewery. Address: 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204.

Details: This loop might be short on distance, but it’s big on great beers! Head out from the terminal and make your way to Cape May’s newly opened brewery, Gusto Brewing Company, located just up the road from the Ferry terminal on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Bayshore Road. They’ve got a great local vibe to go along with a bunch of tasty beers on tap.

Next, you can head to one of New Jersey’s premier independent craft breweries, Cape May Brewing Co., located at the Cape May County Airport. Tour the facility and sample a wide range of options from Belgians to Stouts to their famous IPA’s. If you’re hungry, grab a seat at the Flight Deck Diner located near the Naval Air Station Wildwood museum also at the Airport.

From there, head back towards the terminal and turn back the clock with a visit to Cold Spring Brewery, located in historic Cold Spring Village. The Brewery is located in a fully restored barn built in Cape May County in the early 1800’s, and features a number of great beers to choose from.

When you get back to the terminal, be sure to stop in at Exit Zero’s Boat Drinks for a hard earned meal and a cold beverage!

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Map of Bicycle Tour from Cape May Terminal to 7 Mile Brewery

Cyclist Medium Tour

Distance: 7.7 miles one-way, 14.7 mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

  • Gusto Brewery. Address: 3860 Bayshore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • 7 Mile Brewery. Address: 1200 Hornet Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
  • Behr Brewing, 513 Seashore Road, Erma NJ, 08204

Details: If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit more, this one’s for you. From the Ferry, you can make a quick stop a Gusto Brewery which is right on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Bayshore Rd. After leaving Gusto, pedal your way along the route (mostly bike path), until you reach 7 Mile Brewery, located in Rio Grande. 7 Mile offers a wide variety of beers, and the largest indoor tasting room in the state. There are several options for food nearby, including a few places that will deliver to you at the brewery!

From there, head back towards the terminal, taking time for a stop at Behr Brewing, the newest Craft Brewery in the area that had its opening in early 2022.

When you get back to the terminal, be sure to stop in at Exit Zero’s Boat Drinks for a hard earned meal and a cold beverage!

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Map of Bike Tour from Cape May Terminal to Bucket Brigade Brewery

Cyclist Long Tour

Distance: 12.9 miles one-way, 27.9 mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

  • Bucket Brigade Brewery. Address: 205 N Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
  • Coho Brewing Co. Address: 28 Indian Trail Rd. #103, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
  • Cold Spring Brewery. Address: 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204

Details: Up for a challenge? More interested in pedaling than sipping? Then this one’s for you. From the terminal, head north nearly 13 miles into Cape May Court House. Once there, head to Bucket Brigade Brewery, a new brewery founded by two firefighter brothers with deep ties to Cape May County. Choose from a variety of beers, and enjoy the firehouse atmosphere. If you’re in need of something to eat, there are plenty of restaurants in the area, including the Court House Diner.

From there, take the bike path down to Coho Brewing Co. Coho Brewing is a newly added brewery that has a law and order theme for its beer choices, such as their “Hazeus Corpus”, which is a New-England style IPA, and plenty of other delicious brews!

After stopping at Coho Brewing, take the bike path back to the terminal, and if you’re up for it you can make a third stop at Cold Spring Brewery on your way back (see short tour for more info on Cold Spring).

Create Your Own Tour

There are several other craft breweries in Cape May County if you want to stretch your legs and your distance – just remember to leave yourself enough time to make it back! They include:

  • Mudhen Brewing Co., located at 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 (9.5 miles from the Terminal)
  • Slack Tide Brewing Company, located at 1072 Route 83, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (21.3 miles from the Terminal)
  • Ludlam Island Brewery, located at 9 Stoney Ct, Ocean View, NJ 08230 (25.2 miles from the Terminal)

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