Back to School Shopping with the Ferry

Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

It’s almost that time of year again. Teachers are finalizing lesson plans and schools, if not already in session, are clearing the cobwebs out of the hallways in preparation. And for many parents, going back to school, also means back to school shopping.

We know. Back to school shopping invokes memories of fighting crowds, tons of traffic, and generally, lots of frustration. Howver, if you’re looking for a way to change things up this year and make back to school shopping a fun and relaxing experience, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry can help!

Tanger Outlets Atlantic City

Cape May to Lewes

When you board the Ferry in Cape May, there are plenty of options for back to school shopping in Lewes. For those who prefer the flexibility of driving their own car, vehicle passengers are just a quick fifteen minute drive to Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. There, you’ll find all the stores you could possibly need, from Nike to Banana Republic to Tommy Hilfiger to Under Armour. Or, for those who prefer to save the mileage on the car, there are several transportation options available from the Lewes terminal. You can rent an ebike from Pedego Electric Bikes. You can take the DART Route 204 bus, which picks up in front of the terminal every 1/2 hour, or – as of Monday, 8/30/21 – you can rent a car from Avis right at the terminal! And remember, aside from the great deals available at the Outlets, Delaware has no sales tax so you’ll get more bang for your buck!

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Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

Lewes to Cape May

Looking for something unique to head back to school with this year? The Washington Street Mall, only a 12 minute drive from the Cape May Ferry Terminal, is the place to shop for handcrafted and specialty goods. The Washington Street Mall is located in downtown Cape May and offers more than 80 stores and shops. You’ll find clothes for all ages, as well as local products ranging from peanut butter to jewelry, honey, and home décor. And if you happen to work up an appetite while shopping, the mall has over 25 restaurants and sweet shops to satisfy your cravings. Pro-tip: if you’re traveling on a weekend through October 10th, the Ferry shuttle runs from the terminal to the Cape May Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street, which is a short 1/4 mile walk from the Washington Street Mall, so you can walk aboard as a foot passenger and take the shuttle over to Cape May.

Please note: The shuttle runs weekends only (Sat, Sun) through 10/10/21, and reservations are required, so make sure to call (800.643.3779) in advance to save your spot if you plan to do this.

Cape May Day Trips and Weekend Excursions

Cape May is Open All Year Long!

Whether you’re looking for a quick day-trip, a weekend-excursion or something in between, there’s always a reason to hop aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.


Diamond Beach, Higbee Beach, All Beaches!

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sunset over the sunken concrete ship

It’s true, most people think of beaches in the summer months, but beaches are extra special in the cooler weather months.  For one, the ocean waters are generally at their warmest in the Fall.  But if you want to stay on shore, and you consider beaches great places for meditative alone time, the cooler months are your ideal time to lay out a chair, open a book and breath in ocean air.

The closest beach to the Ferry is right off aptly named Beach Road.  When leaving the Cape May Terminal, take your first left to turn around and head back to the bay.  Go straight to Beach Avenue and park!  If you’re more prone to looking for treasures, Sunset Beach is your spot to see the partially sunken concrete ship as well as search for Cape May Diamonds!  If you like your jewelry already set and polished, the nearby souvenir shop has a selection of Cape May Diamond necklaces, pendants, rings and more!

Higbee Beach can be tricky to find, but gives the best views of the ferry coming and going. After leaving the Ferry, you start off toward downtown Cape May, but veer off to the right by the Cape May Canal just as you go on the bridge via Seashore Road.

For more information on Cape May Beaches: click here

Washington Street Mall

Year-Round | 401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204

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Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

There’s really something for everyone in this downtown Cape May landmark. Consisting of over 60 shops and 20 restaurants, the Washington Street Mall in the heart of Cape May is an ideal destination for a single day out or an entire weekend excursion. Whether you’re looking to shop or just walk around and take in the atmosphere the Washington Street Mall. People who go once can’t wait to go back again.

For more information about Washington Street Mall: click here

Historic Cold Spring Village

Year-Round | 720 Rt. 9, Cape May, NJ

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Historic Cold Spring Village Cape May

The 1800s come to life when you visit 27 restored, historic buildings on a 30-acre site where interpreters in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, printing, broom making, bookbinding, pottery, tinsmithing, and basket weaving. The Village is also home to a farm complete with a horse, chicken, sheep and more! Enjoy special weekday family activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts and historic games. In addition to the craft buildings, visitors will find a Welcome Center, Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor, Cold Spring Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. The Village is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4:30 pm, from mid-June through Labor Day. Special events are held every weekend from early June through mid-September.

For more information about historic Cold Spring Village: click here


Cape May Lighthouse

Year-Round| Located in Cape May Point State Park, 215 Lighthouse Ave

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Cape May Lighthouse and Beach

Join over 2.5 million Cape May visitors who have made the journey to the top of Cape May’s most well-known landmark. Once you’ve conquered the 199 steps, you’ll enjoy an amazing view of the surrounding Cape May area that extends all the way across the bay to Cape Henlopen on a clear day. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets may be purchased online or on location.

For more information about the Cape May Lighthouse: click here


Visit the Emlen Physick Estate

Year-Round | 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ

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Outside view of the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May,NJ

Visit Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum and learn about the life of a late 19th century country gentleman. Cape May is known for many historic sites that you just can’t see anywhere else in the world, and the Emlen Physick Estate is one of them.

To Learn More About the Emlen Physick Estate: click here

There is always something to do in Cape May

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