2026-02-02 08:49:59
Make way to New Jersey’s southernmost shoreline, known for its historic charm and natural beauty. Cape May offers Victorian architecture and storied beaches remniscent of simpler times, while The Wildwoods and Ocean City provide family amusements full of retro fun. Explore wildlife refuges, take a whale-watching tour or indulge in fresh-caught seafood at mom-and-pop eateries. Southern Shore’s laid-back vibe across coastal locales make it the perfect place for both relaxation and entertainment. Here, every visit feels like a step back in time that’s wonderfully in tune with the present.
WAKE UP HERE
Find direct beach access at the newly renovated Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, with poolside cabanas, an oceanfront hot tub, its own Vinyl restaurant and mid-century modern design touches paying homage to the building’s retro roots.
ADMIRE ARTIFACTS
Visit a 1913 seashore cottage, home to the Stone Harbor Museum, and find the largest collection of beach tags on the island, yacht-club memorabilia, a vintage bathing suit exhibit and more.
GET YOUR TICKETS
Load up on tickets to take part in pirate-themed thrills at Playland’s Castaway Cove (open seasonally) on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where roller coasters, water slides, go-karts, mini golf and retro arcade games await the whole family.
SEE THE SEA LIFE
Witness Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins breaching from Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch’s customdesigned speedboat—also known as the “dolphin magnet” with 99% successful sightings year after year in Wildwood.
DINE & DRINK
Toast to a region beloved for its wineries and craft breweries by raising a pint at Cape May Brewing Company, where inventive beers flow as freely as the coastal breeze. In West Cape May, Beach Plum Farm invites guests to stay in MICHELIN award-winning cottages, then dine farmhousestyle at the Kitchen, where ingredients are harvested from the fields that morning. Don’t leave without shopping for take-home treats and produce from the farm’s market.
SHOP & STROLL
Window-shop or secure souvenirs on the brick-lined sidewalks of downtown Cape May’s Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian-only outdoor mall and town square offering a variety of boutiques, gift shops and charming architecture.
CREATE ART
Led by talented artists at Millville’s Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, demonstrations and workshops guide creative energies in glassblowing, ceramics and folk art for students of all ages.
CATCH A FLICK
Relive a classic American experience at Delsea Drive-in Theatre in Vineland (open seasonally), where you can watch the latest movies under the stars and enjoy a nostalgic outing with family or friends.
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CAPE MAY SPRING FESTIVAL
May 14-17 Cape May
njaudubon.org/cape-may-spring-festival
Guided bird walks, boat/trolley trips and expert talks are timed with the World Series of Birding to celebrate the peak of spring migration.
BAREFOOT COUNTRY MUSIC FEST
June 18-21 Wildwood
barefootcountrymusicfest.com
The beach becomes a stage for 40-plus country-music stars across five stages and four days.
NIGHT IN VENICE
July 25 Ocean City
ocnj.us/niv
A dazzling boat parade and fireworks show that transforms Ocean City’s bay into a glowing sea of themed floats.
THUNDER OVER THE WAVES AIRSHOW
September 11-12 Wildwood
wildwoodsnj.com/wildwoods-air-show
Free airshow spectacle with military jets, aerobatic teams and parachute demos across the entire island.
MOREY’S PIERS OKTOBERFEST
September 18 - October 11 Morey’s Piers (Mariner’s Pier), Wildwood
moreyspiers.com/oktoberfest-at-moreys
Raise your steins for Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers! Live music, German food, rides and games. Prost to fun!
FESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT
October 3-4 WheatonArts, Millville
wheatonarts.org
A weekend showcase of 150-plus artist exhibits, live demos, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and hands-on family crafts.
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