City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Cape May, New Jersey
Situated at the southern tip of New Jersey, at the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, Cape May’s beaches, boardwalks and grand Victorian houses make a classic setting for boating and summertime fun. With Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania just up the Delaware River on the west – and Atlantic City to the north on the east – it’s an excellent area to visit from private boat dock rentals or on a Great Loop excursion along the ICW.
Cape May has been called America’s Oldest Seaside Resort. The city is even designated as the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. Tour the colorful Victorian homes throughout the area to experience the yesteryear vibe of this coastal area.
Spend the day swimming, sunning and sandcastle building on any of several sandy beaches. Other outdoor activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, sightseeing and sunset watching at Sunset Beach. Let’s explore some fun things to do in Cape May.
Nature Center of Cape May
Photo: Wikimedia
With themed gardens, hands-on exhibits and a three-story observation tower, the Nature Center of Cape May is an excellent spot to visit from private boat slips in Cape May. Located along Cape May Harbor, the center has a gift shop, aquariums and an art gallery as well as education programs and access to kayaking and paddleboarding.
Cape May State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Cape May State Park is located on 244 acres of dunes, beaches, forests, ponds and meadows. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, birdwatching and nature viewing. It’s a favorite place for Monarch butterflies and migrating birds. There’s an art gallery, nature trails a World War II gun battery and a fire control tower. The park is home to the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Climb 199 steps to the top for stunning views of the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Photo: Wikimedia
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is free and open year-round, making it a terrific day trip from a private boat slip for rent. There are more than 550 animals and 85 exhibits Spend the day hanging out with lions, cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys and more. You can also participate in animal encounters for an additional fee.
Emlen Physick Estate
Photo: Wikimedia
Built in 1879, the Emlen Physick Estate is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. It’s also supposedly haunted (aren’t they all?). Visitors can tour the first and second floors. Take part in special events like brunch, teatime, murder mystery dinner theater and Halloween events.
Harriet Tubman Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
Looking for a historic site to visit from private boat lifts for rent near Cape May. The Harriett Tubman Museum is new but becoming a popular site. Tubman lived and worked in Cape May for a while. Explore a collection of photos, maps, objects and artifacts on Tubman, African American history and the role Cape May played in her fight for freedom. The museum is located next to several historic structures, including the Stephen Smith House, the Banneker House and the Baptist Church.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
Are there aviation fans in your crew? The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is a great place to visit from a private boat slip for rent. It’s located in a former dive bomber squadron facility used for WW II Air Force training (How cool is that?). Along with vintage planes and helicopters, the museum has an air traffic control tower and a flight simulator game.
We hope you’ve discovered a few new sites to see the next time you’re in Cape May for a day, weekend or extended stay at private boat docks for rent. Let us know what you find!
