Off-Island Day Trips
Cape May's neighboring towns and nearby attractions. For those of you wondering, "How far is Cape May from..." your destination, we have included time estimates to help make your planning easier! See a map of these locations
Delaware Bay - North Cape May & Villas
5-15 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: Spectacular sunsets, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, full-sized Acme grocery store, McDonald's, Rite-Aid, a variety of restaurants and bars, including Harpoon Henry's.
How to get there: Take Route 9 north, following signs for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Rio Grande
12 minutes from Cape May
Rio Grande is part of Middle Township, formed by the intersection of Routes 9 and 47. A year-round community, during the summer it's your best bet for big box stores and late-night tank fillups.
What you'll find: ShopRite grocery store, Starbucks, 24-hour gas station, Joe Canal's discount liquor, Walgreens pharmacy, Walmart, K-Mart, Lowe's, Bed Bath & Beyond, clothing stores, restaurants, and a year-round movie theater. Also home to the original Winterwood store and Menz Restaurant.
How to get there: Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 4 toward Rio Grande.
The Wildwoods
12 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: The Wildwoods are home to amusement parks and shops and restaurants along their wooden boardwalk.
Attractions: Morey's Piers
How to get there: Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 4 toward Wildwood.
Avalon & Stone Harbor
20-25 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: These neighboring island towns are worth a visit during your stay. 7-Mile Island is home to Avalon and Stone Harbor, charming seaside villages with boutique shopping and dining. Visit sevenmilestays.com for more information.
How to get there: Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 10 (Stone Harbor) or 13 (Avalon).
Cape May Court House
20-25 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: Public library, the courthouse, Cape Regional Medical Center, Acme grocery store, a variety of restaurants, McDonald's, Pier 1, Marshall's, TJ Maxx Home, Staples.
Attractions: Cape May County Park & Zoo (exit 11), Leaming's Run Gardens, Woodland Village, Cape May County Museum, Wetlands Institute
How to get there: Take the Garden State Parkway north to exits 9, 10, and 11. Exit left at any of the three. You can also take Route 9 and Route 47 north to CMCH.
Somers Point & Ocean City
40 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: Beaches, restaurants & shopping
Atlantic City
45 minutes from Cape May
What you'll find: Atlantic City Airport, casinos, outlet shopping, luxury retail, fine dining, live shows, boardwalk with jitneys, and the historic Steel Pier.
Attractions: Atlantic City Aquarium, Steel Pier
Buses/Shuttles from Cape May, NJ to Atlantic City
Lion Limousines: (609) 889-0925
NJ Transit: (973) 275-5555
Cumberland County
1 hour from Cape May
What you'll find: Cumberland County Mall; shopping and dining in Vineland
Attractions: WheatonArt, New Jersey Motorsports Park
Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, DE
1 hour, 25 minutes by ferry from Cape May
What you'll find: Fine dining, antiques, shopping, beaches, boardwalk, and Delaware's famous tax-free shopping!
Historic Smithville & Village Greene
1 hour, 30 minutes from Cape May
Shopping and dining in a historic setting! The buildings comprising Smithville are historic and have been brought together to form this charming (and expansive) experience. Open all year. Free and ample parking. Great for holiday shopping!
Visit www.smithvillenj.com
Cowtown Rodeo
1 hour, 45 minutes from Cape May
Located in rural Salem County, NJ, Cowtown is acclaimed for being a highlight in the professional rodeo circuit. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children over 2 (2011 season). Parking is free.
Rodeo performances are held every Saturday night at 7:30pm Memorial weekend through the last Saturday in September.
Visit www.cowtownrodeo.com
Philadelphia
2 hours from Cape May
Philadelphia served as one of America's first capitals and is home to a wealth of American history, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were adopted. If you are visiting with schoolage children, we highly recommend this day trip!
Tours of Independence Hall are free, but you will need a ticket during the summer which designates the time of your tour. There is no cost, nor are tickets required to visit the LIberty Bell.
What you'll find: The Philadelphia International Airport, museums, restaurants, shopping, theater, sports stadiums (Eagles, Phillies, Flyers)
Attractions: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia Museum of Art, U.S. Mint, Valley Forge (nearby)