Southern Shore

Away from its close neighbor, Atlantic City, the Southern Shore Region has a more relaxed, historic atmosphere that make it a wonderful vacation place for families or friends or singles. The pace is slower, yet there is much to do and see here. Historic sites, sun, sand and the ocean, swimming, nature walks, birdwatching, hiking, boating, camping, shopping, boardwalks, theme parks, shopping, antiqueing, dining, museums and parks all await the vacationers. Along its oceanfront shoreline there are three well-known resort areas, each dissimilar in composition but similar in providing vacationers a wealth of activities. At the north end of the region, on an island, Ocean City was established in 1879 by a minister's brothers who banned the sale of alcohol. This decree still stands today, making it popular with families. Further south are the Wildwoods (three separate but intertwined communities) which are the glitzy resorts with bright neon lights, upbeat culture, plastic palm trees, fireworks every Friday night, sky-high Ferris wheels and night life. At the tip is Cape May which lies in the top ten of bird watching places. Come and enjoy. Things to See and Do Attractions Delta Lady at the Wildwood Marina - An 80-foot replica of an 1850's Mississippi River stern-wheeled riverboat. 2-hour cruises on the Intercoastal Waterway. Banjo player and sing-alongs on evening cruise. Gillian's Island & Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City - Provides family fun on family rides plus water parks. Morey's Piers in Wildwood - Boardwalk amusement center with 2 waterparks and 3 piers with over 150 rides. Wheaton Village in Millville - A 60-acre center containing the Museum of American Glass and the T.J. Wheaton Glass Factory in operation since 1888. Visit artisans in glass-making, pottery, tinwork and woodcarving. Yankee Schooner - An 80-foot tall ship offering cruises along the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean with the possibility of seeing whales and dolphins. Sails daily. The afternoon 3-hour cruise allows passengers to help in setting sails, handle the helm and other sailor's duties. Historic Sites Bridgeton Historical District - New Jersey's largest historic district combines a New England atmosphere with 2,200 Colonial, Victorian and Federalist structures. Riverfront walkway, city park, zoo, museums, swimming , picnicking. Cape May County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum in Cape May - Comprises the John Holmes House and an 1800's barn. Period furnishings, costumes and other artifacts of the early times in Cape May plus a genealogical library. The barn holds Native American artifacts, whaling and maritime items. Cape May Historic District - Established as a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and is full of numerous late 1800's houses and other structures. Trolley tours, carriage tours, guided and self-guided walking tours and historic house tours provide an educational appreciation of the Victorian Age. Cape May Lighthouse located within Cape May Point State Park - Built in 1859. Climb the spiral staircase to the watchroom for vistas of the bay and Atlantic Ocean. Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May - Listed on the National Historic Registry and is the oldest operating hotel in Cape May. Its architecture is a paddlewheel river boat with gingerbread trim. Cumberland County Historical Society in Greenwich - Walking tours of preserved 18th-century buildings. Site of one of five tea parties protesting British taxation, the Boston tea party is the most famous. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood - Became operational in 1874 and is known for its five fireplaces and flower and herb gardens. Paths lead to the shoreline. National Historic Site. Maritime museum. Guided tours. Locations Historic Cold Springs Village in Cape May - Has 25 restored, historic structures on a 20-acre site depicting the 19th-century. Period-costumed personnel guide and narrate. Museums Discovery Sea Shell Museum in Ocean City - Exhibits over 10,000 varieties of sea shells. A 300-gallon tank displays various species of sea life. Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May - Part of the Historic District, was built in 1879 and is the only Victorian House Museum in Cape May. George F. Boyer Historical Museum in Wildwood - Displays local memorabilia and artifacts, postcards and photographs from the late 1800's and early 1900's depicting the past. New Sweden Farmstead Museum in Bridgeton - Reflects the early 17th-century Swedish settlement through reenactments and special events. The farmstead contains log cabins, blacksmith shop and threshing barn. Ocean City Historical Museum - Showcases Victorian period room settings, clothing, dolls and other items depicting life in the late 1800's. A maritime room dedicated to the vessel Sindia which ran aground in 1901. Wetlands Institute & Museum in Stone Harbor - Has a salt water aquarium, touch tank, children's discovery room and an observation deck. Marsh trail and marsh boardwalk. Parks & Trails Cape May Point State Park - A 190-acre park with a beach, fishing, hiking trails, nature trails, picnic area, lighthouse, visitors center and gift shop. Science & Nature Related Cape May County Park & Zoo - Home to over 300 species of animals, birds and reptiles. An 800-foot boardwalk into a 35-acre African savannah. Picnicking allowed. Cape May Whale Watcher - Takes one out to view whales and dolphins putting on their shows. Also available are dinner and history cruises. The Nature Center of Cape May - 18-acres of beach, meadow and marsh land. Natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. Designated Audubon Center.

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