Tour the Lighthouses
The Jersey Shore has a number of lighthouses that are well worth a visit. Most are in protected areas that offer miles of hiking trails or direct access to the beach and to water and sand activities. The Cape May Lighthouse is probably the most famous and one of the few that are still functioning. Tours of the tower are available, or you can climb the 199 steps to the top for a bit of exercise and a breathtaking view. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is also on a popular shore destination, the North Wildwood area, famous for its many green open spaces and formal gardens. Other notorious lighthouses include the Barnegat Lighthouse, the Sea Girt Lighthouse and the Twin Lights of Naveskind (a set of beacons, rather than an actual lighthouse).
Cape May Town
Cape May is probably the best-known of the Jersey Shore towns. A charming Victorian community, Cape May is popular for its murder mystery dinner shows, its wineries and its lighthouses. For those looking for something more active, Cape May offers the best parasailing on the coast, as well as jet skiing, boating and whale watching. Washington Street Mall's shopping street is reminiscent of Disney World's Main Street and an excellent destination for lamps, antiques and chic restaurants. The Victorian mansions surrounding the street are a sight to themselves. Finally, visit the Nature Center of Cape May if you want a closer look into the fabulous flora and fauna of the region or simply to access the several decks of the building, ideal for bird watching.
East Coast Parasail and Jet Ski Rentals
1121 Route 109
Utsch's Marina
Cape May, New Jersey 08204
(609) 898-UFLY
www.eastcoastparasail.com
Nature Center of Cape May
1600 Delaware Ave.
Cape May, New Jersey 08204
(609) 898-8848
Get Into the Water
The shore is, undoubtedly, a beach destination. Whether summer or winter, taking full advantage of the sand and water is a must when visiting. Some areas, such as Avon-by-the-Sea, are actually four-season communities where boating and scuba diving are available year-round. Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights are popular for their pier amusement parks, bay swimming and surfing. Miniature gold and other small-town activities can be found on all boardwalks. Ocean City offers more than seven miles of pristine beaches that attract hundreds of visitors a week, while other towns, such as Spring Lake, offer a more unhurried atmosphere. If you bring the kids along, rollerblading, kite flying, hiking and biking are all great activities as well.
