Cape May to Somers
Point
Bicycling is a great way to experience
the fun, beauty and history of the Jersey
Shore. From the Cape May Lighthouse to
the John F. Kennedy Park in Somers Point,
this tour is an easy ride through 42
miles of beaches, marshes, bays, boardwalks,
historical sites and communities of New
Jersey's "South Shore."
The terrain is mostly flat except for
the slight climbs that take riders
over the bridges that connect the barrier
islands. The newest and longest bridge
encountered is the 2.2-mile long Route
52 causeway bridge, which connects
Ocean City to Somers Point. The bridge
has bicycle compatible shoulders, a
shared use path and spectacular views
of the Great Egg Harbor Bay.
From south to north the ride travels through Cape May Point, West Cape May, Cape May, 'The Wildwoods,' Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Strathmere, Ocean City and Somers Point.
In addition to the beaches and boardwalks that draw thousands of people each year, visitors will find great food, shopping historic sites, preserved natural areas and remarkable beauty in every community. A few of the many attractions are highlighted below.
Cape May Point
State Park
Standing 157 feet tall, the Cape May
Lighthouse is still an aid to navigation.
Visitors who climb the 199 steps to the
top of the lighthouse are rewarded with
a panoramic view of the scenic Cape May
peninsula. The park is
also a well-known location for viewing
the fall bird migration.
Wildwoods Shore
Resort Historic District
The Wildwoods are home to the largest
concentration of motels built during
the Doo-Wop era of the 1950s and 1960s.
The motels are unique in appearance,
with Vegas-like neon signs and fantastic
architecture. Visit www.doopopusa.org for
more information and to download a walking
tour.
Wetlands Institute,
Stone Harbor
A visit to the Wetlands
Institute is
a "hands on" educational experience
that is fascinating fun. Visitors can
choose from guided tours, as well as
backbay boat rides, kayaking, live
animal shows, family entertainment,
and guided beach and dune walks. Call
609.368.1211 to verify hours.
Shopping in Avalon
and Stone Harbor
There are more than 100 stores to visit
within the seven mile island. While
Stone
Harbor has always been known
for its famous 96th Street shopping
district, Avalon now
has a unique shopping district of its
own, along Dune Drive.
Gillian's Funland
Pier, Sea Isle City
This new amusement
park located along
the waterfront on 42nd Street is geared
toward families with young children.
With its Ferris wheel and carousel, the
amusement pier is the most prominent
landmark in downtown Sea Isle City.
Hereford Inlet
Lighthouse, North Wildwood
This unique lighthouse was constructed
in 1874 and remains in use as a navigational
aid to this day. Featuring a museum with
Victorian-era furnishings and lighthouse
memorabilia, the Hereford
Inlet Lighthouse is also notable
for its cottage-style park and garden
surroundings. For more information, including
guided tours, call 609.522.4520.
Corson's Inlet
State Park, Ocean City
The park offers outstanding scenic beauty
and endless opportunities for observing
a multitude of migratory and residential
wildlife species. Corson's Inlet is extremely
popular for hiking, fishing, crabbing,
boating and sunbathing.
John F. Kennedy Park,
Somers Point
John F. Kennedy Park overlooks Great
Egg Harbor Bay and is near amenities
located in Somers Point. The embankment
overlooking the bay offers spectacular
views and is a nice spot for picnicking.
There is a large playground for children
and a small beach area is accessible
at low tide.
Boardwalk and
Bicycling Restrictions
Cape May's
Promenade (also known as Boardwalk)/Length:
2 miles
Bicycling hours: Bicycling is permitted
before 10 am.
Wildwood Crest
Borough Bike Path
Public bike path from Rambler Road to
Cresse Avenue along the beach in Wildwood
Crest, continuing on the world famous
Wildwoods Boardwalk to North Wildwood.
'The Wildwoods'
Boardwalk/Length: 2 miles
North Wildwood bicycling hours: From
June 15 through September 14 of each
year, it is unlawful for any person to
ride a bicycle on the boardwalk or its
approaches from 11 to 5 am, inclusive,
daily.
City of Wildwood bicycling hours: Bicycles
are permitted on the boardwalk commencing
at 5 am each day, but must be removed
immediately by noon of each day from
April 15 to October 15.
Stone Harbor Borough
Bicycling restrictions: Between 6 pm
and midnight, from the last Saturday
in June through Labor Day, no person
shall ride a bicycle in the roadway
in the business district. No bicycles
are allowed on the sidewalk in the
business district at any time.
Avalon Borough Boardwalk/Length:
0.5 miles
Bicycling hours: Bicycles are permitted
on the boardwalk throughout the year
between 5 and 10 am only.
Sea Isle City Promenade
/Length:
1.5 miles
Bicycling hours: From May 15 to September
15, bike traffic is limited to between
the hours of 5 am to 3
pm on weekdays, 5 am to noon on Saturdays
and Sundays. No restrictions in the off-season.
Ocean City Boardwalk/Length:
2.5 miles
Bicycling hours: From mid-June to Labor
Day, bicycling is limited to between
the hours of 5 am and noon. No restrictions
in the off-season.
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