NJ Camping Info: Southern Shore Region Attractions

 Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches. Experience the warmth of a Victorian inn. Take a stroll through history or enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea at a gourmet restaurant.

You're in New Jersey's Southern Shore Region, a land of charm, grace and miles of fun in the sun. At New Jersey's southern tip is the village of Cape May, a National Historic Landmark with more than 600 Victorian-era buildings. Shop along cobblestone streets, enjoy tea on the porch of a quaint bed-and-breakfast inn or dine in one of the many gourmet restaurants.

During a visit to the Southern Shore Region, you'll see its history wherever you turn. Tour New Jersey's largest historic district, with more than 2,000 preserved buildings, in the city of Bridgeton. Or celebrate the area's glass-making heritage at Wheaton Village, visit a colonial farm or pass through unspoiled fishing villages.

Nature lovers will find the Southern Shore Region to be perfect year-round. Spring and fall bring thousands of migratory birds to the shores of the cape. In the fall, Cape May is the number one spot in the country to spot migrating hawks and other raptors. And the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor celebrates the area's coastal heritage, hosting the popular Winds 'n Water Festival each September.

Experience the many charms of New Jersey's Southern Shore, a region that will beckon you back again and again.

Check it out:

Bridgeton Hall of Fame and Sports Museum Bridgeton Recreation Center, Burt Ave., 08302. Memorabilia of famous professional teams and athletes. (609) 451-7300

Bridgeton Historic District 50 E. Broad St., Bridgeton. 2,200 Colonial homes makes us New Jersey's largest historic district. 609) 451-4802

Cape May Bird Observatory 707 E. Lake Drive, Cape May. Chapter NJ Audobon Society. Programs for bird enthusiasts. (609) 884-2736

Cape May Country "Where Nature Smiles for 30 Miles" Explore protected forests and wetlands, discover a timeless Victorian era, enjoy 30 miles of beaches and boardwalk attractions. Free vacation package (800) 227-2297

Cape May County Historical Society Rte 9, Cape May Court House. 300 years of local history located in the 19th century John Holmes House and museum. (609) 465-3535

Cape May County Park & Zoo Route 9 & Pine Lane, Cape May Court House. (609) 465-5271

Cape May Point Lighthouse Site of one of the oldest functioning lighthouse. Bird observatory, nature trails and natural history museum. (609) 884-5404

Cape May Seashore Lines offers a 22 mile round trip train ride between the Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House, Historic Cold Spring Village and Cape May on the former Reading Company's steel speedway to the shore. For timetable info see your campground store or office.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry Walk, bicycle or drive aboard the ferry to Lewes/Rohobeth Beach, Delaware and outlet mall shopping. (609) 886-1725 for departure times and 1-800-64 FERRY for reservations.

Cohanzick Zoo Bridgeton City Park, Bridgeton. 1,000 acre park & zoo. Canoeing available in park. (609) 455-3230

Discovery Sea Shell Museum 2721 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. Amazing collection of Sea Shells. Free admission. (609) 398-2316

Fishing Charter Boats For the finest fishing in and around the Jersey Cape. List available from the Cape May County Department of Tourism office. (800) 227-2297

Fortescue State Marina Capt. & Boat Owners Association, Main St., On the Delaware Bay, fishing and dining. Watch the shellfish fleet bring in the oysters. (609) 447-5115. Potter's Tavern- Board St. W., Bridgeton 08302. National historic landmark, restored to its 1776 appearance. The Plain Dealer, the state's first newspaper, published here. Tours on weekends in summer and by appointment. (609) 451-4802

George E Boyer Historical Museum Holly Beach Station Mall, Pacific Ave., Wildwood 08260. Memorabilia, exhibits on history of the Wildwoods. (609) 523-0277

George Woodruff Museum of Indian Artifacts Bridgeton Public Library, 150 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton 08302, (609) 451-2620. More than 20,000 artifacts from the Lenni Lenape Indians.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse 1st & Central Aves., North Wildwood, 08260, (609) 522-4520. Built in 1874, has a functioning light. Memorabilia, antiques on display.

Historic Cold Spring Village Rt. 9 or Seashore Rd., Cold Spring. Recreated 19th Century South Jersey Farm Village. Special events and activities. (609) 898-2300

Leamings Run Gardens Route 9, Cape May Court House. One of the most beautiful gardens on the East Coast. (609) 465-5871

Morey's Pier and Mariner' Landing On the Wildwood Boardwalk, family-fun filled piers with more rides then Disneyland and two spectacular water parks. 609-522-3900

New Sweden Farmstead/Museum Mayor Aitken Dr., Bridgeton, 08302 o 17th-century farmstead within Bridgeton City Park. Restored log cabins, blacksmith shop, threshing barn. April-Oct., weekends only. Tours. (609) 455-9785

Ocean City America's Greatest Family Resort. Boardwalk, amusements, concerts, Atlantic Ocean beaches. (800) BEACH-NJ

Performing Arts Center of Middle Township 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, 08210, (609) 463-1924. Largest performing arts center in South Jersey. Presents musicals and plays. Call for schedule of events.

Physick Estate and Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts Washington Street, Cape May. Extensive display of Victorian furniture, clothing, toys, tools, etc. Year round tours. (609) 884-5404

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary 111th to 116th Streets on 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. Nationally recognized nesting grounds. Museum and observation tower. (609) 368-5102

The Carriage House of the Physick Estate 1050 Washington Street, Cape May. Home of the Cape May County Art League, said to be the first such organization on a county basis in the US. Established in 1929.

The Wildwoods The Boardwalk, Wildwood. One of he states most famous beaches, featuring a 2 1/2 mile long boardwalk with seven amusements piers. Call for info, 1-800-WW-BY-SEA.

Wetlands Institute Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor. Salt marsh trail, observation tower, tours & programs. (609) 368-1211

Wheaton Village Exit 26 off Route 55, Millville. Century glass museum housing over 7,000 objects and a working glass factory. (800) 998-4522

Wyland's Whaling Wall Facade of Boardwalk Mall at Garfield Avenue, Wildwood. A giant-sized wall mural (220' by 30') depicting life-sized whales and dolphins.