Sail From Delaware To New Jersey: The Cape May–lewes Ferry Is The East Coast’s Hidden Travel Gem

Thursday, July 17, 2025

When group deliberation astir memorable recreation experiences connected nan East Coast, nan large cities aliases iconic roadworthy trips usually travel to mind. But hidden betwixt nan history of Lewes, Delaware’s trunk-filled Victorian lemonade structure past and nan picturesque formation municipality beauty of Cape May, New Jersey’s oceanfront picturesque municipality filled pinch cutesy houses, is 1 of nan region’s astir underrated gems — The Cape May — Lewes Ferry. More than conscionable a measurement to recreation betwixt Delaware Bay and this pet-friendly, scenic, and action-packed ferry thrust is simply a destination successful its ain right.

A Scenic Ride Worth The Journey

Since 1964, nan Cape May–Lewes Ferry has transported millions of travelers complete a beautiful 17-mile span of nan Delaware Bay. Featuring panoramic h2o views, sightings of playful dolphins and historical lighthouses, this 85-minute travel is thing of a ferry thrust to rival those of Puget Sound aliases New York Harbor — minus nan crowds.

Abroad, you tin bask unfastened aerial decks perfect for sunset selfies and aerial conditioned lounges for kicking back. Whether you’re en way to a jaunt of a travel astir quaint sportfishing villages aliases conscionable making a pit extremity connected a agelong haul, nan ferry turns a utilitarian crossing into a leisurely and picturesque mini-vacation.

A Smart Getaway From The Stress Of The Highway

Summer postulation connected nan East Coast — particularly I-95 — tin beryllium specified a buzzkill. But location is simply a tranquil detour, successful nan shape of nan Cape May–Lewes Ferry. It’s a much leisurely replacement to driving nan agelong measurement astir and offers an opportunity to slow down, activity nan salty air, and return successful nan views.

You tin hop connected by car, by motorcycle aliases connected foot, and if it’s a time trip, it’s elemental to transverse without your car and return nan shuttles disposable connected some sides of nan bay. Whether you are heading northbound from Virginia and Delaware and southbound from New York and New Jersey, nan ferry offers a smart, scenic respite.

Ideal For Day-Trippers And Weekend Explorers

From Cape May’s Victorian beauty and bustling boardwalks to Lewes’ quiet beaches and historical streets, some ferry terminals assistance entree to immoderate genuinely memorable time trips. Walk down boutique-lined streets, dine astatine section seafood shacks, aliases footwear backmost pinch a trade cocktail serving immoderate beachy vibes successful 2 of nan East Coast’s astir walkable mini towns.

The terminals themselves are destinations, too, featuring casual dining, drinking astatine nan bar, unrecorded euphony and seasonal events. You tin easy battalion a time pinch escapade without straying acold from nan dock.

Pet-Friendly And Family-Approved

The ferry’s eventual amenity One of nan top things astir nan ferry? It’s afloat pet-friendly. Furry friends are allowed connected outdoor decks and successful vehicles and nan terminals connection canine hydration stations and pet areas. Kids’ play areas, restrooms and plentifulness of seating make walking pinch nan full family a painless experience.

A Surprise Road Trip Highlight

For travelers mapping retired a roadworthy travel connected nan East Coast, nan Cape May–Lewes Ferry is nan spontaneous detour that turns a travel connected its head. It links coastal Delaware’s Route 1 to nan Garden State Parkway, and successful nan shape of a ferry crossing, is simply a beautiful shortcut for anyone walking betwixt Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Atlantic City aliases New York City.

Rather than beryllium successful traffic, you’ll zip crossed nan bay, grabbing Instagram-worthy views and a small spot of maritime magic on nan way.

Events, Eats And Everything In Between

The ferry is not conscionable a ride; it hosts a scope of summertime events, including unrecorded euphony cruises and fabulous fireworks nights. Look astatine nan seasonal schedule and you mightiness beryllium capable to drawback a h2o performance aliases a themed cruise for day nighttime aliases to entertain nan family.

Dining is simply a dainty too. On nan Rocks Dockside Grill successful Lewes and nan Sunset Lounge successful Cape May characteristic waterfront dining, section brew and intermezo that complements nan ferry experience.

A Must-Do For 2025

It’s nary wonderment why visitors autumn successful emotion pinch nan Cape May–Lewes Ferry and return twelvemonth aft twelvemonth for riding pleasure: nan breathtaking scenery, onboard amenities, pet-friendly options, and unpretentiousness make it nan East Coast’s best-kept recreation secret. Whether you’re a section successful hunt of a caller measurement to walk a summertime time aliases a traveler piecing together nan eventual roadworthy trip, nan ferry thrust is nan type of unforgettable acquisition that’s emotion progressively scarce — and each nan much precious — for summertime 2025 and beyond.

So forego nan stress, put connected your shades, leash up your canine and embark from Delaware to New Jersey. Exploration, rejuvenation and seaside delight dishonesty conscionable crossed nan bay.