The Coast Back Home on the Jersey Shore

Good morning! Welcome to the last day of your trip, where you’ll drive up the coast, going at your own pace and stopping in at the coastal towns facing the ocean. Head downstairs in the morning to the hotel's complimentary breakfast and grab a coffee to go before heading out on your trek up the shore.
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Leave Wilmington early and head towards Cape May to begin your coastal journey back home up the Jersey shoreline. Located on the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a seaside resort town known for the Cape May Lighthouse, dating back to 1859, and its Victorian-era charm, boasting nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings.
Stop at the Cape May Lighthouse and climb the 199 steps up the spiral stairway to the top of the lighthouse, where you’ll see far-reaching views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. On your way out of town, you’ll drive past some of the enchanting Victorian houses and mansions. Perry St, Jackson St, Decatur St, and Ocean St all have houses to admire.
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Opening Hours: Every day: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A trip up the Jersey Shore would not be complete without a visit to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. While it's a bit of a coastal Las Vegas, there's still much to see and enjoy on the boardwalk, which is lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and nostalgic games. Don't forget the beach! You can lounge in the sand or have some fun at the pier's amusement park. Take a ride on the iconic symbol of Atlantic City – the Ferris Wheel! There's something for everyone to enjoy.
You can grab grub while you are on the boardwalk here. It's nothing too fancy, but Atlantic City is a fun place to stop, enjoy the amusement, and admire the ocean views!

One of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the US, this state park offers 10 miles of uninhabited beach reserved for nature. The park protects shoreline habitats and hosts plenty of wildlife, as well as over 400 species of plants. You can go birdwatching to see ospreys, peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds. Enjoy the beautiful coastal drive and relax with nature on the beach.

Stop to have dinner in Rumson, NJ at Undici, a farmhouse-inspired Tuscan restaurant known for its cosy atmosphere and rustic dishes. Their wine list is extensive, and they claim to have the largest Italian wine selection in all of New Jersey. Cheers to the end of your trip with some delicious food and a glass of Italian wine!
Reserve a table online on the restaurant's website. You can also reach them by phone on +17328423880.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

As you near New York, the second-to-last stop of your entire trip will be the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which is particularly special because it’s the oldest working lighthouse in all of the United States! This lighthouse has been aiding ships in since 1764. It’s located on the grounds of Fort Hancock, which was used for the defence of New York Harbor from 1896 to 1950. You won't be able to go inside the lighthouse when you visit at this time, but you can visit the exterior and admire the view.
The entire peninsula also features a holly forest, over 300 species of birds, and historical sites.

Sunset views with the New York City skyline – what could be better?! End your trip with a delightful sunset watch at Sandy Hook Beach on your way out of the lighthouse. You’ll watch New York City melt into the orange-pink hues for a blissful end to your journey. Reflect on all that you experienced throughout this trip, and show a moment of gratitude on the sunset shores.