Back to School Shopping with the Ferry

Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

It’s almost that time of year again. Teachers are finalizing lesson plans and schools, if not already in session, are clearing the cobwebs out of the hallways in preparation. And for many parents, going back to school, also means back to school shopping.

We know. Back to school shopping invokes memories of fighting crowds, tons of traffic, and generally, lots of frustration. Howver, if you’re looking for a way to change things up this year and make back to school shopping a fun and relaxing experience, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry can help!

Tanger Outlets Atlantic City

Cape May to Lewes

When you board the Ferry in Cape May, there are plenty of options for back to school shopping in Lewes. For those who prefer the flexibility of driving their own car, vehicle passengers are just a quick fifteen minute drive to Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. There, you’ll find all the stores you could possibly need, from Nike to Banana Republic to Tommy Hilfiger to Under Armour. Or, for those who prefer to save the mileage on the car, there are several transportation options available from the Lewes terminal. You can rent an ebike from Pedego Electric Bikes. You can take the DART Route 204 bus, which picks up in front of the terminal every 1/2 hour, or – as of Monday, 8/30/21 – you can rent a car from Avis right at the terminal! And remember, aside from the great deals available at the Outlets, Delaware has no sales tax so you’ll get more bang for your buck!

Image
Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

Lewes to Cape May

Looking for something unique to head back to school with this year? The Washington Street Mall, only a 12 minute drive from the Cape May Ferry Terminal, is the place to shop for handcrafted and specialty goods. The Washington Street Mall is located in downtown Cape May and offers more than 80 stores and shops. You’ll find clothes for all ages, as well as local products ranging from peanut butter to jewelry, honey, and home décor. And if you happen to work up an appetite while shopping, the mall has over 25 restaurants and sweet shops to satisfy your cravings. Pro-tip: if you’re traveling on a weekend through October 10th, the Ferry shuttle runs from the terminal to the Cape May Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street, which is a short 1/4 mile walk from the Washington Street Mall, so you can walk aboard as a foot passenger and take the shuttle over to Cape May.

Please note: The shuttle runs weekends only (Sat, Sun) through 10/10/21, and reservations are required, so make sure to call (800.643.3779) in advance to save your spot if you plan to do this.

Outlet Shopping Tip: Start with a Ferry Ride

Shop Til You Drop!

If a shopping trip is in your future either to help bring out the new you, have a fun day away with shopping buddies, or to bring the kids for dreaded school, camp or general clothing updates (they just don’t stop growing!) here are three tips to make the day extra special.

We especially like Tip #2, because the Ferry ride over to Lewes, DE from Cape May, NJ helps keep kids preoccupied and takes a lot of their nervous energy away before and after shopping. It gives you a fighting chance to keep them trying on clothes in dressing rooms rather than chasing them from unscheduled hide ‘n go seek games under clothing racks.

If you’re going with some adult buddies, stop for Margaritas in Lewes (Agave is a favorite), or sip on our famous Orange and Grapefruit Crushes during your Ferry ride back. It’s the ultimate celebratory end to a great shopping day!

Image
Tip #1: Tangier Outlets in Rehoboth Beach houses hundreds of retail brands where you can outfit the soon-to-be school crew and save! Click on this box for the full list of stores.
Image
Tip #2: Riding the ferry to Delaware is a great family excursion. Not only do you reap the benefits in savings, but you get to relax on the ferry, look for fun marine wildlife, and distract the shopping naysayers.
Image
Tip #3: Make a day of it! Hit the outlets, then take some time to explore the historic town of Lewes before heading back home. Click the box for some great ways to explore Lewes

Climb aboard the Ferry to take advantage of these great discounts before they sail away!

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Lewes Day Trips and Weekend Excursions

There's Always a Reason to Travel!

Whether you’re looking for a quick day-trip, a weekend-excursion or something in between, there’s always a reason to hop aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and check out the beaches and towns surrounding Lewes. Take a look at a few options below, make some plans, book your Ferry travel and we’ll see you on board!


Take the DART Shuttle Into Lewes

Year-Round | Lewes, DE

Image
Lewes downtown trees

Lewes offers a wide variety of year-round activities, from shopping and dining in the quaint downtown area, to historical tours, museums and more. You can even take the Ferry over as a foot passenger, and hop aboard the DART shuttle to get into town. The Route 204 bus conveniently picks up and departs from in front of the Lewes Terminal every half hour, seven days a week in the summer. View the schedule, here.

For more information about Historic Lewes, DE: visit Lewes.com or HistoricLewes.org.


Cape Henlopen State Park

Year-Round | 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE

Image
Cape Henlopen State Park Delaware Beach

Swim in the ocean waves, bike through the sand dunes, fish from the Bayside fishing pier, camp beside historical WWII towers, and explore all 7,000 acres of Cape Henlopen State Park! Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. Discover the beauty and diversity of Cape Henlopen coastal environment encompassing ocean and bay beaches, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes. During your stay, be sure to visit Fort Miles, a WWII military base that features the Fort Miles Museum, Artillery Park, and Battery 519 tours. With excellent wildlife-watching, stunning scenery, world-class beaches, and year-round historical and environmental programming, there are endless adventures to discover at Cape Henlopen!

Book Ferry Travel

More information about Cape Henlopen State Park.


Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Year-Round | Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Image
People walking on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Visitors to Rehoboth Beach can enjoy a mile-long boardwalk lined with old-fashioned family amusements, attractions, beach stores, and good eats. The boardwalk is a year-round place for festivals, events, and daily strolls to enjoy the ocean views. The boardwalk is a combination of old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. Bike and surrey rentals are available by the hour or by the day.

For more information about the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: click here


Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

What to Do Year-Round in Cape May, NJ

Experience Cape May All Year Long with the Ferry

Traveling to Cape May for a vacation or just a day trip? Don’t miss out on these mostly free and definitely fun activities that you and the rest of the family can enjoy not only in the summer, but any time of year!  If coming during cooler months, take your car so you can stop off at more than one of these great attractions. 

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Everyone has their favorite zoo animal and it’s a good bet you’ll find your favorite at The Cape May County Park & Zoo.  Known for its endangered species and wildlife, this zoo is a great place for all ages to enjoy a day of the beaches. The zoo is free, but donations are recommended to help take care of all the animals.

Pair of African Lions at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May Point State Park

It’s free to enter the park and see the Lighthouse from the outside. But, if you want to enjoy the scenic view from the top of the 157-foot tall Cape May Lighthouse, it’s worth paying the entrance fees.* Besides the lighthouse, there are three trails on the property for hikers to enjoy and see all the different habitats, birds, wetland marsh, and other wildlife along the shore. Each trail is a different distance. The Red Trail is .5 miles long and is wheelchair accessible. The Yellow Trail is 1.5 miles long and the Blue Trail is 2.0 miles long. Each trail offers different unique sightings for all to enjoy! For more information regarding the lighthouse or trails, visit their website.

Cape May Lighthouse and Beach

*Lighthouse Entrance Fees: Adults $8 | Children (3-12 years) $5 | Younger Children (<3 years) $Free 

Washington Street Mall

Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May
Photo Credit
www.cookecapemay.com

Enjoy the wonderful shops and restaurants Cape May has to offer at the Washington Street Mall, considered the heart of Cape May. Window shopping is always free, but you may be lured in to the aromas from local restaurants or enticing boutique offerings from the many stores on the brick paved walking mall.  Although the mall and most stores are  open year round, some businesses are seasonal, so double check particular store sites if you have your heart set on one particular shopping experience. 

Sunset Beach

The name of this beach is self-explanatory with the best sunsets only juxtaposed against the odd shape of a sunken ship. But, it’s not just any sunken ship. It’s the historic Atlantus, considered the most famous of 12 concrete ships built during WWI. The ship was purchased and brought to Cape May to build construction of a Ferry dock, but during a storm, the ship sunk. You are able to see the tip of the ship that is still sticking out above water. On the beach, you can explore and find many famous “Cape May Diamonds” in the sand. If you pick up a raw diamond on the beach, it’s yours to keep for free, but you may want to wander inside the gift shop and buy a polished one ready to wear.

sunset over the sunken concrete ship

This is just a taste of all that Cape May has to offer. Other popular activities include bird watching, bike riding, and definitely overnight stays in the town’s iconic Victorian bed and breakfast homes. The Wildwoods are just a few miles up the road, as are Historic Cold Spring Village, and many more wonderful, hidden attractions. For more on Cape May museums check out our post on the Emlen Physick estate house tour. 

Explore Things To Do In The Area

Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk at Sunset
Destinations Icon
Things To Do
December 5, 2025

Things To Do in Ocean City, Maryland  

A view of the Cape May - Lewes Ferry from Sunset Beach in Cape May as she sails on Delaware Bay
Destinations Icon
Things To Do
November 21, 2025

New Year, New Adventures: 10 Ferry Travel Resolutions for 2026

DOLPHINS & WHALES

OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

The Ultimate Delaware Beaches Bucket List

Not Your Average Travel Guide

Take a break from the ordinary and travel to Lewes with us!

Bike or Hike The Gordons Pond Trail

Avoid the traffic and travel from Lewes to Rehoboth the easy way! Take a left turn once you leave the terminal and arrive at the Cape Henlopen State Park. The Gordons Pond trail begins at the Herring Point parking lot and guides viewers through 2.65 miles of scenic beach landscapes.

The elevated boardwalks are perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Rehoboth Farmers Market

Tuesdays noon-4pm rain or shine, you can find the freshest fruits and vegetables at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. The Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market is a great way to add some color to your diet as you vacation to the shore. With different recipes weekly, you’ll never leave hungry.

Brewery and Wine Tours

Once off the ferry, take time to relax and enjoy the several local breweries and wineries just minutes away from the terminal. Each distillery offers its own unique tour and tasting experience.

Movies on the Beach

Every Monday night is family night at Dewey and Bethany beach. Every Monday night is family night at these two locations, with all your kids favorite movies starting at 8:30PM. Don’t forget the popcorn! Families can grab a blanket and a lawn chair and watch the film all together. View the 2023 Monday night movie schedule.

Dewey offers S’MORE fun with a bonfire every Wednesday night from 7 – 9pm. 

Cape May-Lewes Ferry Firework Cruise

Get the best view in town right aboard the ferry! The ferry departs from Lewes to give passengers a once in a lifetime experience. Listen to live music and watch the fireworks from upper deck. Get your tickets before they sell out!

Explore Things To Do In The Area

Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk at Sunset
Destinations Icon
Things To Do
December 5, 2025

Things To Do in Ocean City, Maryland  

A view of the Cape May - Lewes Ferry from Sunset Beach in Cape May as she sails on Delaware Bay
Destinations Icon
Things To Do
November 21, 2025

New Year, New Adventures: 10 Ferry Travel Resolutions for 2026

Search in CMLF

Cape May Lewes Ferry

Subscribe to our newsletter

Booking Form