Discover Something New While You Wait at the Cape May–Lewes Ferry Terminals
Whether you’re arriving early or waiting for your Ferry departure, both the Cape May, NJ, and Lewes, DE, terminals offer more than just boarding gates. Take a moment to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or enjoy the water views. With dockside dining, local shopping, wildlife watching, and more, there’s always something to see or do right at the terminal.
At the Lewes terminal, Grain on the Rocks serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round — perfect for fueling your trip or unwinding after the crossing. On the Cape May side, Stowaways Restaurant and the Stowaways Cafe give you a taste of the shore before or after your ferry ride. Restaurant hours on both sides of the Bay vary, so check with the restaurants before planning your visit. You’ll also find a small retail area at each terminal with ferry merch, local gifts, and souvenirs to remember your journey.
Look out over the Delaware Bay and enjoy some quiet moments with nature while you wait. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, osprey, seabirds, and other marine life—with mounted binoculars available at the docks for a closer look. Meanwhile, younger travelers can enjoy the playground equipment at the Cape May terminal.
Prefer to explore beyond the terminal? From Lewes, you’re just steps away from downtown shops, local history museums, and access to the DART bus or shuttle that connects to nearby attractions. On the Cape May side, you can plan a stroll to Washington Street Mall, Victorian homes, or even take advantage of trolley tours that start here.
Be sure to check back for seasonal restaurant updates, terminal enhancements, and special events. Or better yet, subscribe to our email list to stay in the loop on exclusive terminal happenings, entertainment, and travel tips before your next ferry adventure.
Top Things to Do While You Wait at the Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminals
Tips For Making the Most of Your Time at the Terminals
You’ve purchased your ferry tickets and arrived at the terminal 45 minutes to an hour early. You’re checked in and ready to go, but the Ferry hasn’t started boarding yet.
Don’t worry! There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained while you wait, all without having to leave the terminal.
There is something for everyone at either of the Ferry Terminals. The Terminals can offer their own reason to visit or a great place to wait for your Ferry crossing.
7 Things to Do While Visiting the Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminal
Dine with a View: Enjoy local favorites at Grain on the Rocks in Lewes or Stowaways Restaurant & Stowaways Café in Cape May.
Shop for Souvenirs: Browse Ferry merchandise (also available online) and local gifts at the Terminal shops, and onboard the Ferry.
Spot Wildlife: Watch for dolphins, seabirds, and stunning sunsets over the Delaware Bay.
Catch Live High Season Music & Events: Don’t miss Rock the Boat Fridays, Sunday Jamz Cruise, or the Wednesday Night Concert Series.
Sip and Explore: Try our Cape May Brewery Shuttle Excursions for a taste of local craft beer.
Plan Your Day Trip: Visit Downtown Lewes or see Cape May attractions just minutes from the terminal.
Plan Your Travel: Check Directions to the Ferry, Ferry Schedules, Book Tickets, and read the Ferry FAQ for everything you need to know.
Grab a Burger to Eat or Sip an Orange Crush
Dockside restaurants are located at both the Cape May and Lewes terminals. In Lewes, Grain On the Rocks is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and in Cape May, Stowaway’s has both a restaurant and Café.
Stop In and Shop
Relax & Recharge – Enjoy scenic seating areas, walking paths, and photo opportunities before your ferry departs.
AT THE FERRY TERMINAL
What is There to Do Once I Get to the Ferry? A LOT!
Feel free to get out, stretch your legs, and take a walk around either terminal. There is plenty of grassy space for walking pets, and you can enjoy great views of the Delaware Bay from both sides.
At the Lewes terminal, both the Lewes Coffee Company and Grain on the Rocks are open for business.
Stowaway’s Restaurant and Café are in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Cape May, New Jersey.
What Can I Do While Waiting?
Both the Cape May and Lewes terminals offer amenities and scenic views while you wait to board:
- Stretch Your Legs: Ample grassy areas for walking, including pet-friendly spaces, playgrounds, and mini golf courses.
- Enjoy the Views: Take in fantastic views of the Delaware Bay.
Food & Drink:
- Lewes Terminal: Lewes Coffee Company and Grain On the Rocks
- Cape May Terminal: Stowaways Bar & Restaurant and Stowaways Cafe
- Restrooms, Gift Shops, Food: Available inside both terminals.
Grab a Burger to Eat or Sip an Orange Crush
Dockside restaurants are located at both the Cape May and Lewes terminals. In Lewes, Grain On the Rocks is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and in Cape May, Stowaway’s has both a restaurant and Café.
Stop In and Shop
Looking for souvenirs to remember your trip? Stop by the Ferry Shop onboard the vessel. Or, if you are in Lewes, you’ll find merchandise for sale at the Lewes Coffee Company inside the Lewes terminal.
Admire the Local Wildlife
The Delaware Bay is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, so naturally, we see quite a bit of wildlife by the ferry’s terminals. Keep an eye out for fish, osprey, sea gulls, and even dolphins! And for a closer look, we have mounted binoculars on the docks.
Slide and Climb on the Playground
We haven’t forgotten about the younger family members! Kids can climb on the playground (newly installed in 2024), and parents can easily watch from the docks or from the surrounding benches.
Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the View
The easiest way to pass the time is by taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Delaware Bay. Our terminals are the perfect place to look out over the water and catch a sunset, so grab a seat and enjoy the view.