David Douglass Sr Memorial Park
A serene waterfront park offering prime views of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and bustling canal traffic. Perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, pleasant weather
David Douglass Sr Memorial Park
Best Time
Less crowded, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene waterfront park offering prime views of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and bustling canal traffic. Perfect for picnics and relaxation.
"Great place to watch the ferry and boats, very relaxing!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially in summer. Come early to snag a good spot!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view at the covered picnic tables. Great for families!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Views
Waterfront
Watch the iconic Cape May-Lewes ferries glide by. A truly captivating sight for boat enthusiasts.
Canal Boat Watching
Waterfront
Observe a variety of boats entering and exiting the Cape May Canal. A lively maritime spectacle.
Picnic & Relaxation
Picnic areas
Enjoy a meal at covered picnic tables or relax on benches with waterfront views. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Fishing on the Rocks
Rocky shoreline
Cast a line from the rocks and try your luck at fishing. A peaceful spot for anglers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Views & Picnic Spots
Relaxing Waterfront Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially in summer. Come early to snag a good spot!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view at the covered picnic tables. Great for families!
🚽 Porta-Potty Alert
Be aware that only a porta-potty is available. Plan accordingly.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially in summer. Come early to snag a good spot!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view at the covered picnic tables. Great for families!
🚽 Porta-Potty Alert
Be aware that only a porta-potty is available. Plan accordingly.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
🎣 Fishing Gear Ready
Bring your fishing gear to try your luck from the rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise David Douglass Sr Memorial Park for its excellent views of ferries and boats, making it a relaxing spot for picnics and fishing. While generally well-kept, the lack of a proper restroom and the presence of only a porta-potty are noted drawbacks. Parking can be challenging during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
"It's a decent place to view the ferry although you can tell no one has thought about it for a while. The only availabile washroom is a porta potty which is absolutely filthy. I hear there are plans to built one, they are excellent plans. There's decent spots to fish and several benches."
Tim Mutambuki
"Great place to watch the boats and the CM-L Ferrys coming and going via the Cape May canal.
Plenty of parking and bench's...also has several covered picnic tables.
Grab lunch and watch the world go by"
peggy white
"Loved it, the area is well kept great for walking and watching the Ferry and other Boats coming in and going out from the Inlet"
Elizabeth Rivera-Nunez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car and offers plenty of parking, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. It's located along the waterfront, making it easy to find if you're heading towards the Cape May Canal.
Information on direct public transportation to the park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access it.
To guarantee a parking spot, especially during summer weekends, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning.
While not explicitly stated, the park's location along the waterfront suggests it could be accessible by bike, though dedicated bike paths are not detailed.
The park is situated along the waterfront, making it a distinct and visible location for those familiar with the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for David Douglass Sr Memorial Park, suggesting it is a free public park.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific official hours are not listed. It's a popular spot year-round.
No advance booking is required as it's a public park. Visitors can come and go as they please.
The main restriction mentioned is that dogs must be kept on a leash.
While not officially stated, it's generally advisable to visit public parks during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the amenities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can watch ferries and boats, fish from the rocks, walk along the waterfront, and enjoy picnics at the covered tables.
The only restroom facilities mentioned are porta-potties, which are noted as being in poor condition by some visitors.
It's a good spot for a picnic and watching boats, but there is no playground. The waterfront access and boat activity can be engaging for children.
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, especially when capturing the ferries and boats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics.
Absolutely! The park has several covered picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
Nearby Cape May offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. It's recommended to check local listings for options.
No, there are no facilities to purchase snacks or drinks within the park itself. It's best to bring everything you need.
Grilling facilities are not mentioned. It's best to stick to picnics at the designated tables.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo opportunities include the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, various boats in the canal, and scenic waterfront views.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the ferries and water.
The entire waterfront area provides excellent vantage points for photographing the ferries as they approach or depart.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local FAA guidelines and park rules before flying a drone.
A versatile lens for capturing both wide waterfront scenes and closer shots of boats is recommended. A telephoto lens can be useful for ferry details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's no playground, the open space and waterfront access provide ample opportunity for exploration. Be prepared for the porta-potty as the only restroom facility. It's also crucial to keep a close eye on children near the water and ensure dogs are leashed if you bring them along. Arriving early is key to securing parking, especially during peak summer months.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe various maritime activities and the natural beauty of the Cape May Canal. The park provides a tranquil setting for contemplation and enjoying the sights and sounds of the water. Remember to bring your fishing gear and any other essentials you might need for a comfortable outing, as amenities are limited.
📸 Photographers and Boat Watchers
Beyond the main attractions, the waterfront scenery itself provides a picturesque backdrop. Photographers can experiment with wide-angle shots of the canal or zoom in on the details of passing ships. The park's accessibility and consistent maritime traffic make it a reliable spot for capturing dynamic water-based imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Waterfront Experience
The park is equipped with several covered picnic tables and benches, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy a meal with a view. While the park is generally well-maintained, a recurring point of feedback is the condition and availability of restrooms. Currently, only a porta-potty is on-site, which some visitors find less than ideal. There are plans for a permanent restroom, which are eagerly anticipated. Despite this, the overall atmosphere is described as relaxing and enjoyable, making it a 'gem' for Cape May.
For those interested in fishing, the rocky shoreline provides accessible spots to cast a line. The beach area also offers a different perspective of the water. It's important to note that while dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. The park's popularity, especially during the summer, means that parking can become scarce, so arriving early is a key tip for a stress-free visit.
Family Fun and Practicalities
While the park is great for a picnic lunch, families should be aware that there is no playground. This means that entertainment will primarily revolve around watching the boats, exploring the shoreline, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The presence of covered picnic tables is a significant plus for families, offering shade and a comfortable spot to eat, even on warmer days.
Practical considerations for families include the restroom situation. The porta-potty is the only option, which might be challenging with very young children. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is essential, as there are no concessions on-site. Despite these limitations, many families have fond memories of visiting the park, highlighting its enduring appeal as a place for simple outdoor enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit