Somers Point offers several clear starting points for a stay: waterscapes, trails, and local history. From the coastal bluff at Kennedy Park, the view extends over the Great Egg Harbor River and Great Egg Harbor Bay; by the water, there is also a children’s playground, a boat launch area, and fishing opportunities. There are different points of reference for cycling and walking: the Somers Point Bike Path, which runs the entire length of the town, and a route to Ocean City. Somers Mansion and today’s Somers Point Historical Museum add two buildings with their own architectural histories to this selection. You can plan your visit around whether scenery, activity, or history is your priority.
Trails through Somers Point and to Ocean City
The Somers Point Bike Path runs the entire length of Somers Point. The Rt. 52 Causeway Walkway & Fishing Piers crosses Shore Road near Somers Mansion and follows a pedestrian and bicycle path to Ocean City. The named routes therefore differ in length and destination: the Bike Path runs through the entire town, while the other route names Ocean City as its destination. Shore Road and Somers Mansion are specific landmarks along the Causeway Walkway.
Water Views, a Playground, and Fishing
From the coastal bluff at Kennedy Park, there are panoramic views of the Great Egg Harbor River and Great Egg Harbor Bay. The park by the water also has a children’s playground, a boat launch area, and fishing opportunities. At this named location, scenic views and different recreational features are available side by side. William Morrow Beach, also called Somers Point Beach, has a fishing pier. This is a useful distinction when choosing a spot by the water: Kennedy Park has a designated fishing area, while the Beach has a specific pier.
Two Architectural Histories
Somers Mansion was built by Richard Somers between 1720 and 1726 and is the oldest surviving house in Atlantic County. The Somers Point Historical Museum is now housed in a one-story, colonial wood-frame building that was built in 1886 as the West Jersey Baptist Church. The buildings were constructed more than 150 years apart, and their original uses also reflect different purposes. For the Mansion, the notable details are its builder, construction dates, and status as the oldest surviving house; for the Museum, they are its former use as a church, its construction style, and its present function as a museum. Their architectural histories can thus be compared by their dates and features.
Seasonal Visiting Hours
Seasonal visiting hours are listed for the Somers Point Historical Museum: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in June, July, and August, and Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. in July and August. Access by appointment is possible. The hours vary by day of the week and season: Tuesday evenings are listed only for July and August. Check the schedule before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Smithville, Corbin City, Pleasantville, Egg Harbor Township, Port Republic, Atlantic City, Mckee City, Galloway Township
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