With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, many people may be considering a winter escape, and New Jersey’s Southern Shore region is an excellent choice just a few hours’ drive away.

While beach time may be limited to a bundled-up stroll or a quick “polar plunge” into the frigid Atlantic, there are still plenty of outdoor recreational and entertainment options, as well as numerous indoor activities. In fact, many prefer visiting the Jersey Cape in the winter for its serene atmosphere, free from the summer’s bustling crowds.

Hotel rooms are readily available—and usually significantly discounted compared to “in-season” prices—in most of the area’s resorts, and parking meters are off, as local innkeepers and shop owners welcome those who venture to the area during the shoulder season.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long stay, there’s much to see and do in the region. Outdoor spots like the area’s fine wineries offer seating under outdoor heaters or around cozy fire pits, providing a pleasant surprise for visitors.

If relaxation is your goal, nothing beats a massage and spa day at a local spa, such as Cape May Day Spa, the Sea Spa in Congress Hall, or the Salt Spa at the Reeds at Shelter Haven in Avalon.

Fresh air and physical activity are invaluable, so if the weather permits, bicycle rides on the area’s promenades, boardwalks, and bike paths are perfect ways to enjoy unobstructed seaside views. The area’s hiking trails are also less traveled in the winter, showcasing a different landscape as the seasons change. A notable trail is Higbee Beach in Lower Township, near Cape May, where lucky hikers might see 100-year-old train tracks visible at low tide.

Many of the top-rated restaurants and pubs in Cape May County remain open through the winter, albeit on a shortened schedule. Be sure to call ahead to check operating hours or make reservations.

As the Jersey Shore wraps herself in a winter shawl, indoor pursuits are abundant. Enjoy breweries, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and historical museums. One of the area’s newest venues, Cape Square Entertainment Center in Rio Grande, features eight movie theaters, 16 bowling lanes, an arcade, three bars, two restaurants, and a golf simulator. The owners also operate movie theaters at Harbor Square in Stone Harbor and Moorlyn Square Theater in Ocean City.

Finally, there’s shopping. The region’s niche shops, offering one-of-a-kind and hard-to-find items, remain open, minus the summer crowds.

So, if you’re seeking a fun, relaxing winter getaway, book a trip to New Jersey’s Southern Shore and prepare for exhilarating walks along (nearly) empty beaches, warming cocktails around a cozy outdoor fire pit, soothing massages, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.