Looking for a peaceful South Jersey town with nature, history, and easy beach access? Head to Mays Landing! Tucked along the Great Egg Harbor River, Mays Landing offers small-town charm, scenic paddling routes, and a gateway to the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re exploring pine forests or sipping wine at a local vineyard, this town delivers a relaxing change of pace.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mays Landing is from late spring to early fall (May through October). If you enjoy kayaking, hiking, and outdoor dining, summer and early autumn offer the best weather and river views. Fall foliage is a bonus if you visit in late October.
How to Get There
- By Car: Mays Landing is located near U.S. Route 40 and the Atlantic City Expressway, about 30 minutes from Atlantic City and 1 hour from Philadelphia.
- By Air: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is just 20 minutes away and offers car rentals and regional flights. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 1.25 hours away for more options.
- By Bus: NJ Transit and local shuttle services connect Mays Landing to nearby towns and shopping areas, though a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding Pine Barrens and shoreline.
Where to Stay
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Egg Harbor Township – A clean, comfortable option with suites and kitchens—convenient for families or extended stays.
- The Inn at Sugar Hill – A historic riverfront inn just minutes from Mays Landing, perfect if you want charm, peaceful views, and an on-site restaurant.
- Vacation Rentals & Cabins – If you're looking for more privacy, check out local Airbnbs or cabins near Lake Lenape or Estell Manor Park.
Top Attractions
⮕ Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary
Visit rescued animals and enjoy a fun, educational outing with kids and stuff.
The Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing is a privately owned farm encompassing approximately fifteen acres. The animal sanctuary was established to offer shelter and care for abused, injured, sick, and unwanted animals.
Funny Farm Rescue prides itself on helping the well being of more than 500 animals, providing exotic, farm, and domestic animals with a chance to live out the rest of their lives within a protected, safe, and happy home.
Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary , 6908 Railroad Blvd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, Phone: 609-742-9410
⮕ Weymouth Furnace
Explore historic ruins and walk along scenic trails during a peaceful fall trip.
Used for producing iron, the Weymouth Furnace, also known as the Weymouth Forge, today is part of New Jersey’s Atlantic County Park System, found along Route 559 in Mays Landing.
It can be hard to picture it today, however, this area of land once contained a forge, furnace, sawmill, gristmill, a wheelwright, a blacksmith shop, twenty houses for workers, a store, an owner’s mansion, and a Methodist church during the 1850’s. More than one hundred years since it was shut down, visitors can now explore the Weymouth Furnace and view the remains of what used to be the mill and other structures.
Weymouth Furnace, 2050 Weymouth Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
If you are looking to do something romantic
⮕ Hamilton Historical Society Museum
Discover local artifacts and admire small-town history on a quick retirement visit.
The Hamilton Historical Society Museum is of course located in a historic building, situated where Main Street meets Mill Street in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
Originally built to be a one-room schoolhouse by the R. W. Woods and Sons Company in 1904 to educate the children of its employees, the building is now used as a local history museum featuring photographs, deeds, maps, historical data, and a variety of artifacts.
Hamilton Historical Society Museum, 49 Mill St, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, Phone: 609-909-0272
⮕ Sakura Japanese Steak
Savor hibachi-style dishes and enjoy a lively dinner during a fun weekend.
The Sakura Japanese Steak, Seafood House and Sushi Bar was first founded by Marc Ha in 1988. The first location of Sakura was in the small Virginia town of Fredericksburg and contained just seven Hibachi tables.
The originally small family-run restaurant has since significantly expanded to numerous restaurants located throughout Virginia, Maryland, California, and New Jersey, including a location in the town of Mays Landing. The menu at the Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Mays Landing, New Jersey includes chicken, steak, and seafood entrees, as well as combination options, all cooked at Hibachi tables. There’s also a wide variety of sushi.
Sakura Japanese Steak, 4215 E Black Horse, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, Phone: 609-485-0071
⮕ Balic Winery
Sip local wines and admire vineyard views on a romantic couples outing.
Surrounded by beautiful verdant vineyards, Balic Winery produces a range of fine European-style wines which are showcased at their tasting room. Some of the vineyards have been thriving for more than 100 years and were planted by the descendants of the original May’s Landing settlers. Today these vineyards produce the premium grapes that go into each and every bottle of Balic wines. Their range includes a premium Cabernet Sauvignon, a beautiful Cabernet Franc and several red blends. White wines include a Chardonnay, a Riesling and their Napoleon Bonaparte blend. They also produce a wide range of other white, rose, sparking and fruit wines. Visitors are encouraged to stop by for a free tasting.
Balic Winery, Route 40, 6623 Harding Highway, May’s Landing, NJ 08330, 609 625 2166, Map
If you are traveling with kids
⮕ Lake Lenape Park West
Go kayaking or explore forest trails on an affordable summer outdoor trip.
Located on the western shores of Lake Lenape, this recreational park is a sure bet for a fun family outing. The list of activities available at the park is sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy.
The lake provides for a many varied activities including boating and fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Visitors who prefer to stay out of the water can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and mountain biking. The park is covered by the network of nature trails, unimproved hiking trails and mountain bike trails. Other park facilities include a picnic shelter which you may hire in advance, a children’s playground and a camp ground.
Lake Lenape Park West, 6303 Old Harding Highway, May’s Landing, NJ 08330, 609 625 7000
⮕ Get Air Trampoline Park
When you want to feel the wonderful sensation of air beneath your feet, Get Air is the only place to go. This massive trampoline park is chock full of activities for jumpers of all ages. You can start off slow and steady, finding your feet on the massive wall-to-wall trampolines; before you know it you will be ready to show off your moves.
Other fun activities at the park include the Kiddie Court and Foam Pit for young jumpers and the Fidget Ladder and Slackline course for improving your balance. Groups of friends can take each other on at Dodgeball and Slamball. Get Air is a great venue for birthday parties for (just about) all ages.
Get Air Trampoline Park, 4403 E. Black Horse Pike C3, May’s Landing, NJ 08330, 609 236 2166
If you are a first time visitor
- Estell Manor Park – Explore walking trails, historic ruins, and a boardwalk through pine forests and wetlands. Great for biking, birding, or just enjoying quiet nature.
- Historic Downtown Mays Landing – Stroll past 19th-century buildings, visit the county courthouse, and grab a bite at a local café in this quaint district.
Where to Eat
- Maplewood III – A well-loved Italian restaurant known for seafood, pasta, and hearty portions. Great for a relaxed evening out.
- Ye Olde Mill Street Pub – A cozy neighborhood tavern offering comfort food, burgers, and craft beer just off the river.
- Luciano Lamberti’s Sunset Marina – Located nearby in Egg Harbor, this waterside restaurant serves up seafood and cocktails with marina views.
- Bagel Gourmet – A casual spot for breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and coffee—perfect before hitting the trails or river.
If You’re Interested in Local Events
- Weymouth Township Fall Festival (October) – Celebrate fall with live music, food vendors, hayrides, and crafts at nearby Kennedy Park.
- Hamilton Township Independence Day Festival (July) – Fireworks, food trucks, and live music bring the community together every summer.
- Seasonal Farmers Markets – Local farms and vendors pop up throughout the year offering fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade products.
Day Trips from Mays Landing
- Atlantic City (30 min) – Hit the beach, boardwalk, or casinos for a livelier coastal experience just down the road.
- Ocean City (40 min) – A classic family-friendly shore town with a wooden boardwalk, mini golf, and great beaches.
- Batsto Village (35 min) – Step back in time at this restored 19th-century ironmaking village surrounded by pine forest and hiking trails.
- Smithville (30 min) – Browse shops and dine in this charming historic village with ducks, paddle boats, and holiday lights in winter.
- Vineland (35 min) – Visit the Landis Theater, local wineries, or the Cumberland Mall for shopping and entertainment.
FAQ
- Q: What makes Mays Landing a great destination near Atlantic City?
- A: Mays Landing offers a variety of attractions, including local history, historic ruins, an animal sanctuary, and delicious food and drinks, making it a great destination for both locals and tourists.
- Q: What are some of the key attractions in Mays Landing?
- A: Key attractions in Mays Landing include the Funny Farm Rescue animal sanctuary, the Weymouth Furnace ruins, and the Hamilton Historical Society Museum, among other historic sites and activities.
- Q: What can visitors do at the Funny Farm Rescue?
- A: Visitors can interact with and learn about the animals at the Funny Farm Rescue, which is a popular animal sanctuary in Mays Landing.
- Q: What historic sites can visitors explore in Mays Landing?
- A: Visitors can explore the historic ruins of the Weymouth Furnace and learn more about the area's history at the Hamilton Historical Society Museum.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary
- 2. Weymouth Furnace
- 3. Hamilton Historical Society Museum
- 4. Sakura Japanese Steak
- 5. Balic Winery
- 6. Lake Lenape Park West
- 7. Get Air Trampoline Park