I hadn’t planned on falling for Somers Point...it was meant to be a quick weekend escape. But the moment I saw the water shimmer across Great Egg Harbor Bay, I knew this trip was going to leave a mark. Tucked just south of Atlantic City, Somers Point has a calm confidence to it. There’s no rush, no crowds. Just good food, good views, and that steady rhythm only a coastal town can offer. With every stop, I felt more like I was stepping into a place that doesn’t try too hard—because it doesn’t have to.
Best Attractions in Somers Point, New Jersey
Great Egg Harbor Bay
I started my visit with the view that defines the town—Great Egg Harbor Bay. Walking along the bayfront, I felt the wind roll off the water, warm and salty, like it had something to say. Boats drifted in and out of slips, and the marina buzzed with quiet life: anglers, kayakers, families feeding gulls. It was peaceful in a way I didn’t expect—open water and open sky.
I sat on a bench watching a lone paddleboarder cut across the still surface, and I remember thinking, “This is the kind of quiet you don’t realize you’ve missed until it returns.” The bay didn’t ask for attention. It just offered presence.
Afterward, I walked a few blocks to The Crab Trap, a local favorite perched right on the water. I ordered the broiled scallop platter and a cup of crab bisque. The scallops were tender and sweet, kissed with butter and lemon, and the bisque? Rich, creamy, and perfectly briny. Sitting by the window watching the sun dip low over the marina, it felt like the day had folded itself into something slow and golden.
Great Egg Harbor Bay At a Glance
- Location: Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244
- Vibe: Calm, breezy, salt-kissed
- Highlights: Marina views, paddleboarding, fishing, evening sunsets
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into sunset for golden light on the water
- Cost: Free to explore; water activities vary in cost
- Hours: Open access along the waterfront year-round
Gateway Playhouse
I didn’t expect to find such heart in a small-town theater, but Gateway Playhouse delivered it in full. The building has been around since the 1920s, and you can feel its history in the creak of the floorboards and the velvet seats. I caught a local production on a Friday night, and from the moment the lights dimmed, I was in it—completely pulled into the story by actors who clearly loved what they were doing.
The performance had charm, laughter, and just enough emotion to tug at you. It wasn’t Broadway, but it didn’t have to be. I remember thinking, “Sometimes the most honest art happens on the smallest stages.” When the cast took their bow, the applause was loud, proud, and very real.
After the show, I walked to Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse, just a few minutes away. Even at night, it had that welcoming, neighborhood feel. I ordered the grilled pork chop special with roasted sweet potatoes. It was the kind of comforting, well-cooked meal that grounds you after being swept away by a good story.
Gateway Playhouse At a Glance
- Location: 738 Bay Ave, Somers Point, NJ 08244
- Vibe: Intimate, artistic, local pride
- Highlights: Live theater, community performances, historic charm
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for weekend shows
- Cost: Typically $15–$30 per ticket
- Hours: Showtimes vary; check schedule online
Greate Bay Country Club
The next morning, I spent a few hours at Greate Bay Country Club, and while I’m no scratch golfer, I found myself appreciating the peace that comes with being out on the fairway. The course was beautifully maintained—lush greens, gentle hills, and water views that made even a double bogey feel like a win.
What stood out wasn’t the competition—it was the calm. A breeze moved through the trees, and I remember pausing at the edge of the ninth hole thinking, "This is more about presence than performance." Whether you’re playing a full round or just walking the grounds for an event, there’s something elegant but unpretentious about the space.
I stopped by the club’s Grille Room afterward and ordered the crab cake sandwich with a side of seasoned fries. It was crisp, flavorful, and exactly what I didn’t realize I was craving. Golf might not be my game, but leisure? That I can do.
Greate Bay Country Club At a Glance
- Location: 901 Mays Landing Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244
- Vibe: Polished, scenic, laid-back
- Highlights: Golf course, event space, onsite dining
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or early evenings for fewer crowds
- Cost: Guest play and events vary; inquire for details
- Hours: Open daily; tee times and restaurant hours vary
Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse
If you want to know how a town eats, go where the locals go—and in Somers Point, that’s Fitzpatrick’s. I stopped in for brunch and the place was already buzzing with weekend energy. Families, couples, solo diners—it felt like everyone had their own favorite table.
I ordered the steak and eggs with home fries and sourdough toast. The steak was tender, seasoned just right, and the eggs were fluffy and golden. It was hearty and honest—the kind of meal that fills more than your stomach. I remember thinking, “This is how mornings should feel—warm, unrushed, and well-fed.”
There’s something about a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve been there before, even when you haven’t. Fitzpatrick’s had that magic.
Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse At a Glance
- Location: 650 New Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244
- Vibe: Welcoming, casual, family-friendly
- Highlights: Breakfast all day, hearty portions, local favorite
- Best Time to Visit: Brunch hours on weekends or early lunch on weekdays
- Cost: Most entrées $10–$20
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Windjammer Diner, Bar and Grill
Before heading out of town, I made one last stop at Windjammer Diner. It was the kind of place that already smelled like syrup and bacon before I even opened the door. Booths were filled with regulars, waitresses knew everyone’s name, and the coffee flowed without asking. It wasn’t fancy, but it didn’t need to be.
I ordered the Jersey special—Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a roll—with a side of hash browns. It arrived hot and perfectly messy, and I remember thinking, "This is the kind of breakfast that anchors a whole trip." There’s something comforting about starting your day somewhere people linger over pancakes and conversation.
By the time I finished my second cup of coffee, I wasn’t in a rush to leave. And that’s how I knew the weekend had worked.
Windjammer Diner At a Glance
- Location: 18 MacArthur Blvd, Somers Point, NJ 08244
- Vibe: Classic, cozy, no-frills
- Highlights: Big breakfast menu, comfort food, friendly service
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or off-peak lunch hours
- Cost: Most meals under $15
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Travel Tips: How to Get to Somers Point, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: I usually drive in via the Garden State Parkway—Exit 30 puts you just a few minutes from downtown. It’s about an hour from Philly or Atlantic City, so super doable for a weekend trip.
- By Bus: I’ve seen NJ Transit buses from Philly and other nearby towns, making it easy if you’d rather skip the car.
- By Train: You can ride NJ Transit into Atlantic City and then catch a shuttle or short drive over to Somers Point. It’s a good option if you’re connecting from farther out.
Where to Stay in Somers Point, NJ
- Sonesta ES Suites Somers Point – I stayed here with friends, and we loved having a kitchen and pool. You’ll find it spacious and just a short hop to Ocean City.
- Econo Lodge Somers Point – If you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly, this one works well. It’s close to everything, and I appreciated the convenience.
Final Thoughts on Somers Point
Somers Point didn’t try to impress me—and that’s exactly what impressed me. It was a place of small moments: a quiet bay at sunset, a creaky theater seat before curtain call, the smell of coffee in a crowded diner. I kept thinking, "You don’t need a skyline to feel like a place matters." What Somers Point gave me was something slower, softer, and surprisingly rich. And as I drove home, I already knew I’d be back—not for what’s next, but for more of what’s enough.