The Ultimate Cape May Vacation Guide: Top Tips for Your Best Getaway

Want to make the most of your Cape May vacation? Our Cape May NJ visitors guide covers beaches, history, dining, and family fun. Discover why Cape May, with its pristine beaches, is a top spot.

Key Takeaways

• Start your trip by collecting maps, coupons, and attraction flyers. You can find them at many local spots in Cape May, especially in summer.
• Cape May is famous for its Victorian buildings. Visit the Emlen Physick Estate and take trolley tours.
• Cape May’s beaches are some of the best on the Jersey Shore. You can surf, relax, or play in the sand.
• Renting a whole house or condo is an affordable choice instead of B&Bs and hotels at the Jersey Shore.
• Cape May has different areas: Cape May, West Cape May, North Cape May, Cape May Point, and Cape May Villas. Each area is unique.
• Cape May City is the historic heart. It has Victorian architecture, a lively dining scene, and the busy Washington Street Mall. It’s great for culture and fun.
• West Cape May is quiet and small-town. It has charming bed and breakfast inns, boutique shops, and peaceful streets for relaxing.
• North Cape May has family-friendly beaches and easy access to fishing and boating. It’s popular with active vacationers.
• Cape May Point is known for natural beauty. It has the Cape May Lighthouse and wildlife refuges. Bird watchers love it.
• You can see the SS Atlantus sunken ship and World War II towers there. It adds history to your visit.
• The Cape May Villas offer peaceful bayfront views. They are perfect for watching beautiful sunsets.
  

Planning Your Cape May Vacation

Plan your getaway well for a great time. The city’s population grows from 4,700 to over 40,000 in summer. So, planning ahead is smart.

There are many things to do. Try nature trails, whale watching, or shopping. Each season has its own charm. Visit during June to August or the quiet off-season for fun.

Exploring Cape May’s Victorian Architecture

Seeing Cape May’s Victorian buildings is a must. It is New Jersey’s only National Historic Landmark City. The Emlen Physick Estate shows beautiful Victorian style. INSIDER TIP: When visiting the estate, be sure to check out our friends at Vintage B.Y.O.B. for an amazing dining experience.

The Southern Mansion, built in 1863, has old furnishings and ballrooms. Take trolley tours to learn about history. The Painted Ladies Walk Tour shows charming homes and stories from long ago.

Best Beaches in Cape May

Cape May’s beaches are clean and fun, making them ideal for world-class birding enthusiasts. For instance, Cape May Point State Park Beach offers great views along with a historic lighthouse, while Broadway Beach is popular among surfers.

Additionally, Steger Beach provides opportunities for skimboarding and volleyball. Poverty Beach, on the other hand, is quiet and perfect for families seeking a peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, Higbee Beach is known for its tranquility and location within a wildlife area. The Villas on the Delaware Bay are especially perfect for watching stunning sunsets.

Moreover, the beautiful bay beaches offer calm views of the bay, which are great for relaxing evenings. To explore rental options and learn more about accommodations, visit the Villas page.

Overall, this is an essential part of your Cape May NJ Visitors Guide, helping you discover the best spots to enjoy the sun, surf, and serene nature during your stay.

Lodging Options for your Cape May Vacation

While visiting, there are many places to stay. Choose from bed and breakfasts, hotels, or rental houses. Many B&Bs are in old Victorian homes with modern comfort.

Rental houses are great for groups or families. You can enjoy your stay close to attractions. There are options for every budget.

Large house rentals are ideal for reunions, weddings, and family gatherings.

Dining Options

Eating here is a treat with many restaurants to choose from. Most are small and unique, not chains. You can find casual spots and fine dining.

Seafood is popular and fresh here. Restaurant Week offers special menus and deals. Our favorite spots include George’s Place for breakfast and lunch. Try Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille for ocean views and some of the best Orange Crushes around. Taco Caballito Tequileria serves great drinks and Mexican food. Also, the iconic Lobster House is known for seafood specialties. These are just a few options. There are many great spots to mention here.

Special Events and Festivals

There are fun events all year that bring the community together. Start with the Easter Fashion Stroll and Strawberry Festival. The Coast Guard Festival honors local heroes.

Music lovers enjoy the Cape May Music Festival and Exit Zero Jazz Festival. The Convention Center hosts concerts and shows.

Victorian Week celebrates the area’s history with many events. These festivals make your visit special.

Outdoor Activities and Attractions

Outdoor fun is everywhere in Cape May. For instance, you can fish, watch whales, kayak, or paddleboard. Additionally, fishing trips and dolphin tours are popular activities among visitors.

Moreover, the Whale Watch & Research Center offers eco-tours that provide an educational experience. Likewise, the Nature Center teaches about the local environment, enriching your understanding of the area.

Furthermore, biking and hiking trails reveal beautiful views, perfect for nature lovers. Birding tours at South Cape May Meadows are especially great for families. Overall, the area is a top spot for bird watchers and offers various properties for visitors to stay and enjoy these outdoor activities.

Discover the Rich History

Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort. It has a long, rich history. The town played a role in ending slavery.

Visit Historic Cold Spring Village to see life in the 1800s. The Cape May County Museum has artifacts from many years. The busy Cape May vacation season begins with Memorial Day but really gets busy after the kids are off from school for the summer and everyone starts their getaways.

Shopping and Entertainment

Shopping is fun with unique stores and galleries. Washington Street Mall, located in the heart of the city has shops and places to eat and is a must see when you visit Cape May.

Try local foods at Cape May Olive Oil Company and The Original Fudge Kitchen. The West End Garage has many vendors and an artisan market.

For those interested in culture and entertainment, the city offers a variety of theaters showcasing live performances and dinner shows. Antique shops provide vintage treasures for collectors and casual browsers alike. Visitors can also enjoy local music venues and seasonal festivals that celebrate the area’s vibrant arts scene.

Family-Friendly Activities

There are many fun things for kids and families. In summer, enjoy movies on the beach and free outdoor concerts in local parks. There are also art classes and guided tours that teach and entertain.

Renting bikes is a great way to see the town. The streets are flat and easy to ride. Campgrounds here have pools, playgrounds, and games. These make camping fun for the whole family.

Wineries and Breweries

Cape May has wineries and breweries to visit; additionally, many offer rental property near them, making your Cape May vacation even more enjoyable. Visitors can enjoy tastings and views at Cape May Winery & Vineyard and Willow Creek Winery. For craft beer lovers, Cape May Brewing Company is a popular brewery offering a wide selection of brews. Meanwhile, Behr Brewing features craft beers and snacks, with tours and events that add to the fun. Additionally, Cold Spring Brewery is a popular spot known for its unique brews and welcoming atmosphere.

Getting Around Town

Getting around for your Cape May vacation is easy and convenient. Most visitors drive or use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Taxis are also easy to find. The town is small and flat, perfect for walking or biking. This way, you can enjoy the Victorian architecture and pretty views. Parking meters work from April to October. You can pay easily using the Parkmobile App, making parking simple during your stay.

Cape May NJ Visitors Guide Summary

Cape May has beaches, history, dining, and shopping for a great vacation. Visitors can enjoy miles of clean beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Additionally, the town has rich history shown in its Victorian buildings and museums. Moreover, dining ranges from casual spots to fine restaurants with fresh seafood. Shoppers will love unique boutiques, antique shops, and artisan markets. Whether relaxing by the ocean, exploring culture, or enjoying food and shopping, Cape May has something for everyone. Overall, this is your ultimate Cape May NJ Visitors Guide to help you make the most of your trip.