Visitors will feel like they have traveled back in time when they arrive at the pleasant seaside town of Cape May. Long considered one of the finest destinations on New Jersey|Jersey’s coast, the Victorian ambiance of Cape May has lured romantic couples and fun-loving families for decades as a place to unwind and play without all the frenzy usually associated with the Jersey shore.
People return year after year to bask in Cape May’s understated beach vibe. The cape itself stretches 20 miles offshore at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, offering dozens of quiet sandy beaches with few crowds. The town itself is a classic beach resort, with the three-block pedestrian Washington Street Mall at the heart of it all. This shopper’s paradise is lined with boutique shops and cafés and as you venture onto the side streets, you will find block after block of traditional beach homes.
Many of the old homes have been converted into romantic inns, which draw weekending couples on a regular basis. Families will appreciate the low-key, affordable beachfront motels and the overall friendly atmosphere of Cape May. The entire downtown area and commercial seaside strip along Beach drive and Ocean street make for great places to enjoy a stroll.
Highlights
Beaches: wide sandy beaches and calm waters ensure that Cape May’s beaches are the most popular in the region. Cruise down Beach drive and take your pick of sandy spots, but Cape May’s nicest beach is two miles south of town at Cape May Point State Park.
Emlen Physick House: the town’s historic highlight is this stunning Victorian home-cum-museum, where visitors can learn about the history of Cape May before sampling some tea at the Twinings Tearoom in the carriage house.
Trolley Tours: Cape May’s preservation organization, MAC, operates a number of different trolley tours which focus on a specific part of town. These are fun and interesting ways to learn more about Cape May.
Cape May Point State Park: a visit to this interesting state park provides visitors with the best sand in the region at Sunset Beach, more than three miles of hiking trails and a picturesque lighthouse to tie it all together.
Cape May Lighthouse: America’s second-highest operating lighthouse has some amazing coastal views from the top, if you can handle the 199 steps to the lookout.
Historic Cold Spring Village: offers a glimpse into the lives of 19th century Jersey farming life with its restored buildings and craft shows.