Explore Cape May NJ: Your Year-Round Travel Guide

Cape May is not the type of resort that you visit just once. There is a charm and special warmth about the town that pulls you back again an again.

Cape May is not just a summer resort, the fall season is very popular with many theme weekends and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach. Not a beach enthusiast? There are many activities that are in full swing right up until New Years Day.

Cape May is the oldest seaside resort town in the United States, located below the Mason-Dixon line at the southern most point of NJ.

It's charm lies in it's tree-lined, gas lamp streets, it's quaint shops, authentic Victorian homes and Bed and Breakfasts. One of it's claims is that it possesses the largest collection of authentic Victorian homes in the nation.

You can park your car and bike or walk around town. In fact, If you're coming to Cape May for the first time, make a stop at the Welcome Area of the Transportation Center (where the buses go) off Lafayette Street across from the Acme shopping center and pick up a guide map on a "Car Free/Care Free" vacation.

Cape May is also the home of one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the United States, and as a result you will find a good variety of seafood restaurants that serve up locally caught fresh sea food.

If relaxing on the beach is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities that can occupy your day time leisure hours.

Plan Your Cape May Vacation Itinerary

Planning the perfect trip to Cape May is a breeze with this step-by-step framework. This comprehensive Cape May travel guide will help you craft an unforgettable visit, whether it's a quick getaway or a week-long vacation.

Step 1: Choose When to Visit. While summer is peak season for beach lovers, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and popular events like the Spring Birding Festival and Victorian Weekend. Winter transforms the town into a festive wonderland, ideal for a quiet, cozy escape.

Step 2: Decide on Lodging. Cape May offers diverse accommodations. For a romantic trip, consider one of the many historic Bed and Breakfasts. For families, there are numerous family friendly Cape May hotels and motels with pools and easy beach access. Larger groups might prefer renting a classic Victorian house for a truly immersive experience.

Step 3: Plan Your Transportation. Cape May is exceptionally walkable and bike-friendly. Once you arrive and park your car, you may not need it again. Renting bikes is a popular way to explore, from the historic district to the Cape May Lighthouse. The town also offers a trolley tour service, which is a great way to see the sights and learn about the local history.

Sample 3-Day Romantic Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive and check into a charming B&B. Stroll the Washington Street Mall for some light shopping, followed by a romantic dinner at a fine dining restaurant.
Day 2: Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps with a bike ride along the shore. Tour the Emlen Physick Estate in the afternoon and end the day watching the stunning sunset at Sunset Beach.
Day 3: Take a morning dolphin and whale watching tour, enjoy a final brunch downtown, and depart.

Sample 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary:
Day 1: Check into your hotel and hit the beach. Enjoy a casual dinner at a family-friendly eatery.
Day 2: Spend the morning at the free Cape May County Zoo, then enjoy some afternoon fun with a round of mini-golf.
Day 3: Climb the Cape May Lighthouse for incredible views, then explore the nature trails at Cape May Point State Park.
Day 4: Embark on a thrilling whale watching excursion. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs on the Washington Street Mall.
Day 5: One last morning of building sandcastles and swimming at the beach before heading home.

Cape May Highlights By Season

Winter (December - February): Cape May transforms into a Victorian holiday dream. The main attraction is the Christmas Candlelight House Tour, typically held on the first three Saturdays in December, where you can tour festively decorated homes and inns. The entire month is filled with holiday trolley rides, breakfast with Santa, and craft shows, making Cape May tourism a year-round affair. Many events are managed by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), so check their website for tickets.

Spring (March - May): As the weather warms, the town awakens. The premier event is the Cape May Spring Festival in May, celebrating the region's maritime history, Victorian culture, and beautiful gardens. Birders flock here for the World Series of Birding, also in May, to witness incredible spring migrations. It's an ideal time to visit Cape May for pleasant weather and blooming nature.

Summer (June - August): Summer is defined by sun, sand, and classic shore activities. The Cape May Music Festival runs from late May into June, offering classical, jazz, and chamber music performances. The Fourth of July features a patriotic parade and spectacular fireworks. Free evening concerts at the Rotary Park Bandstand are a beloved summer tradition throughout July and August.

Fall (September - November): Many locals consider fall the best time in Cape May. The season kicks off with the Cape May Food & Wine Celebration in September. October is packed with events like the popular Victorian Weekend, a multi-day heritage festival, and a family-friendly Oktoberfest on the Washington Street Mall. The Cape May Jazz Festival in November brings world-class musicians to town. Always check official event websites for the latest schedules and ticketing information.

All Beaches in Cape May NJ: Complete Guide

The Cape May NJ Beaches offer a diverse shoreline experience, from bustling family hotspots to serene natural retreats. The main city beaches stretch along Beach Avenue and are the heart of summer activity. Here you'll find wide, sandy shores, full lifeguard coverage in season (typically 10 AM to 5:30 PM), restrooms, and food vendors. Metered parking is available but fills quickly. These beaches are ideal for families and anyone wanting easy access to amenities. Accessibility mats provide entry points for wheelchairs at several locations.

For a quieter experience, head east toward Poverty Beach or west to The Cove. Poverty Beach is a local favorite offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The Cove is a popular spot for surfing and paddleboarding, providing great views of the lighthouse. At the very tip of the peninsula is Cape May Point State Park, where the beach is flanked by dunes and nature trails. It's a fantastic spot to combine beach time with bird watching or a climb up the Cape May Lighthouse.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Delaware Bay beaches. Sunset Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets, the S.S. Atlantus concrete ship wreck, and its nightly flag-lowering ceremony in summer. While its pebbly shore (filled with "Cape May diamonds") isn't ideal for swimming, it's a must-see landmark. Nearby Higbee Beach is a protected wildlife area with a wild, natural shoreline and no lifeguards. It is popular with birders and nature lovers. Note that dogs are generally prohibited from most beaches during the summer season but are often welcome on-leash from November to March. Always check local signage for current rules.

Cape May City Beach Tags: Fees & Where to Buy

Accessing Cape May's pristine beaches between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day requires a beach tag for all individuals age 12 and over. This system helps fund the vital services that keep the beaches clean, safe, and staffed with lifeguards. Access is free during the off-season and before or after lifeguard hours (typically before 10 AM and after 5:30 PM) in the summer.

Beach tag rates are set annually by the city. Options typically include: daily tags, 3-day tags, weekly tags, and full-season tags. Significant discounts are offered for seasonal tags purchased before the season begins (usually before April 1st), making it a great deal for frequent visitors. In a tribute to their service, beach access is free for active military members and their families, as well as for veterans.

Tags can be purchased from several convenient locations. During the season, look for the city's official tag booths located at beach entrances along Beach Avenue; these are often cash-only. You can also purchase them at Cape May City Hall. For convenience, many visitors buy their tags through a mobile app like Viply, allowing you to purchase in advance and pick them up.
Insider Tip: Before you buy, check with your hotel, B&B, or vacation rental, as many provide complimentary beach tags for their guests as a valuable amenity.

Cape May Attractions & Things To Do

Cape May Beaches
The Cape May County Beaches in the southern end of the Jersey shore are known for their wide, fine, powdery sand, and are considered to be amongst the best beaches on the Atlantic coast.

Biking
Cape May is a bike friendly town. Their "Dero Fixit" is a free bicycle repair and service station located to the left of the steps leading up to Convention Hall. Its equipped with a hand air pump for filling your tires, and tools to change a flat tire or adjust your brakes. Its secured by wires to make sure everything will be there when you need it.
Cape May also has many bike rentals available throughout the town by the hour or day. Cycle down to the Cape May Light House or to Sunset Beach.

Cape May County Zoo
The Cape May County Zoo is the largest and most visited zoo along the Jersey Shore. Popular with families the zoo features lush country gardens, with a large collection of over 550 animals representing over 250 species.

Cape May Light House
The Cape May Lighthouse is located on the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Climb up the winding 199 stairs to the top of the 157 foot-tall structure and from the watch gallery take in a fantastic view the Atlantic ocean, the town of Cape May, Delaware Bay, and Cape May Point State Park. Visit the on site Nautical Museum.

 Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington St.
Cape May, NJ
A Victorian house museum that provides a look back at the Victorian past of the area. Here you will see the architecture, decorative arts, customs and the lives of the Physicks as showcased in the home they lived. No matter what time of year it is, you can take a tour of this 18 room mansion designed by renowned architect Frank Furness. Built in 1879, it's considered by some to be one of the finest examples of Victorian “Stick Style” architecture in America.

National Wildlife Refuge
The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest in the National Wildlife system. It was established to protect migratory birds along New Jersey's coastline.

Sunset Beach
Every trip to Cape May must include a visit to Sunset Beach.
Known for it's spectacular over the water sunsets, the Flag lowering ceremony at sunset, the site of the S. S. Atlantus, a World War l concrete ship, and the World War - ll "Concrete Tower"

Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey
632 Lafayette Street
Harriet Tubman lived in Cape May in the early 1850s, working to help fund her missions to guide enslaved people to freedom.
The Harriet Tubman Museum building is located on a block that anti-slavery activists called home in Cape May. Lafayette Street and Franklin Street became a center of abolitionist activity centered around three important buildings developed in 1846.

Cape May Stage - Robert Shackleton Playhouse
405 Lafayette St, (Corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets)
Cape May Stage is a non-profit organization, located in a 1853 historic structure that is now a state-of-the-art theatre and is known to residents and visitors "as the jewel in the crown of Cape May's architectural gems." This beautifully restored building has 124 seats set up in stadium design.

Whale Watching
Take in a Whale and Dolphin watching boat trip. For a more casual experience, there is picnicking, and beach walking at sunrise or sunset, where you are apt to see schools of dolphins swimming by.

Washington Street Pedestrian Mall
A must visit pedestrian village with quaint shops, restaurants, art galleries, souvenir stores and more. Many are open year round.

Other popular things to do and attractions in Cape May include:
 kayaking in the salt water marshlands, signing on to a salt marsh safari, deep sea fishing, and visiting the Bird Observatory operated by the New Jersey Audubon society

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