There are only a few places in the US that are perfect for a family getaway, a romantic escape or a solo vacation, and Cape May is one of them. This town is said to be America’s oldest coastal resort city, and it is filled with more than enough things to make your stay fantastic. Cape May is packed with Victorian-style architectures, plenty of shopping centers, top restaurants, and bars of the region, and of course, spectacular beaches. Enjoy exhilarating water sports activities, amazing sunsets on the beach, and breathtaking views of the ocean from the top of the unique lighthouse on the Cape. There are more than enough activities to keep you engaged throughout your stay. Browse through these top things to do in Cape May, New Jersey, and make your trip memorable.
1. Treat your eyes to stunning views from the Cape May Lighthouse
Standing high and overlooking the whole city and its surroundings is the amazing Cape May Lighthouse. This stylish sentinel has been watching over Cape May Point since 1823, and till date, it still serves as a life-saving guiding light. One other major attraction about this monument is the views from its top. The Cape May lighthouse offers you amazing views of the city’s skyline, which you’d have to climb 199 steps to experience. However, it is worth every effort if you want to admire the pure beauty of Cape May.
Cape May Lighthouse
Address: 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Lighthouse
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
2. Drop by the Historic Cold Spring Village
A place of historical heritage and unique buildings, the Cold Spring Village is a place you must see in the city. Located just north of Cape May, this historic attraction was built in the 1970s by the local Salvatore family. The Cold Spring Village is a carefully and intricately reconstructed 18th- and 19th-century settlement on 2 acres (0.8 hectares) of land in Cape May. Get treated to sights of buildings like a blacksmith building, bookbinder, basket weaver, ice cream parlor and many others, each with staff wearing costumes from that period. It’s a great place to visit in Cape May.
Historic Cold Spring Village
Address: 720 U.S. 9, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Historic Cold Spring Village
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 15 - 20 USD
3. Travel back in time at Emlen Physick Estate
Built in the 1800s and still kept in an excellent condition, Emlen Physick Estate stands as a prime location of beautiful Victorian architecture in the city. Teeming with old decorations built in the medieval Victorian style; this mansion estate has been preserved and modeled to engage visitors to the feel of Victorian life back in the days. Touring this estate will take you back in time as you view the several themed exhibits and go round the mansion.
Emlen Physick Estate
Address: 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Emlen Physick Estate
Opening hours: 11:15am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 15 USD
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4. Watch the birds at South Cape May Meadows
Posted by Mary Demaio on Sunday, 14 July 2019
South Cape May Meadows is a popular bird-watching spot that was established in 1981. This place is an excellent natural habitat for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway where they rest and search for food. At this undeveloped beach area, you get the opportunity to see spectacular sights of rare birds, even on the freshwater wetland. Also get to admire the marshes, dunes, meadows, ponds, and a stretch of protected beach here. If you love seeing a myriad of colorful bird species, don’t forget to grab your binoculars or your bird-watching glasses and head to this fantastic side of the city.
South Cape May Meadows
Address: 692 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: South Cape May Meadows
5. Sunbathe in the gorgeous Cape May City Beaches
CAPE MAY BEACH
Posted by Joshua Sedoma on Wednesday, 31 August 2011
The Cape May City Beaches have similar features as other beaches around the resort town – shopping, restaurants, bars, that are stone’s throw away, as well as a history of beach culture. Although the waves, crowd, size, and slopes change annually, the sun, sand, and surf are constant. These unique features have attracted tourist and locals for centuries, which makes a bit crowded. However, the beach is an excellent spot for a family timeout. The Cove is the best around due to the gentle slope, surfing is famous, the sand is good, the views are magnificent, and the flag-lowering ceremony is beautiful.
Cape May City Beaches
Address: Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May City Beaches
Price: 5 USD
6. Relish handcrafted wines at Willow Creek Winery
Enjoy tasting some of the most excellent handcrafted wines at the only Napa-style winery in Cape May - the Willow Creek Winery. Willow Creek opens daily and allows for visitors to come in, stroll through their well-tended vineyard vistas and gorgeous gardens, admire the impressive villa on the property and of course get a taste of their exquisite locally brewed wines. Enjoy unique tasting blends, from grape and fruit wines to alcoholic liquors plus special delicious farm-fresh hors-d’oeuvres. It’s a great place to relax and have some wine-tasting fun in the city.
Willow Creek Winery
Address: 168 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Willow Creek Winery
Opening hours: Fri: 11am - 9:30pm; Sat - Thu: 11am - 8pm
7. Climb the historic World War II Lookout Tower
A historic recently renovated World War II lookout, this tower has been transformed into a fascinating museum about the history of the town and its involvement in the world wars. Standing high above all other structures in its landscape, this lookout tower was built in 1942 and was part of the country’s shoreline defensive systems. Right now, you can visit the tower and see several exciting exhibitions about the local military and the role of this town during the world wars.
World War II Lookout Tower
Address: 536 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: World War II Lookout Tower
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
8. Explore the city on a horse-drawn carriage
Lovely day for a ride
Posted by Cape May Carriage LLC on Sunday, 9 July 2017
Enjoy exciting tours of the whole town like royalty as you get carried around in a carriage drawn by a majestic horse. The Cape May carriage LLC has been offering horse-drawn carriage tours of all the city and its historical locations since 1983. You get a chance to see all the happening places in the city: explore downtown Cape May and even see some exciting off-the-beaten-path attractions the city has to offer. Cape May Carriage LLC tours are open every day during summer and Christmas period.
Cape May Carriage LLC
Address: 315 Ocean St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Carriage LLC
Price: From 50 USD
9. Shop till you drop at Washington Street Mall
Located right in the heart of Cape May is the city’s prime location for shopping - the Washington Street Mall. This massive outdoor mall is filled with attractive hops, luxurious stores, and stylish restaurants. Shop for all you want: from clothing items, handcrafted souvenirs, soaps, and other creations to art stores, incredible restaurants. All you can wish to buy is waiting for you at this mall. So if you love shopping then prepare to put on your most comfortable shopping shoes and head straight to the Washington Street Mall.
Washington Street Mall
Address: 401 Washington St Cape May, NJ 08204
Website: Washington Street Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
10. Learn history at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located on the grounds of the airport in Cape May and is dedicated to the U.S. Navy and Air Force pilots. A place of fascinating exhibits and amazing stories of the World War II soldiers and Naval heroes, this museum is a must-see for military lovers and lovers of the airforce alike. Interestingly, the airport where this museum is located was formerly a bomber base during World War II. With flight simulators and real cockpits to explore, this museum is an excellent place for all-round family fun in Cape May.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Address: 500 Forrestal Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, USA
Website: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
11. Spot the alpacas at Bay Springs Farm Alpacas
Posted by Bay Springs Farm Alpacas on Sunday, 7 January 2018
Bay Springs Farms Alpacas is a small farm in Cape May for breeding alpacas. The farm is the oldest and largest alpaca breeder in Cape May and specializes in a diverse family of quality show alpacas, superior Peruvian and Chilean huacayas, etc. Established in 1999, the farm breeds the animals for their great wool and delicate fibers. These materials are transformed into beautiful alpaca yarn and finished alpaca products, including sweaters, throws, socks, and other accessories. The farm’s store sells all of these products and more, including stuffed alpaca replicas and alpaca fur bears.
Bay Springs Farm Alpacas
Address: 542 New England Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Bay Springs Farm Alpacas
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
12. Soak in the tranquility at Nature Center of Cape May
A perfect family fun location in Cape May, Nature Center of Cape May is a great place to visit in the city. Peaceful and serene, this center managed by the Audubon Society features a children’s garden which educates kids about plants and local wildlife through hands-on activities. With different individual sections for various exhibitions and displays on exciting things like to marine life, bird watching and life on the beach, this center is a great place to get full family fun in a serene ambiance.
Nature Center of Cape May
Address: 1600 Delaware Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Nature Center of Cape May
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 4pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm
Price: 5 - 10 USD
13. Attend an event at Cape May Rotary Park
There is always a good reason to spend some time at a park. And the Cape May Rotary Park gives you even more reasons to spend time in the park. Recently renovated and fitted with new gazebo, walking paths and magnificent fountains, this beautiful park is a wonderful place to enjoy a show in the city. All through the summer, the park is always hosting shows or concerts. During winters - Christmas period, a fantastic lighting ceremony is organized that adds a pleasant vibe to the whole place.
Cape May Rotary Park
Address: 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Rotary Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Visit the vintage Cape May Fire Department Museum
Spend some time at the historic Cape May Fire Department Museum on Washington Street. This colonial-style museum is located within the fire department of the resort and is open to the public with free entry. Enjoy sights of the vintage fire fighting items, including a 1928 American Lafrance fire engine, vintage engines, photographs and other pieces of fire fighting history. You are sure to be enlightened and will have some fun looking at the way the fire was fought and controlled back then. You can even purchase the City of Cape May Fire Department shirts from inside the station.
Cape May Fire Department Museum
Address: 712 Franklin St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Fire Department Museum
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Understand the local culture at Cape May Stage
Posted by Cape May Stage on Wednesday, 17 August 2016
Cape May Stage is a private theater showcasing a variety of shows, plays, and dinner and performances. Situated in a beautiful 19th-century church called the Robert Shackleton Playhouse in downtown Cape May, the theater provides professional performances to the community and tourists in a relaxed, charming ambiance. The activities are organized to promote education in arts. This stage hosts over 150 performances, ranging from traditional and contemporary works to modern and new works by both famous and local playwrights, from the middle till the end of the year.
Cape May Stage
Address: 405 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Stage
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 30 - 40 USD
16. Unwind yourself at the Garrett Family Preserve
Relax and shake off the stress and bustles of your everyday life at the Garrett Family Preserve. This preserve is home to over 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of amazing picturesque trails, where visitors can enjoy amenities including a picnic pavilion, bird blind, and artists’ easels. The reserve area is filled with fruit-bearing trees, native shrubs, wildflowers, and well-tended lush vegetation. Get a chance to watch the wildlife at their natural habitat, especially birds.
Garrett Family Preserve
Address: 801 Wilson St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Garrett Family Preserve
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 69 USD
17. Enjoy signature cocktails at King Edward Bar
It is perfect porch sittin' & sippin' weather! The King Ed is open Thursday & Friday at 5; Saturday & Sunday at 3! ...
Posted by The King Ed Bar on Thursday, 1 June 2017
Sit back and chill out sipping classic cocktails at a casual bar in a great atmosphere. The King Edward bar is located inside the fabulous and historic Chalfonte Hotel, which is one of the oldest hotels in Cape May. This famous hangout is a private place where tourists, visitors, and guests get to interact with each other over the most excellent wines, beers, and cocktails. King Edward Bar offers tremendous southern-style hospitality and is located just a few steps from the beach and the town’s center.
King Edward Bar
Address: 301 Howard St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: King Edward Bar
Opening hours: 3pm - 1am (daily)
18. Explore artifacts at the Colonial House Museum
Did you know there are several #littlefreelibraries around town? This one is located at the Colonial House Museum on...
Posted by Curious Cape May on Thursday, 30 August 2018
Originally a tavern and family house of Memucan Hughes, a famous patriot from the Revolutionary War, the Colonial House Museum is a place that throws light upon the history of Cape May. With different exhibits, items, relics, and artifacts on display, this museum also offers a beautifully refurbished standard room and a tavern room. You can see all the objects on display and also explore the colonial-style cooking room, bedroom, and research room in the museum.
Colonial House Museum
Address: 653 ½ Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Colonial House Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: Free
19. Take a tour of the Museum of Cape May County
Explore the stunning display of local history at the Museum of Cape May County. Founded in 1927, this fantastic place is devoted to preserving the diverse history of Cape May County for future generations as it displays an array of precious items from local history. There are several exhibits, kid-friendly guided tours, history-related lectures, and special events and exhibitions to see at this great place. With its central location, this museum is a lovely place to spend some time with family or friends.
Museum of Cape May County
Address: 504 U.S. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA
Website: Museum of Cape May County
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 6 - 8 USD
20. Visit Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Have fun as you learn at Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center (CMWW & RC). This place offers memorable safaris out to the sea to explore the wonders of the ocean. Established in 1987, Cape May Whale Watch offers tours and trips on which you can watch see whales, dolphins, seals, and birds in their natural habitats. It’s a must-do activity for any lover of nature in this resort town. The guides and naturalists on board will give you valuable information about the animals, their feeding, migration, and breeding habits. They will also tell you the best ways to spot them and snap them on camera.
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Address: Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
21. Explore the city on a red trolley
Cape May Trolley Tours (五月岬的觀光路線巴士遊覽古跡)
Posted by 王乘加 on Sunday, 14 July 2019
If you don’t want to explore the city on foot or inside cabs, then hop on any of the town’s quick red carts and explore all you want. This unique and exciting way of touring the city comes with experienced and knowledgeable guides who give you details and information, including interesting facts about the town’s rich Victorian heritage and history. These tours can be taken by the full family and can be themed for special events too. There are also exclusive tours that take you to specific locations within the city for you to explore.
Trolley tours
Address: Cape May, NJ, USA
Website: Trolley tours
Price: 8 - 25 USD
22. Support local artists at the Cape May Artists' Cooperative Gallery
Made in America (in Town Bank, NJ to be exact) and available at the Cape May Artists' Cooperative Gallery. Along with lots of original artwork made right here in Cape May County.
Posted by Mary Stewart on Wednesday, 19 July 2017
The Cape May Artists’ Cooperative was formed to introduce the community and its visitors to local artists and their work through exhibitions. This Cooperative has a gallery located in the heart of Cape May that offers a place for local artists to display their art. Artworks ranging from acrylic painting to photography, pastels, and watercolor are displayed boldly in the gallery for all to appreciate and even support – maybe even buying a piece.
Cape May Artists' Cooperative Gallery
Address: 323 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
23. Play a round of golf at Cape May National Golf Club
1st Hole
Posted by Cape May National Golf Club on Saturday, 26 November 2016
Not feeling like going to the beach or visiting any museum? Why don’t you try out your golfing skills at Cape May National Golf Club? Famous for its beautiful landscapes and stunning scenery, the golf course is surrounded by a 50-acre (20.2 hectares) private bird sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species. You can try playing on the pristine 18-hole golf course or watch people play in the serene atmosphere.
Cape May National Golf Club
Address: 834 Florence Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Cape May National Golf Club
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
24. Pamper your taste buds at Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
Not only do we host weddings at PSI, but also countless other special occasions for our guests throughout the year! ...
Posted by Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant on Thursday, 15 August 2019
Looking around for the best local, American, and vegan dishes in the city? Peter Shields is where you should go. This famous restaurant doesn’t just offer you the most excellent seafood but also mixes different delicious international flavors and cooking styles to give you an unbeatable dining time-out. You can’t miss trying out their risotto and chicken breast. The steaks here are amazing too. It has a great ambiance, excellent customer service, and the most delicious meals.
Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
Address: 1301 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
Opening hours: 5am - 5:30pm (daily)
25. Book a scenic cruise through Spirit of Cape May
If you want to experience the very best boating experience in New Jersey, then you should book a trip on the majestic Spirit of Cape May. This 33.5-meter (110-feet) long, 400-passenger all-aluminum triple diesel-powered ship with a partially enclosed sky lounge and an outdoor dance floor, is a unique place to enjoy a dinner cruise. Check out the dolphins, sip an ice-cold drink, and see one of the stunning sunsets over Delaware Bay on this cruise.
Spirit of Cape May
Address: 1218 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Website: Spirit of Cape May
Price: 20 - 60 USD
Enjoy the charming coastline at Cape May
Cape May is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a resort town blessed with beautiful gifts of nature. Come and enjoy relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches, dining in exquisite restaurants, sipping chilled cocktails at bars, seeing historical relics at fantastic museums, and exploring art at the galleries. With the several incredible things to do in Cape May, New Jersey, like the ones listed above, you are sure to have a memorable experience enjoying nature’s best gifts.
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