TOP THINGS TO DO IN CAPE MAY
DISCOVER CAPE MAY, NJ
Cape May, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of charm and allure, beckoning visitors with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the picturesque Jersey Shore, Cape May's pristine beaches offer solace and relaxation amidst stunning coastal vistas. The town's well-preserved Victorian architecture, showcased in its Historic District, transports visitors to a bygone era, where colorful houses and quaint bed and breakfasts line the streets. Beyond its architectural splendor, Cape May boasts an array of attractions, from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse to the thriving local wineries and the renowned Cape May County Park & Zoo. Nature enthusiasts can delight in birdwatching at the Cape May Bird Observatory or embark on thrilling whale watching excursions. With its rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and abundance of activities, Cape May truly captivates the hearts of all who venture to its shores, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Cape May, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of charm and allure, beckoning visitors with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the picturesque Jersey Shore, Cape May's pristine beaches offer solace and relaxation amidst stunning coastal vistas. The town's well-preserved Victorian architecture, showcased in its Historic District, transports visitors to a bygone era, where colorful houses and quaint bed and breakfasts line the streets. Beyond its architectural splendor, Cape May boasts an array of attractions, from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse to the thriving local wineries and the renowned Cape May County Park & Zoo. Nature enthusiasts can delight in birdwatching at the Cape May Bird Observatory or embark on thrilling whale watching excursions. With its rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and abundance of activities, Cape May truly captivates the hearts of all who venture to its shores, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
WASHINGTON STREET MALL
Situated in the heart of Cape May, the Washington Street Mall is the place to go for one-of-a-kind retail, including local clothing stores, home goods shops, bookstores and more. The three-block outdoor shopping district is open all year and sits less than half a mile from the beach. Along the quaint stretch, you'll find restored Victorian storefronts and brick pathways, as well as whimsical fountains and benches throughout. When hunger strikes, patrons will have their choice of more than 25 restaurants and sweet shops, including the Cape May Fish Market, an Irish pub and a fudge shop. |
CAPE MAY BEACHES
For many travelers, the allure of Cape May has much to do with its plethora of spacious, white sand beaches. The entire Jersey Cape (which stretches through 10 communities) boasts 30 miles of shoreline, and Cape May itself offers up 2 1/2 miles' worth. Across the various beaches, vacationers can swim, skimboard, surf, fish, kayak and play volleyball in designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and all of Cape May's beaches are family-friendly. Alcohol is prohibited at all times and dogs are only welcome on the sand between November and March. Metered parking can be found along the main strip and you may also find free parking on side streets. Restrooms are located at every half-mile, as are open-air showers to rinse off sand. |
CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE
Built in 1859 and opened to the public in 1988, the Cape May Lighthouse has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors to date. Travelers who scale the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse will be rewarded with panoramic oceanfront views. Those who would rather stay on solid ground can enjoy the Oil House, which contains a visitor center and a museum shop with souvenirs. |
EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE
Take a step back in time at the Emlen Physick Estate, the only Victorian-era house museum in New Jersey. Completed in 1879, the house belonged to a wealthy Philadelphia family, the Physicks. After surviving a proposed demolition in the 1960s, the grounds underwent a full restoration. Today, visitors can take guided tours to admire the architecture and period decor of the house, as well as learn more about the Physicks' lives. Travelers looking for a more heart-pumping experience should opt for the Historic Haunts house tour. The grounds are said to be inhabited by the spirits of the Physick family (and their many dogs), earning itself the nickname "Cape May's original haunted house." |
NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside a former World War II hangar that dates back to 1943. It was originally used as a training facility for dive bombers to practice takeoffs, landings, night flying and target practice. After the war, the hanger was used for incoming and outgoing charter and commuter flights until about 1990, when it began falling into disrepair. The 92,000-square-foot building was purchased for $1 in 1997 by a doctor and his wife, who fully restored the space, converted it into a museum and began welcoming visitors from near and far. Today, the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum boasts a variety of historic planes, helicopters and WWII memorabilia. Travelers can view medevac helicopters, a large collection of military jets and more than 20 propeller aircraft, in addition to other automobiles and 1940s artifacts like retro soda machines. |
NEW JERSEY WINERIES
New Jersey is home to more than 50 wineries, and some of the biggest producers can be found in Cape May. Fan favorites include the Cape May Winery and Vineyard and the Willow Creek Winery, but oenophiles should check out all options before picking a spot (though there's no harm in hopping between a few). |
JERSEY SHORE ALPACAS
One of the most unique attractions in the Cape May area is Jersey Shore Alpacas, a small farm located about 10 miles north in Green Creek, New Jersey. The farm is home to around 20 friendly alpacas, as well as a store where patrons can purchase clothing, capes, socks, sweaters, gloves and more items made from alpaca fleece. |
WORLD WAR II LOOKOUT TOWER
Part of Cape May Point State Park, the World War II Lookout Tower – officially known as Fire Control Tower No. 23 – was built in 1942 and is New Jersey's last restorable tower from World War II. Opened to the public in 2009, the tower played a major role in defending the coast during the war and is part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware system (known as Fort Miles), which stretched from North Wildwood, New Jersey, to Bethany Beach, Delaware. |
MORE INFO ON THINGS TO DO IN CAPE MAY, NJ
Don’t hesitate to contact us online for more information about lodging, researching, and planning where to visit while enjoying your stay at the James Bradley. Conveniently located at 204 3rd Avenue in Bradley Beach, NJ, we’re steps away from the most memorable getaway plans down the Shore.
Don’t hesitate to contact us online for more information about lodging, researching, and planning where to visit while enjoying your stay at the James Bradley. Conveniently located at 204 3rd Avenue in Bradley Beach, NJ, we’re steps away from the most memorable getaway plans down the Shore.