Aerial view of Cape May Point at sunset

Things to do in  Cape May

America’s original seaside resort

A highlight of the Jersey Shore, Cape May is one of the Garden State’s most popular beach retreats. Every summer, this small town swells with out-of-town (and out-of-state) visitors who flock here for the unspoiled beaches, bed-and-breakfasts, and picturesque Victorian architecture. Absent some party-hard elements of Jersey Shore culture, this traditional town was once the haven of presidents and is renowned as a bird sanctuary. Today, there are many things to do in Cape May—from summiting the Cape May Point Lighthouse to brunching in its quaint cafés.

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Top 1 attractions in Cape May

#1
Historic Cold Spring Village

Historic Cold Spring Village

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Step back in time to the “age of homespun” (1789-1840) at Historic Cold Spring Village. Spanning 30 acres (12 hectares), Cold Spring Village is the largest open-air living history museum in New Jersey. See history come to life through its 27 restored historic buildings, costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and interactive activities.More

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Top activities in Cape May

Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

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592
From
$45.00
Dinner Cruise with Dolphin and Whale Watching from Cape May
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Dinner Cruise with Dolphin and Whale Watching from Cape May

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33
From
$89.95
2-Hour Sunset Safari Eco Cruise from Cape May

2-Hour Sunset Safari Eco Cruise from Cape May

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72
From
$36.00
Grand Lighthouse Tour from Cape May
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Grand Lighthouse Tour from Cape May

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3
From
$149.00
Dolphin Watching around Cape May

Dolphin Watching around Cape May

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49
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$45.00
Half Day Fishing Experience in Cape May

Half Day Fishing Experience in Cape May

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5
From
$60.00
Wetlands Safari Cruise (Birding By Boat)

Wetlands Safari Cruise (Birding By Boat)

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76
From
$38.00
Birding By Boat on the Osprey

Birding By Boat on the Osprey

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438
From
$36.00
2-Hour Kayak Rental in Cape May per person

2-Hour Kayak Rental in Cape May per person

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5
From
$33.00
Afternoon Fishing

Afternoon Fishing

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1
From
$60.00
Crazy Cape May Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Crazy Cape May Scavenger Hunt

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3
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Cape May Beach Yoga

Cape May Beach Yoga

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7
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$80.00
Sunset Cycle Boat tour in Cape May

Sunset Cycle Boat tour in Cape May

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2
From
$65.00
Public Cycle Boat tour in Cape May

Public Cycle Boat tour in Cape May

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8
From
$65.00
Stand Up Paddleboard Rental

Stand Up Paddleboard Rental

From
$30.00
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All about Cape May

When to visit

Summer is unabashedly Cape May’s high season when its population of 3,500 swells to 50,000. The high season is when the weather is best, the Atlantic waves are as warm as they’ll ever be, and the town’s paved promenade (no, not a boardwalk) becomes its own social scene. But for an alternative experience, visit in the fall, when hundreds of migratory birds can be spotted here.

Getting around

Cape May is located roughly at the very end of the Jersey Shore, on New Jersey’s southern tip. From Philadelphia, it is approximately 93 miles (150 kilometers), and from New York City, it is roughly 158 miles (254 kilometers). NJ Transit buses also link both cities to Cape May. And for visitors coming from Delaware, the Cape May Lewes Ferry offers a shortcut route.

Traveler tips

While many of Cape May’s attractions are found in the great outdoors, don’t miss the chance to explore the Emlen Physick Estate: the only Victorian house museum in town. Built in 1879, the house is considered a prime example of Victorian stick-style architecture and has been named one of the most beautiful buildings in the state. You’ll learn all about its heritage and what life in Victorian-era Cape May was like.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
15
Reviews
1,300

People Also Ask

Does Cape May have a boardwalk?

No, unlike many of its Jersey Shore peers, Cape May does not have a boardwalk. Instead, the town has a promenade: a paved pathway that runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for around 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). It is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and families.

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Is Cape May, NJ, worth visiting?

Yes, Cape May is absolutely worth visiting. One of the country’s oldest beach retreats, it is celebrated for its Victorian architecture and traditional, upscale feel. Its beaches and parks are lovely (and particularly popular during the summer months), while its wealth of B&Bs, boutiques, and restaurants are their own attraction.

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What is special about Cape May?

Cape May is America’s original seaside resort, and its beaches have attracted vacation-goers (including Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison) for hundreds of years. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark, and Cape May is celebrated for its 600 restored Victorian buildings.

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What are the best months to visit Cape May?

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Cape May, and when its high-season crowds peak. However, fall is when birdwatchers flock to the town for the chance to glimpse migratory bird species, and Cape May is also cozy and quaint in the lead-up to Christmas.

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Is Cape May a walkable town?

Yes, Cape May is very much a walkable town. Its beachfront promenade, a popular place for exercising, sightseeing, and people-watching, is one of its top attractions. And exploring on foot is an excellent way to discover its hundreds of well-preserved Victorian buildings, listed National Historic Landmarks.

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Can you swim in the ocean at Cape May?

Yes, you can swim in the ocean at Cape May. A wealth of beaches surrounds the town, many of which are lifeguard-protected during the summer. Summer is also when the water is likely to be at its warmest. Occasionally, beaches are closed for storms or other dangerous conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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