Cape May Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Cape May, NJ
Cape May fills its streets with painted Victorian houses, gas-style lamps, and a promenade that runs along the beach at the southern tip of New Jersey. Dolphins surface offshore in summer, and migrating birds crowd the point each autumn.
Airport
Atlantic City International and Philadelphia International, both north
Language
English, with Spanish widely spoken in season
Currency
US dollar ($); cards accepted, small cash for parking
Ideal trip length
3 to 4 days, or a full week in summer
Best time to visit Cape May
September – October
Average temperature
46-78°F (8-26°C), Mild, sunny days with cool ocean breezes and occasional passing rain.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Reason To Visit
September and October bring warm ocean water, days near 78°F (26°C), and thinner beach crowds. Autumn is also prime time for hawk and songbird migration at the point.
Fall eventCape May Fall Festival
Emlen Physick Estate
Things to do
Walk the Promenade at sunrise, climb the Cape May Lighthouse, scan for migrating hawks at the point, then browse the Washington Street Mall for local seafood and Victorian architecture.
Popular events
Spring
Cape May Spring Festival, Memorial Day Run 5K/10K/13.1 NEW JERSEY, Cape May Music Festival
Summer
Independence Day, New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, Christmas in July Crafts Show at the Lighthouse
Fall
Cape May Fall Festival, Sea Witch Festival, 2026 DELAWARE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Winter
Christmas Candlelight House Tour, West Cape May Christmas Parade
Where to stay in Cape May
Six shore bases near Cape May, from quiet lighthouse lanes to boardwalk-side blocks.
West Cape May
A small borough just inland from the beach, with farm stands and side streets to wander.
Known for
Farm stands and quiet lanes near the beach
Nearby neighborhoods
Cape May
Cape May Point
A low-key seaside borough at the tip of the peninsula, close to dunes and birding trails.
Known for
Lighthouse views and quiet dune walks
Nearby neighborhoods
West Cape May, Cape May
Stone Harbor
Working harbor edges lined with fishing boats and seafood docks, a short drive from the beach.
Known for
Fishing boats, seafood docks, and beach access
Wildwood
An island town where the boardwalk, piers, and wide beach sit within walking distance.
Known for
Boardwalk rides and a wide sandy beach
Wildwood Crest
The calmer south end of the island, with mid-century motels and a broad shoreline.
Known for
Retro motels and a quiet stretch of sand
North Wildwood
North end of the island, near the inlet and a seawall walk above the water.
Known for
Inlet lighthouse and seawall strolls
Must see places in Cape May
Lighthouse climbs, bayside sunsets, and marsh trails along New Jersey's southern tip
Cape May Lighthouse
Climb 199 steps for wide views over dune, marsh, and bay. The ground level is free to visit.
Time needed
1 hour
Sunset Beach
Bay-facing sand with the sunken concrete ship Atlantus offshore and a nightly flag ceremony.
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cape May Point State Park
Trails and boardwalks wind past ponds and dunes, with a hawk-watch platform busy each autumn.
Neighborhood
Cape May Point
Time needed
2 hours
Emlen Physick Estate
A Victorian house museum with guided tours, holiday events, and a close look at the architecture.
Neighborhood
Cape May
Things to do nearby
Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May Beach NJ
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cape May Beach NJ
Sandy shoreline backed by Victorian architecture and local shops a short walk inland.
Neighborhood
Cape May
Things to do nearby
Cape May Convention Hall, Emlen Physick Estate
Time needed
Half day
South Cape May Meadows
A restored wetland with level paths running between pond, dune, and open beach.
Things to do nearby
Cove Beach
Time needed
1-2 hours
Nature Center of Cape May
Harbor-side center on Delaware Avenue, with garden paths and views across the tidal marsh.
Neighborhood
Cape May Harbor
Things to do nearby
Cape May Beach NJ, Poverty Beach
Time needed
1 hour
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Admission-free zoo and shaded park about 20 minutes north, where donations support the animals.
Time needed
2-3 hours
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Cape May
The spots Cape May hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Cape May Beach NJ
- Enjoy Cape May’s soft-sand ocean beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and long shoreline walks.
- Plan a weekday, early-day trip to avoid heavier peak-season weekend beach traffic.
- Park near Beach Avenue and Broadway for convenient access to bathrooms and an outdoor shower after swimming.
Wildwood Crest Beach New Jersey
- Enjoy the expansive, clean white-sand beach, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- Take advantage of free beach access—no beach tags required at Wildwood Crest Beach.
- Walk, jog, or bike along the path that runs by the beach entrances.
Wildwood Boardwalk
- Explore 38 blocks of shops, eateries, waterparks, live entertainment, and amusement piers with over 100 rides and attractions.
- Ride the nostalgic Sightseer tram car to cover the full length of the boardwalk without tiring your legs.
- Visit during summer for a livelier atmosphere with weekly Friday night fireworks and live music along the boardwalk.
- Plan a morning bike ride on the boardwalk, where bicycles are allowed from 5 am to 1 pm daily in North Wildwood.
- Try classic boardwalk treats like pizza, ice cream, and funnel cakes between arcade stops and amusement rides.
Sunset Beach
- Walk the shoreline searching for Cape May diamonds scattered in the sand.
- Visit to see the sunken concrete ship offshore and the nearby WW2 lookout tower.
- Plan to be here at sunset for beautiful views and a flag-lowering ceremony.
- Browse the gift shops for shells, geodes, souvenirs, toys, books, and snacks.
- Play a round of miniature golf, then grab casual food at the beach grille.
Cape May Point State Park
- Climb the 199 lighthouse steps for wide views of the Atlantic, Delaware Bay, and surrounding trails.
- Explore ponds, dunes, marshes, and three hiking trails, including a wheelchair‑accessible short loop.
- Enjoy the free nature trail to the beach and WWII bunker, but note dogs aren’t allowed.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
- Plan time for the large playground, open park spaces, and picnic or grilling areas around the zoo.
- Try extra attractions like the zip line, ropes courses, train ride, carousel, and treetop walk for added fun.
- Expect a large zoo with hundreds of animals across about 85 acres; you may walk it in about an hour or longer.
Places to eat and drink in Cape May
Raw bar, veranda dining and vineyard tastings across Cape May.
The Lobster House
Fishing Wharf mainstay with its own dock, raw bar, and a takeout counter beside the boats.
Highlights
Raw bar
Why do locals love it
Fishing boats unload steps from the dining room windows.
Ebbitt Room
Fine dining inside a restored 1856 hotel, with produce from the property's nearby farm.
Highlights
Farm-sourced ingredients
Why do locals love it
Tasting plates change with the harvest from the estate farm.
The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar
Long-running breakfast spot in a Victorian inn known for creative pancakes and French toast.
Highlights
Front porch seating, garden terrace
Why do locals love it
Morning tables on the Jackson Street porch fill with pancake plates.
Uncle Bill's Pancake House
Beach Avenue griddle house serving buttermilk stacks and blueberry pancakes near the promenade.
Highlights
Buttermilk pancakes
Why do locals love it
A short walk from the sand for pancakes before a beach day.
Hot Dog Tommy's
Small corner stand at Jackson and Beach turning out grilled dogs with house toppings.
Highlights
Hot dogs
Why do locals love it
Order at the window, then eat at a picnic table by the beach block.
Cape May Fish Market
Retail counter for local scallops, flounder, and Cape May salt oysters to cook at home.
Highlights
Scallops
Why do locals love it
Buy dinner by the pound and steam it back at the rental kitchen.
The Magnolia Room
Southern cooking centered on fried chicken, with tables set out on the veranda.
Highlights
Fried chicken, veranda dining
Why do locals love it
Porch seating makes a long lunch easy.
Willow Creek Winery & Farm
Wine tastings and tapas are served among the vines, with seasonal events on the farm.
Highlights
Wine tastings, tapas
Why do locals love it
Vineyard tables turn a tasting into an afternoon.
Explore Cape May: The best travel itineraries
Two ways to shape a Cape May visit, from a single well-paced day downtown to a five-day loop through beaches, marsh trails, and the point.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Cape May
300+
Places to stay in Cape May
620+
Verified guest reviews in Cape May
25,330+
Average rating in Cape May
4.9
1 Day trip
One day that moves from pancakes near the promenade to the lighthouse at the point, ending with sand, sunset light, and a sunken ship offshore.
Morning
Pancakes near the promenade
Arrive early on weekends; the wait grows once beach traffic starts.
Afternoon
Climb the lighthouse
The 199 steps are steep; ground level is free if you skip the climb.
Evening
Bay light and the Atlantus
Check the nightly flag ceremony time before you head over.
3 Day trip
Three days spent between the promenade, the lighthouse dunes and the harbor, with pancakes, hot dogs and a raw bar along the way.
Morning
Pancakes near the sand
Arrive early on weekends; the small dining room fills quickly.
Afternoon
Beach time downtown
Beach tags are needed in summer and sold at the entrances.
Evening
Porch dinner in town
Ask for the garden terrace when the weather is mild.
Morning
Meadows walk
Level gravel paths; bring water and sun cover.
Afternoon
199 steps up
Ground level is free if you would rather skip the climb.
Evening
Sunset and the flag
Check the nightly flag ceremony time before you go.
Morning
Marsh views by the harbor
Garden paths are short and shaded in places.
Afternoon
Sandwiches and baked goods
Good stop for picnic supplies before the beach.
Evening
Raw bar by the docks
Waits run long at peak hours; the raw bar moves faster.
5-7 Day trip
Beach mornings downtown, wetland trails and lighthouse views at the point, and a north-county day for the zoo, winery, and brewery.
Morning
Sand and Victorian streets
Beach tags are needed in summer; buy them at the promenade stands.
Afternoon
Inside a Victorian estate
Tours run on a set schedule, so check start times before arriving.
Evening
Porch dinner in town
Garden terrace tables fill first on warm nights; ask when you book.
Morning
Meadows walk
Paths are level and open, so bring sun cover and water.
Afternoon
199 steps up
Ground level is free if you would rather skip the climb.
Evening
Sunset over the Atlantus
Arrive before dusk for the nightly flag ceremony.
Morning
Bayshore dunes
Trails run through sand and woods, so closed shoes help.
Afternoon
Where ocean meets bay
Late afternoon light here is best for photos.
Evening
Raw bar by the harbor
The raw bar is a good option if the dining room has a wait.
Morning
Hangar full of aircraft
The hangar is large and unheated; dress for the day's weather.
Afternoon
Zoo and shaded park
Admission is free; donations support the animals.
Evening
Craft beer garden
The tasting room is roomy, and the beer garden suits mild evenings.
Morning
Marsh views by the harbor
Garden paths are short and easy for a relaxed start.
Afternoon
Pancakes and boardwalk time
Buttermilk pancakes are the reason to come; expect a line at peak hours.
Evening
Farm-sourced finale
Reservations are worth making for weekend evenings.
Family travel
Swim the guarded Beach Avenue sands, ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and tour the Emlen Physick Estate on a trolley.
Couple travel
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse together, then watch the sun drop from Sunset Beach and hunt for Cape May diamonds.
Solo travel
Birding at Cape May Point State Park, then a slow walk along the Washington Street Mall and the Promenade at sunset.
How to get around Cape May
Metro and train
Regular commuter rail does not serve Cape May, so most travelers arrive by bus, car, or ferry. Check operators for any seasonal train options.
Bus
Bus service links Cape May with nearby shore towns and regional cities, and some routes run seasonally. Check the operator for current routes and times.
Rental car
A car helps for beaches and farms outside town, though summer parking fills quickly. Ask your host about permits and metered zones near the promenade.
Walking
The historic district is flat and compact, ideal on foot. Rental bikes are common, and local shops can advise on routes toward the lighthouse.
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.