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Cape May

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18 hand-picked places in 7 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

9 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Pedestrian street of shops, fudge, ice cream and cafes in the old town.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Busiest on summer evenings
    • Try saltwater taffy
    • Trolley tours leave nearby
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  2. 2

    Wide sandy beaches backed by a seaside promenade along Beach Avenue.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Beach tags are required in summer
    • Walk the promenade at sunrise
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  3. 3

    1859 lighthouse with 199 steps to sweeping views of the cape.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Climbing costs a small fee
    • Views of both bay and ocean
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  4. 4

    Bayside beach famous for sunsets, Cape May diamonds and a concrete shipwreck.

    3 tips
    • Stay for the flag-lowering ceremony in summer
    • Hunt for Cape May diamonds
    • See the SS Atlantus wreck offshore
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  5. 5

    Grand 1879 Victorian mansion museum with guided tours.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Tours run throughout the day
    • Combine with a trolley tour
    • Ghost tours in the evening
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  6. 6

    Historic yellow seaside hotel with a famous colonnaded lawn.

    3 tips
    • Have a drink on the lawn
    • Christmas decorations are spectacular
    • Free to admire from outside
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  7. 7

    Coastal park with dunes, ponds, trails and top birdwatching.

    3 tips
    • Free entry
    • Great in autumn bird migration
    • See the WWII bunker on the beach
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  8. 8

    Iconic gingerbread Victorian painted bright pink.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Photograph from across Perry Street
    • Part of a Victorian district stroll
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  9. 9

    Free zoo and park with over 500 animals in wooded grounds.

    3 tips
    • Free entry, donations welcome
    • About 25 minutes by car
    • Allow two hours
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Before you go: Cape May tips

Transportation

  • Park once and walk: Cape May's Historic District, Washington Street Mall and beachfront promenade are close together, and parking is tight in summer.
  • Rent a bike: Flat streets make cycling the easiest way to reach Sunset Beach, the lighthouse and the Cape May Point State Park.
  • Ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry: The ferry links Cape May to Lewes, Delaware across the bay and makes a scenic day trip or route south.

Security

  • Swim at guarded beaches: Lifeguards patrol city beaches in summer; rip currents occur, so swim only between flags when guards are on duty.
  • Watch the meters: Parking enforcement is strict in season; pay through the posted app or meters to avoid tickets on residential streets.
  • Protect yourself from ticks: Wear long trousers and check for ticks after walking the marsh and dune trails at Cape May Point and the Meadows.

Saving

  • Visit in shoulder season: May, June, September and October have milder crowds and lower room rates than July and August.
  • Know the beach tag rules: Cape May beaches require a beach tag in summer; buy a weekly tag if you stay several days, as it costs less than dailies.
  • Enjoy free sunsets at Sunset Beach: Watch the evening flag lowering and look for Cape May diamonds, smooth quartz pebbles, on the beach.

Weather/Clothing

  • Summers are warm and breezy: July and August are hot but sea breezes help; bring swimwear, a hat and sunscreen for long beach days.
  • Pack layers in spring and fall: Coastal evenings turn cool from September onwards; bring a sweater for walks on the promenade.
  • Winter is cold and quiet: From December to March many shops close, winds are raw and you will need a warm coat, though the town looks festive.

Cultural

  • Tour the Victorian houses: Cape May is famed for its painted Victorian homes; take a trolley or walking tour of the Historic District.
  • Visit the Emlen Physick Estate: This restored Victorian mansion shows how wealthy families lived in the town's heyday.
  • Eat Jersey Shore seafood: Order local scallops, clams and flounder; many restaurants are BYOB, so bring your own wine or beer.

Local Hacks

  • Go birding in migration season: Cape May is a top bird-watching spot in spring and especially fall; check the Hawkwatch platform at the State Park.
  • Climb the lighthouse: Climb the Cape May Lighthouse for views over the point and the bay; go early on summer days to avoid queues.
  • Visit at Christmas: The Victorian homes are decorated for the holidays and there are candlelight house tours, a magical off-season time to go.

1-day itineraries in Cape May

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Cape May Beach & Promenade and around

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1Cape May Beach & Promenade
  2. 2The Pink House
  3. 3Congress Hall
  4. 4Washington Street Mall
  5. 5Emlen Physick Estate
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Day 2 of 2

Cape May Point State Park and around

🕘 9:30–16:15📍 4 stops

  1. 1Cape May Point State Park
  2. 2Cape May Lighthouse
  3. 3Sunset Beach
  4. 4Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
See the day →

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