Get away to Cape May beaches! At the tip of the southern Jersey Shore, sparkling white sands slope gently down to the ocean... here you'll find some of the most well-kept beaches in the U.S.
This small piece of paradise is the nation's oldest beach resort. The beautiful stretch of beach runs the entire length of the town and beyond. On this barrier island, the beaches are immaculate, perfect for sunning and surfing.
The entire community extends open arms to vacationers. Biking is a great way to get around, and most of the area is walkable. There are three main areas of the island: Cape May, Cape May Point, and West Cape May.
Cape May features excellent beaches, activities, shops, eateries, and wonderful lodging. At Cape May Point, the Delaware Bay joins the Atlantic Ocean. This tranquil seashore is rich in sand dunes, wildlife, and magnificent beachfront. It is home to the Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Lighthouse. West Cape May is a beautiful residential seaside neighborhood.
In the 1700's, Cape May, NJ was literally the first beach resort in the U.S., and one of the premier vacation resorts in America. Exquisite Victorian mansions and estates lined the town's landscape as tourism grew.
Ever since, these beaches have continued to prosper. Now the city is one of the few Historic Landmark Cities in America. Nineteenth century mansions and estates have been remodeled into Bed and Breakfasts, and the entire city preserves the original structures of the Victorian era.
Cape May Hotels and B&Bs
You'll find charming Bed and Breakfasts unlike any others, anywhere. Most are family owned and operated, and the sense of hospitality bestowed upon their guests really makes for an amazing visit.
Cape May hotels and B&Bs are friendly and unique
Scrumptious breakfasts and spacious, comfy rooms are just the beginning - there are many, many choices of Bed & Breakfasts, such as the Fairthorne Bed and Breakfast, Wilbraham Mansion, and the Montreal Inn.
Cape May hotels are superior in catering to family vacations. Guests return year after year to the friendly settings and outstanding amenities offered by hotels such as the Victorian Motel, Congress Hall Hotel, Sandpiper Beach Club and the Columbia House hotel.
Travel deals are available year-round for hotels, vacation rentals and B&Bs. And, things don't wind down in the winter at Cape May... in fact, the locals consider it the best time of year. They decorate their town to the nine's with the holiday's finest trimmings, hold Christmas Parades and a Candlelight House Tour - and the shopping is phenomenal.
Map of Cape May Shoreline
Things To Do at Cape May Beaches
Excellent boating adventures. Climb on board one of the many charter cruises for an exciting whale watching trip or dolphin sighting safari. Travel through miles of the back bays and salt marshes and see wildlife sights that you'll never forget. Go airborne on a parasailing trip with Hang Loose Parasail - you'll learn how to parasail from a Coast Guard certified captain, and experience the breath-taking view of the entire island.
Visit the Cape May Promenade! This boardwalk is a favorite for strolling and enjoying the day. It runs almost the entire length of the town. There are a couple of arcades that the kids love, beach shops, and eateries that offer all the great beach foods like hot dogs, funnel cakes, pizzas and ice cream.
The Washington Street Mall is a three-block avenue for pedestrian traffic, lined with fantastic family-owned shops, art galleries, book stores and more. The dining here is an amazing treat with various cuisines... you'll want to make several stops as you pass by A Ca Mia Bakery, the Original Fudge Kitchen, and Uncle Charley's Ice Cream.
The Cape May Zoo is a wonderful experience for the entire family. See reindeer, zebras, tigers... even lemurs and giraffes! It's an incredible park full of playgrounds and nature trails, bike paths and picnic spots. Kids and adults will love the cool "Hummingbird Express" train rides that tour the park, and the beautiful carousel outfitted with wild animals for the kids to ride.
Cape May Lighthouse still lights the way for ships off Cape May Point and the northern side of the entrance to Delaware Bay. Originally built in 1859, the lighthouse is fully restored and stands 157 feet high. You can climb the stairs (199 of them) to the top for a spectacular view of the scenic Cape May peninsula. The beach is just a few steps away from the lighthouse.
The Cape May Ferry is the most enjoyable way to travel around and between coastal New Jersey and Delaware. Take a ferry boat ride and enjoy views of incredible harbors, historic lighthouses, sea life and more. The Cape May Ferry will take you to nearby New Jersey beaches such as Stone Harbor, Wildwood Beach, and Ocean City, as well as Delaware Beaches like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island. You can park your car and catch a shuttle bus at your next beach stop, or cross the bay with your car on board.
In shore and off shore fishing is superb. The island is host to several world-class fishing tournaments, including the annual Mid-Atlantic $500,000. Charter fishing boats are plentiful, including Stalker Sport Fishing Charters, Legal Limit Charters, Tide Runner, and Down Deep Sport Fishing.
Taverns and Restaurants in Cape May NJ are superb! Wander in off the beach to Cabanas Beach Bar, featuring fresh seafood plus Mexican and Caribbean dishes - and kids four years or younger eat free! Visit the Lucky Bones Backwater Grille for excellent menus, or the Blue Pig Tavern where you'll be served outstanding dishes ranging from local seafood, Cape May Clam Chowder, or a roast leg of lamb! If you want classic Italian, try the award winning Cucina Rosa restaurant. The list of fine eateries goes on and on, with something to please every appetite.
