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Cape May

4.6
·491k reviews·Cape May, United States

A charming Victorian seaside town renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant culinary scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall weekdays

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Cape May - Image 1

Cape May

Best Time

Spring & Fall weekdays

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Victorian seaside town renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant culinary scene.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Cape May is a poor man's Nantucket and a rich man's Jersey Shore, offering something for everyone.TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Consider renting a car for easier exploration of surrounding areas and attractions like the zoo .

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Cape May is very walkable, especially the historic district and Washington Street Mall .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Washington Street Mall

Washington Street Mall

Downtown Cape May

A charming pedestrian mall filled with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and souvenir hunting.

Cape May Beaches

Cape May Beaches

Oceanfront

Relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and enjoy the refreshing Atlantic waters. A quintessential beach town experience.

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Throughout the city

Marvel at the stunning, colorful Victorian homes that line the streets, showcasing intricate details and historical significance.

Cape May Zoo

Cape May Zoo

Cape May Court House

A delightful and free zoo offering a fun outing for families with a variety of animals to see.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds in Cape May

Cape May is a popular Jersey Shore destination, especially in summer. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or on weekdays. Booking accommodations and popular tours in advance is highly recommended, particularly for weekend stays.TikTok

Embrace the Victorian Charm

Cape May is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Take time to stroll through the streets, admire the intricate details, and consider a trolley tour to learn about the town's rich history and unique buildings.TikTok

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the beach before peak heat
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season day trips
Why
Quiet charm, unique activities
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cape May is my favorite mid Atlantic beach vacation and I have tips #capemaynj #congresshall #beachplumfarm #lokalhotel
@pamelawurstvetrini
35.7K likes • 684.9K views

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Consider renting a car for easier exploration of surrounding areas and attractions like the zoo.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Cape May is very walkable, especially the historic district and Washington Street Mall.Reddit

Send to someone who needs to go to Cape May with you ☀️ Took a lovely trip down last week using my go to for car rentals @Turo because it's so convenient when you need a break from the city if you don't have a car! With Turo you can avoid the inconvenience at the rental counter and choose the exact car you want, for wherever you plan to go 🚘 Link in bio to sign up to get started driving and try th...
@bon_nappetit
28.1K likes • 2.8M views
What to do in Cape May, NJ One day itinerary 🍁🧡🥮 📸 @michelle_tran22
_capemay
3.2K likes • 118.2K views

🍻 Try Local Breweries

Cape May Brewery offers unique flavors, including alcoholic water ice slushies.TikTok

🚂 MAC Trolley Tours

A great way to see the historic town and learn its stories.TikTok

10 things to do at Cape May, New Jersey #capemaynj #capemay #newjersey...
ng_leontravel
311 likes • 25K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Consider renting a car for easier exploration of surrounding areas and attractions like the zoo.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Cape May is very walkable, especially the historic district and Washington Street Mall.Reddit

🍻 Try Local Breweries

Cape May Brewery offers unique flavors, including alcoholic water ice slushies.TikTok

🚂 MAC Trolley Tours

A great way to see the historic town and learn its stories.TikTok

🦀 Seafood Delights

Enjoy fresh seafood, with spots like Two Mile Landing known for blue crabs.Instagram

🎟️ Book Rail Bike Tours

Revolution Rail Co offers scenic guided rail bike tours, perfect for all ages.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Cape May for its stunning Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and charming atmosphere, making it a top Jersey Shore destination. While many enjoy the dining and shopping options, some find parking challenging during peak season and note that beach tags are an additional cost.

What People Like

Victorian architecture
Beautiful beaches
Charming atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Beach tag costs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cape May is accessible by car, with major routes leading to the southern tip of New Jersey. If you're coming from a city without a car, consider using a car rental service like Turo for convenience.TikTok Public transportation options are limited, so driving or renting a vehicle is often the most practical choice for exploring Cape May and its surroundings.TikTok

Yes, Cape May is a very walkable city, especially the downtown area around Washington Street Mall and the historic district. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance of each other.Reddit

While walkable, having a car or using ride-sharing services can be beneficial for reaching attractions slightly outside the main town, such as the Cape May Zoo or wineries.TikTok MAC trolley tours are also a popular and informative way to see the sights.TikTok

The closest major airports are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). From these airports, you would typically rent a car or arrange for transportation to Cape May.

Absolutely! Cape May is a fantastic destination for a day trip from many parts of New Jersey and surrounding areas. You can experience its charm, beaches, and dining in a single day, especially during the off-season.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Many of Cape May's attractions, like the beaches and Washington Street Mall, are free to access. However, specific tours (like the MAC trolley tours TikTok or Revolution Rail Co Instagram) and some museums or events may require tickets. It's always best to check the individual attraction's website for current pricing and booking information.

Yes, the Cape May Zoo is a fantastic free attraction! Entry and parking are both free, making it a great option for families looking for an affordable day out.TikTok

Trolley tour prices can vary depending on the specific tour and season. It's recommended to check the official Cape May MAC website for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and schedules.TikTok

Beach access in Cape May typically requires a beach tag, especially during the peak summer season. These can usually be purchased daily, weekly, or seasonally from designated booths or vendors.

For popular restaurants, especially during peak season and on weekends, reservations are highly recommended. Some spots, like The Mad Batter, are very popular for breakfast and brunch.TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the charming Washington Street Mall for shopping and dining,Instagram the beautiful Victorian architecture throughout the city,Instagram and the relaxing Cape May beaches. The Cape May Zoo is a great free option,TikTok and consider a MAC trolley tour for historical insights.TikTok

Families will love the free Cape May Zoo,TikTok building sandcastles on the beach, and exploring the shops on Washington Street Mall.Instagram The Revolution Rail Co offers a fun rail bike tour suitable for all ages.Instagram

Washington Street Mall offers a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.Instagram You can find unique gifts, clothing, and local crafts.

Yes, Cape May has nature trails, such as the Cape May Nature Trails near the elementary school, offering short, accessible walks with viewing scopes.Instagram

Cape May is famous for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and its status as a charming Jersey Shore resort town.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Popular spots include The Mad Batter for brunch,TikTok+1 Port Cape May for waterfront dining and cocktails,TikTokInstagram and Two Mile Landing for seafood and blue crabs.Instagram The Virginia Hotel offers fine dining for special occasions.Instagram

Two Mile Landing is highly recommended for its seafood, especially all-you-can-eat blue crabs.Instagram Many restaurants along the coast offer fresh catches.

Port Cape May is noted for its waterfront cocktails.TikTokInstagram Cape May Brewery is also a popular spot, known for unique flavors like their red gummy fish water ice slushy.TikTok

Try the alcoholic water ice slushies at Cape May Brewery TikTok or enjoy the 'crushes' at places like Two Mile Landing.Instagram Many restaurants offer locally sourced seafood.

The Mad Batter is a highly recommended and popular spot for breakfast and brunch, known for its great food and fluffy pancakes.TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful Victorian houses are incredibly photogenic.Instagram The beaches at sunrise or sunset offer stunning coastal views. Washington Street Mall provides charming street scenes,Instagram and the historic Congress Hall is also a picturesque landmark.

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for capturing the beauty of the Victorian architecture and the beaches. Midday can be harsh for photography.

Look for the intricate details on the Victorian homes, the charming storefronts on Washington Street Mall, and the expansive ocean views. The Cape May Lighthouse also provides a great photographic subject.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both landscapes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the grand Victorian homes and beach scenes. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.

Yes, you can take photos during MAC trolley tours,TikTok but be mindful of other passengers and the tour guide's instructions. The trolley provides a unique perspective of the town.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cape May is a fantastic family destination. The Cape May Zoo is a huge hit with children, offering free admission and a variety of animals to see.TikTok The beaches provide endless fun for building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. Consider a Revolution Rail Co tour for a unique, interactive experience that kids will love.Instagram Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families.

💰 Budget Travelers

Cape May can be enjoyed on a budget! The Cape May Zoo offers free entry and parking.TikTok Enjoying the beaches is also free (though beach tags are usually required in season). Strolling through the historic district and Washington Street Mall for window shopping is a great free activity.Reddit Look for happy hour specials at waterfront restaurants Instagram and consider visiting during the off-season for lower accommodation rates.

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

Cape May exudes romance with its charming Victorian streets and beautiful ocean views. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach at sunset, indulge in fine dining at The Virginia Hotel,Instagram or share cocktails at a waterfront bar like Port Cape May.TikTokInstagram Consider a stay at one of the many charming bed and breakfasts for a truly intimate experience. The town's historic ambiance and quiet corners make it perfect for a romantic escape.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Cape May's Historic Charm

Cape May is a treasure trove of Victorian architecture, earning its reputation as a National Historic Landmark city. The town boasts over 600 meticulously preserved Victorian homes, each with its own unique color palette and intricate gingerbread trim. Walking or biking through neighborhoods like the historic district allows you to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and history embedded in these structures.Instagram

To delve deeper into this history, consider taking a MAC trolley tour.TikTok These guided tours offer fascinating insights into the stories behind the grand hotels and charming residences, providing context that enhances the visual experience. Many visitors find these tours to be an essential part of understanding Cape May's unique character and its evolution as a seaside resort.TikTok

Culinary Delights of Cape May

Cape May offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual beachside bites to upscale dining experiences. Seafood lovers will rejoice with fresh catches readily available. Two Mile Landing is frequently mentioned for its all-you-can-eat blue crabs and vibrant atmosphere,Instagram while Port Cape May provides a scenic waterfront setting for cocktails and delicious food.TikTokInstagram

For a memorable brunch, The Mad Batter is a perennial favorite, known for its hearty breakfasts and lively ambiance.TikTok+1 If you're looking for unique local flavors, don't miss the Cape May Brewery, which offers creative concoctions like alcoholic water ice slushies.TikTok For a more refined dining experience, The Virginia Hotel is a top choice for special occasions.Instagram

Activities for Every Visitor

Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Cape May has something for everyone. The beaches are, of course, a primary draw, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. For a dose of family-friendly fun that won't cost a dime, the Cape May Zoo is a must-visit, offering a delightful array of animals in a well-maintained setting.TikTok

For a unique perspective, try the Revolution Rail Co's rail bike tours, which offer a scenic and engaging way to explore the landscape.Instagram History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the MAC trolley tours,TikTok providing a comprehensive overview of the town's Victorian heritage. And for those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, the Washington Street Mall is a pedestrian paradise filled with charming shops and eateries.Instagram

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