Cape May is a scenic beach town located at the southern tip of New Jersey. It’s regarded as one of America’s oldest beach towns and is one of the most popular destinations in the state. It’s also the only city in the nation to be designated a National Historic Landmark. I recently visited Cape May for the first time and was both pleasantly surprised, and disappointed in myself for not having visited sooner. If you have plans to visit New Jersey, I highly recommend adding Cape May to your list due to its diverse range of attractions and spectacular scenic areas. Here are some of my top places to visit in Cape May.
Harriet Tubman Museum
Cape May played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman lived in Cape May in the early 1850s, where she spent several summers working as a cook to fund her expeditions rescuing enslaved people from southern states via the Underground Railroad. The Harriet Tubman Museum will highlight her life and involvement in the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. The museum held a virtual grand opening on Juneteenth (June 19, 2020). The museum opening amid protests and the continued fight against racial injustice could not have been more perfectly timed. There is much anticipation for the physical opening of this museum, both in New Jersey and across the country. So much so, that the Smithsonian has named it one of the most anticipated museum openings of 2020.
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park is a 244-acre park located at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula. It’s a major attraction year-round, specifically in the summer and fall months. This park is the perfect spot for nature lovers and offers hiking trails, beaches, picnicking, a museum, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse. It’s also a popular spot for bird watching, specifically bird migrations in the fall. The park also includes a beach that provides wonderful panoramic ocean views. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and museum hours are daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm. You can find information on parking, trails, and maps here.
Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse is also located at Cape May Point State Park and is another major attraction in Cape May. It was constructed in 1859, however, it didn’t open to the public until 1988. Since then, over 2.5 million visitors have climbed the 157-foot lighthouse. After climbing the 199 steps to the top, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of the Cape May Peninsula. The lighthouse is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for active military members. Tickets can be purchased online or at the lighthouse.
West End Garage
West End Garage is one of the most unique places in Cape May. It was formerly a garage and gas station and has since been converted to a shopping market with a bakery-cafe. Established in 2009, West End Garage is Cape May’s premier shopping destination. It’s located in the heart of downtown and is a short walk from major spots like Congress Hall (America’s first seaside resort) and Wilbraham Park. West End Garage is home to over 50 stores with vendors from around New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This is a lovely place to find antique items as well as jewelry, apparel, artwork, and locally-crafted foods. West End Garage is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the Beach Plum Farm Bakery & Cafe is open from Thursday to Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm.
The Historic District
Cape May’s Historic District is filled with hundreds of Victorian homes. With hundreds of vibrant Victorian homes, this is the most charming and unique areas of the city. A visit to the Historic District will surely make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This antique, small-town feel is distinctly what sets Cape May apart from other beach towns. The streets are lined with nostalgic dessert shops, boutiques, and antique hotels and b&bs. Be sure to make a stop at the famous “Pink House” (Victorious Cape May) for some Insta-worthy pictures. This premier jewelry store and women’s boutique is famous for its bright pink exterior and butterfly mural at the back of the building (currently blocked off due to outdoor dining).
Washington Street Mall
Located between Ocean Street and Perry Street, Washington Street Mall is a shopping district that spans 3 blocks and offers charming boutiques, eateries and events in a nostalgic, family-friendly environment. This is the perfect place to spend a day shopping, dining, or relaxing. Cape May is a town that prides itself on family-owned small businesses, and Washington Street Mall offers a variety of them. Grab a sweet treat from one of its many ice cream or candy shops, or enjoy a unique dining experience at one of its restaurants. The mall also offers many unique shops where you can find one-of-a-kind items. During the summer months, enjoy free evening concerts at Rotary Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at 7 pm.
Willow Creek Winery
Willow Creek Winery is Cape May’s oldest winery, situated on a 50-acre vineyard. The unique microclimate of the area allows it to produce some of the highest quality wines. The winery has received numerous accolades including being named the Best Thing to Do in New Jersey by Expedia. It’s open daily for wine tastings, tours, and farm tapas. Willow Creek Winery is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 9 pm. It’s currently outdoor dining only, and live music is Friday through Sunday.
Cape May Guided Tours
Want to learn more about Cape May’s history and culture? If you’re someone who prefers to learn through a guided tour, Cape May offers a wide range of tours throughout the year.
Here is a list of available tours to check out. Click the links to read more!
- Trolley Tours
- Emlen Physick Estate House Tour
- Walking Tours and Bike Tours
- Food and Culture Walking Tours
- African American Heritage Walking Tours (Underground Railroad Tours)
- Ghost Tours
I hope this list has inspired you to visit (or revisit) Cape May. Have you ever been? What was your favorite sight to see? Let’s chat below!
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