Take the Parkway all the way South to Exit Zero and you’ll hit Cape May, a historic town that has been a vacationers paradise for hundreds of years. It feels different than the rest of the Jersey Shore. The stately mansions with gas-lit lanterns, front porches decked with rocking chairs, and coastal farms remind me of a Southern seaside getaway. A vibrant downtown filled with sophisticated restaurants and boutiques, locals with genuine hospitality, a trendy winery and brewery trail, and a calendar packed with cultural events make it a year round destination. Cape May also boasts one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in America, which adds to its colorful charm and appeal.

I quickly fell in love with Cape May and celebrated one of the most special days of my life there, my wedding. I love exploring the beaches, downtown, and back roads of this seaside community. Here are my favorite things that I have discovered in Cape May.

Things To Do

- Visit the beautiful beaches during sunrise or sunset: The Cove, Poverty Beach, St. Pete’s Beach, Higbee Beach, and Sunset Beach are my favorites.

- Rent a bike: Spend your day biking from the beach, to a brewery, to a winery, through the farmland, and all over downtown.

- Winery, brewery, and distillery trail: Check out the Cape May Booze Trail here. Some of my favorites are Willow Creek Winery, Cape May Winery, Cape May Brewing Co, and Nauti Spirits Distillery. Want a driver? Book with groovy Day Sipper tour.

- Go shopping: Shop, sip, and stroll along Beach Ave, the Washington Street Mall, and Perry Street.

- Walk through natural wetlands: Walk through the tranquil South Cape May Meadows or Cape May Point State Park, home to the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May is world-renowned for birdwatching. The monarch butterfly migration in September & October is spectacular and is one of the best times to visit Cape May.

- Hit the waterways: Hop on the Cape May Whale Watcher to spot dolphins and whales. Go fishing on a local charter like Sea Star III or book a private booze cruise with Tiny Cruise Line. Go standup paddle boarding or kayaking on the Delaware Bay. Go surfing on one of the many beaches nearby. Go parasailing or jet skiing.

- Experience the history: Go on a historic trolley tour or personalized golf cart adventure. Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum to learn about her inspiring role in the fight for freedom. The Emlen Physick Estate showcases life in the Victorian Age.

- Cultural events: Cape May is a hub for cultural events on the Jersey Shore, like jazz festivals. Check out the events schedule here.

Where to Stay

From mega resort hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts, Cape May has a plethora of choices to choose from.

- Virginia Hotel and Cottages: a chic B&B built in 1879 with a fabulous restaurant onsite, the Ebbitt Room

- Congress Hall: an iconic All-American resort set on sprawling grounds

- The Hugh B&B: a modern, recently restored B&B with stylish hosts and personalized service

- Casablanca: an adults only B&B with a luxurious, tropical vibe

- Stay Lokal: a self-service micro hotel with apartment style rooms, primarily catering to Millennials

- Boarding House: a renovated motel transformed into a surf-inspired boutique hotel (it’s legit.. expect a surf rack in your room and daily surf reports)

- Airbnb & VRBO are always a great choice for groups

Where to Eat & Drink

Brunch & Lunch: My Favorites to Kick Off the Day

- Blue Pig Tavern: classic brunch fare served at the historic Congress Hall; the outside patio is fabulous

- Beach Plum Farm: a farm-to-table cafe and market store serving goodies from its 62 acre farm, which is open for you to explore

- The Mad Batter: for when you’re craving indulgent pancakes or eggs benedict

- Big Waves Burritos: healthy smoothie bowls and burritos with a surfer vibe

- Cape May Fish Market: sit in the restaurant for lunch or grab fish & chips, lobster rolls, and oyster shooters for takeout

- Exit Zero Filling Station: a retro gas station & restaurant serving Asian inspired bites

- West End Garage Bakery & Cafe: delicious baked goods and La Colombe coffee

- Georges: affordable Greek diner with high-quality food

- Good Earth Organic Eatery: a small cafe with healthy salads featuring local organic produce, fresh seafood dishes, and veggie focused small plates

- Magic Brain Cafe: coffee & teas for an afternoon pick me up

- “The Bread Lady” at Enfin Farms: at this seasonal roadside farm stand, Elizabeth sells delicious homemade bread baked in a wood fire clay oven

Afternoon/Evening Establishments: The Best Spots For A Cocktail & A Bite To Eat

- The Virginia Hotel: have some food & drinks in the Ebbitt Room, on the shady porch, or in the secret terrace out back

- Congress Hall: grab a cocktail in The Brown Room or out on the veranda overlooking the lawn

- The Rusty Nail: a tiki bar that’s perfect for posting up with a fruity cocktail with your toes in the sand

- The Lobster House: an iconic seafood restaurant on Cape May Harbor; skip the main dining room and go to the low key raw bar out back

- Louisa’s Cafe: established in 1980 as one of the first fish/farm-to-table restaurants in the area, serving locally caught fish and locally grown, seasonal produce

- Bar at Elaine’s: the outside patio area serves refreshing cocktails & solid bar food

- Fins: a nautical themed bar and grille right off of Washington Street

- Harry’s: fun beachfront restaurant & rooftop bar with live music

- Peter Shields Inn: a romantic and elegant choice, amazing for a fancy date night

- PRAWN: a delicious takeaway seafood spot

- Lucky Bones: a casual waterfront restaurant set on the back bay

- 410 Bank Street: a BYOB tropical restaurant offering French New Orleans cuisine with a Caribbean flair

- Vintage BYOB: a newer option with excellent food & another BYOB

- Panico’s Bistro: a classic Italian bistro set in an old church, also BYOB

- Willow Creek Winery: a California style winery and tasting room (& my wedding venue!)

virginia hotel outside dining cape may new jersey

the brown room congress hall cape may nj

My Custom Google Maps Cape May Travel Guide

What are your favorite gems in Cape May?