Known as the nation’s oldest seaside resort, this charming coastal destination has been welcoming holidaymakers for nearly two centuries. Set at the very southern tip of its peninsula, it pairs sweeping beaches with an extraordinary collection of historic architecture.
Cape May is unique in that the entire city is protected as a National Historic District, thanks to the hundreds of beautifully preserved Victorian homes lining its colorful streets. Often called the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts,” it is a delight to explore, with ornate details and elegant facades appearing at every turn.
Beyond its rich history and heritage, the area also offers unforgettable outdoor experiences. Dolphin- and whale-watching tours are among the most popular activities, while some of the finest beaches along the Jersey Shore provide ideal conditions for swimming, watersports, and relaxation. With its blend of history, scenery, and seaside fun, Cape May stands out as a truly exceptional vacation destination.
Cape May Historic District
The main reason people come to Cape May is because the whole city is actually recognized as a National Historic District. As you amble around America’s first seaside resort, you’ll see lots of amazing old Victorian buildings and important landmarks lining its scenic streets.
First discovered by Europeans back in 1609, the area was initially settled by whalers and fishermen before developing into a popular summer resort. While almost half of the town was destroyed in the fierce fire of 1878, it quickly sprung back in no time at all with new mansions and bungalows being built along Beach Avenue.
The delightful old district remarkably contains hundreds of well-preserved historic houses, many of which feature fine wrap-around porches and brightly-colored exteriors. Asides from strolling about and taking pics of its beautiful buildings, you can also check out its countless shops and restaurants.
City Beaches
Cape May does, however, remain a brilliant beach destination with stunning stretches of sand found along both sides of the peninsula. Many of these are often listed among the best beaches along the Eastern Seaboard thanks to their sparkling white sands and spectacular vistas over the ocean.
Right by Beach Avenue and the Historic District for instance you can already find over two miles of sun-kissed sandy shores for you to lounge on. As loads of shops, restaurants and inns line the beach, it is a very convenient spot to swim in the sea or top up your tan with seasonal lifeguards also being on-hand in summer.
Among the most popular to visit are Cove Beach for its expansive sands and top-class kayaking and surfing, while Sunset Beach offers sublime views over the bay each evening. Deck chairs, umbrellas and snacks are available at all of them which can only be accessed by purchasing an affordable city beach tag.
Historic Cold Spring Village
For those interested in learning more about the cape’s storied past, the Historic Cold Spring Village is the perfect place to go. Lying along US Highway 9 in the Lower Township, its collection of well-preserved old buildings and costumed docents transport you back in time to the early to mid-1800s.
Sprawling across a massive site, the open-air living history museum re-creates a rural town from the ‘homespun era’. Its 25 or so atmospheric old buildings include a schoolhouse and general store with a barn, bakery and blacksmith’s also lining its leafy streets.
Aside from entering and seeing original artifacts and even artisans at work in some of them, you can always ask the knowledgeable docents any questions you may have. Only open in summertime, the interactive museum also encompasses an ice cream parlor, restaurant and gift shop where you can pick up handcrafted artisan items.
Emlen Physick Estate
While the city certainly boasts an astounding array of architectural gems, one of the most popular to visit is the attractive Emlen Physick Estate. Now a historic house museum, its delightfully decorated interior showcases how wealthy cape residents lived during Victorian times.
Named after its former owner, the splendid ‘Stick Style’ mansion was built in 1879 with its eighteen elegant rooms providing an interesting insight into the past. As you explore its entrance hall, dining room and bedrooms, you can admire all the fantastic period pieces and fine furnishings on show.
On guided tours of the estate, you’ll hear how the family and their servants lived and learn about the Cape May culture of the time. Afterwards, make sure to stroll around its gorgeous gardens and snap some photos of the brilliant building and its distinctive upside-down chimneys from the outside.
Washington Street Mall
The heart and soul of life in town, the lively yet laidback Washington Street Mall is lined by most of its best shops and local eateries. Stretching three blocks in length, the open-air pedestrian street has a lovely nostalgic look and feel with brightly-colored buildings and benches bordering it.
Conjuring up images of the city’s boom-time in the late 1800s, the mall was opened back in 1971 to entice tourists back to Cape May which was then suffering high unemployment. The then-unpopular plan certainly succeeded as dozens of family-owned stores and superb seafood restaurants now stud the district.
Along the bustling thoroughfare, you can pick up tasty fudge and ice cream or shop for antiques and souvenirs with a huge number of inns and B&Bs lying nearby.
Cape May Lighthouse
Undoubtedly the city’s standout sight, the Cape May Lighthouse can be found towards the southern tip of the peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Towering 157 feet in height, it makes for some fabulous photos and viewing with commanding panoramas to be enjoyed from its soaring summit.
The third lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point, the current one dates to 1859 with the other two now lying underwater due to erosion. After perusing all the artifacts and exhibits on its history at the small museum down below, you can huff and puff your way up a seemingly endless spiral staircase to its viewing platform.
From up high, you can gaze out over the pristine ponds, beaches and dunes surrounding the historic lighthouse and the sparkling waters of the ocean stretching away into the distance.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Although the whole of its historic district could almost be considered a living museum, the city’s main cultural institute is the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. Set alongside the Cape May Airport, it boasts an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, equipment pieces and interactive exhibits on the history of flight.
Formerly a WWII training site for US Navy pilots, the museum was established back in 1997 in the enormous Hangar #1. While it mainly focuses on the Second World War, it also displays shiny jets and supersonic fighter planes from the Korean War, Vietnam War and post-Cold War period.
Historical photos and well-done exhibits also cover Wildwood’s role in WWII and the considerable contributions of local civilians. Visitors can also try out its fun flight simulators and climb to the top of a real air traffic control tower.
South Cape May Meadows
Another picture-perfect spot to head if you want to see birds – and lots of them at that – is the South Cape May Meadows. Occupying both the peninsula and state’s southernmost point, the sanctuary is a haven for local wildlife with walking trails winding their way here and there amidst its wetlands.
Once a popular resort town, South Cape May was eventually abandoned in the 1940s due to erosion and salinization of its natural ecosystem. Over the next sixty years, nature slowly reclaimed the area with the large swathe of Atlantic Ocean coastline having been turned into a preserve in 2007.
Nowadays, it boasts idyllic beaches and dunes with pretty ponds also punctuating its vast wetlands. As you stroll along its boardwalk or conceal yourself in its observation platforms, you can often spy egrets, oystercatchers and waterfowl, among other flocks of birds.