This Town is an East Coast Paradise! 🌅🏖️ - Cape May, NJ.

Today: Beaches, eats, views, and what to do in Cape May!

Today’s location is the best beach town in all of New Jersey! Take in the views below ⬇️

Cape May, a charming coastal town on the southern tip of New Jersey, is a place where time seems to slow down. Sandwiched between Deleware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May has a beauty that will surpass expectations.

The town's beaches are a major draw, with soft sand and calm waves that draw visitors to relax and soak up the sun. The seagulls and the salty sea breeze create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a coastal vacation without going to the Caribbean or Florida! Beachgoers often spend their days building sandcastles, swimming, or simply lounging with a good book. The iconic Cape May Lighthouse stands tall at the edge of the shore, watching over the coastline and providing a nice piece of architecture and history to look at.

Cape May's promenade features a collection of unique shops, ice cream parlors, and seafood restaurants. The scent of saltwater taffy and fresh crab wafts through the air, and outdoor cafes provide the perfect spot for people-watching as you’ll see visitors from all over enjoying the relaxed pace of life in Cape May.

In the evenings, the town transforms into a lively hub of activity. The Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly shopping area, comes alive with lights and street performers, adding to the festive spirit. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the cool evening air while savoring delicious meals.

The surrounding area is rich with wildlife, particularly in the Cape May Bird Observatory. The nearby wetlands and nature reserves offer excellent hiking and biking trails, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the environment.

History

Early History

  • Native American Settlements: The area was originally inhabited by the Kechemeche tribe of the Lenni Lenape.

  • European Exploration: Henry Hudson, an English explorer, arrived in 1609. The region was later named after Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored the area in 1620.

Colonial and Post-Colonial Era

  • Settlement: The first permanent European settlers arrived in the late 1600s.

  • Development: By the 18th century, Cape May had become a bustling whaling and fishing community.

Victorian Era

  • Resort Town: In the 19th century, Cape May emerged as a popular seaside resort for wealthy Philadelphians and other city dwellers. The construction of grand hotels and elaborate Victorian homes marked this period.

  • Great Fire of 1878: A significant fire destroyed 30 acres of the town, leading to a rebuilding effort that further solidified its Victorian character.

Modern Era

  • Historic Preservation: In the mid-20th century, efforts to preserve Cape May’s architectural heritage began, leading to the establishment of the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.

  • Tourism: Cape May hosts over 11.3 million tourists per year, and that number is growing. The city spends $7.4 billion per year on tourism, so you can be sure you’ll have a good time yourself!

Best Things to Do

Beaches

  • Cape May Beach: Known for its thin sand and clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

  • Sunset Beach: Famous for its sunsets and the remains of the SS Atlantus, a concrete ship partially submerged offshore.

Historic Sites

  • Cape May Lighthouse: Built in 1859, visitors can climb to the top to see the peninsula.

  • Emlen Physick Estate: A beautifully restored Victorian house museum offering a glimpse into 19th-century life.

Nature and Wildlife

  • Cape May Point State Park: Ideal for bird watching, especially during migration seasons. The park also features trails and a nature center.

  • Cape May County Park & Zoo: Home to a wide variety of animals and offers free admission.

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Best Things to See

Victorian Architecture

  • Historic District: Stroll through streets lined with well-preserved Victorian homes, many of which are now bed-and-breakfasts or inns.

  • Washington Street Mall: A pedestrian shopping area featuring Victorian buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

Maritime Attractions

  • Cape May Whale Watcher: Offers boat tours for whale and dolphin watching.

  • Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum: Located in a World War II-era hangar, it showcases vintage aircraft and exhibits on aviation history.

Cultural Events

  • Cape May Music Festival: An annual event featuring a variety of musical performances.

  • Victorian Weekend: Held every October, this event celebrates Cape May’s Victorian heritage with house tours, lectures, and entertainment.

Cool Restaurant Spots

The Lobster House

  • Description: A Cape May institution since 1954, offering fresh seafood right off the boat.

  • Fun Fact: The restaurant has its own fleet of boats and a fish market, ensuring the freshest seafood.

  • Activities: Enjoy dining on the dock or aboard the Schooner American, a docked ship that serves as a dining area.

The Mad Batter

  • Description: Located in the Carroll Villa Hotel, it is known for its creative dishes and charming ambiance.

  • Fun Fact: The Mad Batter is a favorite for brunch and is famous for its delicious pancakes and eggs Benedict.

  • Activities: Live music in the evenings, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The Ebbitt Room

  • Description: Situated in the Virginia Hotel, this upscale restaurant offers farm-to-table American cuisine.

  • Fun Fact: The Ebbitt Room emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the hotel’s own Beach Plum Farm.

  • Activities: Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Other Interesting Attractions

Cape May Winery & Vineyard

  • Description: One of New Jersey’s oldest wineries, offering a range of wines produced from locally grown grapes.

  • Fun Fact: Cape May Winery has over 150 acres of vineyards and produces around 20 different types of wine.

  • Activities: Wine tastings, tours of the vineyard, and special events like live music and pairing dinners.

Willow Creek Farm & Winery

  • Description: A 50-acre vineyard and farm located in West Cape May.

  • Fun Fact: The winery produces a variety of wines and also offers tours of its beautiful grounds.

  • Activities: Wine tastings, vineyard tours, farm-to-table dinners, and yoga in the vineyard sessions.

Cape May Brewing Company

  • Description: A local brewery offering a wide range of craft beers.

  • Fun Fact: The brewery started in 2011 with just three guys and a beer kit and has grown into one of the largest in New Jersey.

  • Activities: Brewery tours, tastings, and events like trivia nights and live music.

Cape May Stage

  • Description: A professional Equity theatre located in the Robert Shackleton Playhouse.

  • Fun Fact: The theatre is housed in a historic building that was originally built as a church in 1853.

  • Activities: Catch a play or attend one of the theatre’s special events and educational programs.

Whether you’re looking for a full-on vacation or you’re just in need of the ocean’s breeze, Cape May is one of your best options on the East Coast.

See you in Cape May, NJ!

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