Known historically as the oldest seaside resort town, Cape May, New Jersey is a place to check out when down the shore — a true southern Jersey Shore getaway. Located off of Exit 0, the homes that line the streets of Cape May look like something out of a history book, complemented by delicious food, cute shopping, and lots of fudge shops — it’s the ultimate family-friendly beach town. Here are the must-do activities when visiting Cape May, New Jersey for a weekend getaway.
How to Get There
It’s a two-and-a-half hour drive from Hudson County, where easily driving down the parkway all the way to Exit 0 is possible, though potentially hitting some GSP South traffic along the way. It is the last exit on the parkway, so it’d be very hard to miss. For those without a car, there is a bus that takes its passengers directly to the Cape May Bus Terminal.
Places to Stay
Congress Hall | 200 Congress Place
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Located right across from the beach, this four-star hotel is a beautiful place to stay with tons of family fun and amenities. Whether a pool, live music at night, or a yummy breakfast at Blue Pig Tavern is the goal, Congress Hall has it all covered. In 2016, Congress Hall celebrated two hundred years and is known as America’s First Seaside Resort.
Read More: This Historical Mansion is a Must-See in Cape May
Ocean Club | 1035 Beach Avenue
Ocean Club has several restaurants and bars within the hotel. There is also beach access, and the hotel is a quick walk from the main street area. Since the pool and beach access are so close, choosing to sit by the pool or venture out to see more of Cape May is a tough decision.
Sandpiper | 11 Beach Avenue
If looking for a bit more space, the sister hotel to Congress Hall, Sandpiper, is a good pick. These rooms all have a living room and kitchen which is ideal for those traveling with children who require more space. This hotel is also across from the beach with its own heated swimming pool. This is an easy solution for those looking for a more residential vibe, but still want the hotel amenities.
Bed + Breakfast Inns
The beauty and charm of Cape May tell how old the town is. There are a lot of cottages and old-fashioned homes open now as Bed + Breakfast Inns. These are quaint places to stay, taking their guests back in time with antique furniture, while others have been modernized. There is no shortage of these available right in town like The Queen Victoria, The Mason Cottage, and the Wilbraham Mansion.
Places to Eat + Drink
Brown Room | 200 Congress Place
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The Brown Room at Congress Hall is potentially mistaken for a living room. With a warm fireplace and cozy seating, this is a unique place to stop by for a cocktail and listen to live music on weekends. This is a place for adults to head to after dinner, as children aren’t permitted in the Brown Room past 9PM.
Cape May Brewing Co. | 1250 Hornet Road
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Cape May Brewing Co. has been serving refreshing brews to locals since 2011. The tasting room is one of the largest in New Jersey, with a “Brewtanical Garden” in the summer months. The tasting room is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 12PM-7PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 12PM-8PM.
The Ebbitt Room | 25 Jackson Street
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The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel is a special place full of seafood items such as scallops, salmon, steak, and duck. This fine dining restaurant isn’t complete without its full bar and wine selections to pair with your meal.
Lobster House | 906 Schellengers Landing Road
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Although Lobster House is a driving destination and not a quick walk, it is worth checking out. From the fresh fish at the market to the boats docked on the water, there is a ton to see before dining here. The Lobster House has beyond generous portions, awesome for sharing. Perhaps not fine dining, but a definite must-visit nonetheless.
Mad Batter | 19 Jackson Street
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You can’t visit Cape May without a stop for breakfast at the famous Mad Batter. Having been open since 1882, it is a delish, family-friendly place to enjoy pancakes, eggs, and more. JSG insider tip: The oatmeal pancakes are a must-try.
The Pier House | 1317 Beach Avenue
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The Pier House has been newly renovated with a beautiful interior encapsulating fine dining. The menu consists of seafood such as tuna, shrimp, and scallops. Other than dinner, the restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch. Located in La Mer Beach Front resort, the restaurant has a beautiful waterfront view.
Rusty Nail | 205 Beach Avenue
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This beach restaurant and bar is well-known by the locals and has been around since the 1970s. Have a drink, dip your toes in the sand, and listen to live music. It also happens to be dog-friendly.
Tisha’s | 322 Washington Street
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For more of an upscale feel, Tisha’s is considered fine dining and has a delectable menu — with both indoor and outdoor seating. If you manage to still have room after dinner, definitely try the flourless chocolate cake.
Uncle Bill’s | 261 Beach Avenue
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MORE pancakes are always better DTS, and Uncle Bill’s Pancake House does not disappoint. With everything from corn pancakes to peach pancakes, every pancake lover is accounted for. The portions are generous and it is guaranteed to please the whole crew.
Things to Do
Beach Plum Farm | 140 Stevens Street
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This 62-acre farm is where restaurants in Cape May like the Blue Pig and the Ebbitt Room get their produce and fresh ingredients. It not only has more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, but it provides a true farm-to-table experience for lunch. The kitchen is open daily from 8AM-2PM, and the market is open daily from 8AM-3PM.
Cape May Lighthouse | 215 Light House Avenue
The lighthouse is a great attraction in Cape May if needing a slight break from the sun. Take a visit to see it — and if feeling adventurous, even take the climb all the way to the top. It is located at the southern tip of New Jersey, so the views are beautiful — and of course, topped off with history, as the lighthouse was built in 1859.
See More: New Jersey Beaches That Don’t Have an Admission Fee
Cape May County Park + Zoo | 707 US-9 North, Cape May Court House
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Cape May County Park + Zoo always has something to do, whether it’s petting animals, yoga at the zoo, or just spending a warm summer day there. The zoo is open seven days a week from 10AM-4:30PM, and the park is open from 7AM-8PM.
Shield’s Bike Rental | 11 Gurney Street
Shield’s Bike Rental is a family-owned bike rental business that has been in the area since 1991. The spot is open seven days a week from 7AM-7PM.
Shopping
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Sure, the beach might be a favorite thing about Cape May, but the shopping is seriously on-point. The area is filled with quaint, local shops where it’s easy to find one-of-a-kind items. Stores include A Place on Earth, Cash and Clive, Cape May Antique Center, Cape May Soap Co., and Whale’s Tale, to name a few.
