Things to do in Cape May, New Jersey
- Cape May was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976 due to its high concentration of well-preserved late 19th-century frame buildings.
- The city is recognized as one of the top bird-watching locations in North America due to its unique geographical funneling effect during migration seasons.
- The local 'Cape May Diamonds' found on the beaches are actually clear quartz pebbles polished by the wave action of the Delaware Bay.
- Unlike many coastal resorts, Cape May does not use a traditional boardwalk, opting instead for a promenade that emphasizes the natural beachfront.
About Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, New Jersey, is a coastal destination renowned for its extensive collection of Victorian-era architecture and its status as one of the country's oldest vacation resort towns. The city occupies the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors often explore the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate to appreciate the regional heritage or traverse the trails at Cape May Point State Park. Marine life and avian migration can be observed at the Nature Center of Cape May, while the Cape May Lighthouse remains a functional landmark providing panoramic views of the coast.
Highlights of Cape May, New Jersey
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Climb the 199 steps to the lantern room for an unobstructed view of the Atlantic coastline and Delaware Bay.
Parks
Walk the extensive nature trails that pass through coastal dunes and freshwater marshes near the lighthouse.
Museums
Explore a restored hangar containing aircraft and artifacts from World War II-era training operations.
Beaches and ponds
Access the public shoreline, which remains a central point for swimming and beachcombing throughout the summer.
Museums
Tour a quintessential example of Stick-style Victorian architecture that serves as a regional history museum.
Museums
Experience a living history village featuring relocated period structures that illustrate rural South Jersey life.
Parks
Participate in marine education programs and view native species in their natural tidal environment.
Museums
View a curated selection of works from regional artists housed within a classic Cape May storefront.
Top things to do in Cape May, New Jersey
The 15 highest-rated places in Cape May, New Jersey, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Cape May Lighthouse is a 157-foot tall historic aid to navigation located in Cape May Point State Park. Completed in...
2
Parks
Cape May Point State Park is a 244-acre coastal sanctuary situated at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. The park is an...
3
Museums
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum occupies Hangar #1, a sprawling wooden structure built in 1943 to train dive-...
4
Beaches and ponds
Cape May Beach is situated at the southern tip of the New Jersey peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware B...
5
Museums
The Emlen Physick Estate is an 1879 Stick-style Victorian mansion designed by architect Frank Furness in Cape May, New J...
6
Museums
Historic Cold Spring Village is a 30-acre open-air living history museum situated on the Jersey Cape. The site features...
7
Historical places
8
Parks
9
Beaches and ponds
10
Zoos
11
Temples
12
Museums
13
Museums
14
Temples
15
Historical places
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Cape May, New Jersey on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Cape May, New Jersey
Late spring through early autumn is preferred, with September offering warmer ocean temperatures and thinner crowds compared to the peak mid-summer period.
3-4 days to allow time for touring historic districts, visiting local nature preserves, and exploring the shoreline.
The city center is highly walkable, while bicycles are a common preferred mode of transport; a seasonal free trolley service often operates during peak months.
Stay in the historic district for immediate access to Victorian homes and downtown amenities, or near Cape May Point for a quieter, nature-focused experience.
Cape May is considered a mid-to-expensive destination, particularly during the summer months when demand for lodging peaks.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 15 curated attractions in and around Cape May, New Jersey, ranked by traveller ratings.
Cape May Lighthouse is the highest-rated place to visit in Cape May, New Jersey right now.
The largest category is museums, with 5 places to explore.
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