Cape May

America's oldest beach resort, famous for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and charming seaside atmosphere. A picturesque coastal town offering historic homes tours, beaches, seafood dining, and quintessential New Jersey shore charm.

Things to do

• Victorian Architecture Walking Tour — Stroll through the historic district to admire over 600 Victorian homes, many featuring intricate gingerbread trim and wraparound porches dating back to the 1800s.
• Cape May Point Lighthouse — Climb the 157 steps of this distinctive red and white striped lighthouse for panoramic views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Beach Day at Cape May Beach — Relax on the wide sandy beaches protected by iconic Victorian-era jetties, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
• Cape May MAC Art Gallery — Explore contemporary and traditional art in this community arts center housed in a historic building in the heart of downtown.
• Sunset Beach Wildlife Refuge — Visit this natural area known for observing migratory birds, enjoy scenic water views, and search for Cape May diamonds (quartz crystals).
• Emlen Physick Estate Tour — Tour this 18-room Victorian mansion showcasing period furnishings, architecture, and local history through guided docent-led experiences.

Food to try

• Fresh Catch Seafood — Cape May's signature experience is enjoying locally-caught flounder, clams, and oysters prepared simply to highlight the day's fresh harvest at waterfront restaurants.
• Cape May Salt Taffy — Sample the traditional salt water taffy made locally since the Victorian era, a nostalgic sweet treat available in numerous flavors at beachfront shops.
• Clam Chowder — Try the rich New England-style clam chowder served at casual and upscale dining establishments throughout the town, often featuring locally-sourced clams.
• Crab Cakes — Savor generously-portioned Maryland-style crab cakes made with lump crab meat, a staple on menus at seafood restaurants and casual lunch spots.
• Scrapple Breakfast — Experience this traditional Mid-Atlantic breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal, served crispy and golden at local diners and breakfast spots.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code for Fine Dining — Many of Cape May's upscale Victorian-era restaurants maintain a casual-elegant dress code, so pack nice casual clothing to enjoy dinner at historic establishments.
• Peak Season Timing — Summer weekends (June-August) are extremely crowded; visit in May, September, or October for milder weather, lower prices, and easier access to attractions.
• Walking is Essential — Cape May is best explored on foot with its compact downtown and narrow Victorian streets; parking can be challenging so plan to walk or bike most places.
• Historic Preservation Pride — Locals take great pride in the town's Victorian heritage and historic preservation efforts, so show respect for the architectural integrity when visiting and photographing homes.