A Local's Guide to Cape May, NJ

Cape May is a Jersey Shore destination, brimming with classy Victorian charm combined with quintessential beachy amenities like seaside resorts, seafood restaurants, and a boardwalk. Having spent time in several towns along the Jersey Shore, Cape May stands out for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and variety of things to do—all of which my family and I took full advantage of during our recent long weekend stay. Whether you plan your visit for the bustling summer season, the calmer and cooler shoulder season, or the twinkling cheer of the holiday season, Cape May has a ton to offer for a busy and beautiful stay.

Where to stay

Boarding House Cape May: a surf-themed, dog-friendly hotel. We loved this for its modern, cheerful style, open rooftop, and proximity to a playground. Check out the field guides in each room, full of local-vetted recommendations for where to dine, shop and drink. Take advantage of the free bikes to explore the town or head to the beach (about a 15-minute walk or short bike ride away).

For a splurge closer to the beach, check out Lokal Hotel, which offers hipster chic interiors, full kitchens in each room, and a heated salt water pool. This is an excellent option for beach travelers who want to pack light and feel pampered—stays include thoughtful extras like mobile beach kits with Yeti coolers, beach towels, sand toys, and even access to beach service with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Beach Plum Farm, located in West Cape May, is a working farm that offers not only places to stay, but also a market and kitchen that serves breakfast and lunch (and dinner on select days). The accommodations are refined with rustic stylistic touches and luxurious amenities—choose from one to two bedroom suites or rent a whole cottage.

The Beach Plum Farm Market, located in the main Amish barn, has a charming selection of locally produced and farm-sourced goods. Also in the main barn, the Farm Kitchen has a changing seasonal menu, including salad, soup, and sandwiches, best enjoyed at one of the tables on the grounds of the farm. Keep an eye out for farm to table dinners as well—these multi-course meals are an elevated dining experience by reservation only.

Where to Eat & Drink

Exit Zero Filling Station: Curry? Salad? Burgers? They’ve got it all here, plus indoor and outdoor dining. Bonus: you can call ahead and make a reservation to dine inside a 1949 Chevy truck (outfitted with a dining table and chairs). Plus, dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area.

The Lobster House: If a seafood meal is on your trip to-do list, The Lobster House is a must-visit spot. You can dine indoors, outdoors, or shop at the fish market, all in the beautiful surroundings of Cape May Harbor. Order from the take out shop (the menu includes soup, salad, seafood sandwiches, and fried or broiled seafood) and enjoy your food on the casual outdoor dock next to the sailboats in the harbor. For indoor dining, you can enjoy broader menu selections and eat in one of five different dining rooms. And if those weren’t enough options, try the Schooner America, an outdoor cocktail lounge on a sailboat.

For coffee, a smoothie or a snack right before hitting the beach, try The Buoy Coffee Shop. Their smoothies hit the spot, and the acai bowl was an unexpected hit. Seating is limited, so this is perfect for taking directly to your beach blanket.

Cape May Brewing Company is a great spot for a beer flight—choose from nearly two dozen beers, including limited releases, then grab a seat inside at the tasting room or outdoors in the beer garden (outdoor seating is both family-friendly and pet-friendly).

What to do

Beach time is a Cape May non-negotiable, so make sure to enjoy the sand and surf. Beach tags are required for access during the summer and are available at booths near several of the beach entrances starting at $10 per person (ages 12+) per day, with three-day, weekly, and seasonal options also available.

Spend some time in the heart of Cape May, the Washington Street Mall, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Stop by Fralinger’s Original Salt to put together a mixed bag of flavored salt water taffy, sample peanut butter and pick up a jar to go at Cape May Peanut Butter Company, and browse Scandinavian goods at Swede Things. Explore the surrounding residential streets to soak up the Victorian charm of the town, designated a National Historic Landmark. Try Perry Street, Jackson Street, Decatur Street, and/or Ocean Street for a concentrated look at some of Cape May’s coolest historic homes.

For the perfect ocean views, head South to Cape May Point State Park, with the iconic Cape May Lighthouse situated near a beautiful beach. If you have $12 and the endurance to tackle 199 steps, you can ascend the lighthouse for spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

Nearby, catch a dreamy summer sunset at the aptly named Sunset Beach on Cape May Peninsula, where you can also hunt for Cape May Diamonds (smooth quartz rocks that wash up along the shores) and see the ruins of the SS Atlantus, an experimental concrete ship from World War I.

Cape May County Park and Zoo, about a 20 minute drive from Cape May, is a fun (and free!) way to escape the beach for a few hours. There is a great mix of animals (we liked the capybaras in particular), and the zoo is surrounded by playgrounds and picnic pavilions, making this an extremely family-friendly diversion.

Whether you are drawn to Cape May for its timeless charm or as a beach escape, there is plenty to explore, even far beyond this list. It’s more than enough to keep people returning year after year to visit enduring favorites, stumble upon hidden gems, and to make lasting sun-kissed summer memories.