Stays · Cape May
Cape May Bed and Breakfasts: 12 Historic Inns, From Victorian Cottages to Beachfront Porches
The best Cape May NJ bed and breakfast inns: 12 historic B&Bs, from The Mason Cottage and the Mainstay to beachfront porches, with each house's story.
By Tessa Moretti, our virtual host
Researched and edited by the Chefbouyon team
Updated · 9 min read
Quick picks
- For history loversThe Mainstay InnAn 1872 gentlemen's gambling club by architect Stephen Decatur Button, now a 12-room inn.Directions
- For afternoon teaThe Queen VictoriaBreakfast at eight and a British-style afternoon tea every day at four.Directions
- Steps from the beachRhythm of the SeaA 1912 Craftsman-style inn directly across from the beach on Beach Avenue.Directions
- With a gardenThe Southern MansionAn 1860s mansion on one and a half acres of gardens in the historic district.Directions
- With kitchenettes931 Beach Guest HouseOcean-facing suites with private baths and fully stocked kitchenettes.Directions
Cape May may be the bed and breakfast capital of New Jersey, and it earned the title honestly. The whole city is a National Historic Landmark, packed with 19th-century summer "cottages," and many of those houses found a second life as inns: the Mainstay's restorers bought their gambling-club-turned-guest-house in 1977, and the Queen Victoria opened in the spring of 1981. Restore the house, fill it with antiques, serve breakfast on the porch. It's a formula that still works.
This guide to the best Cape May NJ bed and breakfast inns is for couples planning an anniversary, friends on a girls' weekend, and anyone who'd rather wake up in a house with a story than in a hotel room. I've gathered 12 inns, mostly in the historic district, each described from its own website: who built the house, what it looks like, where it sits, and what the innkeepers say they offer.
There are no prices here, because rates swing wildly by season and day of the week. Every card links to the inn so you can check dates directly.
How I picked these
I started from inns that are clearly operating in 2026: each has a working official website, and many are on Cape May MAC's 2026 Christmas Candlelight House Tour. I left out properties whose websites were defunct or that have stopped operating as B&Bs. Then I aimed for variety in location (Columbia Avenue, Ocean Street, Beach Avenue, the quiet east end) and in style, from museum-grade Victorian to a 1912 Craftsman house. These picks are based on research, not personal stays.
On Columbia Avenue: the classic Victorian row
Columbia Avenue runs through the historic district between the beach and the Washington Street Mall (the Mainstay says the beach is a block away), and it's home to a cluster of famous inns. If you want the Cape May postcard, stay here.
The Mason Cottage
Known for An 1871 Victorian inn in the historic downtown district with a sweeping veranda and homemade breakfast
623-625 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Mason Cottage sits at 623-625 Columbia Avenue, in the heart of the historic downtown district. Built in 1871, it has the hallmarks of the era: lofty ceilings, full-length windows and a sweeping veranda. In the warmer months that veranda becomes the gathering place, with a two-course homemade breakfast in the morning and, as the inn puts it, "a glass of wine as the gentle ocean breeze drifts through the historic streets" in the evening.
The inn describes itself as a romantic retreat for couples and is meticulously renovated, blending Victorian elegance with modern touches. Innkeepers Rochelle and Eric offer local recommendations, and the inn says it can accommodate dietary requests such as gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian. It also encourages booking direct, with a discount for repeat guests who do.
Who'll love it: couples who want to walk everywhere. The beach, restaurants, shops and landmarks are all a short stroll away, and the Mason Cottage is one of the houses on the 2026 Christmas Candlelight House Tour, so it's a fine base for a December weekend.
The Mainstay Inn
Known for An 1872 gentlemen's gambling club by architect Stephen Decatur Button, a B&B since the Carrolls' restoration
635 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Mainstay Inn has the best backstory on the street. It was built in 1872 to designs by the Philadelphia architect Stephen Decatur Button as "The Clubhouse," a private gambling club where gentlemen gathered for gambling "and other amusements." It ran until gambling was outlawed in the late 1890s, then became a wealthy Philadelphian's summer cottage, then a guest house.
The inn notes that the building was one of 16 in the city recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey, with its plans now kept at the Library of Congress. Tom and Sue Carroll bought it in 1977, restored it and opened it as a bed-and-breakfast, and later added "The Cottage," another Button design from 1870, across a brick walkway and garden with a Victorian fountain.
Today there are six rooms in the main house, six in the Cottage, and a beach apartment for longer stays. Breakfast is served in the dining room in spring and fall and on the veranda or in the garden in summer. Afternoon tea is daily, there's wireless internet throughout, and beach chairs and towels are provided. The inn calls its veranda "the most photographed spot in town."
The Harrison
Known for An 1867 Victorian B&B with an English garden and made-to-order breakfasts
613 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Harrison, at 613 Columbia Avenue, is a romantic B&B built in 1867 and renovated, it says, to "the highest level of modern amenities, while keeping its distinctive Victorian charm." Together with its sister house, Pharos at The Harrison, it has seven king rooms and nine queen rooms, each individually decorated.
The inn lists breakfasts made to order, afternoon tea, complimentary beverages, a gift shop, bicycles, beach bags and beach chairs, and a peaceful English garden. It's part of a small group of inns that also includes a French-country property in nearby Cape May Court House.
Who'll love it: couples who want polished, modern comforts in an older house, right on the classic Victorian row.
The Bacchus Inn
Known for A wine-themed Victorian B&B in the historic district, open spring through fall
719 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Bacchus Inn is named for the Roman god of wine, and the innkeepers, John and Lisa Matusiak, carry the theme throughout. Guests can relax in the Victorian parlor or with a glass of wine on the porch. It's at 719 Columbia Avenue in the primary historic district, a short walk from shops, restaurants and the beach.
Two things to know before you book: the Bacchus Inn says it's open in spring, summer and fall, not winter, and it can't accommodate pets. It also gently notes that "children under 12 are best left at home with Grandma." That makes it a good pick for a grown-up weekend.
The Dormer House
Known for An 1899 Colonial Revival summer home with 12 rooms and suites and an attached cottage
800 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
At 800 Columbia Avenue, the Dormer House is a center-hall Colonial Revival built in 1899 as a summer home for John Jacoby, a Philadelphia marble dealer who, the inn notes, was the founder and first Commodore of the Cape May Yacht Club. It's a nice change of architectural pace from the Victorian gingerbread.
The common rooms feature a marble fireplace, stained glass and antique furnishings. Breakfast is served at tables for two on the enclosed sun porch, and the wide veranda has rocking chairs and a porch swing. The 12 rooms and suites, plus an attached cottage, have private baths (some with jetted tubs), and the inn lists free on-site parking, beach chairs and towels, and afternoon sweets. Children over 10 are welcome; the inn points families with younger kids to its sister property, the Chalfonte Hotel.
Near the Mall and Ocean Street
The Queen Victoria
Known for Four historic buildings and 31 rooms, with breakfast at eight and afternoon tea at four
102 Ocean Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Queen Victoria at 102 Ocean Street was built in 1881 by Douglas Gregory, a Cape May native and Delaware River pilot. Dane and Joan Wells restored it in 1980 and opened it as an inn the following spring. The inn describes the house as "a true Victorian blend": Italianate turret windows, an Edwardian porch and a French mansard roof.
It has grown into four buildings (three 1880s homes and an 1876 gambling parlor) with 31 rooms, "no two alike." The rhythm of a stay is lovely: breakfast at eight, a buffet of house granola, baked eggs and something warm from the oven, and a British-style afternoon tea every day at four. Pantries are stocked around the clock with tea, coffee, cocoa and cold drinks, and bicycles, beach chairs and towels are there to borrow.
Who'll love it: tea lovers, and anyone who wants a classic, full-service B&B in the middle of the historic district. It's also on several 2026 holiday tours.
The Bedford Inn
Known for An 1883 Italianate 'mother-daughter' villa with two wraparound verandahs, a block from the sea
805 Stockton Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Bedford Inn, at 805 Stockton Avenue, is an Italianate villa built in 1883 as a "mother-daughter" house, one family in two halves. It later became apartments, then a B&B, when a passageway finally joined the two sides into one house. The dining room has a wraparound mural of the original Convention Hall, the lighthouse and the concrete ship Atlantus.
Today it has 10 rooms and suites with period antiques and crisp white linens, two wraparound verandahs overlooking a garden certified as a wildlife habitat, and a gourmet breakfast each morning. It's a short walk to the beach and the Washington Street Mall. Guests also get access to tea service at its sister property, the Queen Victoria. The inn invites you to call about bringing a dog.
The grand estates
The Southern Mansion
Known for A circa-1860 mansion on one and a half acres of gardens in the historic district
720 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Southern Mansion, built circa 1860, is the big one. It calls itself "the largest and most opulent Cape May bed and breakfast," with the largest rooms and suites in town, and it sits on one and a half acres of gardens at 720 Washington Street in the historic district. The inn says beaches, shops and restaurants are about a five-minute walk away.
The estate has been fully restored, and the inn emphasizes privacy, gourmet food and Southern hospitality. Rooms have private baths with hand-painted tile showers, and beach chairs and towels are provided in summer. It's also a popular wedding venue, with a ballroom it calls the Speakeasy Ballroom. Who'll love it: couples who want space and a garden to wander, and anyone planning a celebration.
The Wilbraham Mansion
Known for An 1840s mansion enlarged in the 1890s, with Victorian rooms, modern suites and an indoor heated pool
133 Myrtle Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Wilbraham Mansion at 133 Myrtle Avenue was built in the 1840s and enlarged in the 1890s into a high Victorian mansion overlooking Wilbraham Park. It offers a choice: historic Victorian-style B&B rooms in the main house, or contemporary suites, some with jetted tubs.
Every reservation includes breakfast, afternoon tea and use of the indoor heated pool, which is rare in Cape May and a real treat in the off-season. All rooms have air-conditioning, TV and private bathrooms. The Wilbraham accommodates children 12 and older, and it's on the 2026 Christmas Candlelight House Tour on December 19.
On the beach
Angel of the Sea
Known for A 27-room Victorian mansion with ocean-view wraparound porches, half a block from the beach
5 Trenton Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Outdoor seating
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Angel of the Sea is a 27-room Victorian mansion, converted to a B&B in 1989, half a block from the beach in the quiet east end of town at 5 Trenton Avenue. Its ocean-view wraparound porches and gingerbread detailing are the stars; the inn calls itself "Cape May's most romantic bed & breakfast" and says you can hear the waves from the porches.
The amenities list is generous: a gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening wine and cheese, complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, towels and beach cruiser bicycles, and off-street private parking. Every room has a private bath. Who'll love it: couples who want a big, friendly inn with the ocean right there.
931 Beach Guest House
Known for An 1892 seaside house with oceanfront and ocean-view suites, each with a kitchenette
931 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
931 Beach Guest House has been part of Cape May's story since 1892, when it first welcomed families looking for ocean breezes. It sits on Beach Avenue, steps from the beach and an easy walk to the historic streets, shops and restaurants.
What sets it apart is the layout: four oceanfront suites, two ocean-view suites and two seaside suites, all with private bathrooms and fully stocked kitchenettes. The house says its rooms range from cozy escapes for two to suites for up to six guests, which makes it one of the more family- and group-friendly picks here. It's on all three nights of the 2026 Christmas Candlelight House Tour.
Rhythm of the Sea
Known for A 1912 Craftsman-style inn directly across from the beach
1123 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Rhythm of the Sea, at 1123 Beach Avenue, is a 1912 Craftsman-style inn directly across from the beach, a short stroll along the promenade to the Victorian district and the Washington Street Mall. The innkeepers lean on the German word Gemütlichkeit, "a state of warmth, friendliness and good cheer," to describe the feel they're going for.
Rooms have king or queen pillow-top beds and en-suite bathrooms, and guests can use beach towels, chairs and the inn's bicycles. Breakfast is served daily. Who'll love it: anyone who wants to fall asleep to the surf, and readers who'd rather have a Craftsman porch than Victorian frills.
Choosing your inn
A few things worth asking before you book any Cape May B&B:
- Minimum stays. Ask whether there's a minimum stay for your dates, especially on summer and holiday weekends.
- Children and pets. Policies vary widely, as you've seen above.
- Parking. Street parking in the historic district is tight in summer. Several inns (Angel of the Sea, the Dormer House) list on-site or off-street parking.
- Stairs. These are old houses. If stairs are a concern, ask about first-floor rooms.
- Season. Some inns close for part of the winter, while others go all-out for Christmas.
When to go
Summer is peak season, with the beach and every restaurant open. Spring and fall are quieter and often easier to book, and fall's bird migration is a bonus (see things to do in Cape May). December is special: many inns decorate and open their doors on Cape May MAC's Christmas Candlelight House Tours, and staying at one of the tour houses is a little like being backstage. For more ideas, browse my romantic getaways in New Jersey.
Getting there
Cape May is at the southern end of the Garden State Parkway. From Delaware, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry lands in North Cape May, a short drive from the historic district. Once you're parked at your inn, you won't need the car much: the beach, the Mall and the Victorian streets are all walkable.
Every place in this guide, on the map
- The Mason Cottage623-625 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Mainstay Inn635 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Harrison613 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Bacchus Inn719 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Dormer House800 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Queen Victoria102 Ocean Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Bedford Inn805 Stockton Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Southern Mansion720 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Wilbraham Mansion133 Myrtle Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Angel of the Sea5 Trenton Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- 931 Beach Guest House931 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Rhythm of the Sea1123 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Questions people ask
What is the best bed and breakfast in Cape May, NJ?
It depends on what you want. The Queen Victoria, Mainstay Inn and Mason Cottage suit history lovers who want to be in the heart of the Victorian district; Angel of the Sea, Rhythm of the Sea and 931 Beach Guest House put you close to the beach; and the Southern Mansion stands out for its gardens. Compare room types, child policies and seasonal openings on each inn's own website.
Where is The Mason Cottage in Cape May?
The Mason Cottage is at 623-625 Columbia Avenue in Cape May's historic downtown district. The inn says the beach, restaurants, shops and landmarks are all a short stroll away. It was built in 1871 and has lofty ceilings, full-length windows and a sweeping veranda, where breakfast is served in the warmer months.
Are Cape May bed and breakfasts open in winter?
Many are, and several dress up for Christmas. The Mainstay Inn, Mason Cottage, Queen Victoria, Angel of the Sea, Bedford Inn and 931 Beach Guest House are among the properties on Cape May MAC's 2026 Christmas Candlelight House Tour. A few inns are seasonal; the Bacchus Inn, for example, says it is open in spring, summer and fall.
Do Cape May B&Bs allow children?
Policies vary, and several inns are adults-oriented. The Wilbraham Mansion accommodates children 12 and older, the Dormer House welcomes children over 10, and the Bacchus Inn suggests children under 12 stay home. Larger properties and suites with kitchenettes, such as 931 Beach Guest House, can suit families better. Always confirm with the inn before booking.
Do Cape May bed and breakfasts include beach tags?
Some include beach chairs and towels, and a few mention beach gear and bicycles, but beach tags vary by inn and year. The Mainstay Inn, for example, notes that a city beach tag is required and provides chairs and towels. Ask your inn directly whether tags are included for your dates.
Spot something out of date, or know a place we should add? Tell us. Corrections are read first.
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