Things to do · Cape May
Things to Do in Cape May, NJ: 15 Victorian, Beach and Birding Favorites
The best things to do in Cape May NJ: the Victorian district, Washington Street Mall, the lighthouse, Sunset Beach, birding, trolleys and the free zoo.
By Tessa Moretti, our virtual host
Researched and edited by the Chefbouyon team
Updated · 11 min read
Quick picks
- For history loversEmlen Physick EstateCape May MAC runs guided tours of this 1879 house museum, the town's only Victorian house museum.Directions
- For a viewCape May Lighthouse199 cast-iron steps lead to the top of the 1859 lighthouse, overlooking the bay and the ocean.Directions
- For sunsetSunset BeachA west-facing bay beach with the wreck of the concrete ship Atlantus just offshore.Directions
- Free with kidsCape May County Park & ZooThe county zoo is free to enter; donations are voluntary.Directions
- For birdersCape May Bird Observatory Northwood CenterNaturalist-led weekly walks and the Cape May Hawkwatch, counted since 1976.Directions
Cape May is the town that taught America what a beach weekend is supposed to feel like. It's the country's oldest seaside resort, and so much of it survived that in 1976 the entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark. That means gingerbread trim on every other porch, gas lamps, painted "cottages" the size of small mansions, and a beach at the end of nearly every street.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cape May, NJ, sorted by mood rather than by alphabet: the Victorian heart of town, the wild western tip at Cape May Point, the farm-and-market side of West Cape May, and a few easy drives beyond. Whether you've got a summer week or a gray February Saturday, you'll find a plan here.
You'll want comfortable shoes. Cape May rewards walking, porch-gazing and slow detours more than it rewards a checklist.
How I picked these
These picks come from research, not a highlight reel of my own visits: each one is an attraction, tour or business that is open and described on its own official website, or on a county or city site, as of November 2026. I leaned toward places that are distinctly Cape May (history, birds, sunsets, the bay) and kept a mix of free and ticketed options. I don't list hours or prices because they change by season; every card links to the source.
The Victorian heart of Cape May
Start in the historic district. Most of what people picture when they picture Cape May sits in a compact grid between the beachfront and the Washington Street Mall, and you can see a great deal of it simply by walking. Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture), the nonprofit that has worked to preserve the town since 1970, describes the district as having "one of the country's largest collections of 19th century seaside wood framed buildings."
Washington Street Mall
Known for Cape May's pedestrian-only town square of shops and dining, open-air since 1971
Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Washington Street Mall is the town's living room. Cape May turned this stretch of Washington Street into a pedestrian-only outdoor mall in 1971, and it's been the place to stroll, browse and people-watch ever since. The Mall calls itself Cape May's "picturesque town square," and that's about right: brick paths, benches, independent shops, ice cream, restaurants and a steady parade of families and couples with nowhere in particular to be.
It's also the hub for town events. The Mall hosts sidewalk sales, summer concerts, the Halloween Parade, and a full season of holiday happenings (more on those in my Christmas in Cape May guide). The Mall's own website has parking information and restroom locations, which is genuinely useful on a busy July afternoon.
Who'll love it: anyone who likes a wander with a coffee in hand, gift shoppers, and families who want a car-free hour. From here, the beach is a short walk south, and the Physick Estate is a few blocks east along Washington Street.
Congress Hall
Known for Historic seaside hotel that began as a boarding house in 1816; Winter Wonderland each holiday season
200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ, 12 Weekend Getaways From NYC, Each With a Historic Inn, 12 NJ Weekend Getaways
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Congress Hall is the grande dame on the beachfront, and even if you're not staying there, it's worth walking through. It began life in 1816 as a simple boarding house and grew into the landmark hotel you see today. Its owners, Cape Resorts, describe it as "America's First Seaside Resort," and the hotel's own history mentions surviving fires, hurricanes and war.
What's there for a visitor: the Blue Pig Tavern for meals, the Brown Room for cocktails and live music, the Boiler Room downstairs for late-night sets, a Grand Lawn and Veranda Bar facing the sea, and Tommy's Folly for coffee, ice cream and shops. The hotel's events calendar lists guided Congress Hall History Tours, a nice option for a rainy morning.
In winter, the Grand Lawn turns into a Winter Wonderland with lights, a carousel and a little train called the Congress Hall Express. Couples planning a splurge night will want to read my Cape May bed and breakfasts guide too, since the inns and Congress Hall offer quite different stays.
Emlen Physick Estate
Known for Cape May's only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Physick House, run by Cape May MAC
1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Best States to Visit, Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
If you do one ticketed tour in Cape May, make it the Emlen Physick Estate. Cape May MAC runs this 1879 mansion as Cape May's only Victorian house museum, and its guides walk you through the 18-room house, the family who lived there and the staff who kept it running. MAC notes the house has been voted "the most beautiful building in New Jersey."
The tour changes theme. In 2026 it's called The World on Display: The Centennial and Everyday Life, tying the house to the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the world's fair that introduced everyday Americans to the modern age. In December, the house is dressed for a Victorian Christmas and the Carriage House hosts an "Old-Fashioned Christmas" exhibit.
The estate is also Cape May MAC's headquarters at 1048 Washington Street, and many of its trolley tours and combination tours start or end around here or at the Ocean Street trolley stop. MAC mentions free parking at the estate for some tours.
Who'll love it: history nerds, architecture fans, and anyone who wants to know why the town looks the way it does.
Trolley tours with Cape May MAC
The easiest way to get your bearings is the Historic District Trolley Tour, which Cape May MAC offers year-round. Guides explain Cape May's architecture and how the town survived, and MAC notes the tour was recently updated with the contributions of Cape May's Black community, newly documented on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. It begins and ends at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop.
Other trolley options rotate through the year: Mansions by the Sea (the town's grand seaside "cottages," then and now), ghost tours (MAC calls them "Cape May's longest running"), Haunted Tales combo tours that end inside the Physick House, and holiday-light trolleys in December. Combination tickets that pair a trolley ride with the Physick Estate are a good value for first-timers. See the Cape May MAC calendar for what's running during your visit.
Cape May Point: lighthouse, sunsets and birds
Drive or bike a few miles west and Cape May softens into dunes, ponds and marsh. This is Cape May Point, the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. It's quieter than town and very much worth half a day.
Cape May Lighthouse
Known for 1859 lighthouse with 199 cast-iron steps to the top, inside Cape May Point State Park
215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is the third beacon on this site and is still an active aid to navigation. Cape May MAC restored it and maintains it, and you can climb the original cast-iron spiral stairway, 199 steps, to a view that takes in the Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the trails of Cape May Point State Park and the little borough of Cape May Point. Interpretive panels on the landings tell the stories of the keepers, which makes a good excuse to catch your breath.
A few times a year, MAC runs Full Moon Climbs at night. In 2026 the remaining date is November 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., with tickets sold by the Lighthouse Keeper that evening. The Oil House on the grounds has an accessible orientation center and museum shop. Note that MAC closes the tower during lightning or severe weather.
The lighthouse sits inside Cape May Point State Park, which, per MAC, has abundant free parking, restrooms, a small museum with live reptiles and nature displays, and information on the World War II bunker on the beach. Bring binoculars: the park's ponds and trails are a famous birding spot.
Sunset Beach
Known for Bay beach known for sunsets, Cape May diamonds and the wreck of the concrete ship Atlantus
502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Sunset Beach is exactly what the name promises. It faces west over the Delaware Bay, so the sun drops into the water instead of behind a dune, and on summer evenings it draws a crowd. Its website describes a Veterans Flag Ceremony that has honored an American veteran for more than 50 years.
Two other things make it special. First, Cape May diamonds: pure quartz pebbles that wash up along the tideline, polished by the bay. Kids (and plenty of grown-ups) hunt for them; the gift shop sells jewelry made from them. Second, just offshore lie the remains of the SS Atlantus, a concrete ship that broke free in a storm on June 8, 1926, and ran aground here. 2026 marks 100 years marooned.
There's a main gift shop, an apparel and rock shop, and the Fish House for seafood, sandwiches and homemade ice cream. Check the site for seasonal schedules before you plan dinner there.
Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center
Known for New Jersey Audubon's birding center, with weekly bird walks and the Cape May Hawkwatch, counted since 1976
701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Even non-birders notice that Cape May is full of people with binoculars, especially in fall. New Jersey Audubon explains why: the narrow peninsula funnels migrating songbirds in spring and fall, and the Delaware Bay acts as a barrier that makes birds stop and rest before crossing. The Cape May Bird Observatory has run the Cape May Hawkwatch since 1976, and its real-time counts are posted online.
The observatory's Northwood Center at Cape May Point is the place to start. It offers weekly bird walks led by associate naturalists at local hotspots (no preregistration needed, and kids 15 and under are free), longer special field trips and School of Birding workshops that require advance registration, and a Guide for Hire program. Who'll love it: curious beginners who want someone to point out what they're looking at, and serious birders timing a trip to migration.
On the water
Cape May Whale Watcher
Known for Family-run whale and dolphin watching fleet sailing since 1993
1218 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Cape May Whale Watcher is a family-run fleet that has been sailing from Cape May since 1993, now with a fourth generation of the Stewart family involved. Captain Jeff Stewart leads the crew, which the company says has 35 years of whale-watching experience. Trips look for dolphins, whales, marine birds and other sea life, and the company offers what it calls a Marine Mammal Guarantee: if you don't see whales, dolphins or porpoises, you get a free pass that never expires.
The fleet also runs specialty cruises, from lighthouse trips to wine-themed sails, and it advertises climate-controlled vessels with restrooms, food service and on-board bars, plus ADA-compliant boarding ramps. Who'll love it: families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to see the Cape May shoreline from the water. Booking details, sailing times and current offers are on its website.
West Cape May: farm, market and shopping
West Cape May is the little borough just inland from the historic district, a short bike ride from the beach and calmer in feel.
Beach Plum Farm
Known for A working farm by the sea with a market, kitchen, farm tours and harvest dinners
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Beach Plum Farm is a real, working farm in West Cape May, run by Cape Resorts, the same company behind Congress Hall. It describes itself as sustainably run and rooted in time-honored practices, and it has a market and a kitchen. Its own description is sweet: "Where mornings start with the rooster crowing, and every night, the stars put on a show."
The farm's events calendar is the thing to check. It lists guided farm tours, meet-the-chickens sessions, garden talks with the farm's gardener, nature activities for kids, and harvest dinners in the barn. It also has cottages for overnight stays, which the farm says are MICHELIN-recognized. Who'll love it: food people, gardeners, families with small kids who like animals, and anyone tired of the boardwalk.
West End Garage
Known for A 1940s garage turned year-round market with more than 60 curated vendors
484 West Perry Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
West End Garage is a 1940s garage and gas station that Cape Resorts reimagined in 2009 as an indoor market. It now houses more than 60 curated vendors selling jewelry, clothing, vintage decor, local art and specialty foods, and it's open year-round. It's a great rainy-day stop and an easy place to knock out gift shopping, with a very different feel from the Mall.
A short drive inland
Historic Cold Spring Village
Known for 30-acre living-history village of restored 1800s buildings with costumed interpreters
735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Historic Cold Spring Village is a 30-acre open-air museum of restored, preserved buildings where the 1800s come to life. Interpreters in historical clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, printing, woodworking, basket weaving, bookbinding and more. It's a nice change of pace from the beach for kids who need to see how things were made.
The village is seasonal. Its site lists fall weekend hours through early October and then special events, and it offers guided Christmas walking tours past buildings decorated for the season, with dates posted on its event page. One important practical note from the village: the Route 9 gate is closed, so enter on Seashore Road near Cold Spring Brewery.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Known for Free county zoo, named the No. 5 free attraction in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best readers in 2026
707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is the one to bookmark if you're traveling with children, or if you just love a giraffe. It's run by the county, it's free to enter, and donations are voluntary; in 2026 it was named the fifth-best free attraction in the United States in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The county's own zoo pages feature animals including an African lion, cheetah, giraffe, red panda, Amur leopard, bald eagle and siamang.
It's a short drive north of Cape May, on Route 9 in Cape May Court House. Plan for a morning, bring a picnic, and check the county site for hours, which are shorter in winter. Who'll love it: families, grandparents, and couples who want a free, low-key outing.
Evenings and rainy days
Cape May Stage
Known for South Jersey's professional theater at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse, in its 37th season
405 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Also in Christmas in Cape May, NJ
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Cape May Stage calls itself South Jersey's premier professional theater, and it's in its 37th season at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on Lafayette Street. It says more than 30 Broadway artists have performed on its stage. A play is a lovely way to end a day in a town that empties out early in the off-season. For the 2026 holidays it's running a holiday whodunit, Murder for Two, from November 18 through December 27.
If it rains, the rest of the list still works: the Physick Estate, Congress Hall's history tour, West End Garage and the Mall's shops are all good indoor or mostly-indoor plans.
A day trip across the bay
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Known for A 17-mile, roughly 85-minute crossing of Delaware Bay between Cape May and Lewes, DE, since 1964
1200 Lincoln Blvd, North Cape May, NJ 08204
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
- Dog-friendly
Also in Cape May-Lewes Ferry Day Trip
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry crosses 17 miles of Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware, in about 85 minutes. You can take your car or walk on, there are indoor lounges and open decks, and you might spot dolphins on the way. It's a fun outing even if you come right back. I wrote a full Cape May-Lewes Ferry day trip guide with how the crossing works and what to do in Lewes.
When to go
Summer is classic Cape May: beach days, busy streets, everything open. Many people's favorite seasons, though, are the edges. Fall brings bird migration, the Hawkwatch and Halloween-season ghost tours. December is magical, with candlelight house tours and the Mall dressed for the holidays (see Christmas in Cape May). In deep winter and early spring some seasonal businesses close, so check websites before you drive down.
Getting around
Cape May sits at the bottom of the Garden State Parkway. Once you're in town, the historic district, beach and Mall are easy to walk; bikes are the best way to reach Cape May Point and West Cape May. Beach tags are required on Cape May city beaches in season. If you're coming from Delaware or points south, the ferry lands in North Cape May, and in summer and early fall the operator runs a reserved shuttle for foot passengers into town (see the ferry guide). For a wider shore road trip, my Jersey Shore towns and things to do in New Jersey guides pick up where this one leaves off.
Every place in this guide, on the map
- Washington Street MallWashington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Congress Hall200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Emlen Physick Estate1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Cape May Lighthouse215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
- Sunset Beach502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
- Cape May Whale Watcher1218 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Beach Plum Farm140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
- West End Garage484 West Perry Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
- Historic Cold Spring Village735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Cape May County Park & Zoo707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
- Cape May Stage405 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Cape May-Lewes Ferry1200 Lincoln Blvd, North Cape May, NJ 08204
Questions people ask
What is Cape May, NJ best known for?
Cape May is known as the country's oldest seaside resort and for one of the largest collections of 19th-century wood-frame seaside buildings in the United States. The whole city was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Visitors come for the painted Victorian 'cottages', wide beaches, the 1859 lighthouse at Cape May Point, sunsets at Sunset Beach and some of the best bird migration watching on the East Coast.
Is the Cape May zoo free?
Yes. The Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House is free to enter, and donations are voluntary. In 2026 it was named the fifth-best free attraction in the United States in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Some extras, such as certain tours and picnic pavilion rentals, carry a fee. Check the county's zoo page for current hours before you go.
How many days do you need in Cape May?
A full weekend covers the essentials: one day for the historic district, a trolley or house tour and the Washington Street Mall, and one day for Cape May Point, with the lighthouse climb, a bird walk and sunset at Sunset Beach. Add a third day for the zoo, Historic Cold Spring Village or a ferry day trip to Lewes, Delaware.
Can you walk around Cape May?
Yes. The Victorian historic district, the beachfront promenade and the Washington Street Mall are close together and easy to walk, and Cape May MAC notes that most Christmas tour properties sit within a 20-minute walk of one another. Cape May Point, Sunset Beach and the lighthouse are a few miles west, so most people drive or bike there.
What is there to do in Cape May in the off-season?
A lot. Cape May MAC offers its Historic District trolley tour year-round, and the Physick Estate, lighthouse and Washington Street Mall stay part of town life well past summer. Fall brings bird migration and the Hawkwatch; winter brings Christmas candlelight house tours and holiday trolley rides. Some seasonal businesses close, so check each website before you go.
Spot something out of date, or know a place we should add? Tell us. Corrections are read first.
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