Cape May, New Jersey Travel Guide
We recently had a much needed staycation amidst our busy wedding season in Cape May, thanks to our friends at Stay Lokal! We were so excited to have a little getaway and retreat without the pressure of traveling too far from home. Scott works in downtown Cape May at the elementary school, so we stayed mid-week and saved him a few days of commuting a few towns home. We absolutely love and adore Cape May and we visit it often, for both work and pleasure. We decided to put together a little travel guide with the help of our friend Concierge Caskia, for our friends who want to staycation, those visiting from out of town, and for our Cape May wedding couples to share with their guests!
Gorgeous Cape May is one of my favorite locations for a romantic engagement session or a fun family beach shoot. While this iconic shore town is a vacation paradise, there are so many Cape May activities to take part in, whether you’re visiting for the day, or in town for the weekend. Cape May may be known for its quaint Victorian charm, but you’ll find plenty of trendy, modern hotels and eateries, as well as cool things to do! This free travel guide guide shares all kinds of our favorite recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and more. If you’re looking for where to stay, where to eat, or things to do in Cape May, New Jersey, below is all the information you need!
Where To Stay in Cape May, NJ
When you’re looking for the grand hotel experience with all the amenities (concierge, private beach tents and spa), head to the historic Congress Hall (200 Congress Pl.).
The Casablanca (709 Columbia Ave.) is a boutique B&B that combines a contemporary bright and airy design with charming touches like a freestanding tub and afternoon tea.
Picture yourself wine in hand, relaxing on the front porch of the Hotel Macomber (727 Beach Ave.), a family run boutique guest house with magnificent oceanfront views.
I’m in love with the cool modern aesthetic at Stay Lokal (5 Stockton Pl.). These innovative apartment suites near the beach come complete with Apple TVs, a saltwater pool and extras like a Yeti cooler and backyard cornhole. Even cooler: their “invisible service” concept utilizes in room iPads for takeout and services in lieu of onsite staff.
The charming Beach Plum Farm Cottages (140 Stevens St.), located on a 62 acre working farm, include a 1850s restored carriage house, fully loaded with modern amenities like a gas-powered wood stove and a cook’s kitchen.
A stay at a vineyard in Bordeaux may not be in your budget, but check out the Airbnb listings for Willow Creek Cottages (160 Stevens St.) at scenic Willow Creek Winery.
Where To Eat in Cape May, NJ
No Cape May stay is complete without breakfast at the Mad Batter (19 Jackson St.). I’m dreaming of a relaxing breakfast on the porch, a basket full of fresh-baked breads and my favorite vegan granola with fresh fruit, pumpkin, cinnamon and almond milk.
Healthy eating comes easy in Cape May. Bella Vida Garden Cafe (406 N.Broadway) offers vegan and vegetarian fare on their lovely outdoor patio. Good Earth Organic Eatery (600 Park Blvd.) features seasonal organic fruits and veggies and locally sourced seafood. Lunch on zoodles in bolognese or a veggie-full summer curry with their homemade sourdough bread.
It’s fish tacos with a surfer vibe at Big Wave Burritos (1400 Texas Ave.), my choice when I’m in the mood for an acai or pitaya bowl.
Do try the Monkey Bowl at Aloha Smoothie Company, their yummy combo of acai, PB and banana topped with granola and chocolate flakes.
A shore vacation calls for seafood. Look no further than the classic Lobster House (Fisherman’s Wharf), with dockside dining, a waterfront view and cocktails on a 130 foot-long authentic Grand Banks sailing vessel.
Head to Lucky Bones (1200 Rte. 109 South) for upscale pub grub like hand cut crab fries and an array of brick oven pizzas with everything from the classics to Harvest Pie (with butternut squash) and New Haven style with clams and garlic.
Enjoy a chic cocktail hour on the porch at the Ebbitt Room (5 Jackson St.) at the Virginia Hotel, with specialty cocktails like the Pineapple-Jalapeno Margarita.
Summer visitors, don’t miss the West Cape May Farmers Market (732 Broadway), held on Tuesdays, June through August.
Cape May at Night
There’s live music every night at the Mad Batter (19 Jackson St.) with open mic on Sundays 7 to 10 p.m., and at Fins (142 Decatur St.) with 20 beers on tap. A hidden gem: jazz night at The Merion Inn (106 Decatur St.) Thursdays from 8 p.m. live music 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Things To Do In Cape May, NJ
Beach Plum Farm (140 Stevens St.) offers a true farm-to-table experience, producing more than 100 kinds of fruits and veggies. Feed the free range chickens, dine on property and bring home some locally-sourced jam and honey from the market.
Explore the the Historic District of Cape May, New Jersey – the Victorian homes, vintage lighthouses, and museums will leave you feeling nostalgic of Cape May’s history.
Wine on tap, what a concept! The Cape May Winery, (711 Townbank Rd.) offers a Friday happy hour 5 to 8 p.m. in the Taproom. At Willow Creek Winery (160 Stevens St.), pair your wine tasting with a tasty tapas menu.
Check out the handcrafted spirits at Nauti Spirits Distillery (916 Shunpike Rd.), offering self-guided tours and tastings.
Cape May Whale Watcher is one of a number of whale and dolphin watching excursions.
Looking for a fun girls’ trip? Take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (1200 Lincoln Blvd.) to Lewes, Delaware, then hop on a shuttles to and from all three Tanger Outlets.
And of course, visit the beach in Cape May!
Explore Sunset Beach (502 Sunset Blvd.) for Cape May “diamonds” (small pieces of quartz crystal) and stay for the spectacular sunset and the Evening Flag Ceremony, held every night at sunset between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
One of my favorite beach walks is the Cove, located at the end of the promenade at the last jetty on 2nd Ave. Piping plovers, sandpipers and if you’re lucky, you may see a dancing dolphin or two.
Cape May Travel Guides & Custom Itineraries
For more Cape May travel guides, custom itineraries, recommendations, and services, contact Concierge Caskia of Cape May! Concierge Caskia is a trendy and fun mid-twenty year old who grew up in hospitality, helping to run her parents’ hotel in Cape May, NJ. She’s worked in the Cape May industry her whole life, and is well-traveled, taking experiences and culture from other places to help others craft their perfect travel itinerary. She works with bachelorette parties, wedding couples, and visitors to the Cape May area for itinerary planning, dinner reservations, activity recommendations and anything you might need on your stay!
