Things to Do in Cape May NJ | The Ultimate Local’s Guide

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip, a romantic weekend escape, or a full-blow family vacation, this is your definitive guide to the best things to do in Cape May, NJ – written by a local who has explored every corner of this place.

Cape May, New Jersey is one of the most magical places on the East Coast – and I say that as someone who calls it home. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, it’s America’s oldest seaside resort and one of the best-preserved collections of Victorian architecture in the country. But Cape May is so much more than pretty gingerbread houses. It’s whale watches at sunrise, locally made wine poured under string lights, farm-fresh brunches, and the feeling of sand between your toes at the very tip of New Jersey.

Outdoor Activities & Natural Attractions in Cape May NJ

Climb the Cape May Lighthouse

No trip to Cape May is complete without a visit to the iconic 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Climb all 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the surrounding Cape May Point State Park. The original Oil Storage Building on the grounds is also open and free to the public. It’s one of the most photographed spots in all of South Jersey – and for good reason.

Pro tip: Visit in the early morning for the best light and the fewest crowds.

Hunt for Cape May Diamonds at Sunset Beach

Head to Sunset Beach at Cape May Point and comb the shoreline for Cape May diamonds – tiny, polished quartz stones that wash ashore and are completely unique to this stretch of coast. It’s a beloved local ritual and makes for a meaningful, free souvenir. While you’re there, catch one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness over the Delaware Bay. There’s also an amazing restaurant, The Fish House, located right next to the parking lot with an incredible view.

Explore Cape May Point State Park

Cape May Point State Park is a gem for nature lovers. With marked nature trails winding through forest, wetlands, and beachfront, it’s an ideal location for birding, picnics, and peaceful walks. Cape May is considered the birding capital of North America, and the park’s Hawkwatch Platform is one of the best places on the continent to observe migratory birds.

Watch the Sunrise at Poverty Beach

For a truly magical start to your day, head to Poverty Beach at the very north tip of Cape May before sunrise. The morning light here is absolutely otherworldly – golden, soft, and completely quiet before the rest of the town wakes up. It’s my single favorite spot in all of Cape May.

Walk or Bike the Cape May Promenade

Cape May’s promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, making it perfect for a morning walk or a leisurely bike ride past beaches, Victorian homes, and ocean views. Rent a bike from Shields Bike Rental and spend an afternoon pedaling your way through town – it’s the most convenient (and fun) way to see everything.

Take a Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center has been running eco-tours since 1987 and is the original dolphin and whale watching operation in the area. Tours depart from Cape May Harbor and give you a chance to spot dolphins, humpback whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience and thing to do in Cape May NJ for all ages – book early, as tours fill up fast in summer.

Visit Beach Plum Farm

Beach Plum Farm is a working farm, market, and kitchen that is absolutely worth a detour. Stroll the lush grounds, feed the chickens, marvel at the baby pigs, and browse their charming market stocked with fresh produce and local goods. It’s pastoral, peaceful, and completely unlike anything else in Cape May.

Where to Eat: Cape May’s Best Restaurants

Cape May has one of the most impressive dining scenes on the Jersey Shore and a must thing to do in Cape May NJ. From casual beachside fate to elegant farm-to-table dinners, here are the spots worth every bite.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

• The Mad Batter – The Mad Batter is an institution. Known for their fluffy pancakes and legendary Bloody Mary, it’s worth whatever wait you encounter. They don’t take reservations, but as a party of two you’ll rarely wait long.
• George’s Place – Banana French Toast, Eggs Benedict, unlimited omelet options. The menu is extensive and everything is good. A true Cape May classic.
• Blue Pig Tavern – Tucked into the corner of the iconic Congress Hall hotel, the Blue Pig Tavern serves hearty farm-fresh breakfasts using free-range eggs and produce from Beach Plum Farm. The Cape May Seaside Omelet with jumbo lump crabmeat is a standout, and the buttermilk pancakes are not to be missed. Bonus: they take reservations, so no waiting in line.

COFFEE & SMALL BITES

• Out There Coffee – Sweet owners, exceptional quality, and the best oat milk latte you’ll find at the Shore.
• Golden Stop – My personal favorite. Coffee, baked goods, fresh juices, and smoothies. A wonderful spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.

LUNCH

• Big Wave Burrito – Some of the best tacos and burritos in South Jersey. They also do incredible acai bowls. Located just off the Washington Street Mall in a casual, vibrant space. Pro-tip: You can park across the street in the Acme parking lot for pretty cheap!
• The Lobster House (Raw Bar or Schooner) — Sit on the water and enjoy the freshest seafood in Cape May County. There’s nothing quite like crab legs with the harbor as your backdrop.

DINNER

• Grana – My personal favorite restaurant in Cape May. An incredible BYOB with a menu that changes based on seasonal ingredients. Reserve well in advance.
• The Ebbitt Room – Fine dining at its best. Located in the historic Virginia Hotel, this is the place for an intimate, special-occasion dinner. And if you don’t have a reservation, the bar is a destination in its own right – cozy, sophisticated, and the perfect spot to settle in with a craft cocktail and a light bite without the wait.
• The Washington Inn – Another top-tier dinner option with an impressive wine list, craft cocktails, and excellent happy hour specials. The crab cakes are a must.
• Taco Caballito Tequileria – A vibrant, unique dining experience that blends modern Mexican cuisine with an artisanal tequila bar. Perfect for a fun, festive evening.
• Maison Bleue – Cape May’s charming French bistro tucked into a Victorian on Washington Street, steps from Congress Hall. The menu reads like a love letter to classic French cuisine — think prime steak tartare, baked local oysters with leek fondue and caviar, coq au vin, and a crème brûlée that regulars rave about. It’s a BYOB (Collier’s Liquor Store is conveniently right next door).
• The Cricket Club – Housed in a beautifully renovated 1885 Victorian on Decatur Street, The Cricket Club brings globally-inspired small plates and hearty entrees to one of Cape May’s most atmospheric dining rooms. From the family behind the Mad Batter, standouts include the Short Rib Fries, Wagyu and burrata ravioli, and a crab cake that’s all crab, no filler. Live music most nights and a full bar pouring English-style cask ales round out the experience.
• Beach Plum Farm Dinner Series – Throughout the season, Beach Plum Farm hosts intimate, farm-to-table candlelit dinners served family-style around communal tables. It’s one of the most special dining experiences in all of Cape May.

Wineries, Breweries & Best Cocktail Spots

• Cape May Winery & Vineyard – My personal favorite winery in Cape May, and honestly one of the best afternoons you can spend on the island. Located on Townbank Road, this family-owned winery has been growing grapes here since 1989 and now cultivates 11 varietals across 26 acres – a true labor of love. The tapas menu is a highlight, with rotating small plates that pair beautifully with their wine flights. Friday evenings from 5–8 PM are especially magical: happy hour with live music, tapas, and a glass of something local in hand surrounded by the vines. Don’t leave without trying their Cabernet Franc.
• Cape May Brewing Co. – About 15 minutes from the island, Cape May Brewing Co. is a local institution. Their diverse lineup of all-natural, locally sourced craft beers is absolutely worth the short drive.
• Congress Hall (The Brown Room & Porch) – For a classic Cape May cocktail experience, there’s no better spot than the porch or the Brown Room at the iconic Congress Hall hotel. Order a gin and tonic, settle into a rocking chair, and watch the world go by.
• Nauti Spirits Distillery – A 60-acre preserved farm and Cape May’s coolest under-the-radar stop. This farm-to-bottle distillery handcrafts vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey from locally grown Jersey ingredients – including sweet potatoes and corn from their own fields. Take the distillery tour, then settle into the tasting room for inventive seasonal cocktails. Don’t leave without grabbing a bottle from the shop.
• Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille – Harry’s Rooftop Bar offers one of the best elevated views in town. Arrive early to snag a seat before sunset.
• Willow Creek Winery – A stunning 50-acre winery and farm open daily at noon for outdoor dining. Fire Pit Fridays feature live music from 6–9 PM. Sip rosé in their vineyard garden and let the world slow down around you.

Shopping on the Washington Street Mall & Beyond

One of the most popular things to do in Cape May NJ is to shop on The Washington Street Mall – a pedestrian shopping corridor and one of the most charming places to spend an afternoon. Here are the shops you won’t want to miss:

• Givens – Clothes, jewelry, pottery, books, and more. One of the most eclectic and beloved shops in town.
• Louisa’s Chocolate Bar – Features specialty and small-batch chocolatiers. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Queen May Jewelry – A beautiful collection of jewelry and designer goods in a lovingly curated shop.
• Happy Baby Boutique – A must for families on the Mall. Adorable organic clothing, toys, and accessories for little ones, plus Cape May’s exclusive Jellycat retailer.
• Cash & Clive – A stylish women’s boutique on the Mall carrying contemporary brands like Rails, Free People, and Mother Denim. Perfect for picking up a chic outfit for a night out.
• Good Scents – Books, incense, candles, and jewelry for the soul-seeker in your group.
• The Days – Sustainable apparel and accessories on Washington Street, just off the Mall.
• Peace Pie – End your Mall stroll with an ice cream sandwich from Peace Pie. The flavors rotate and they are extraordinary.

History, Culture & Unique Experiences in Cape May NJ

Victorian Architecture Tour by Trolley

Hop on one of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) cheery red trolleys for a guided tour through Cape May’s stunning Victorian historic district. It’s one of the most comfortable and informative ways to absorb 150 years of history. Tours run year-round.

The Emlen Physick Estate

Built in 1879 and designed by renowned American architect Frank Furness, the Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May’s only Victorian house museum. Tour the meticulously preserved interior for a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era life on the Jersey Shore.

Ghost Tours

Cape May is considered one of America’s most haunted cities. US Ghost Tours and MAC’s Ghost Trolley Tours both offer after-dark walking tours through the historic district’s most storied locations. These are especially popular in October when the whole town leans into its spooky history with Halloween Happenings, murder mystery dinners, and scarecrow displays at the Physick Estate.

Cape May Stage

Southern New Jersey’s premier Equity theater, Cape May Stage brings award-winning productions to life with nationally recognized actors in an intimate venue. If you visit during a run, it’s absolutely worth an evening.

Rail Biking with Revolution Rail Co.

One of the most unique things to do in Cape May NJ – pedal a four-wheeled rail bike along 9 miles of historic railroad track through the marshes of Cape May County. It’s quirky, fun, and completely unlike anything else you’ll do on vacation. Book early; trips sell out.

Sunset Cruise

Book a sunset cruise out of Cape May Harbor to watch the sky turn pink and gold over the Delaware Bay. Whether you spot dolphins along the way or simply drift with a glass of wine in hand, it’s one of the most romantic ways to close out a day in Cape May.

Relax & Restore

• The Well Cape May – Treat yourself to a restorative massage or facial at The Well. Perfect for a mid-trip afternoon when you want to slow down and recharge.
• Sea Spa – Luxurious massage therapy in cabana-style treatment rooms steps from the beach.
• Cape May Day Spa – Cape May’s top-rated boutique spa offering massages, facials, and body wraps year-round. A perfect mid-trip reset, with couples’ treatment rooms available.

Where to Stay in Cape May

Cape May has accommodation options to match every style and budget, from charming Victorian B&Bs to modern boutique hotels. Here are my top picks:

• Congress Hall – Cape May’s iconic grand hotel. The porch, the Brown Room, the pool — there’s nowhere that captures the spirit of Cape May quite like Congress Hall.
• Lokal Hotel – A modern, design-forward boutique stay with a cool, editorial aesthetic.
• ICONA Cape May – Luxurious comfort with stunning ocean views and a lively atmosphere.
• Beach Plum Farm Cottages – For a completely unique, farm-stay experience, these cottages are magical.
• Buttonwood Manor – A beautifully appointed inn perfect for a romantic getaway.

Cape May Is a Year-Round Destination

One of Cape May’s best-kept secrets is that it’s wonderful in every season with so many things to do in Cape May NJ anytime of year. Summer brings the full beach experience, but fall is arguably even better – the crowds thin out, the restaurants are still open, and October’s Halloween Happenings fill the town with events. Winter offers cozy fireside evenings at breweries, wine trail tours, and an intimate, locals-only energy. Spring is peak time for birding and seeing the Victorian gardens come back to life.

Capture Your Cape May Memories

As a Cape May-based photographer, I’m lucky enough to spend my days in one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast. If you’re visiting and would love to bring home more than just photos on your phone, I’d love to photograph you – whether it’s an engagement session at Cape May Point at golden hour, a surprise proposal on Sunset Beach, or a relaxed family portrait session by the ocean.

The soft light at sunset combined with Cape May’s wide-open beaches and Victorian architecture creates some of the most stunning portrait backdrops imaginable. Reach out here to inquire about booking a session during your visit.

Ready to Plan Your Cape May Trip?

From the lighthouse to the farm, from the winery to the beach, the things to do in Cape May, NJ are as varied as the people who fall in love with this place. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you’ll leave with a full heart, a full stomach, and every intention of coming back.

Save this guide, share it with a friend planning their trip, and if you have questions about visiting Cape May – I’m always happy to help. It’s my hometown, and I’ll never stop being proud of it.