"A week by the sea" Top 5 Page for this destination Cape May by toonsarah

Cape May Travel Guide: 288 reviews and 488 photos

"Painted Ladies" on Gurney Street

I have to say that it had never occurred to us in the past that we might visit New Jersey. While I quite enjoy a brief encounter from time to time with the sort of brash tackiness that its reputation suggests, it doesn’t have enough appeal to lure me to spend a week in its company.

But while researching likely spots in which we might unwind after a week in New York I discovered Cape May – a very different sort of New Jersey resort. OK it has a boardwalk (so-called, though it’s actually a paved promenade) and some typical seaside attractions such as crazy golf and amusement arcades. But these are low key and relatively unobtrusive, or at least they certainly were when we visited in late September. The real attractions of Cape May are the large number of beautiful Victorian cottages that grace its centre and the beautiful natural resources on its doorstep.

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Humpback whale

The entire city of Cape May has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and as you walk its peaceful streets you can easily see why. Lined with hundreds of these beautiful “Painted Ladies” they create a real sense of having stepped back in time, especially when you hear the leisurely clip-clop of a passing horse and carriage or see the lantern of an evening walking tour guide ahead of you.

Every house is different, and they are a photographer’s delight, as well as providing visitors with a wonderful range of individual apartments and bed and breakfasts. And as well as the houses themselves there are many other traces of Victorian Cape May, such as hitching posts for horses and mail-boxes.

Young gull on Higbee Beach

Alongside all this history, there is natural beauty too. We went on a fantastic whale watching trip, and the town’s location at the tip of the state, guarding the entrance to Delaware Bay, and its natural resources, make it a haven for migrating birds, especially hawks and sea birds, and even if you’re not an enthusiast or an expert you’ll probably, like us, enjoy seeing and learning about the various species. And it’s not just migrating birds who pass through the area – Cape May is on the route of the Monarch butterflies’ annual migration too.

There is also a beautiful (and award-winning) beach in the centre of town and many other lovely ones in the immediate area. Our favourite for walks was Higbee, but you’re bound to find your own special one. The nearby State Park has a lighthouse you can climb, as well as a beach and bird-watching decks.

But I think what we liked best about Cape May was the relaxing pace of life, the feeling of being “at home”, and the friendly welcome we received.

Pros and Cons

Pros: beautiful architecture, lovely beaches and a laid-back vibe
Cons: less to do than some other seaside towns – don’t come here for bright lights and action

Last visit to Cape May: Sep 2008
Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Reviews (38)

Pavements Warnings and Dangers (1)

OK this photo of Chris is staged, but it carries a genuine warning. The pavements around Cape May are very cracked and... more travel advice

Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) Favorites (6)

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts is a non-profit organisation which organises tours, events, and festivals in the... more travel advice

Monarch butterflies Favorites (6)

As well as being on the migration route for many birds, twice each year Cape May plays host to thousands of migrating... more travel advice

Black skimmers, Cape May Beach - Cape May

Birds Favorites (6)

After its Victorian architecture, Cape May is probably best known and most celebrated for its wealth of birdlife. I... more travel advice

Shopping (5)
See All Photos and jewellery
Nightlife (1)
Drinks at the bar
Restaurants (8)
See All A wonderful sandwich!
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All A day trip to Atlantic City

Things to Do (9)
See All Cape May County Zoo
Hotels (1)
Our own cosy pad just a block from the...
Transportation (2)
See All Parking
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Comments (21)

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hunterV Jun 27, 2010 at 3:02 AM

Hello, Sarah! Thanks for your nice story about that superb destination... Marvellous! ><><><><
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BruceDunning Jun 1, 2010 at 10:00 AM

I took another viewing of your pictures and still think I may try to get up that way based on your comments. Thanks for the descriptions of the areas.
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hopang Mar 25, 2010 at 12:45 PM

Outstanding Cape May travel page! Cold Spring Village, Point State Park, Higbee and Sunset Beaches are certainly worth visiting. Your tips on restaurants are really great! We hope to visit Cape May one day. ~ho & pang
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richiecdisc May 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM

So sorry we missed you when you were in NJ, Sarah. But it looks like you found it all. Glad you got to the zoo and ate fudge. The Blue Pig sounds like a cool place and you found out they make good cocktails in NJ too!
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Arkeolog Mar 31, 2009 at 4:28 AM

Wow! great page. Esp i liked that lighthouse. looks excellent. Your photos and tips are great too.
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Jenniflower Mar 31, 2009 at 4:03 AM

So much to do in Cape May!!! Lovely photos and descriptions, thanks Sarah!
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deecat Mar 28, 2009 at 8:47 PM

With birds, butterflies, whale watching, salt marshes, "Painted Ladies", a lighthouse, zoo, historic village, and your fabulous accommodations..I'd say Cape May is impressive. Marvelous restaurant tips. A joy to read & view.
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sue_stone Feb 14, 2009 at 8:27 AM

Sounds like you found plenty to keep you occupied in Cape May, and some decent food too! Though I do take offence to your attitude to decaf coffee ; )
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Bwana_Brown Jan 13, 2009 at 4:09 PM

Whale-watching, old Victorian houses, shipwrecks, lighthouses and some fine restaurants thrown in too - Cape May sounds like my kind of place! This is an excellent page Sarah - beautifully done!
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gilabrand Jan 11, 2009 at 2:31 AM

Old cemeteries --oooh, just what I like...I caught the bug from my mother the geneaologist.