New Jersey, USA
The Cape May Lighthouse, completed in 1859, is a prominent navigational aid offering breathtaking panoramic views from its 199 steps. Visitors can explore its history and enjoy stunning sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
The Emlen Physick Estate, an 1879 Victorian house museum, showcases one of the finest examples of Victorian stick-style architecture. Guided tours provide detailed insights into Victorian life and social customs.
Combine a visit with a trolley tour for additional context on Victorian architecture. Check the Cape May MAC schedule for special events like Victorian teas or holiday tours.
Operating since 1816, it is one of America's oldest continuously operating hotels.
A grand historical landmark located right on the beachfront.
The lobby and public areas are accessible to non-guests.
Enjoy a drink at the Blue Pig Tavern or relax on the grand veranda overlooking the ocean.
During the holidays, the hotel offers elaborate decorations worth seeing.
Cape May offers several institutions that preserve and interpret its rich history and culture.
Manages several historic sites and offers various tours providing deep insights into Cape May's past.
This historic tower offers panoramic views of the coastline and insights into the area's role in coastal defense. A joint ticket with the Lighthouse is often available.
Opened in 2020, this museum tells the story of Harriet Tubman's time in Cape May, where she worked to fund her efforts on the Underground Railroad.
The commercial hub of Cape May, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes in historic buildings.
An iconic, grand historical landmark right on the beachfront, operating since 1816.
The entire city is a National Historic Landmark, offering self-guided or Cape May MAC guided tours to explore Victorian architecture.
A meticulously preserved Victorian house museum offering insights into 19th-century life.
Climb 199 steps for unparalleled panoramic views of the coastline.
The umbrella organization managing historic sites and tours throughout Cape May.
The entire city of Cape May serves as a historical site, a testament to its preserved past.
Cape May's natural beauty complements its historical charm, offering serene escapes and wildlife viewing.
Pristine, wide sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Beach tags are required for access during the peak season.
A coastal park known for its iconic lighthouse, exceptional birdwatching, and diverse ecosystem of dunes, marshes, and ponds.
A largely undeveloped stretch of beach and dunes along the Delaware Bay, popular for migratory birds and stunning sunset views.
Beach tags are required for access during the peak season (generally Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, 10 AM - 5 PM).
Purchase from beach tag booths or city offices.Cape May is a world-renowned bird migration hotspot, with thousands of birds passing through in spring and fall.
Visit Cape May Bird Observatory for resources.A unique concrete ship wreck (SS Atlantus) just offshore at Sunset Beach, great for finding "Cape May Diamonds" (quartz pebbles).
Learn more about its history.Located a short drive north in Stone Harbor, this environmental education center is dedicated to the coastal ecosystem.
Features interactive exhibits and a marsh walkway.Cape May is a premier bird migration hotspot, especially in the fall, drawing birders from around the world.
Experience incredible marine life on dedicated boat tours departing from Cape May Harbor.
Explore the easy walking trails at Cape May Point State Park or the more rugged paths at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area for diverse natural settings.
Don't forget bug spray, especially in wooded or marshy areas during warmer months.
Beyond the main attractions, Cape May offers quieter spots and unique finds for those seeking a discovery.
Located at Cape May Point, facing the Delaware Bay, this spot is popular for sunset viewing but hides an unique history.
These lesser-known spots offer engagement with Cape May's natural environment and rural heritage.
Just a short drive from central Cape May, offering a glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
A family-friendly attraction providing an important historical perspective outside the Victorian core.
Overlooking Cape May Harbor, this center focuses on local ecology and environmental education.
A hands-on way to learn about the area's diverse natural environment.
While known to avid birders, many general tourists might overlook its educational value.
A fantastic spot to learn about the incredible bird migration in the region.
Consider trolley tours for an overview of the Historic District or specialized walking tours by Cape May MAC for in-depth stories.
Some attractions, like the Lighthouse and WWII Lookout Tower, may have reduced hours in the off-season. Always check before visiting.
Joint tickets for the Lighthouse and WWII Lookout Tower often offer good value for a comprehensive historical experience.
