Top 10 Cape May Attractions

by | Apr 16, 2015 | Cape May, New Jersey, Family, Featured, Shore Guide

Top 10 Cape May Attractions
  1. The History
    The entire city of Cape May has been designated a National Historic Landmark. You can take guided tours of the Victorian bed and breakfasts, or stop by the Visitor’s Center to pick up a map for a self-guided tour.
  2. The Washington Street Mall
    The shops here have been family-owned and operated for generations. The shopping here is upscale and the dining is fine.
  3. The Cape May Point Lighthouse
    This lighthouse was first lit in 1859, and is still operational to this day! Climb the 218 steps to the top and see the Jersey shore spread out below you, or just take in the sights at the museum and gift shop in the oil house without leaving the ground. For an extra-special experience, climb the tower at night and gaze at the stars!
  4. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry
    Take a ride across the water to Lewes, Delaware, itself a historic town with lots of great shopping.
  5. The Bed and Breakfasts
    For a romantic getaway, you can’t beat a Victorian bed and breakfast in Cape May! The rooms are cozy, yet luxurious, outfitted with antiques and handmade quilts. The meals are sumptuous, and you’ll find plenty of places to lounge with your full belly. People-watch from the porch, stroll in the gardens, or sunbathe on the deck. Most of the bed and breakfasts provide complimentary towels and beach chairs, and some even offer bicycles!
  6. The Atlantus
    Just offshore at Sunset Beach, you’ll find a quirky piece of American history. During World War I, when shipbuilding materials were becoming scarce, several prototype concrete ships were constructed. The Atlantus is the second of those ships. After the war, the town planned to use the ship as a ferry between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware, but the ship ran aground before reaching the channel that had been dug for it.
  7. The Cape May Zoo
    This zoo is open year round and admission is free. More than two hundred different species make their homes in the zoo’s many acres. Explore the bird habitat, the reptile house, and the African savannah. Don’t look too hard for elephants, however; you won’t find any at the Cape May Zoo!
  8. The Cape May Bird Observatory
    Birding supplies and guided tours are available at the Northwood Center if you like; you can also just watch the action over Lily Lake.
  9. Fishing and Whale Watching
    Take a half day charter boat out and try your hand at deep sea fishing. If you prefer you feet on dry land, you can give surf fishing a try! And don’t miss a dolphin and whale watching cruise; it’s also a great chance to check out the Jersey shore from the water.
  10. And Oh Yeah… There’s a Beach, too.
    Some beaches are non-bathing, but they’re a great place for a sunset stroll. You can hunt for Cape May Diamonds on Sunset Beach.