Cape May New Jersey – Beaches and More
Victorian Inns, Great Restaurants and Family Fun on the Jersey Shore
Aug 29, 2009
Cape May, NJ is a National Historic Landmark known for its pristine collection of beautifully restored Victorian structures. This seaside resort is located about 2 hours from Philadelphia and about 4 hours from New York City at the last exit from the Garden State Parkway. Summer is the most popular time for visitors to Cape May's sparkling beaches but the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts hosts year-round activities including spooky Halloween ghost tours and special Victorian-themed Christmas events.
Where to Stay in Cape May
Cape May has many accommodation options including cozy bed and breakfasts, larger historic inns and casual beachfront motels. Visitors planning to stay a week or more may want to rent a private property ranging from full houses to one-bedroom condominiums.
Shopping in Cape May
The three main shopping areas in Cape May are the Washington Street Mall, Washington Commons and Beach Avenue. There are also a number of shops on the side streets leading to the Washington Street Mall. In additional to many seaside staples such as fudge shops and tee shirt shops there are also many interesting gift shops, toy stores, bookstores and antique stores.
Where to Dine in Cape May
There is no shortage of restaurants in Cape May but be prepared to wait for a table at many of these eateries during the busy summer months. Casual dining options include Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant on Beach Avenue open for breakfast and lunch and famous for many varieties of pancakes. Zoe’s Beachfront Eatery located on Beach Avenue directly across from Convention Hall offers freshly made salads and sandwiches and also has a full breakfast menu. The patio at Zoe’s is dog friendly for visitors traveling with their pet.
The Mad Batter on Jackson Street offers full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. A bistro menu is available at the bar. Seating options include the sunny front porch; the sky lit dining room and a cozy garden terrace.
For a more formal dining option, visitors may want to try 410 Bank Street which features seafood and meat dishes prepared with a French Caribbean flair. The Ebbitt Room in the Virginia Hotel, 25 Jackson Street offers a large menu of innovative American cuisine including seafood, chicken and steak.
Cape May Activities
During the summer months the wide, clean beach is certainly one of Cape May’s main attractions. Daily beach tags are sold at various entry points. Chair and umbrella rentals are available. There are a couple of snack shops and arcades on the promenade that runs for about one mile parallel to the beach.
At any time of year, the historic town of Cape May cannot be overlooked. Cape May is a photographer’s delight with so many brightly-painted Victorian era homes. Strolling down the street is an activity in itself. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) offers several trolley tours through the historic district. Information on these tours is available at the MAC booth on the Washington Street Mall.
Some of the historic inns open their doors for tours. The Abbey, 34 Gurney Street, offers an afternoon Tea and Tour in season every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4:00. Angel of the Sea, 5 Trenton Avenue gives daily tours year-round, weather permitting, at 11:30, 1215 and 1:00.
Many legends circulate about the ghosts of Cape May. Believers and non-believers are invited to join The Original Cape May Walking Ghost Tour most evenings. Tickets are sold at the Boo-tique, 727 Beach Drive. The guide will describe various paranormal happenings that have been recorded over the years at some of Cape May’s most famous historic buildings.
A Destination for All Seasons
Whether looking for a relaxing summer beach getaway or a romantic weekend any time of year, Cape May New Jersey offers the unique combination of accommodation options, plenty of dining choices and activities to suit everyone.
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