There are some things you simply MUST do in Cape May. Cape May is an Island. A small, 2.5 square Mile Island. You can walk almost everywhere, or ride a bike. So the number one thing to do in Cape May is…take a walk! Park your car in our ample lot and ‘faagetaboutit’. Take a stroll along the Promenade, that runs parallel to the beach, into town and explore ‘Cape Island’. You’ll never know what you’ll stumble across. We can’t tell you everything! Crisscross the eight blocks of beautiful Victorian homes and gardens, or, you can take off from any of the side streets that offer access to the beach through the dune fence and you will have miles of white, sandy beach to sink your toes into. In the summer months there is a fee to enter the beach. However, if you keep going west toward the Cape May Lighthouse and you are feeling adventurous, you can make it all the way to the Point where there is no charge for the beach there. Just remember, you will have to walk back, so pack accordingly! Click here for our Gallery
Ride a bike!
You could take out one of our beach cruisers for a ride if you would like to cover a little more territory…so the number two thing you simply must do when you are in Cape May is ride a bike! Being so flat and beautiful, Cape May is a paradise for the casual bike rider. Take one with a basket so you can carry your purchases, and wine, back to the Inn! Take a ride out to Higbee’s Beach and walk hand-in-hand along this remote and wildly beautiful beach. On the way back on your bikes, keep an eye out for the Alpaca Farm on your left – it is well worth the stop for a break from the saddle. Warren and Barbara Nuessle at Bay Springs Farm are more than happy to have you stop by to see their herd and browse their well stocked store with its variety of garments and household items. Consider this the number three thing to do!
Explore Nature!
If you are into exploring nature here is the number four thing to do…go bird watching! Cape May is the one place in the world where you can see more than 30,000 migrating birds of prey, a monarch butterfly migration with counts that have exceeded 500 passing insects per minute, millions of migrating shore birds every spring, and even more songbirds. With the perfect climate, even in the winter, Cape May attracts the greatest diversity of birds and insects. The dragonfly migration in August is a wonder to behold. No one knows where they migrate! There are many wonderful tours and events held at the Cape May Bird Observatory and the friendly and knowledgeable folks there are on hand to help . Captain Bob operates the Black Skimmer that takes an educating tour through the salt marshes aboard his 40ft pontoon boat. He points out the birds that inhabit this area and teaches us about the eco-system, which sustains the marshes. He will impart his wisdom about the horseshoe crab and its importance to the migrating sea birds, as well as conservation efforts of the Osprey and the marine biology of this sensitive eco-system. A sunset cruise aboard the ‘Skimmer’ is not to be missed.
Kayak-attack!
If you are into spending time on the water in a bit more physical way, then hire a kayak. The number five must do in Cape May is go kayaking! |
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Boat Rides!
Being an Island, surrounded by water, what better way to see everything than by the sea? There are several Excursion Boats that offer 1-2 hour boat rides, perfect for seeing the dolphin frolic and if you are lucky, perhaps a whale. Although you can see the dolphins from the porch at Rhythm of the Sea, what a wonderful way to spend a few hours on the water. So the number six thing to do whilst in Cape May is to hop aboard one of these excursions…the Cape May Wale Watch and Research Center or the Cape May Whale Watcher Sailing from Miss Chris Marina. |
The Zoo!
If you are more into seeing wild creatures at a safe distance, then the Cape May County Park Zoo is a must see. This wooded environment filled with lovely trails lead you to discover the secret world of animals. So that makes number seven - have a wild time as you explore nearly 80 acres with almost 200 different species when you visit the Zoo. |
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Theater!
The number eight thing to do in Cape May is to go to the theatre. No, not the movies! The real the thing! We are so lucky to have several professional equity theatres perform throughout the summer and fall season. Cape May Stage, and East Lynne Theater |
Vineyards & Wine Tasting!
Two things make Cape May County a wine destination. With the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay providing a temperate climate this makes for ideal conditions for grape growing and is perfect for producing quality wine.. We have two boutique wineries in Cape May who have won dozens of medals in state competitions including the prestigious Governor’s Cup. A visit to the tasting rooms of either of these vineyards is the number nine must do while staying with us in Cape May. Pack a picnic and spread a rug between the vines at the Cape May Winery or have them arrange a cheese board for you and borrow one of their rugs! Turdo Vineyards is just down the road, so save some tasting for later. |
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Art & History!
Being a Historic town, tours of all sorts are offered year ‘round. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, a non-profit cultural organization, (MAC) formed in 1970 to save the 1879 Emlen Physic Estate from the wrecking ball, is at the center of promoting the Victorian heritage of this beautiful landmark town. MAC now operates the 18- room restored mansion as Cape May’s only Victorian house museum. MAC also restored and operates the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse where visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Year-round, MAC offers a full schedule of tours and events, so the number ten must do in Cape May is to take a MAC tour. Tickets can be bought at the information booth in the center of the Washington Street Walking Mall or at the Hill House at the Emlen Physic Estate. |
Mini-Cruise!
If you are traveling through the Delmarva Peninsula coming from Virginia, Washington D.C., or parts south, a wonderful way to arrive in South Jersey is by car ferry. It does not save you any time however the last 80 minutes of your trip are a leisurely cruise aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. It is a memorable way to travel between Delaware and New Jersey. The mini cruise is a 17 mile, 80 minute voyage and accommodates passengers by foot, car or bicycle. During the busy summer season and major holidays reservations are recommended. If you have an extended stay in Cape May, take a day trip aboard the ferry to the historic seaport town of Lewes, Delaware or beyond to Rehoboth, Delaware, to the outlets there. There are many sailings and the ferry runs 16 hours per day, year-round, and schedules can be found on their web site, www.capemaylewesferry.com or by phone on 1-800-643-3779. So the number eleven activity to do in Cape May is take a cruise aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry. |
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Health Spas!
Now, after all these activities (who’s counting anyway) you are going to need a relaxing treatment at one of the pampering and rejuvenating salon/spas in Cape May. At Cape May Day Spa, the peaceful atmosphere is so appealing for a true getaway experience. For a beautifying change of pace during your vacation, experience pure indulgence at Accent on Beauty for a full service salon/spa treatment. You deserve it! |
Shopping! Shopping! Shopping, & eating!
We haven’t touched on shopping and eating…more on that later. Whatever your activity we will point you in the right direction. Sometimes doing nothing at all is what you are looking for, so don’t hesitate. There is nothing more hopelessly romantic than watching the sun set, so you will have to fit that in somewhere during your stay. |
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Fishing Charters
Capt. Barry Lafferty has been fishing the Cape May area for the last 21 years. They have placed at several tournaments!
Hooksetter Fishing Charters accommodate the beginner to the experienced angler. They will do our best to make sure that you catch fish and that your trip is enjoyable. They will take the time to make sure your tackle and gear is ready. |
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