Enjoy Cape May’s beaches, boating, Victorian architecture, art, wine tasting, dining, beachfront beauty, and more…
Cape May is a small 2.5 square Mile Island. There are some things you simply MUST do here.
You can walk almost everywhere, or ride a bike. As soon as you arrive, relax, breathe in the ocean air and plan your list…
Take a walk!
Park your car in our ample lot and ‘fugget’about’it’. Take a stroll along the Promenade that runs parallel to the beach, wander into town, or explore ‘Cape Island’. You’ll never know what you’ll stumble across. 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 dune fences. You’ll find miles of white, sandy beach to sink your toes into it. In the summer months there is a fee to enter the beach. However, if you are feeling adventurous, keep going west toward the Cape May Lighthouse and you can make it all the way to the Point where there is no beach charge. Just remember, you will have to walk back to the B&B, so be prepared!
Ride a bike!
If you would like to cover a little more territory, take one of our free beach cruisers out for a ride. (or bring your own or rent one). Cape May is flat and scenic–a paradise for casual bike rides. Take a longer ride out to Higbee Beach and walk hand-in-hand along the remote and wildly beautiful Delaware Bay. On the way back, stop for a break at Bay Springs Farm Alpacas on your left – it is well worth it. Warren and Barbara Nuessle are happy to have you stop by to see their herd and browse their well stocked store with its variety of garments, yarns and household items. Pedal to the top of the West Cape May Bridge ;-) then stop for a much-needed breather after the climb to enjoy the view from the only hill on Cape May! You can join up with the rail trail afterward for a smooth roll home.
Explore Nature!
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 winter, Cape May attracts a great diversity of birds and insects. The dragonfly migration in August is a wonder to behold. No one knows to where they migrate! There are many wonderful tours and events held at the Cape May Bird Observatory and friendly and knowledgeable folks on hand to help you. Captain Travis operates the Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari that takes an educating tour through the salt marshes aboard a 40-ft. pontoon boat. Naturalists point out the birds that inhabit this area and teach about the eco-system, which sustains the marshes. They will impart their 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 and is high on the list for memorable excursions.
Kayak, Surf or Paddleboard!
If you are into spending time on the water, you can rent a kayak, surf or paddleboard. In Cape May, kayaking, surfing and paddling are perfect ways to experience nature up close and personal. Don’t forget your hat, sun lotion and water bottle!
Boat Rides and Fishing Charters!
Cape May is an island and offers a fantastic viewpoint to take-in the sea shore. There are several Excursion Boats that offer 1-2 hour boat rides, perfect for seeing the dolphins frolic and perhaps a whale. Although you can see the dolphins from the porch at Rhythm of the Sea, a charter is a wonderful way to spend a few hours on the water. So hop aboard one of these excursions: the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center Excursion or the Cape May Whale Watcher Sailing from Miss Chris Marina. If you want to catch one of those fish the dolphins are chasing, perhaps a try a fishing charter. Fishing Charters accommodate the beginner to the experienced angler. They take the time to make sure your tackle and gear is ready and do their best to make sure that you catch fish and that your trip is enjoyable.
Vineyards & Wine Tasting! Craft Beer and Nauti Spirits Distillery
Two things make Cape May County a wine destination. The Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay provide a temperate climate that makes ideal conditions for grape growing and is perfect for producing quality wine. We have several boutique wineries in Cape May that have won dozens of medals in state competitions including the prestigious Governor’s Cup. A visit to the tasting rooms of any of these vineyards is the number six 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 blankets! Turdo Vineyards is just down the road, so save some room for tasting later. Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery is just up the pike a few miles and offers a selection of tasty nibbles from Seaside Gourmet Cheese while you enjoy sipping their wines. Willow Creek Winery is the only Napa-style winery located on the Island. Open daily for wine tours, they offer a famous in-depth vineyard experience eco-tour cart tour. Enjoy a bottle or a glass of fine wine with their delicious farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres. From there, just down the road a bit, visit Beach Plum Farm farmer’s market, serving breakfast, lunch and snacks out amongst the herb gardens. They also offer farm-to-table al fresco and family style dinner series Fridays from the end of September to the middle of November.
Across the West Cape May Bridge is Nauti Spirits Distillery. This farm to bottle distillery serves up seasonal artisan cocktails using locally grown fruit and herbs from their farm. You’re welcome to bring in your own food while enjoying their spirits of Gin (made from Juniper and locally grown botanicals), Vodka (made from sweet potatoes from their farm) and Rum (made from high grade American molasses) either neat or in cocktail form, in the tasting room.
Arts, History …and beer!
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 Physick 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. Tickets can be bought at the information booth at the end of the Washington Street Walking Mall or at the Hill House at the Emlen Physick Estate.
If you are an aviation buff, visit the Cape May Aviation Museum for an awesome walk back in time. The museum invites visitors to explore aviation, New Jersey, military and WWII history through hands on fun and education. Stop in for a cold craft brew at the Cape May Brewery right next door.
On to Cold Springs Village, an 1800’s living history museum featuring restored historic buildings on a 30-acre site with demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery, basket weaving, and open hearth cooking. The general store is fun to browse and on a hot day (or any day really) visit the Cold Spring Brewery in the reclaimed barn on the grounds.
Health Spas!
Now, after all these activities (who’s counting anyway) you are going to need a relaxing treatment at one of the rejuvenating salon/spas in Cape May. At Cape May Day Spa, the peaceful atmosphere is a true getaway experience. Try the couples side-by-side massage package. For a beautifying change of pace during your vacation, experience pure indulgence at Accent on Beauty for a full service salon/spa treatment. Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a haven of simple pleasures and healthy indulgence that is always cheerful, uplifting and inspiring. You deserve it!
Shopping! Shopping! and more Shopping!
We haven’t touched on shopping …need we say more? Here comes number nine…Retail Therapy!! We’ve got shops galore. Check out the fabulous boutiques, knick-knack shops and pop-ups any time of the year.
Eating!
Cape May is known as the culinary capital of New Jersey. Enjoy Cape May’s fun, fine and friendly dining. Many restaurants are B.Y.O. so pack accordingly! Do your advance research with CapeMay.com’s Restaurant Guide to get current listings and hours for the dates of your visit. Visit CapeMay.com’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Guide to learn more about Cape May Area’s local craft wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as island liquor stores where you can purchase beer, wine (some locally made), and spirits. We enjoy sharing our favorite dining spots with our guests, which you’ll find while perusing our Breakfast and Dining page. Consider coming during Restaurant Week, in Spring and Fall!
Watching the Sunset!
You can’t leave the Cape without experiencing a romantic sun set, so remember to save an evening during your stay. Perhaps couple it with a visit to Cape May Point for the Flag Lowering Ceremony at Sunset Beach. A very patriotic event that is a 40-year tradition. Held daily from Memorial Day to the end of August, and Saturdays in September. All of the flags that fly from the mast are veterans’ flags that families bring with them.
Whatever your activity, we will point you in the right direction. Sometimes doing absolutely nothing at all is what you need, so don’t hesitate to kick back and do nada!