the perfect guide to cape may, nj
With summer right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to share my guide to Cape May. My mom and I have been going on a yearly girls’ trip to Cape May since 2019. It is our favorite weekend every year.
Every year, we try something new, and of course, we have our favorite spots that we will continue returning to. Whether you are going on a romantic getaway, a family vacay or like us, a mother-daughter weekend, this guide has something for you!
gastronomic guide to cape may !
what to do!
Of course, go to the beach! Relax, jump the waves, and soak in the sun. And if you are looking for other activities to do, here are my suggestions.
mini golf
Playing mini golf at the beach is just a classic activity. Cape May has a few options, my favorite being Cape May Mini Golf, located on Jackson Street. Stockton Golf & Ocean Putt Golf on Beach Ave are also solid options.
tennis
I really only play tennis when I am at the beach; something about the warm, salty air makes me want to be more active! And if you are looking for somewhere to play, you can pay about $15 for a court at the Cape May Tennis Club. Just bring your rackets and have some fun.
nature
There are so many great nature preserves and trails in Cape May. My mom loves birds, and I love walking through nature. We always build a little nature walk into our itinerary. Our top spots are the South Cape May Meadows/Migratory Bird Refuge and the trails at the Cape May Point State Park! There’s also the Garrett Farm Preserve, Higbee Beach wildlife area, and other nature trails.
spa
Who doesn’t love a spa day? There are plenty of spas in Cape May, but our favorite is the Sea Spa at Congress Hall. Each room is designed like a beach cabana! They have a steam room, and their massage services are always phenomenal and relaxing.
Who doesn’t like shopping?! Washington Mall has great shops, and I made my guide to Cape May shopping last summer, so watch my video to see my favorite spots!
Beach plum farm is not included in my video, but it is a must-stop. They have a great shop, and exploring the farm is an enjoyable activity.
wineries & breweries
My favorite winery is Willow Creek Winery! They have great food options, good wine, and their dole whips, my favorite! They sometimes have vendors/markets going on as well. Cape May Winery is also great to check out! I’m not the biggest beer lover, but I have only heard great things about Cape May Brewing Co, so if a brewery and beer garden setting is more your vibe, be sure to check them out.
tattoo
You’re probably thinking, why add a tattoo parlor/shop to your list? Well, mostly just for sentimental reasons, but maybe also that’s something you are super interested in doing on vacation! My mom and I got matching tattoos at the Perigee Moon studio, so if you’ve been thinking about your next tattoo, why not get it done while on vacation!
where to stay!
Cape May is not a cheap place to stay; it’s definitely an elevated beach town, and the lodging options (hotel-wise) reflect that. I’ve only been to Cape May for weekends, so when it comes to week-long rentals, I’d have to do a bit more research! I can only speak to the hotels I’ve stayed at or the ones I am interested in booking in the future.
la mer beachfront inn
Located further away from the “downtown” area of Cape May is La Mer. My mother’s home away from home, you could say. They have everything you need: a pool, live music in the garden area, a good restaurant, dedicated beach chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas for guests. It really gives the resort feel. The hotel is right by the beach, so they also have excellent ocean view rooms available. Extremely family-friendly as well!
congress hall
Congress Hall has stood for 200 years and is an icon in Cape May’s history. The rooms seem quaint and historic in the best way. They have both a family and an adult-only pool. Beach tags and service (umbrella, towels, and chairs) are included for guests. Both at the pools and beach, you can order refreshments right to you. Congress Hall is located right near the downtown area, which makes for easy access to shopping and dining options. Once you cross the street, you are right on the beach; the location is ideal.
the virginia
I really want to stay at The Virginia. When my husband and I last went to Cape May, he really fell in love with the Ebbitt Room (located at The Virginia), and we chatted about how great it would be to stay here. The main hotel is located in a historic home, so it provides that cozy and elegant feel. The property also has a few cottages that hold guest rooms as well. Guests have access to the pools at Congress Hall and beach service that includes beach tags, umbrellas, towels, and chairs. Beach access is a short walk away.
Lokal hotel cape may
Lokal has been on my radar for a while. They have the perfect boutique hotel feel with locations in Philly (Old Town & Fish Town), Cabins, and Cape May. Now, I personally haven’t had the opportunity to stay at any of their locations yet, but they still deserve to be on this list. Lokal Cape May has everything you need in their units. They have studio units and also 2-bedroom units. On-site pool, beach service (towels, umbrella, chairs), outdoor grilling area, and each unit comes with a kitchen. While the hotel does not have direct ocean views, it is a short walk to put your feet in the sand. Lokal Cape May provides everything you could need in a boutique and cozy way.
boarding house
This motel opened in 2019 and has a really fun, fresh feel. Completely renovated and modern, the motel has a rooftop deck available to guests and complimentary bikes. While they don’t have a pool, they do have beach access. The beach access includes complimentary chairs and an umbrella. It’s further away from the beach than the other options I have mentioned, about a 3-minute car ride (although parking on Beach Ave can be difficult), a 5-minute bike ride, or a 15-minute walk. Cape May is a super bike-friendly town, so if you are able, biking makes the distance much easier. They are dog-friendly, which means your furry friends can enjoy vacation too!
There are plenty of other lodging options that I haven’t mentioned, or probably don’t know about. Everyone’s lodging preferences are different, and no matter your budget or requirements, there’s something for you in Cape May.
Cape May has become such a home away from home for me. While I don’t go as often as I’d like, once or twice a year just makes me so happy. I’ve had so many fun moments at Cape May, with my family, with my mom, with my husband. It never gets old. Hopefully, there’s something within this guide that creates a new ‘moment’ for you.
