If you’re from New Jersey, you know that we often decipher locations based on their “exits” off the Garden State Parkway. Well, Exit 0 is home to Cape May, New Jersey and is a town worth checking out this summer for a Jersey Shore getaway. Fun fact: Cape May is actually recognized as the nation’s oldest seaside resort town. The homes that line the street look like something out of a history book — with horse and carriage tours happening daily. With delicious food, cute shopping, and lots of fudge shops — it’s the ultimate family-friendly beach town. Here are the must-do activities when visiting Cape May, New Jersey for a weekend getaway:
How to Get There
It’s a three-hour drive from NYC, where easily driving down the parkway all the way to Exit 0 is possible — though potentially hitting some GSP South traffic along the way. It is the last exit on the parkway, so it’d be very hard to miss. For those without a car, there is a bus that takes its passengers directly to the Cape May Bus Terminal.
Places to Stay
Congress Hall | 200 Congress Place
Located right across from the beach, this four-star hotel is a beautiful place to stay with tons of family fun and amenities. Whether a pool, live music at night, or a yummy breakfast at Blue Pig Tavern is the goal, Congress Hall has it all covered. In 2016, Congress Hall celebrated two hundred years and is known as America’s First Seaside Resort.
Sandpiper | 11 Beach Avenue
If looking for a bit more space, the sister hotel to Congress Hall, Sandpiper, is a good pick. These rooms all offer a living room and kitchen which is ideal for those traveling with children who require more space. This hotel is also across from the beach with its own heated swimming pool. This is an easy solution for those looking for a more residential vibe, but still want the hotel amenities.
Bed & Breakfast Inns
The beauty and charm of Cape May is in how old the town is. There are a lot of cottages and old-fashioned homes open now as Bed & Breakfast Inns. These are quaint places to stay, taking its guests back in time with antique furniture, while others have been modernized. There is no shortage of these available right in town like The Queen Victoria, The Mason Cottage, and the Wilbraham Mansion.
Read More: Things to Do in Long Beach Island
Places to Eat + Drink
Uncle Bill’s | 261 Beach Avenue
MORE pancakes is always better DTS, and Uncle Bill’s Pancake House does not disappoint. With everything from corn pancakes to peach pancakes, every pancake lover is accounted for. The portions are generous and it is guaranteed to please the whole crew.
Mad Batter | 19 Jackson Street
You can’t visit Cape May without a stop for breakfast at the famous Mad Batter. Having been open since 1882, it is a delish, family-friendly place to enjoy pancakes, eggs, and more. HG insider tip: The oatmeal pancakes are a must-try.
Lobster House | 906 Schellengers Landing Road
Although Lobster House is a driving destination and not a quick walk, it is worth checking out. From the fresh fish at the market to the boats docked on the water, there is a ton to see before dining here. The Lobster House has beyond generous portions, awesome for sharing. Perhaps not fine dining, but a definite must-visit nonetheless.
Tisha’s | 322 Washington Street
For more of an upscale feel, Tisha’s is considered fine dining and has a delectable menu — with both indoor and outdoor seating. If you manage to still have room after dinner, definitely try the flourless chocolate cake.
Brown Room | 200 Congress Place
The Brown Room at Congress Hall = potentially mistaken for a living room. With a warm fireplace and cozy seating, this is a unique place to stop by for a cocktail and listen to live music on weekends. This is a place for adults to head to after dinner, as children aren’t permitted in the Brown Room past 9:00PM.
Rusty Nail | 205 Beach Avenue
This beach restaurant and bar is well-known by the locals and has been around since the 1970s. Have a drink, dip your toes in the sand, and listen to live music. It also happens to be dog-friendly!
Things to Do
See More: Your Guide to the Best Jersey Shore Beaches
Shopping
Sure, the beach might be a favorite thing about Cape May, but the shopping is seriously on-point. The area is filled with quaint, local shops where it’s easy to find one-of-a-kind items. Stores include A Place on Earth (526 Washington Street), Cash and Clive (302 Washington Street), Cape May Antique Center (1228 NJ-109), Cape May Soap Co. (117 Springers Mill Road), and Whale’s Tale (312 Washington Street), to name a few.
Beach Plum Farm | 140 Stevens Street
This 62-acre farm is where restaurants in Cape May like the Blue Pig and the Ebbitt Room get their produce and fresh ingredients. It not only has more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, but it offers a true farm-to-table experience for lunch. The kitchen is open daily from 8:00AM-3:00PM, while the market is only until 5:00PM.
Cape May Lighthouse | 215 Lighthouse Avenue
The lighthouse is a great attraction in Cape May if needing a slight break from the sun. Take a visit to see it — and if feeling adventurous, even take the climb all the way to the top. It is located at the southern tip of New Jersey, so the views are beautiful — and of course, topped off with history, as the lighthouse was built in 1859.
