Cape May sits on the southern tip of New Jersey where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. Given the town much importance during WWII and even today. While military bases and ships no longer line the coast. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry helps travelers get from Delaware to New Jersey.
Cape May is by far the most beautiful shore town in all of Jersey. It has been named one of America’s top ten beaches by the Travel Channel. With its miles of beautiful coastline and Victorian Houses, it’s not hard to see why.
But why should you spend the day, weekend or week at this amazing shore town? Could it be for the epic location? Amazing Food? Wonderful views from the Lighthouse? Or is it for that small town feel? We will give you a few reasons why you should put Cape May on your Bucket list of towns to visit.
BEACH
The beach here is always kept clean. You can tell that the town and the people who visit want to keep it that way. Unlike other beaches in New Jersey you will rarely find trash laying around in the sand. People who visit here make sure to pick up after themselves.
Another great thing about the beach in Cape May. You won’t have a far walk to get to the water, unlike some beaches along the Jersey Shore. You won’t have to worry about burning your feet while you walk across the hot sand in the summertime.
Sunset beach is another great location to visit year round. This might be the only Place in NJ where you can watch the sun set below the horizon with nothing but water in front of it.
This is one of my favorite places to go and just take a walk around. From the Wreck of the SS Atlantus to the stunning sunsets. This beach is the place to go for some amazing photos.
While the beach along Beach Ave is the only one you can swim at. The rest of the coastline including Higbee and Sunset are a great spot to walk along and do a little seashell hunting.
FOOD
Cape May is home to my favorite restaurant in all of New Jersey. The Lobster House in Cape May is my go to spot when I am down this way. The food is always amazing that I will even make a special trip out just to go there. It’s that good.
With all kinds of options for the seafood lovers. Try the fried lobster dinner for a truly delicious feast. If you are not that hungry grab the crab cakes.
They are the best crab cakes you will find outside of Maryland. Loaded with crab meat. It just melts in your mouth.
If seafood isn’t your thing…. Why are you going to the shore? Just Kidding.
Check out Stewart’s at the Washington Street Mall. While you won’t find the world’s best burger or hot dog here. The food is pretty good for those family members that don’t like seafood. However, this is a great place to go for a good root beer float. With the decor inside and sipping an old fashioned root beer float. I kind of feel like Marty McFly being transported back into the 1950s.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cape May is a photographer’s dream. So many amazing locations to choose from and for all different styles. For nature photographers check out the Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area.
Many different species call this area home. You will find a wide variety of birds in the area. You can also get some pretty amazing shots of the Cape May Lighthouse that many others will not get since I have never seen many people walking around the many trails in this area.
Most people when they come down this way check out the beautiful Cape May Lighthouse (built in 1859) or Battery 223 (WWII era). Both make great subjects in any photos you take. While Battery 223 (used for harbour defense during World War II) is no longer active and you can not go inside. The Lighthouse can be entered.
The lighthouse is usually closed during some of the winter months but the sign said it opens 2/15/20 during my most recent visit. If you get a chance to enter and go to the top you will be rewarded for your efforts. The view of the surrounding area is spectacular.
If spectacular houses are more you thing. Cape May, New Jersey has you covered there too. The Victorian style homes throughout Cape May are stunning to see. The two pictured below have got to be the most photographed homes in all of Jersey and maybe even the East Coast besides the White House in Washington DC.
Those aren’t the only two you will find. Many Victorian style homes are sprinkled around but many can be found on Beach Ave.
ACTIVITIES
There are many things to do that don’t involve going swimming on the beach. Of course with Cape May being a shore town many of the activities involve the ocean. Surf fishing in the summer is always a big activity even though there are not as many places to fish from.
Collecting Cape May Diamonds is another fun activity for the whole family. While they are not real diamonds. They are actually quartz that have washed down the Delaware River and have been worn smooth and have collected onto the beach. If you go Cape May Diamond hunting, check out Higbee and Sunset Beaches. That is your best chance of finding them.
Another great year round activity is to go on a dolphin or whale watching tour. Cape May offers some of the best chances to see these beautiful sea dwellers. Best thing yet you can do it at any time of year. You won’t have to wait for summer.
SHOPPING
If you enjoy local owned shops and supporting small businesses then you need to visit Washington Street Mall. Located just a few blocks from the beach, this collection of stores and restaurants are a great way to spend the afternoon away from the sand.
Packed full of interesting and unique shops that have all your beach needs covered. Most of the stores are only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the winter months (when we last visited) but are open seven days a week during peak season.
You could spend a couple of hours checking out each of the stores and seeing all the beautiful handcrafted items or unique Cape May swag. Plus stop at one of the pubs to for a quick drink before heading back to the beach to witness a beautiful sunset over the Delaware Bay with no homes, trees, cars blocking your view as it sets below the horizon.
Is Cape May New Jersey your go to shore town? Let us know if you agree with Travel Channel that Cape May Beach is one of the top 10 beaches in the US. What shore town should we review next?
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