Definitely Take A Summer Day Trip To This Charming Town In New Jersey
When it comes to shore towns, New Jersey delivers. We’ve got so many incredible beach destinations but one is absolutely overflowing with charm. It’s got everything we’re looking for in a day trip destination, and it’s easy to stay so much longer. From the featured photo you probably already know…we’re talking about Cape May. This town is a perfect blend of history and architecture, natural beauty and man-made fun – and we can’t forget about the food. There’s just so much to love. Read on for some of our can’t-miss Cape May spots, activities, and attractions.
These terrific trolley tours are the perfect way to see Cape May! There are a variety of options to choose from, each more fascinating than the next. The selection includes Mansions By The Sea, The Underground Railroad Tour, Cape Mayhem & Victorian Oddities, and Ghosts of Cape May. That's just the start, so here comes the hard part...which to check out first?
A boat tour is a must and East Coast Jet Boat tours offer the perfect blend of scenery and thrills. You'll love their famous 360'spin and bow dunks paired with info on interesting geological and historical points of interest.
Ice Cream Sandwiches + Pie Filling = Heaven. Peace Pie flavors include Blueberry Cobbler (Blueberry Ice Cream, Vanilla Mousse, Graham Cracker Cookie), Cherry Pie (Vanilla Ice Cream, Cherry Pie Filling & Vanilla Mousse, Graham Cookie), and Key Lime (Vanilla Ice Cream, Key Lime Pie Filling, Cinnamon Shortbread Cookie). They've also got other delectable dessert flavors like Triple Chocolate Brownie (Chocolate Ice Cream, Brownies, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Cookie), S'mores (Chocolate Ice Cream, Chocolate Mousse & Marshmallows, Graham Cracker Cookie), and Peanut Butter Cup (Chocolate Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Chiffon, Shortbread Cookie). YUM!!!
One of Cape May's premier shopping destinations, West End Garage has everything from antiques to art and food to fashion. It features more than 50 stores under one roof, with 62 vendors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. It's a great spot for gift shopping and treating yourself!
Looking for something a bit more relaxing than a speedboat? While taking a whale watching cruise is wonderful on its own, you can kick things up a notch by taking a sunset dinner cruise. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins while enjoying a delicious buffet and a beautiful sky. They also offer special cruises with limited availability, like lighthouse and wine tours!
My mother and godmother dined here during their trip to Cape May and couldn't rave about it enough. The food was good, the owner was especially friendly, and it was an all around great experience. Don't want to take their word for it? Hundreds of reviewers on sites like TripAdvisor agree! The family-run spot serves up great pie, garlic knots, meatballs, and more.
Some say this is the heart of Cape May. A collection of spectacular shops and restaurants, a visit here is sure to delight. Don't miss A Place On Earth (handmade soaps), Cape Atlantic Book Company, Swede Things In America (Scandinavian Inspired Gifts), or Whale's Tale (a local favorite for 45 years). For food, you'll love The Ugly Mug. Try the Fried Cape May Crab Cake, Spicy Amigo Burger, or Buffalo Wings with their own hot sauce.
Willow Creek Winery is open daily for tours, tastings, and tapas. They also offer entertaining events like Trivia Tuesdays, Fire Pit Fridays with live music and Sangria Sundays with local vendors.
Delaney's is an Irish Pub that serves up a little bit of everything. They've got essential Irish eats like corned beef & cabbage and shepherd's pie, plus American favorites like baby back ribs, buffalo wings, Jersey scallops, and cheesesteak sandwiches. For a starter or light lunch, don't miss the stuffed tomato, seen here. It's got your choice of tuna salad or chicken salad, stuffed in a tomato and surrounded by fruit. Healthy and delicious!
Cape May's only Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate offers guided tours of 15 beautifully restored rooms. Tours end at the 1876 Carriage House where you can see the current exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. For $5, guests can participate in a family-friendly scavenger hunt. If you can follow the clues and answer the questions, you get a prize!
What better place to enjoy the sunset than on Sunset Beach? Search for sea glass as the sun dips below the horizon and be sure to snag several snaps of the historic concrete ship sinking in the distance.
This charming, family-friendly spot serves up spectacular breakfasts, lunches, brunches, and dinners. Favorite foods include the clam chowder, red, white, & blue pancakes (fluffy buttermilk pancakes with raspberries, blueberries, berry drizzle and whipped cream), and the mouthwatering triple chocolate mousse cake (chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse, chocolate streusel, vanilla ice cream).
What would you add to this list? There are more magnificent places than mentionable in a single post, so if you’d like a list that focuses on the best restaurants in Cape May, let me know in the comments. For more on the terrific trolley tours, click here.
