This New Jersey Beach Town Feels Like It’s on the European Coast

Are you craving a European getaway without the expensive airfare and overseas travel? As it turns out, the seaside resort town of Cape May, which is tucked at the southern tip of New Jersey, offers a captivating atmosphere that’s reminiscent of coastal towns in England and France.   

Don’t get me wrong, Cape May—which is located on the Jersey Shore—is inherently American at heart. Walking through the town, you’ll stumble upon local shops selling patriotic goods, ice cream parlors, and a boardwalk-style promenade. But if you dive deeper beneath the surface, you’ll find the Victorian charm and walkable streets that seem plucked straight out of Europe.

For starters, Cape May is home to a stunning collection of more than 600 Victorian-era houses, which are complete with ornate gingerbread trim, wraparound porches, gables, and turrets. Large portions of the town were rebuilt in the late 1800s, following a devastating fire in 1878, and this happened to coincide with the height of the Victorian era. Cape May has made an effort to restore and preserve these historical landmarks over the years. In fact, the town’s entire historic district became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

The first time I visited Cape May, it seemed surreal to see the pastel-colored houses situated so close to the ocean. For a moment, I almost felt like I was in Brighton, England, rather than southern New Jersey. I still get the sense that these grand, whimsical houses should exist somewhere across the ocean.   

Unlike most other towns in the United States, Cape May is also highly walkable—another trait it shares with popular European destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. A prime example is Washington Street Mall, a charming pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with several things to do in Cape May.

Walking along Washington Street Mall, you'll find local stores (like Across The Way and Cape May'd), restaurants (like Cape May Fish Market and Ugly Mug Bar & Restaurant), and places for a sweet treat (like Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard, Fralinger's Original Salt Water Taffy, and The Original Fudge Kitchen). Whether you're window shopping or relaxing on a shaded bench, Cape May encourages you to spend some time strolling and people-watching—a much-loved pastime when visiting Europe.  

Another similarity between Cape May and Europe is the sense of timelessness. Wandering the seaside town truly feels like you’ve stepped back into history. This is partly because of the old-world aesthetic; Washington Street Mall is paved with materials that resemble cobblestone, you’ll find plenty of restaurants with al fresco seating, and visitors often stay at enchanting bed-and-breakfasts in historic homes. What’s more, you can get afternoon tea at places like Angel of the Sea and The Queen Victoria. Can you get more British than that?

Other towns along the Jersey Shore embrace flashing lights, amusement park rides, and arcades (we’re looking at you, Wildwood). On the other hand, Cape May takes a different approach, focusing on its culture, history, and timeless charm. A visit to Cape May feels refined and relaxed, serene and authentic. 

For those drawn to European culture and charm, nothing beats an actual trip across the Atlantic Ocean. But if you visit Cape May, you could almost imagine that you’re actually touring Brighton or Scarborough in England, or perhaps Trouville-sur-Mer or Cabourg in France. The line between the Jersey Shore and a European seaside escape begins to blur—and that illusion is part of Cape May’s magic, as long as you’re willing to search for it.