Cape May Website and Social Media sites​

• Town Website - Cape May official

• Wikipedia - Cape May NJ official 

• Facebook - Cape May official

• Instagram - Cape May official

• Twitter - Cape May Official

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Recommended Beach Supplies for vacation ​

• SPF Makeup and Lip Gloss:  When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, it's important to look for makeup products that contain SPF to protect from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Sunscreen: Protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.  Read our Sunscreen Blog.

• Paperbacks or Kindle Books:  Reading a book on vacation can help you relax by providing a mental escape from the stresses of everyday life

• Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare, improving visual comfort and eye health.

• Beach chairs: Provide a comfortable place to sit and relax while enjoying the sun and sand. They often come with features such as adjustable backrests and armrests.

• Beach Umbrella: these can provide shade and shelter from the sun and wind.

• Beach Cabana:  A beach cabana provides a beachgoer with a private and shaded area for relaxation, protection from the sun, and storage for personal items. 

• ​Beach Towels:  Provides comfort, convenience, protection, and hygiene while laying on the beach or swimming at the beach.

• Womans Swimwear and Mens Swimsuits: Bring multiple swimsuits so that you have a dry suit to change into after swimming.

• Water shoes: To protect your feet while walking on the beach or in the water.

• Lightweight Clothing: Jersey shore can be hot in the summer, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. For Woman.  For Men.

• Sweatshirt or hoodie, even though it gets hot in the day it can be cool at night with the ocean breezes. For Woman.  For Men.

• Hat or Visor: A hat or visor on the beach is necessary to protect your face and head from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and keep you cool and comfortable in the sun.  For Woman.  For Men.

• Cash and credit cards: Many beach towns have boardwalks with shops and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.  Other establishments like arenas and stadiums will not take cash.

• Cooler: To store drinks and snacks to keep you hydrated and fueled up throughout the day.

• Insect repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.

• Beach games and activities: Beach Games such as frisbee, beach volleyball or cornhole, can be fun and entertaining.

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Cape May's nearby attractions​

1. The Cape May Lighthouse: The oldest lighthouse in New Jersey, offers tours and a museum that chronicles the history of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there.

2. The Emlen Physick Estate: A beautifully restored 18-room Victorian mansion that offers tours and exhibits.

3. The Washington Street Mall: A charming street filled with unique shops and restaurants.

4. The beaches: Cape May beach and Sunset beach are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing and fishing.

5. The Cape May Bird Observatory: A great place to spot over 325 species of birds, take a guided bird-watching tour or explore the trails on your own.

6. The Cape May County Park & Zoo: where you can see over 550 animals and reptiles

7. The Victorian houses: Cape May boasts a large number of Victorian homes, many of which are open for tours, providing a glimpse into the past.

8. The Cape May Stage: A professional theater company that presents a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

9. The seafood restaurants: Cape May is known for its fresh seafood and local wines, and many of the restaurants offer outdoor seating with beautiful views of the ocean.

10. The bed and breakfasts: Many of the inns are beautifully restored Victorian homes that offer a warm and inviting atmosphere.

11. The wineries: Cape May is home to several wineries, many of which offer tastings and tours.

12. The sunset beach: offers a peaceful and quieter environment, perfect for picnics, sunsets, and beachcombing.

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Things to do in Cape May's Town and Beach​

1. Visit the Cape May Lighthouse and take a tour of the museum.

2. Take a stroll down the Washington Street Mall and explore the unique shops and restaurants.

3. Visit the Emlen Physick Estate, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that offers tours and exhibits.

4. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, such as Cape May Beach and Sunset Beach, for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

5. Go bird watching at the Cape May Bird Observatory.

6. Take a bike ride along the Cape May County Park & Zoo and see over 550 animals and reptiles.

7. Rent a kayak and explore the nearby Delaware Bay.

8. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Cape May's seafood restaurants.

9. Catch a show at the Cape May Stage, a professional theater company that presents a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

10. Take a guided trolley or walking tour of the town's Victorian architecture.

11. Visit one of the local wineries and taste the local wines.

12. Take a sunset cruise along the coast.

13. Visit the Cape May Point State Park, which offers hiking trails and beautiful views of the ocean.

14. Take a fishing charter and catch some local fish.

15. Visit the Cape May County Park and Zoo, which has a wide variety of animals and reptiles

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Romantic Things to do in Cape May​

1. Take a sunset horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district.

2. Have a romantic dinner at an elegant waterfront restaurant.

3. Watch the sunset from the beach while holding hands.

4. Take a leisurely stroll on the Cape May Promenade.

5. Visit the Cape May Lighthouse and climb to the top for a romantic view.

6. Take a sunset sail on a schooner or catboat.

7. Have a romantic picnic on the beach or in a park.

8. Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view of the area.

9. Visit the Cape May Winery and enjoy a tasting together.

10. Take a romantic walk on the Cape May Boardwalk.

11. Have a couples massage at a local spa.

12. Take a romantic bike ride through the historic district.

13. Go for a romantic hike in Cape May Point State Park.

14. Take a romantic drive on the scenic Cape May County Park & Zoo Drive-Thru Safari.

15. Rent a tandem kayak or paddleboat and explore the local waterways together.

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​Things to do with Children in Cape May

1. Visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo, which features a wide variety of animals, including lions, bears, monkeys, and more.

2. Take a trip to the Cape May Lighthouse, where kids can climb to the top for a great view of the area.

3. Visit the Cape May Carousel and have a ride.

4. Have a family picnic in one of the local parks, such as Cape May Point State Park.

5. Visit the Cape May Whale Watcher for a fun and educational boat trip to see whales and dolphins.

6. Visit the Emlen Physick Estate for a tour of this 18-room Victorian mansion.

7. Visit the Cape May Mothball Fleet, a collection of World War II ships that are open to the public.

8. Visit the Cape May County Historic Museum and learn about the area's history.

9. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's playground, where kids can play on the playground equipment and see farm animals.

10. Visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Splash Park, which is a great place to cool off on hot summer days.

11. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Nature Center, where kids can learn about local wildlife.

12. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Tree to Tree Adventure Park for an exciting outdoor experience.

13. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Cape May Marina, where kids can go fishing and boating.

14. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Cape May Par 3 Golf Course, where kids can play mini-golf.

15. Take a trip to the Cape May County Park & Zoo's Cape May Nature Center, where kids can learn about local wildlife and take a hike.

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Favorite Restaurants and Eateries in and around Cape May

1. Harbor View Restaurant: This waterfront restaurant offers a menu of seafood and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood and beautiful views of the harbor.

2. Oyster Bay Steak and Seafood Restaurant: This upscale restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak and contemporary American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood and excellent service.

3. Lobster House Restaurant & Bar Cape May Harbor: This classic seafood restaurant is located on the waterfront and offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, raw bar, and beautiful views of the harbor.

4. Aleathea's Restaurant: This historic restaurant is located in a Victorian building and offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere and excellent service.

5. Union Park Dining Room: This upscale restaurant offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere and excellent service.

6. Lucky Bones: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere and casual dining experience.

7. Black Duck On Sunset: This restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their waterfront location, beautiful views of the sunset, and their fresh seafood.

8. Italian Affair: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and friendly service.

9. Hemingway's Steaks & Seafood Restaurant: This upscale restaurant offers a menu of steak, seafood, and American cuisine. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

10. Louisa's Cafe: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere and casual dining experience.

11. Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant: This elegant restaurant is located in a historic inn and offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

12. Ugly Mug Bar & Restaurant: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and live music.

13. Chen's Garden: This Chinese restaurant offers a menu of authentic Chinese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their excellent service and delicious food.

14. Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille: This waterfront restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their beautiful views of the ocean, friendly atmosphere, and live music.

15. The Lobster House: This classic seafood restaurant is located on the waterfront and offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, raw bar, and beautiful views of the harbor.

16. The Mad Batter: This classic restaurant is located in a Victorian building and offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, and also have a raw bar.

17. George S Place: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and live music.

18. Roman's Pizza House: This pizzeria offers a menu of authentic Italian-style pizza with a focus on fresh ingredients

19. Asian Legends: This Asian restaurant offers a menu of Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. They are known for their authentic flavors and friendly service.

20. Sapore Italiano: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and excellent service.

21. Harpoon Henry's: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the harbor.

22. Washington Inn: This elegant restaurant is located in a historic inn and offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

23. Pier House: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the harbor.

24. The Magnolia Room: This elegant restaurant offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

25. New Cape Orient: This Chinese restaurant offers a menu of authentic Chinese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their excellent service and delicious food.

26. Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the harbor.

27. Saltwater Cafe: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the ocean.

28. The Ebbitt Room: This upscale restaurant is located in the Virginia Hotel and offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also have a raw bar.

29. Cape May Fish Market: This seafood market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood dishes.

30. Iccara Italian Bistro: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and excellent service.

31. Tisha's Fine Dining: This upscale restaurant offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

32. Rusty Nail: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and live music.

33. H&H Seafood Market: This seafood market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood dishes.

34. The Grille: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and live music.

35. The Eat Well: This healthy restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their healthy options and focus on locally sourced ingredients.

36. Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom: This charming cafe offers a menu of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. They are known for their cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

37. Avalon Coffee Co Inc: This coffee shop offers a menu of coffee, tea, and baked goods. They are known for their excellent coffee and friendly service.

38. Keating Blue Rose: This restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service and beautiful views of the ocean.

39. Freda's Cafe: This casual restaurant offers a menu of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. They are known for their cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

40. PRIMAL By Mia: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their unique and healthy menu options.

41. Frescos Seafood Trattoria: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and Italian cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood and homemade pasta.

42. Akroteria Outdoor Food Court: This food court offers a variety of food options including seafood, steak, American cuisine, and international cuisine. They are known for their variety of food options and casual atmosphere.

43. Steak-Out: This steakhouse offers a menu of steak, seafood and American cuisine. They are known for their delicious steaks and excellent service.

44. That's Amore: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and excellent service.

45. Ocean View Diner & Family Restaurant: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience and beautiful views of the ocean.

46. Cappelletti Olde World Italian Market: This Italian market offers a variety of Italian food and groceries, including homemade pasta, sauces, and cheese. They are known for their authentic Italian products and friendly service.

47. Cape Coachman Realty: This Real Estate Company offers a variety of properties for sale and rent. They are known for their professional service and wide selection of properties.

48. Freda's Cafe: This casual restaurant offers a menu of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. They are known for their cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

49. Mario's of Cape May: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and excellent service.

50. Jojo Pizza: This pizzeria offers a menu of authentic Italian-style pizza with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their delicious pizza and friendly service.

51. PRIMAL By Mia: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their unique and healthy menu options.

52. Frescos Seafood Trattoria: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and Italian cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood and homemade pasta.

53. Akroteria Outdoor Food Court: This food court offers a variety of food options including seafood, steak, American cuisine, and international cuisine. They are known for their variety of food options and casual atmosphere.

54. Hubert, Chris: This restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful views of the ocean.

55. Beachside Smokehouse: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and live music.

56. Uncle Bill's Family Restaurant: This casual restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, casual dining experience, and excellent service.

57. H Zyx1 H Seafood: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the harbor.

58. FishCakes: This seafood restaurant offers a menu of seafood, steak, and American cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, waterfront location, and beautiful views of the ocean.

59. Secondo: This Italian restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. They are known for their homemade pasta and excellent service.

60. Yozu Japanese Cuisine: This Japanese restaurant offers a menu of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes. They are known for their fresh fish and excellent service.

61. Asian Palace: This Asian restaurant offers a menu of Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. They are known for their authentic flavors and friendly service.

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History of Cape May

• Cape May has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when the Dutch and Swedish settlers arrived. The Lenape Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the area. The Dutch navigator Cornelius Jacobsen Mey explored and named the area "Cape Mey" in 1621. The area remained sparsely populated for many years.

• In the late 1700s, Cape May began to attract visitors as a seaside resort. Wealthy Philadelphians would take the ferry to Cape May to escape the summer heat and enjoy the cool sea breeze. In 1824, the first hotel, the Mansion House, was built in Cape May. This was followed by many more grand hotels and houses, leading to a boom in the Victorian era.

• During the Civil War, Cape May served as a major training ground for Union soldiers. Many of the grand hotels were used as barracks and hospitals. After the war, Cape May continued to attract visitors as a popular seaside resort. The town became known for its Victorian architecture, and many of the buildings from this period still stand today.

• In the early 20th century, the automobile made it easier for people to travel to Cape May, and the town experienced a new wave of growth. Many more houses and hotels were built, and the population increased. During World War II, Cape May was used as a training ground for the US Coast Guard.

• Today, Cape May is a popular tourist destination known for its Victorian architecture, beaches, and historic sites. Many of the grand hotels from the Victorian era have been restored and are open to the public as bed and breakfasts. The town also has a number of museums and historic sites, such as the Cape May Lighthouse and the Emlen Physick Estate.

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Local Churches

• Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church

717 Franklin St Cape May NJ  African Methodist Episcopal

• Cape Island Baptist Church

115 Gurney St Cape May NJ  American Baptist

• Cape Island Baptist Church

115 Gurney St Cape May NJ Baptist

• Cape May Evangelical Lutheran Church

509 Pittsburg Ave Cape May NJ Evangelical Lutheran in America

• Cape May Seashore Community

446 Seashore Rd Cape May NJ Nazarene

• Cold Spring Presbyterian Church

780 Seashore Rd Cape May NJ Presbyterian​

• First Presbyterian Church

500 Hughes St Cape May NJ Presbyterian

• Good Samaritan Baptist Church

307 Town Bank Rd Cape May NJ Baptist

• Our Lady Star of the Sea Church

520 Lafayette St Cape May NJ Roman Catholic

• Pilgrim Holiness Church

616 Shunpike Rd Cape May NJ Pentecostal

• Shore Points Presbyterian Church

806 Shunpike Rd Cape May NJ Presbyterian

• Covenant Bible Church

123 Fishing Creek Rd Cape May NJ Bible

• First Assembly of God of Cold Springs Lower Township

1068 Seashore Rd Cape May NJ Assemblies of God

• First United Methodist Church of Cape May

635 Washington St Cape May NJ United Methodist

• St John of God Parish 1966

680 Town Bank Rd Cape May NJ Roman Catholic

• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

132 Sheridan Dr Cape May NJ Lutheran

• Tabernacle United Methodist

656 Seashore Rd Cape May NJ United Methodist

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We hope this summary page helps you with your summer vacation, summer rentals, and search for a vacation home.  Whether you stay at a hotel, a condo, an apartment or a rental home the Jersey shore is for you!