Cape May Attractions ⋆ The Shore Blog

Cape May Attractions

Boardwalk

The Cape May boardwalk runs parallel to the beach for nearly two miles. The boardwalk is paved and while there are some attractions (arcades, ice cream and a few shops near Convention Hall), most of the boardwalk is scenic, offering views of the beach, dunes and Victorian homes that line Beach Avenue.

Family Fun

Cape May Family Fun Center – 2276 Route 9, Cape May Court House
This fun place offers mini-golf, arcade games, batting cages, golf range, ice cream parlor and so much more. Fun for all ages.

Tree to Tree Adventure Park – 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse
This family-friendly park, adjacent to the Cape May County Park and Zoo, offers ziplining, nets, ropes in obstacle courses designed for all ages and abilities.

Cape May County Park and Zoo – 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse
The park and zoo offer the opportunity to see over 250 exotic and local animals living within over 200 acres of natural wooded areas and open space. It also includes trails for walking and biking, picnic areas, a carousel, gift shop and a large playground. The admission is free, but donations are accepted which help to feed the animals.

Things To Do in Cape May - Cape May County Park and Zoo

Fishing / Boating

Fishing Areas

Cape May Point State Park – Lighthouse Avenue
Sunset Beach – 502 Sunset Boulevard
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Center – North Cape May

Fishing Charters

Cape Sea Excursions – Utsch’s Marina, 1121 Route 109
Cape Sea is the home of the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center, Starlight Fleet and Cape Star fishing excursions, and Dark Star Pirate Cruise.

Liberty Charters – South Jersey Marina, Slip 4, 1231 Route 109
This family-oriented operation provides private charters for up to six passengers. History tours, dolphin- watching or sunset cruises are available.

Miss Chris – 1210 Wilson Boulevard
The Miss Chris and the Lady Chris have been in the Cape May area providing half day and full day fishing excursions for decades.

Porgy IV – South Jersey Fishing Center
This company offers 8-hour deep-sea and Delaware Bay fishing excursions.

Sea Star – at the Miss Chris Marina, 1210 Wilson Boulevard
Offering 6 hour deep sea fishing charters.

Bait and Tackle

Cape May Bait & Tackle – 719 Broadway, West Cape May
Utsch’s Marina Tackle Shop – 1121 Route 109, Schellenger’s Landing

Boat Rentals

Pier 47 Marina – 3001 Wildwood Boulevard
Offering 20′ & 24′ pontoon boats that accommodate up to 10 passengers.

Boat Tours

Cape May – Lewes Ferry – 1200 Lincoln Boulevard, North Cape May
Take a ferry ride with your car or bike to Lewes Delaware to save the mileage, or just enjoy a cruise and back.

Liberty Charters – South Jersey Marina, Slip 4, 1231 Route 109
This family-oriented operation provides private charters for up to six passengers. History tours, dolphin- watching or sunset cruises are available.

Spirit of Cape May – 1218 Wilson Drive
Offering sunset dinner cruises, dolphin watches and more.

Cape May Whale Watcher – 1218 Wilson Drive
Whale, dolphin and bird watching cruises

Tiny Cruise Line – South Jersey Marina, 1231 Route 109
Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the harbor. They offer sunset cruises and half-day (4 hour) beach trips. The Tiny Tiki Too, Tiny Tiki and the Tiny Cruise Line are all available for private functions as well.

Golf Courses

Avalon Golf Club – 1510 Route 9, Cape May Courthouse
Laguna Oaks Golf Course – 600 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Courthouse
Pines at Clermont Golf Club – 358 Kings Highway, Clermont
Cape May National Golf Club – Route 9 & Florence Avenue, Erma
Ocean City Municipal Golf Course – 26th and Bay Avenue, Ocean City
Heritage Links Golf Course – 1375 Shore Road, Ocean View
Shore Gate Golf Club – 35 School House Lane, Ocean View
Cape May Par 3 and Driving Range – 29 Fulling Mill Road, Rio Grande
Sand Barrens Golf Club – 1765 Route 9 North, Swainton

History / Museums

Cape May Fireman’s Museum – 712 Franklin Street
This unique museum documents the history of the Cape May Fire Department. It is free and open to the public year-round. Displays include an antique 1928 American La France Fire Engine. The museum is located on the corner of Washington and Franklin Streets.

Cape May Historical Museum – 504 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse
The Cape May Historical Museum is located at 504 North Route 9 in Cape May Court House. This county museum was founded in 1927. It consists of three different buildings. Each building is home to artifacts and exhibits documenting Cape May County’s history from Native American times to the 21st Century. They offer a fascinating look at how life in the county has evolved. Visitors will also find a Genealogy Museum and a Museum Store to purchase memorabilia of your visit. The museum is only open from May to September.

MAC Historical Tours – Welcome Booth at Washington Street Mall and Ocean Street
Take a trolley tour through the streets of Cape May to learn all about the history of this town. Do a walking tour with a MAC volunteer to learn about Cape May’s past residents. Or visit a Victorian house for a tour of the architecture and customs of Cape May’s Victorian era. MAC sponsors trolley, house and walking tours all year and teaches visitors about Cape May and its natural surroundings, historic buildings, Victorian era lifestyle and Cape May’s role in the Underground Railroad.

The Colonial House – 653 1/2 Washington Street
The Colonial House was originally a tavern and the family home of Revolutionary War patriot Memucan Hughes. The house is considered to be one of the oldest surviving houses on Cape Island. The Colonial House is also the headquarters of the Greater Cape May Historical Society. It is open to the public at no charge from June 15th to September 15. The house is also open during Victorian Weekend in October, and for the December Candlelight House tour in the National Historic Landmark city of Cape May, New Jersey.

Emlen Physick Estate – 1048 Washington Street
The Emlen Physick Estate is an 18 room Victorian mansion located at 1048 Washington Street in Cape May. The estate was built in 1879 and was home to Emlen Physick, Jr., his widowed mother and maiden aunt. Emlen is the descendent of a well-known Philadelphia family. His grandfather is considered to be the father of American surgery after having developed several surgical instruments. Emlen completed medical school but never practiced medicine. Instead, he was a gentleman farmer. Today, the Estate is a great opportunity for visitors to witness the architecture, decorative arts and customs of Victorian Cape May.

Harriet Tubman Museum – 632 Lafayette Street
In 2020, the former parsonage of the Macedonia Baptist Church will become the Harriet Tubman Museum. The building stands on land once owned by George Howell, who donated the building and its’ land to the church. Later, the Franklin Street School was constructed behind the house, which once served as a segregated elementary school for African American students. Today, the school building is preserved by the Center for Community Arts to serve as a community cultural center.

Historic Cold Spring Village – 720 Route 9
Historic Cold Spring Village is a living history museum located in Cape May. The village consists of 18th and 19th century buildings assembled on 22 acres of land. As a result, the village provides visitors with a sense of stepping back in time to a South Jersey rural community of the 1800s. Some examples of the events held here are railroad days, Civil and Revolutionary Wars, and other important moments in history. The village includes exhibits, live presentations, interactive activities, tours, shops, a brewery and dining establishments. Historic Cold Spring Village is open between June and September each year.

World War II Lookout Tower – 536 Sunset Boulevard
The World War II Lookout Tower, also known as “Fire Control Tower No. 23” was build in 1942. It was one of 15 towers built between and North Wildwood and Bethany Beach, Delaware. The purpose of the towers w

as to house artillery to protect the coast and bay from attack. The tower was restored by MAC in 2008-2009. It was listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003 and on the National Register on Nov. 17, 2003. Information panels line the boardwalk leading to the tower. Visitors can learn about Cape May’s role in World War II and climb the tower.

Things To do in Cape May - MAC Trolley Tours

Libraries

Cape May County Library – 110 Ocean Street, Cape May; 30 Mechanic Street in Cape May Courthouse
The Cape May County Library system operates 8 branch libraries and a book mobile service with stops throughout the county every Thursday and Friday. The library offers DVD and video game rentals, internet access, desktop computers, printing services and programming for children, teens and adults.

Free Little Libraries – Various locations around Cape May
Free little libraries are free-standing boxes that neighbors put in their yard and stock with books. The books are free for the taking, as long as you return the book or replace it with another. Read out blog post, “Free Little Libraries – Bringing Communities Together Over Books” for more information.

Lighthouse

This Cape May lighthouse was built in 1859. It is the third documented lighthouse to provide navigational aid to mariners at the southern tip of New Jersey. It has 199 steps, allowing climbers to enjoy a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The lighthouse includes a Visitor’s Orientation Center and a gift Shop as well as a museum with live reptiles and nature displays. Events at the lighthouse include Family Fun days in summer, full moon lighthouse climbs and holiday events.

Mini Golf

Cape May Miniature Golf – 315 Jackson Street
This course offers beautifully sculpted greens and an 18-foot-tall play-through cave with waterfall, lush landscaping, cleverly positioned water hazards, and creative obstacles.

Sunset Beach Mini Golf – 502 Sunset Boulevard
This is an 18-hole mini golf course with great views of the Delaware Bay

Nature / Wildlife

Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center – 701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point
The Cape May Bird Observatory was founded in 1976 and is sponsored by the New Jersey Audubon Society. The New Jersey Audubon is a non-profit statewide membership organization that exists to foster environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among residents of New Jersey. The Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center is one of several centers sponsored by New Jersey Audubon. The Observatory is located on Cape May Point. It offers a full summer schedule of birding opportunities, including bird observatory walks, birding by boat and more. Other special events and activities include a School of Birding, Monarch Butterfly Monitoring Project and Migration Watches. For more information on their many birding activities, click here.

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge – Various locations on Cape May Peninsula
The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is located within the Cape May peninsula. This location offers stunning views of sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, and sunset over the water of the Delaware Bay. The Refuge currently protects over 11,000 acres of peninsula habitat in its 3 refuge units. These units represent unique, diverse habitats: forested hardwood swamp, river estuary and ocean barrier island. There are activities for the whole family year-round at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. These include trails, fishing, environmental education, guided walks, wildlife viewing and more. Click here to see their list of activities.

Cape May Park and Zoo – 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse
The park and zoo offer the opportunity to see over 250 exotic and local animals living within over 200 acres of natural wooded areas and open space. It also includes trails for walking and biking, picnic areas, a carousel, gift shop and a large playground. The admission is free, but donations are accepted which help to feed the animals.

Cape May Point State Park – Lighthouse Avenue
Cape May Point State Park is a 244 acres state park that offers walking, hiking and nature trails. It also offers beaches, an exhibit gallery, a museum with live reptiles and displays and is home to the Cape May Lighthouse.

Nature Center of Cape May – 1600 Delaware Ave, Cape May
The Nature Center of Cape May is one of nine staffed nature centers throughout the state. The environmental education campus is located in Cape May and includes a three-story observation tower, indoor observation lounge, three classrooms, exhibit aquaria, a small gift shop, and multiple themed display gardens. The Cape May harbor and adjacent area provide natural classrooms that are used in the center’s programs. The Nature Center offers a full schedule of natural history programs for the general public throughout the year, including educational programs. Open mid-April until end of October.

Sunset Beach – 502 Sunset Boulevard
This popular beach is located at the end of Cape May Point and is a great place for watching the sun set into the Delaware Bay. Each night, a memorial service is held to honor Veterans. See the remains of the SS Atlantus and search for Cape May Diamonds during the day. There is also a grill and a few gift shops here as well as a mini-golf course.

Performing and Visual Arts

Cape May Stage – 405 Lafayette St
Cape May Stage is a equity professional theater located at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets. The 1853 building once served as Presbyterian Church and the City’s Welcome Center. Live stage performances are offered May – December. Dinner and a Show packages are available through local participating restaurants. For a schedule of events, click here. https://www.capemaystage.org/play-and-events/

East Lynn Theatre – 500 Hughes Street
The East Lynn Theatre Company is an equity professional theater located in the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May. Shows run March – December. Actors from this company also participate in many of Cape May’s events, including Murder Mystery Weekends and historic tours. Additionally, the company offers educational opportunities as well.

Elaine’s Dinner Theater – 513 Lafayette Street
Catch dinner and a show at this award-winning theater located inside Elaine’s, a beautiful boutique hotel. Live performances and shows are offered year-round.

Shopping

Cape May offers several unique shopping areas. The largest and most popular place to shop in Cape May is the Washington Street Mall located between Ocean and Perry Streets. Another popular Cape May shopping venue is right along Beach Avenue, where surf shops, beach supply stores, and other souvenir, gift and beachwear boutiques can be found. West End Garage is another favorite destination – this repurposed building is now home to over 55 artisan and craft vendors who well their unique, handcrafted and vintage wares in this creatively designed space. In addition to these one-stop shopping venues, don’t forget that there are many free-standing shops located throughout the Cape. Heading to the lighthouse or sunset beach? Check out Cape May Wicker and the Sunset Beach gifts, and then take a turn off the beaten path and head to Beach Plum Farm and the wineries, all of which offer unique items for sale as well as exquisite food and drink in a beautiful outdoor location.

Spas

Accent on Beauty – 109 Sunset Boulevard, Suite C
Full-service salon offers nail, facial and massage services.

Artizan Salon and Spa – 600 Park Boulevard
This salon offers hair, waxing and nail services.

Cape May Day Spa – 607 Jefferson Street
Services include spa escapes, bath and body treatments, facials, hand and foot treatments.

Evolution Salon and Spa – 3704 Bayshore Road
Services include hair, nail and skin care.

Massage by Pearl – 846 Broadway
Licensed massage therapist offers a variety of massage treatments.

Sea Spa – Congress Hall
This elite salon features massage, facials, waxing, body treatments, nails, hair and makeup services.

The Well Center for Massage – 110 North Broadway
Full-service massage, facials and body treatments offered.

Sports / Recreation / Playgrounds

Recreation

Cape May Recreation Department offers activities and programs for all ages throughout the year. The office is located at 643 Washington Street.

Tennis

The Cape May Tennis Club is located at 1020 Washington Street and is open to the public. Shopping

Playgrounds

Cape May Park and Zoo Playground – 707 Route 9, Cape May Courthouse
Mitnick Park – Jonathan Hoffman Road, North Cape May
Rotary Park – Bayshore Road, Villas

Personal watercraft includes Waverunner, Jetski and Seadoo

Watersports

Kayaking

The Kayak Fishing Store – 380 Route 47 South, Cape May Courthouse
Cape Kayak Adventure – 956A Ocean Drive
Aqua Trails – 1600 Delaware Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Miss Chris Marina – 1218 Wilson Drive Cape May

Parasailing

East Coast Parasail – 1121 Route 109

Personal Watercraft – Waverunner, Jetski, Seadoo

East Coast Watersports – Utsch’s Marina, 1121 Route 109

Stand Up Paddleboards

Cape Kayak Adventure – 956A Ocean Drive
Aqua Trails – 1600 Delaware Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Steger Beach Service Paddleboard Lessons – Utsch’s Marina, 1121 Route 109)
SUP Cape May – Mill Creek Marina, 960 Ocean Drive
Miss Chris Marina – 1218 Wilson Drive Cape May

Surfing Lessons/Rentals

Steger Beach Service Surf Lessons – Utsch’s Marina, 1121 Route 109

Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries

Wineries

Cape May Winery and Vineyard – 711 Townbank Road, Cape May
This winery offers over 150 acres and 16 varieties of grapes. Tasting room and tours are available. Open year round.

Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery – 600 South Railroad Avenue, Rio Grande
This winery is set on a 100+ acre 3^rd generation farm and is run by a husband and wife team. Tours, tasting room and summer events, including a Vineyard Concert Series, Saturdays on the Crush Pad and Sangria Sundays are available.

Jessie Creek Vineyard and Winery – 1 North Delsea Drive, Cape May Courthouse
Jessie Creek winery opened to the public in 2012. It has 5 acres of grapes under cultivation, and produces 1,200 cases of wine per year. It is also home to the Jessie Creek Inn. Year round events include yoga, Soulful Sundays, Sunset in the Vineyard, Paint and Sip events, holiday celebrations and more.

Natali Vineyards and Winery – 221 North Delsea Drive, Cape May Courthouse
This winery produces 27 different types of wine. Tastings, tours, wine pairing events, grape picking parties, live entertainment and more are offered year-round.

Turdo Vineyard and Winery – 3911 Bayshore Road, North Cape May
Family-owned and run, this winery produces 15 varieties of wine. Tastings and tours available in season.

Willow Creek Vineyard and Winery – 168 Stevens Street, West Cape May
This winery is on a 50-acre farm producing 25 different wines and 40 different sangrias. Seasonal events include Fire Pit Fridays, Comedy Uncorked Dinner Series, Adopt-A-Vine classes, Winter Jazz Weekends and Pasta and Sinatra Sundays.

Breweries

7 Mile Brewery – 3156 Route 9 South, Rio Grande
This brewery features a vast selection of beer as well as tastings, tours, live entertainment and events.

Cape May Brewing Company – 1288 Hornet Road, Cape May
One of New Jersey’s largest producers of craft beer, this brewery has over 100 beers available. It offers a large tasting room and year-round events.

Cold Spring Brewery – 733 Seashore Road, Cold Spring
This three-barrel microbrewery is located in a restored 1804 barn at Historic Cold Spring. They offer a variety of craft beers.

Ludlam Island Brewing – 9 Stoney Court, Ocean View
This brewery offers a variety of craft beers as well as tasting, tours and events.

Mudhen Brewing Company – 127 West Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
The Mudhen Brewing Company offer several beers on tap as well as live music and events year round.

Slack Tide Brewing Company – 1072 Route 83, Clermont
The Slack Tide Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by two brothers from Cape May County. Their tap list changes weekly from an impressive array of flagship and rotating beers. They offer an annual membership to their Mug Club and events are held year-round.

Distilleries

Cape May Distillery – 371 Route 47 South, Cape May Courthouse
Two college friends created Cape May County’s first distillery. They offer a variety of handcrafted spirits including rum, bourbon, whiskey, gin, honey spirits, and vodka.

Lazy Eye Distillery – 135 East Spicer Avenue, Wildwood
This is a family-owned business and they distill their spirits from scratch and in small batches. Tours, tastings and special events are offered.

Nauti Spirits Distillery – 916 Shunpike Road, Cape May
This distillery is located on a 60-acre farm nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. They offer artisan spirits which have been handcrafted from local farm ingredients, as well as tours, tasting room and shop.