A perfect weekend in Cape May on the Jersey Shore

Growing up in New Jersey, going “down the shore,” aka to the southern seaside destinations, is a summertime staple. While there are many beach towns on the Jersey Shore — such as Wildwood, Ocean City, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Atlantic City and more — my favorite is Cape May.

Considered America’s oldest seaside resort town, Cape May has drawn vacationers from the Philadelphia area from as early as the mid-1700s. It continues to attract visitors year-round with its colorful Victorian-era buildings, bustling main street and turn-of-the-century charm. However, the summer months are when it’s at its best. From its best hotels and restaurants to its most beautiful nature trails, beach and more, here’s how to spend an ideal weekend in Cape May, New Jersey.

Related: The best beaches in the US for summer trips

Where is Cape May?

Located on an island at the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a historic seaside town about a three-hour drive from New York City and less than a two-hour drive from Philadelphia.

Even though traffic can be bad on weekends in the summer, driving to Cape May is the easiest way to get into and around town. If you don’t have a car, public transportation is an option. Buses are available from New York City to Cape May via NJ Transit, but itineraries for these routes can take up to six hours since transfers are required. For a one-way fare, expect to pay upward of $60. From Philadelphia, the NJ Transit 315 bus from Center City to Cape May takes about three hours; a one-way ticket costs about $30.

You can also take a ferry from Lewes, Delaware, to Cape May and vice versa. The boat ride takes just over an hour, and a one-way ticket for an adult is $10, $8 for adults over 62, $3 for children ages 6 to 13, and children under 6 are free.

Where to stay in Cape May, New Jersey

You won’t find chain hotels and ultra-modern buildings in Cape May. Instead, the hotels reflect either a retro or 19th-century vibe, making me feel like I’ve stepped back in time during my annual visits. If you plan to stay overnight in Cape May and do not have access to a car, stay closer to downtown so you can walk to Washington Street, the town’s “main street,” and public beach access points. Here are some of the best options to consider for your next trip.

The Virginia Hotel

The Virginia Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel with just 24 rooms in the heart of downtown Cape May, steps from the beach. It’s also an adults-only hotel, so visiting with your significant other or friends is best. The common areas of the restored 1879 landmark building are decorated in a blue and red color scheme with dark wood furniture and crystal chandeliers. It’s intimate and cozy and leans into the historic, small-town vibe of Cape May. Plus, who doesn’t love a giant wrap-around porch to enjoy a cocktail or your morning coffee?

The guest room I stayed in featured light blue floral wallpaper and a mix of white and dark wood furniture accents. Guests can enjoy locally made bathroom amenities from Beach Plum Farm, a valet service (handy as there is very limited street parking) and a made-to-order continental breakfast, which can be served on the property’s porch or in your room.

This hotel has one restaurant, The Ebbitt Room, an upscale farm-to-table dinner spot serving contemporary American cuisine and cocktails. (More on that later.)

In New Jersey, you must pay to access the beach, but The Virginia’s hotel guests are given complimentary beach passes, chairs, umbrellas and towels. Beach attendants can also take your drink order while you sit back and relax. Prefer the pool? Guests can access the outdoor pool at Congress Hall, a Cape Resorts sister property, just one block away.

In summer, room rates at The Virginia start around $600 per night or $800 on Friday and Saturday. However, after Labor Day, prices drop to less than $400 per night, and during the winter months, you can find room rates for less than $200.

The Virginia also has four family-friendly cottages located across the street. Guests can book individual suites or rent the entire cottage for groups of up to 20 if they’re traveling with a large group. Each house is tastefully designed to mix timeless mid-20th-century beach decor with updated bathrooms and modern amenities.

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Congress Hall

Cape May’s most famous hotel, Congress Hall, is a 19th-century beachfront property that has hosted former U.S. presidents, including Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison. The stately bright yellow building with large white pillars has 106 family-friendly guest rooms and suites.

The crisp white sheets, light blue walls and striped carpet in the guest rooms provide a nice balance to the maximalist Americana-inflected decor in the lobby and the dark wood accents and gold chairs in the cocktail bar (also known as The Brown Room).

The property also features an on-site restaurant, The Blue Pig Tavern; a coffee cafe, Tommy’s Folly Cafe; an underground music club and pizzeria, The Boiler Room; and an outdoor bar.

Guests enjoy complimentary beach access, including chairs, umbrellas, towels and an outdoor pool.

The Sea Spa at Congress Hall leans into its beach theme, with yellow and white pinstriped walls and framed old-fashioned bathing suits from different eras as decor. Treatments include facials, massages, waxing, nail services and more, ranging from $10 to $300. I had a Classic Sea Spa Facial, which the esthetician customized to my skin type. It was relaxing, and I could immediately see the glowing results post-facial.

During the summer, room rates at Congress Hall start around $1,000 per night. However, you can find rooms for less than $300 per night in winter. (During the holiday season, Congress Hall transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decor, vendors, breakfast with Santa and more.)

Beach Plum Farm

If you’re traveling to Cape May with a larger family or group of friends, the five farmhouse cottages at Beach Plum Farm can sleep up to eight people and provide plenty of room and privacy. Situated less than 10 minutes from Washington Street, this working farm and market is also open to the public who want to feed the chickens and pigs or grab a bite to eat in the outdoor garden.

I stayed in the Hidden & Hills barn, a rustic cabin featuring three bedrooms, a screened-in porch, a full-size SMEG refrigerator and indoor and outdoor showers. Surrounded by wood beams and paneling, I felt like I was in a cabin in the mountains.

While staying at the farm, guests can access a golf cart to travel to the beach or downtown area. Beach Plum also has a small pool in a private garden area, creating a serene environment away from the farm’s day guests.

Cottages cost about $1,500-$2,000 per night during summer. After Labor Day, you can book a cottage for less than $900 a night. It’s still warm enough in September to sit outside and go to the beach, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds. Plus, September is one of the best months to surf Cape May.

Related: The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway

Beach Shack

Reminiscent of 1960s beach motel lodging, Beach Shack is a fun and vibrant hotel located directly across from, you guessed it, the beach. With 65 guest rooms and suites facing the property pool and beach, shoes are always optional when staying at this hotel. Opt for a room with private garden space and a picnic table to soak in the salty air, an ocean-view balcony or a garden terrace with rocking chairs. Plus, this hotel has a few dog-friendly rooms if you travel with a furry friend for the weekend.

During the peak months, rates fluctuate between $500 and $800 per night and may be higher on the weekends. Booking after Labor Day allows you to find rooms for less than $400 per night.

Where to eat in Cape May, New Jersey

Bring your appetite when visiting Cape May, as there are many great places to eat in town, like Harpoons on the Bay, Boiler Room, Quincy’s Lobster Rolls, Louisa’s Cafe and Cape May Brewery. Here are a few of the standout restaurants where I ate during my trip.

Start the day with a caffeine fix at Magic Brain Cafe. This tiny cafe features made-to-order espresso drinks, teas and more. Don’t miss the hand-size sticky buns at Madison’s Bakery. For something heartier, Bagel Time Cafe is a mom-and-pop shop serving homemade bagels and spreads, breakfast sandwiches and even acai bowls.

Though there is usually a wait at The Mad Batter for breakfast and lunch, it’s well worth it. Situated next to The Virginia Hotel, this 48-year-old institution has staples like pancakes, salads, sandwiches, pizza and more.

Congress Hall’s The Blue Pig Tavern serves classic American food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If the weather is nice, sit on the outdoor patio for lunch and order the lobster roll, which features thick chunks of Maine lobster stuffed in a toasted bun.

Even if you’re not staying at Beach Plum Farm, it’s worth visiting for a meal. In addition to farm-to-table breakfasts and lunches served picnic-style in its beautiful garden, it also offers a summer country barbecue buffet dinner series. This all-you-can-eat dinner is $55 per person (children under 10 years old eat for free) and includes staple barbecue items like potato salad and chicken with homemade barbecue sauce served under a giant tent at long farmhouse tables. Beach Plum Farm also offers a seasonal dinner experience with farm-raised meats, garden herbs and organic produce. Tickets cost $162 per person and do book out, so be sure to reserve tickets online.

For an upscale dinner downtown, you can make a reservation at The Ebbitt Room inside The Virginia Hotel. The small, intimate dining space is decorated with dark wood chairs, white pillars and antique photos adorning the walls.

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GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY

Because the appetizers were small, I ordered three dishes: char-grilled oysters, Spanish octopus and a burrata and beetroot salad. As for my main entree, I couldn’t resist the Cape May scallops in a lemon beurre blanc sauce with peas and baby carrots. Other entrees include local duck breast with bok choy and miso halibut with kale and carrot puree. I had a seasonal strawberry rhubarb crumble cake with vanilla ice cream and sweet ricotta donuts for dessert. With price points for entrees ranging from about $40 to $60, expect to spend at least $100 to $150 per person for a meal at The Ebbitt Room.

Things to do in Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May Beach

Of course, one of the top things to do in Cape May is to visit the beach. You can build a sand castle with your kids, relax with your significant other, swim in the Atlantic Ocean or even bring your surfboard and hit the waves.

Don’t forget to bring your towels, beach umbrellas and chairs — unless your hotel includes those items in a stay and complimentary beach tags. If you do not have free beach tags, which are required between Memorial Day through Labor Day, you must pay an attendant before accessing the beach. During the summer, beach tags are $10 per person for the day, and children under 11 years old are free. There are also discounts for military, weekly beach tags and three-day beach tags.

Related: The best coastal hotels to visit during your next seaside getaway

Farm tour at Beach Plum Farm

Aside from shopping at its market or enjoying lunch in its garden, Beach Plum Farm also offers guided farm tours. The one-hour walking tour is $18 per person — children under 12 are free — and comes with a complimentary beverage from the farm kitchen to enjoy while you stroll the expansive property and learn about its sustainable agriculture practices.

Hit the shops on Washington Street

Plan to spend one afternoon strolling down Cape May’s pedestrian-friendly Washington Street to browse its boutique clothing stores, gift shops and restaurants. Fralinger’s old-fashioned candy shop is a must-visit if you love saltwater taffy.

Walk the nature trails at Cape May Point State Park

Cape May Point State Park offers several easy walking trails up to two miles in length. Since the area is flat, the whole family can hike through the park to see the Cape May Lighthouse or bird watch. If you’re short on time, you can always take a quick walk to the lighthouse and back in under 30 minutes.

Cape May Zoo

The Cape May Zoo offers free entry for all, has more than 550 animals and is open year-round. Whether you walk through the entire park in an hour or spend the day looking at the animals, the Cape May Zoo is a fun activity for the whole family.

Related: How Disney takes care of 5,000 animals every day at Animal Kingdom and beyond

Bottom line

With its Victorian-era charm, beautiful beach, and great restaurants and shops, Cape May remains a Jersey Shore favorite among locals and an ideal weekend getaway destination for New Yorkers and Philadelphians. As someone who grew up visiting Cape May, I look forward to my yearly trips back to this island. Maybe it’s the nostalgic charm of the town that reminds me of my childhood, the restaurants I continue to check off my bucket list when I visit (this past time, it was The Ebbitt Room) or a combination of factors that has me continuously admiring this small beach town’s beauty and history.

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