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Experience Historic Cape May Attractions
At the southernmost end of New Jersey, when the exit numbers on the Parkway start to dwindle down to zero, sits Cape May.
At the southernmost end of New Jersey, when the exit numbers on the Parkway start to dwindle down to zero, sits Cape May, one of the oldest seaside resorts in the nation. With tons of things to do in Cape May, this historic town has welcomed vacationers for more than 200 years! From charming Victorian homes and the historic Cape May lighthouse to the famed S.S. Atlantus wreckage and Washington Street Mall, Cape May’s personality balances old-time charm with a more chic, modern persona. And there’s no slowing the number of visitors every year!
Popular Hot Spots and Things to Do in Cape May
In recent years, several of Cape May’s long-faded grand hotels and smaller motels have been transformed into lovely escapes, inviting all types of families from New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and beyond. But if you’re a traditionalist, have no fear! The Cape May attractions that made this historic area famous, are still intact and read for you enjoy!
Cape May Ferry
Sure, it may seem strange to leave Cape May the moment you arrive, but the ferry can offer you and your family a great view of the area as it travels on a continuous loop around downtown Cape May. One of the quintessential things to do in Cape May for locals and vacationers alike, it also provides a lovely ride to the tax-free outlets in Lewis, Delaware, also known as the “first city in the first state.”
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Cape May Lighthouse
You might think it would take just a few moments to get a glimpse at a lighthouse and then move on to the next Cape May hot spot, but the 157-foot tall Cape May lighthouse, which still functions today, is just one of the great things to do in Cape May Point State Park. First you’ll want to head right on up because on a clear day you can see all the way to Delaware. Then you can enjoy hiking trails, guided nature walks, birding tours, picnic areas and more.
Washington Street Mall
The Washington Street Mall in Cape May is a wonderful area of local shops and restaurants. Closed off to drivers since the 1970s, it’s not quite the shopping mall you may be used to, but get ready to spend some money at the privately owned shops, accessible to pedestrians only. At night you can enjoy cocktail bars, pubs and other entertainment hotspots open late for food and drinks.
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S.S. Atlantus (concrete ship)
Seeing the wreckage of the concrete ship Atlantus has become one of the most popular things to do in Cape May. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the S.S. Atlantus final resting place at Cape May Point, 150 feet off Cape May’s Sunset Beach. Built in 1918 and modeled after Europe’s 19th century steel and reinforced concrete river barges, this amazing structure sticks out from the water, offering a unique sight the whole family will enjoy.
Along with the Cape May lighthouse, Washington Street Mall and S.S. Atlantus, the famed Victorian homes of Cape May are always a sight to enjoy, and also what makes the entire city of Cape May a National Historic Landmark. Be sure to bring your camera everywhere you go, because this special seaside city is something to remember!
