Cape May offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: Victorian architecture, museums offering historical perspectives, natural history, shopping, and dining. You can start by deciding whether architecture and history, nature, or recurring events will be your main focus. The other offerings provide additional perspectives on the area.

Architectural History and Guided Insights

The Cape May Historic District has one of the largest collections in the country of 19th-century coastal wood-frame buildings. Cape May also has more than 600 authentically restored and preserved Victorian buildings. The first figure refers to the historic district, while the second refers to Cape May’s Victorian buildings.

Cape May MAC’s trolley tours explore Cape May’s Victorian heritage and coastal and maritime history. A one-hour walking tour explores the Historic District. To choose between the formats, consider a simple question: Would you like a one-hour walking tour of the historic district, or are you interested in the topics covered on the trolley tours?

As another architectural perspective, the Emlen Physick Estate is one of the country’s best examples of Victorian Stick Style architecture. This named architectural style adds a distinctive note to Cape May’s architectural history.

Museums and Historical Perspectives

The Harriet Tubman Museum highlights the pivotal role Cape May played in the struggle for freedom. The museum building’s location also has a historical connection: it stands on a block that opponents of slavery in Cape May called home. The historical perspective therefore extends beyond architecture to the history of the struggle for freedom. Visitors who want to understand Cape May beyond its built heritage will find a distinct cultural focus here.

Natural History at Cape May Harbor

The Nature Center of Cape May has its campus on the shore of Cape May Harbor in Cape May. The center includes a three-story observation tower. It also offers public natural history programs year-round. Alongside the historical themes, natural history and public programs are therefore distinct interests to consider when planning your trip.

Shopping and Dining at Washington Street Mall

Washington Street Mall in Cape May, New Jersey, is home to more than 75 shops and other establishments. It is a car-free, pedestrian-friendly outdoor destination that spans three blocks of Washington Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic. Shopping includes fashion and accessories, home goods, and specialty items. Dining options range from takeout lobster rolls to upscale Italian cuisine. The number of shops and individual businesses’ offerings may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Events During Your Travel Dates

Cape May’s annual Music Festival takes place each spring. The World Series of Birding starts in Cape May every year. The events offer different starting points for planning a trip. Check the specific dates for your travel period if you’d like to include either event in your stay.

Find Hotels in Cape May Based on Your Interests

If you’re looking for a hotel in Cape May, you can start by planning your trip around the themes that interest you most: architectural history and guided tours, historical perspectives, natural history, or the offerings at Washington Street Mall. Annual events can also influence your choice of travel dates.

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