Cape May, NJ Travel Tips
Cape May, New Jersey, is a quaint beach town perfect for families looking for a relaxing vacation. Located at the tip of the Cape May Peninsula, this historic seaside town is a favorite of nature lovers around the world. The best way to experience the city is to stay in one of the many Cape May vacation rentals that are available for rent. For families hoping to relax in Cape May, house rentals create a unique, comfortable experience that allows visitors to feel like they are home. Traditional hotel rooms simply do not offer the same amount of space, privacy, and comfort for the money. By choosing a rental that is leased by owner, families benefit from a house that has been well-kept, updated, and cared for - just like their own home.
For families interested in beautiful beach vacation rentals, Cape May, NJ, is an excellent choice. Cape May is a small island, so the best way to explore the town is by walking. There is also a
Park and Ride trolley service from the Great American Trolley Company. Rides are free to the beach, boardwalk, and Washington Street Mall, and they're only $1 for one-way rides within town. For families who like to be out and about, bicycle rentals are available through several local companies. Make sure to book your reservation online to save time!
Neighborhoods
Families staying in Cape May, NJ, rentals will probably be curious to explore the nearby neighborhoods. Cape May Point and West Cape May are excellent areas for tourists. Both neighborhoods are historic and offer their own unique shopping, music, and dining experiences.
Cape May Point is home to picturesque Lake Lily and the famous
Cape May Lighthouse, a 157-foot structure built in 1859. This quiet neighborhood full of historic homes is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
West Cape May is a haven for art, music, and local shopping. With a square mile of unique dining options, live music, and antique shops, West Cape May is a fun neighborhood in which to spend the day.
Attractions
Beaches and Parks
Families who love the beach are in luck - there are plenty of Cape May beach rentals available to make your stay as pleasant and convenient as possible. Higbee Beach, Cape May Point State Park, and Wildwood Boardwalk are all favorites among New Jersey beach-goers.
Cape May Point State Park is a large park open daily and offering plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birding and fishing.
Higbee Beach is a favorite destination among nature lovers. Surrounding the beach is a freshwater marsh, a swamp, two freshwater ponds, and a dense forest - great for fishing, hunting, and bird-watching.
Wildwood Boardwalk: About 15 minutes from Cape May are the beaches and boardwalk of Wildwood, NJ. This classic American boardwalk features 38 blocks of live entertainment, shopping, water parks, and more than 100 carnival rides.
Things to Do
There are many fun things to do while staying in Cape May summer rentals. Take a tour of the city, go shopping, or spend a day walking through town and admiring the historic homes. Get to know the Cape May's fascinating history with a visit to Historic Cold Spring Village. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds and buildings during the day, or join a ghost walk in the evening to learn about some more mysterious occurrences. Learn about Cape May's Victorian history with a visit to the Emlen Physick Estate. This attraction boasts beautiful grounds, a house museum, and plenty of local history.
Tours are a great way to become familiar with the area, and families can choose from trolley, aerial, boat, or horse and carriage tours of the town.
The Washington Street Mall is made up of three blocks of small, local, independent shops. It features clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, restaurants, and more.
Ocean sports like kayaking, fishing, whale watching, jet-skiing, and parasailing are very popular with tourists in the Cape May region.
Fun with Kids
The Nature Center of Cape May offers hiking trails, wildlife tours, and paddleboat and kayak trips. They provide a variety of educational programs throughout the year, with a focus on children's programming. The building features an observational tower and aquariums with various marine animals.
The Cape May County Zoo is a well-kept zoo that is home to giraffes, lions, wallabies, bears, birds, reptiles, and many more. Admission is by donation only, so visitors can pay what they choose.
Cape May County's Aviation Museum was a pilot training center during World War II and features several historic aircraft, like a TBM Avenger and a Cobra Helicopter.
Events
Families visiting from out of town may want to take advantage of the many vacation rentals in Cape May, NJ, and check out one or two of the town's most popular annual events. For tourists interested in exploring the festivals of Cape May, rentals are a wonderful choice because they allow you the freedom to spend the day out and about and return to a comfortable home in the evening.
Cape May truly blossoms in the spring, especially with the Cape May Spring Festival comes to town. With walking and trolley tours, a jazz brunch, a Mother's Day fashion show, and a wine trail, this is the ideal time to leave the winter behind and embrace the spring season.
The Celtic Festival (late July) is a family-friendly celebration of the Celtic Highlands, with dancing, live entertainment, crafts, and much more.
The Great Cookie Exchange (December) is an annual event that invites children and parents to decorate, bake, and eat holiday cookies.
In the fall, don't miss the Cape May Wine Festival, a two-day event at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. Here you can enjoy the fall weather, sample vintages from dozens of local wineries, nosh on treats from area food trucks, and get down to music from local bands.
Whether you're visiting for the beaches or the festivals, Cape May has something for everyone. Book your Cape May vacation homes in advance to score the best waterfront location for your beach vacation.
Cape May Climate
Known for its warm summers and mild winters, Cape May is a particularly popular destination during the warmer months. Summer temperatures tend to top out at 85 degrees, while winter temperatures typically hover in the 40s. The Cape May area receives a relatively consistent amount of precipitation year-round, though March is generally the rainiest month.
How to Get Around Cape May
If you're traveling from afar, plan to fly into Philadelphia International Airport or Atlantic City International Airport. Most Cape May vacation homes are about a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia or a 45-minute drive from Atlantic City. Though you'll want to drive in order to reach neighboring towns or nearby beaches, Cape May itself is easy to navigate by foot, bicycle, or trolley. If you opt for the trolley, leave your car at the park and ride, and hop on the trolley to access the promenade, Marina District, and other Cape May attractions.
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