Summer Fun in Cape May | 6 Best Reasons to Visit This Summer

Fun in the Sun in America's Oldest Seashore Resort!

Summer is finally here! School’s out, the weather is heating up and people are looking for reasons to travel. In Cape May there are so many fun summer activities to entertain both locals and visitors that it is hard to find any one thing to do. Here are the six of the best things to do in Victorian Cape May this (or, any) summer.  


Picturesque Beaches

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Sunset Beach Cape May

Cape May offers some of the best beaches anywhere in the entire country. Enjoy the scenic views and quiet atmosphere at Higbee Beach and Poverty Beach. Take the family to play volleyball in the sand of Steger Beach. Collect sea shells and beautiful stones at Sunset Beach. Although dogs are prohibited on most beaches in the summer months, other recreational activities like fishing are always allowed! No matter your preference, you can find your beach in Cape May.


Cape May Lighthouse

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Cape May - Lewes Ferry and MAC Lighthouse Tours

Join the nearly 2.5 million people who have climbed Cape May’s most famous landmark since 1988. Make your way up 199 steps to be greeted with an incredible 360° panoramic view of the surrounding area. In the summer months there is always a cool breeze and ample sight of wildlife awaiting you at the top. The lighthouse is wonderfully maintained throughout the year but the warm weather makes for a great family-friendly summer vacation spot.


Washington Street Mall

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Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

The historic Washington Street Mall offers something for everyone and really embodies what Cape May is all about. Whether you want to get ice cream, drinks, a bite to eat, or just sit back and people-watch the Washington Street Mall is the place to be. Despite its popularity, there is plenty of parking available within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. People who visit the Mall can never wait to come back because there is no way to experience all the mall has to offer in a single trip!


Cape May Brewery

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Cape May Brewing Company

People local to the area are well familiar with Cape May Brewery but if you’re coming to Cape May for the first time the brewery is a must-stop location. Enjoy samples in the tasting room but don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by the incredible selection. There are plenty of helpful staff to assist in making your selection. In the summer, be sure to enjoy the warm weather and hang out in the beer garden. Cape May Brewery is ‘bring your own food’ so be sure to bring your favorite snacks to accompany great beer.


Whale Watching

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Cape May Whale Watcher

There is nothing better in the summer than spending the day out on the water. The Cape May Whale Watcher gives you the opportunity to tour the shore lighthouses, see beautiful marine life, and take incredible pictures that will last a lifetime. On a clear summer day there are lots of dolphins in the water and seeing whales is a regular occurrence. All of the captains are knowledgeable and make the trips both fun and informative. 


Summer Concert Series

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Amish Outlaws performing at the Cape May Lewes Ferry summer concert series

Who doesn’t love free music? The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides free concerts for everyone every Wednesday night in the Summer. The Summer Concert Series presents many different styles of music so you’re bound to find something that will get you down to the Cape May Ferry Terminal. These concerts are popular with year round local residents but also attract people from across the Delaware Bay who come across from Lewes.

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Cape May Day Trips and Weekend Excursions

Cape May is Open All Year Long!

Whether you’re looking for a quick day-trip, a weekend-excursion or something in between, there’s always a reason to hop aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.


Diamond Beach, Higbee Beach, All Beaches!

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sunset over the sunken concrete ship

It’s true, most people think of beaches in the summer months, but beaches are extra special in the cooler weather months.  For one, the ocean waters are generally at their warmest in the Fall.  But if you want to stay on shore, and you consider beaches great places for meditative alone time, the cooler months are your ideal time to lay out a chair, open a book and breath in ocean air.

The closest beach to the Ferry is right off aptly named Beach Road.  When leaving the Cape May Terminal, take your first left to turn around and head back to the bay.  Go straight to Beach Avenue and park!  If you’re more prone to looking for treasures, Sunset Beach is your spot to see the partially sunken concrete ship as well as search for Cape May Diamonds!  If you like your jewelry already set and polished, the nearby souvenir shop has a selection of Cape May Diamond necklaces, pendants, rings and more!

Higbee Beach can be tricky to find, but gives the best views of the ferry coming and going. After leaving the Ferry, you start off toward downtown Cape May, but veer off to the right by the Cape May Canal just as you go on the bridge via Seashore Road.

For more information on Cape May Beaches: click here

Washington Street Mall

Year-Round | 401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204

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Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

There’s really something for everyone in this downtown Cape May landmark. Consisting of over 60 shops and 20 restaurants, the Washington Street Mall in the heart of Cape May is an ideal destination for a single day out or an entire weekend excursion. Whether you’re looking to shop or just walk around and take in the atmosphere the Washington Street Mall. People who go once can’t wait to go back again.

For more information about Washington Street Mall: click here

Historic Cold Spring Village

Year-Round | 720 Rt. 9, Cape May, NJ

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Historic Cold Spring Village Cape May

The 1800s come to life when you visit 27 restored, historic buildings on a 30-acre site where interpreters in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, printing, broom making, bookbinding, pottery, tinsmithing, and basket weaving. The Village is also home to a farm complete with a horse, chicken, sheep and more! Enjoy special weekday family activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts and historic games. In addition to the craft buildings, visitors will find a Welcome Center, Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor, Cold Spring Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. The Village is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4:30 pm, from mid-June through Labor Day. Special events are held every weekend from early June through mid-September.

For more information about historic Cold Spring Village: click here


Cape May Lighthouse

Year-Round| Located in Cape May Point State Park, 215 Lighthouse Ave

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Cape May Lighthouse and Beach

Join over 2.5 million Cape May visitors who have made the journey to the top of Cape May’s most well-known landmark. Once you’ve conquered the 199 steps, you’ll enjoy an amazing view of the surrounding Cape May area that extends all the way across the bay to Cape Henlopen on a clear day. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets may be purchased online or on location.

For more information about the Cape May Lighthouse: click here


Visit the Emlen Physick Estate

Year-Round | 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ

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Outside view of the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May,NJ

Visit Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum and learn about the life of a late 19th century country gentleman. Cape May is known for many historic sites that you just can’t see anywhere else in the world, and the Emlen Physick Estate is one of them.

To Learn More About the Emlen Physick Estate: click here

There is always something to do in Cape May

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