10 Things to Do in Cape May
Cape May, NJ is a beach town, but that doesn’t mean that the beach is all it has to offer. I grew up going to Avalon, NJ so I am having a blast learning the many different things available to do in Cape May. Here are a few of the things that we enjoyed on our most recent trip.
Check out the video at the end of the post if you want even more info and images!
Washington Street Mall & Downtown
Wandering through the shops and streets is such a treat. Cape May is filled with historic and beautiful places that are picture-perfect. Washington Street Mall has plenty of shops and restaurants just a few blocks from the beach.
Events & Performances
Check the calendar on Cape May’s website so you don’t miss out on any fun performances or events that will be occurring during your stay. If you happen to stay at Holly Shores Camping Resort, you may even catch a hypnosis show by my father, Tim Miller, of Hypnotizing America (only open to those staying at the resort and guests).
Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse is a fun place to explore and you can even pack for the beach. There is beach access and it was a lot less crowded than some of the beach access areas that we saw when we were right in town. They also have a vendor for ice cream and other treats.
Willow Creek Winery & Farm
If you enjoy a winery, Willow Creek Winery & Farm is absolutely beautiful. They have tours, tastings, and a restaurant. Also, there is a garden with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme. I’ll be honest, we did not love the food or wines, but it is worth visiting to to see the property.
Revolution Rail Co.
Revolution Rail Co. is both fun and educational. We learned so much during our trail ride. We did not take our infant and toddler with us, but they accommodate all ages. The ride is not strenuous, but I recommend an early morning slot if you’re riding in the summer to beat the heat. Also, there is a basket attached to the bike, so it’s easy to bring a small bag for snacks and water.
Garrett Family Preserve (The Nature Conservancy)
If it wasn’t for our rail ride we would not have even discovered Garrett Family Preserve. I couldn’t believe that there are 180 acres of field hidden there to walk through. Apparently, it’s an even more beautiful sight from late September through early October due to the monarch butterfly migration.
Cape May Brewing Co.
We have tried and enjoyed beers from Cape May Brewing Co. at home, but I highly recommend ordering flights at the brewery. The theming at the brewery is fantastic and the beers are so good!
Emlen Physick Estate
Emlen Physick Estate is gorgeous on the outside so I will definitely have to take a look inside next time we are without small children. We wanted to be able to enjoy it so we decided to save it for another time. They also have a classic car in the front which was fun to try to explain to a 3 year old. There is a restaurant on the property and trolleys parked in the back which Elani loved due to Daniel Tiger.
Cape May Tennis Center
The Cape May Tennis Center has a variety of courts and is open to the public. My mother is a avid tennis player so we visited to watch her play. They have clay and hard courts available. The grounds are beautifully maintained and Elani has loved visiting for years.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
There are still so many fun things to explore in Cape May, but the last thing I’m going to mention is the Cape May County Park & Zoo. With playgrounds, ziplining, carousel rides, and zoo animals, how could you go wrong? The zoo is donation only so make sure to donate what you can afford. I grew up going to this zoo and I still look forward to it every time.
The beach is fun, but don’t forget that there are so many other ways to enjoy Cape May, NJ, beyond even just the few things that I have mentioned. Hope to see you there!