The best things to do in Cape May NJ include climbing the 199 steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, touring the Victorian Emlen Physick Estate, walking the Washington Street Mall, hunting for “Cape May diamonds” at Sunset Beach, birding during fall migration and taking a whale and dolphin watching cruise. Cape May sits at Exit 0 of the Garden State Parkway, at the southern tip of New Jersey, and it stays worth visiting well beyond summer.
Key Takeaways
- Cape May is a Victorian seaside town known for its preserved historic district and painted “gingerbread” houses.
- The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, has 199 steps in its spiral stairway and still guides ships.
- Sunset Beach offers Cape May diamonds, sunset views and the wreck of a concrete ship.
- Fall is prime birding season, as Cape May is one of North America’s best-known migration hotspots.
- Things to do change by season, from summer beaches to holiday candlelight tours.
Details were checked against attraction operators in September 2026. Seasonal hours vary, so confirm times before visiting.
Top Things to Do in Cape May NJ at a Glance
| Attraction | Location | Best season | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May Lighthouse | Cape May Point State Park | Year-round (seasonal hours) | Panoramic views from the watch gallery |
| Victorian Historic District | Cape May | Year-round | Painted Victorian homes and inns |
| Emlen Physick Estate | Cape May | Year-round | Guided Victorian house tours |
| Washington Street Mall | Cape May | Year-round | Pedestrian shopping and dining |
| Sunset Beach | Lower Township | Spring to fall | Cape May diamonds, sunsets, concrete ship |
| Cape May Point State Park | Cape May Point | Fall and spring | Trails, birding, hawk watch |
| World War II Lookout Tower | Lower Township | Spring to fall | Coastal defense history |
| Whale and dolphin watching | Cape May harbor | Spring to fall | Dolphins close to shore |
| Cape May–Lewes Ferry | North Cape May | Year-round | Scenic crossing to Delaware |
| Cape May County Park and Zoo | Cape May Court House | Year-round | Free zoo; donations welcome |
Historic Things to Do in Cape May
History is Cape May’s signature. The town grew into one of America’s earliest seaside resorts, and its concentration of Victorian buildings earned it recognition as a National Historic Landmark district.
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859 and rises 157 feet 6 inches from the ground to its ventilator ball. Visitors climb 217 steps from the ground to the top, including 199 in the cast-iron spiral stairway. At the top, the watch gallery offers sweeping views over the ocean, Delaware Bay and Cape May Point.
Moreover, the lighthouse is still working. The U.S. Coast Guard operates it as an active aid to navigation, and its light is visible 24 miles out to sea. The lighthouse is run by Cape May MAC, and the last climb is 15 minutes before closing.
Tour the Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate is a Victorian house museum and one of the town’s best-known landmarks. Guided tours explain how wealthy families lived during Cape May’s resort heyday. Additionally, Cape May MAC sells combination tickets that pair the estate with the lighthouse or trolley tours.
Explore the Victorian Historic District
Many of Cape May’s streets are lined with ornate Victorian homes, many now bed-and-breakfasts. Walking is the best way to see them. Alternatively, a trolley tour covers more ground and adds historical context along the way.
Visit the World War II Lookout Tower
This concrete tower was part of the coastal defense network that watched for enemy ships during World War II. Today it is restored as a museum, and the view from the top explains why the site was chosen.
Beaches and Outdoor Things to Do in Cape May NJ
Cape May’s beaches face the Atlantic, while Cape May Point looks onto Delaware Bay. As a result, visitors can watch both sunrise and sunset over water within a short drive.
Sunset Beach and the Cape May diamonds
Sunset Beach, at the end of Sunset Boulevard, is famous for “Cape May diamonds.” These are small quartz pebbles that wash ashore and polish up to look like gems. Offshore, the remains of the SS Atlantus, a concrete ship from the World War I era, sit in the shallows. In summer, the beach also hosts a nightly flag-lowering ceremony at sunset.
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park surrounds the lighthouse and includes nature trails, ponds and dunes. Its hawk watch platform draws birders from across the country in the fall. Consequently, it is one of the best places in New Jersey to see migrating raptors.
Birding in Cape May
Cape May’s location at the tip of a peninsula funnels migrating birds along the coast. Fall migration, especially September and October, is the busiest time for hawks, songbirds and monarch butterflies. The Cape May Bird Observatory, run by New Jersey Audubon, offers programs and walks.
Cape May beaches
Cape May’s city beaches are wide and family friendly. In summer, beachgoers generally need a seasonal beach tag, which funds lifeguards and beach maintenance. Outside the summer season, walking the empty beaches is one of the town’s quiet pleasures.
On-the-Water Things to Do in Cape May
- Whale and dolphin watching: Several operators run cruises from Cape May harbor. Bottlenose dolphins are common in warmer months.
- Cape May–Lewes Ferry: The ferry crosses Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware, a scenic day trip on its own.
- Kayaking and fishing: Back bays and marshes suit paddlers and anglers alike.
Food, Wine and Shopping in Cape May
The Washington Street Mall is a pedestrian street of shops, cafes and ice cream stands. It stays lively in the evenings, particularly in summer. Meanwhile, Cape May County is also home to a growing wine scene, with wineries such as Cape May Winery and Vineyard and Willow Creek Winery offering tastings.
Seafood is the other draw. Many restaurants serve local catches, and the harbor area is known for its fishing fleet. For more ideas, browse our Food & Drink guides.
Family Things to Do in Cape May NJ
- Cape May County Park and Zoo: A free zoo in Cape May Court House with a wide range of animals.
- Historic Cold Spring Village: A living-history village that recreates 1800s South Jersey life during its season.
- Trolley tours: Short, seated tours that suit younger kids and grandparents.
- Beach days: Wide, lifeguarded beaches in summer.
Things to Do in Cape May NJ by Season
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring | Spring bird migration, quiet beaches, lighthouse climbs |
| Summer | Beaches, dolphin cruises, Sunset Beach flag ceremony, busy Washington Street Mall |
| Fall | Peak bird and monarch migration, wine tastings, fewer crowds |
| Winter | Holiday decorations, candlelight house tours, Christmas events |
Many things to do in Cape May NJ run year-round, so the season you choose mainly changes the mood of the trip rather than the options.
Fall is arguably the best-kept secret. The weather is often mild, crowds thin out after Labor Day and the migration season is at its peak.
Getting to Cape May
Most visitors drive. The Garden State Parkway ends in Cape May, which is why locals call the town’s entrance “Exit 0.” From there, the historic district and beaches are only minutes away.
Alternatively, travelers coming from Delaware can take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry across Delaware Bay. The ferry terminal sits in North Cape May, a short drive from the lighthouse and Sunset Beach.
A One-Day Plan for Things to Do in Cape May NJ
If you only have one day, this simple plan covers the highlights without rushing. Adjust the order around seasonal hours.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Climb the Cape May Lighthouse and walk the Cape May Point State Park trails |
| Late morning | Visit the World War II Lookout Tower nearby |
| Lunch | Eat on or near the Washington Street Mall |
| Afternoon | Tour the Emlen Physick Estate or take a trolley tour of the historic district |
| Late afternoon | Beach time in summer, or a harbor cruise in season |
| Evening | Watch the sunset and look for Cape May diamonds at Sunset Beach |
With a second day, add a winery visit, a dolphin cruise or a trip to Cape May County Park and Zoo. As a result, you will see both the historic town and the surrounding nature.
Tips for Visiting Cape May
- Book early for summer and holidays. Inns and B&Bs fill quickly.
- Park once and walk. The historic district is compact, and parking is limited in peak season.
- Check seasonal hours. Many attractions shorten hours in the off-season.
- Bring binoculars. Birding opportunities appear everywhere, not only at the state park.
- Pair Cape May with the Wildwoods. The boardwalk towns are only a short drive north.
More Jersey Shore Guides
Cape May is one of many Shore towns worth exploring. Browse our Jersey Shore section for more beach-town guides, or see our statewide list of things to do in NJ. For every new guide, visit the NJ News Today homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Cape May NJ
What is Cape May NJ known for?
Cape May is known for its preserved Victorian architecture, its 1859 lighthouse, Sunset Beach and Cape May diamonds, and world-class bird migration.
How many steps are in the Cape May Lighthouse?
There are 217 steps from the ground to the top, including 199 steps in the cast-iron spiral stairway, according to Cape May MAC.
What are Cape May diamonds?
Cape May diamonds are small quartz pebbles that wash up at Sunset Beach. When polished, they look like gemstones.
Is Cape May worth visiting in the fall?
Yes. Fall brings mild weather, smaller crowds and peak bird and monarch butterfly migration, which makes it one of the best times to visit.
Is the Cape May County Zoo free?
Yes. Cape May County Park and Zoo in Cape May Court House is free to enter, although donations are welcome.
In summer, beachgoers on Cape May city beaches generally need a seasonal beach tag. Tags are not needed outside the summer season.
Making the Most of Cape May
The best things to do in Cape May NJ blend history, nature and seaside charm. Climb the lighthouse, walk the Victorian streets and catch the sunset at Sunset Beach. Then add a dolphin cruise in summer, birding in fall or candlelight tours in winter. Because Cape May changes with the seasons, it rewards repeat visits throughout the year.