Though it goes without saying, New York City is one of the world’s premier destinations for sightseeing. From iconic landmarks and architectural marvels to vibrant neighborhoods packed with history and culture, there’s always something new to discover around every corner.
But as the weather warms and summer begins to settle in, the season offers the perfect excuse to venture beyond the city limits and explore some brand new sites. And of course, get your toes sandy in the meantime.
With beach days on the horizon, those looking to trade Manhattan’s concrete skyline for seaside charm will find the perfect weekend escape in Cape May. Just a few hours from the city, this picturesque coastal town feels worlds away, welcoming visitors with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.
Home to the largest concentration of historic Victorian mansions in the United States, Cape May feels like a living postcard. Colorful gingerbread-trimmed homes, horse-drawn carriages, and salty ocean breezes create a timeless atmosphere that has captivated travelers for generations, making it one of the East Coast’s most enchanting summer destinations.
📚 A Glimpse into Cape May History
Cape May holds the prestigious title of being America’s oldest seaside resort.
Its history as a vacation destination dates back to the mid-18th century, when wealthy urbanites from Philadelphia and New York would travel by water to escape the heat of the cities.
The town’s defining visual characteristic, its massive collection of late 19th-century Victorian homes, was actually born out of tragedy.
In 1878, a catastrophic fire destroyed a massive 30-block radius of the town center. During the subsequent rebuilding boom, architects and residents embraced the late Victorian era style: Eclectic Gothic Revival and Queen Anne architecture.
Because the town preserved these structures rather than tearing them down for modern high-rises, the entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
🌊 Can’t-Miss Sites and Bites
Whether you are looking to explore local landmarks or indulge in fresh coastal cuisine, Cape May hits the spot.
Essential Sightseeing
- Cape May Lighthouse: Located in Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 structure offers panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline if you are willing to climb its 199 steps.
- The Washington Street Mall: A three-block, pedestrian-only outdoor mall lined with independent bookstores, antique shops, and local boutiques.
- The Emlen Physick Estate: Step inside Cape May’s only Victorian house museum to see exactly how daily life looked in the year 1879.
Local Flavors
- The Lobster House: A local institution located right on the harbor. You can grab a formal table inside, but the real insider move is ordering fresh lobster rolls and raw oysters from the dockside fish market to eat right on the water.
- Beach Plum Farm: Located just a few minutes outside of the town center, this 62-acre working farm provides sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients to local restaurants. Stop by their market kitchen for a fresh, open-air breakfast or lunch.
- The Blue Pig Tavern: Tucked inside the historic Congress Hall hotel, this spot serves up classic American comfort food using ingredients sourced directly from local agricultural fields.
🎬 Cape May’s Cinematic History
Beyond its architectural fame, Cape May has lent its timeless, nostalgic look to the silver screen.
Its preserved streets and cinematic shoreline have caught the eye of several Hollywood location scouts over the decades.
Most notably, Cape May served as the primary backdrop for the 2024 Bob Dylan biographical drama A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet.
Filmmakers transformed the historic beachfront and classic venues like the Collier’s Liquor Store and the Beach Shack hotel to stand in for 1960s-era Newport, Rhode Island, even featuring the iconic 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Walking through the town center feels like stepping onto a Hollywood backlot, as very little digital effects are needed to make the town look like a snapshot from the past.
How to Get There from NYC
Reaching this coastal escape from New York City is straightforward, making it an easy choice for a long weekend.
- By Car (Approx. 2.5 to 3 Hours): Driving is the most direct method. Take the Holland Tunnel out of Manhattan, merge onto the New Jersey Turnpike South, and follow it to Exit 11 to jump on the Garden State Parkway South. You will take the Parkway all the way to its absolute end (Mile Marker 0), which deposits you right onto Route 109 and into Cape May
- By Bus (Approx. 3.5 to 4 Hours): If you prefer to let someone else handle the navigation, NJ Transit operates direct seasonal bus routes (Route 319) from the Port Authority Bus Terminal straight to the Cape May Welcome Center. It takes a bit longer than driving, but it eliminates the hassle of searching for downtown parking.
