Welcome to Cape May
A storied and romantic Victorian seaside resort unlike any other.
Tucked away in the southernmost point of New Jersey, amid the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is the seaside resort of Cape May. Exuding a relaxed, beach energy, Cape May is an ideal locale to visit or live year-round. Recognized as the “Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort” and registered as a National Historic Landmark City, Cape May has an impressive history reflected in the community’s charm and allure. Boasting a significant collection of Victorian architecture, visitors are mesmerized by its mystique and care for preserving its storied past.
Named for Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen May, for the exploration and chartering of the area from 1611 to 1614, Cape May has maintained the mystique that consolidated it as a premier destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts. As an ecotourism destination, visitors delight in the more than 400 recorded bird species in the region, as well as the opportunity to enjoy marine mammal watching, fishing excursions, and more.
What to Love
- Impressive collection of Victorian homes
- Pristine white sand beaches
- Relaxed and friendly community with resort living allure
Local Lifestyle
Cape May residents enjoy active lifestyles thanks to a multitude of activities and events held year-round from an enviable arts and culture scene to premier leisure and outdoor recreation. Cape May beaches offer a family-friendly escape from the rigors of the day-to-day and offer convenience and proximity to most accommodations and Cape May’s best dining and shopping.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Cape May restaurant scene is as exciting as the community itself and offers a variety of restaurants from casual dining to elevated cuisine amid a picturesque ocean backdrop. Provence offers diners a redefined French dining experience set amid a stunningly renovated 1854 historic mansion reflective of a french country chateau. Activities and leisure reign supreme in Cape May, and visitors and residents alike are able to enjoy exciting excursions including a trip on the Starlight Express for fishing and cruises designed for the entire family to enjoy. Washington Street Mall is an outdoor walking mall spanning three blocks where shoppers can enjoy visiting boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and more.
Things to Do
A visit to Cape May wouldn’t be complete without a stop by its beaches that run a single stretch of sand. Enjoy swimming, skimboarding, volleyball, surfing, fishing, or kayaking and relax or enjoy a picnic on the soft, white sands under bright blue sunny skies. Experience the quintessential Cape May activity at the Craft Beer, Music and Crab Festival held annually in the summer and named one of the 5 Best New Jersey Festivals. Visitors enjoy hard shell crab, craft beers, food trucks and vendors, crafters, family entertainment, and back-to-back music on the outdoor stage of the Emlen Physick Estate. The Cape May County Park and Zoo is an opportunity to experience a free family day of fun and is open daily to enjoy year-round. The Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place twice a year, in Spring and Fall, and is acclaimed for its inclusion of international touring artists that perform on the outdoor stages on the grounds of Exit Zero Ferry Park overlooking the Delaware Bay.
Schools
Cape May is home to Cape May City School District and Lower Cape May Regional School District and offers residents highly rated schools including:
- Cape May City Elementary School, Grades PreK-6, offers a thriving learning environment with a rigorous curriculum
- Lower Cape May Regional High School, Grades 9-12, offers its students robust athletic programs
