Cape May Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Cape May [1] is in the state of New Jersey, in the United States. It lies at the southernmost point in New Jersey, on the Cape May Peninsula, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The other side of the Delaware Bay lies the state of Delaware.
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Understand
Cape May, located at the very southern tip of New Jersey, is a Victorian resort town. It was the country's first seaside resort and much of the original flavor still exists in the properties and other sites within the city. Settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times, the town suffered a devastating fire in 1878 and was rebuilt during the Victorian period. A canal, dug from a natural shallow creek, runs from Cape May's harbor to the Delaware Bay, which technically makes Cape May an island.
The two main industries within Cape May are tourism and fishing. Being at the confluence of the Delaware River into the Atlantic allows Cape May full access to many types of fishing opportunities.
Cape May is also home to the Coast Guard Training Station and was declared a national historic landmark in 1976.
Get in
By plane
The nearest large airports to Cape May are Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), in Baltimore, Maryland, Philadelphia International and Newark International. From these airports you will either have to fly to the smaller airport in Atlantic City and drive for about an hour, or drive directly, which will take approximately three hours. For those with private aircraft, there is a small airport (WWD) just a few miles out of town.
By train
By car
Drive time to Cape May is about three hours drive from the New York City metropolitan area and from Baltimore, Maryland.
By bus
New Jersey Transit runs the 552 bus route from Atlantic City to Cape May.
From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal, take New Jersey Transit bus route 319 to Atlantic City. A Few 319 buses wiil terminate and begin in Cape May, check the schedule.
Note: New Jersey Transit runs a summer schedule on these two rooutes when school is out for the summer. So pick up a printed schedule when in doubt. The Web site for New Jersey Transit publishes the normal schedule.
By boat
Cape May has complete harbor access from the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, so it is accessible to boaters from Key West, Florida to Boston, Massachusetts. It is also possible to take a ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May.
Marinas
Get around
Cape May is a relatively small town, compared with other mid-atlantic and southern United States resort communities. While cars are allowed on the island, it's best to park it and walk or take a bike.
See
- Bird Observatory -- If birds are your thing, Cape May is the mid-atlantic answer to the Everglades. The wind currents carry migratory birds out over Cape May, so it is one of the best birding spots on this part of the East Coast (USA). Everything from ospreys to herons, to gulls, plover and sand pipers, birding in Cape May is an attraction all by itself.
- Cape May Lighthouse -- the third lighthouse built on this spot, the current lighthouse is now owned and operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), and is being restored to its former glory. 199 steps will take you to the top of the lighthouse where you can see views of Cape May and beyond. The light from this one hundred fifty-seven and a half foot lighthouse can be seen from twenty to twenty five miles out to sea.
- Cape May Point Flag Ceremony -- There is a poignant flag lowering ceremony, daily at sunset, at the Cape May Point (the southern shore of the peninsula) in honor of service men and women.
- Cape May County Zoo -- bike from Cape May or drive to the zoo and see lions, tigers, bears, giraffe, zebras, and many other animals.
- Dolphin and Whale watching -- some of the boat owners guarantee aquatic mammal sightings on every trip. Dolphins seem to be the normal sighting, as hundreds of dolphins summer around Cape May. Whales? Bottle-nosed dolphins are part of the whale family, so I guess those count as whale sightings. Two or three hour boat rides are common.
- Salt Marsh -- Take a tour of this Atlantic coastal Salt marsh aboard one of the area's boats. For example, aboard the Skimmer (tel: (609) 884-3100) which will take you on a journey in search of one of the many creatures that live within the salt marsh. (also Skimmer info in the Cape May Times) The Skimmer is named after one of the many shore birds that live in the area.
Do
- Bike -- Cape May is still a relatively small town (in diameter) so biking is a very practical way of getting around. There are a number of bicycle rental places within Cape May, where you can rent everything from the average one-speed two-wheeler to a four-wheeler that seats four and includes a basket for your beach toys or shopping bags.
- Fish fresh water fishing can be had in the river, and the surf and open ocean allow for many more (surf and deep sea) fishing opportunities.
- Kayak -- take a sea kayak on a ride, and explore the many nooks and crannies of the salt marsh.
- Surf --
- Swim -- in the ocean along the long Cape May beaches
- Walk -- the boardwalk, or throughout town. Lots of Cape May can be reached by foot. Walking is the preferred method of travel for many Cape May residents and visitors.
Work
Restaurants, bars & hotels are undeniably the largest employers on the island. Much work available here is seasonal only.
Employment opportunities are offered by members of the Washington Street Mall association.
Buy
The main shopping area in Cape May is the Washington Street Mall, located in the heart of the town. This three-block outdoor mall features a variety of family-owned shops unlike any others!
Eat
There is a wide variety of dining available in Cape May, from family and elegant to seafood and pancakes.
Budget
There are good places to eat on nearly every corner. Good pizza and lots of good italian food. Seafood and burgers are easily found at budget prices, though it might be wise to search for seafood at mid-range prices and above.
Mid-range
There are many places where it is possible to get very good food (esp. sea food) at reasonable prices. One can buy fish right off the boats coming in from the day's fishing.
Splurge
Check out the yacht clubs and other expensive restaurants.
Drink
- Cabanas & Martini Beach are casual & fun, located at the corner of Decatur and Beach. Martini Beach is located on the second floor and has a quieter, more intimate feel. Cabanas features live music, drink specials & a great atmosphere.
- The Pilot House on the Washington Street Mall has a full bar serving from 9 a.m. until midnight, every day of the year. Friendly vibe.
- The Ugly Mug, a Cape May institution on the Washington Street Mall. Cozy, pub-like atmosphere.
- Carneys, located just steps from Cabanas, is great both day & nighttime. Step over from the beach for a frozen drink.
Accommodations
Budget
- Montreal Inn, 1025 Beach Ave., Toll-free: (800) 525-7011, [2].
- Hotels & Motels There are a variety of affordable accomodations in Cape May. Visit www.capemay.com and check out the Motels/Resort Hotels section.
- Campgrounds If you'd rather camp while you visit the shore, visit www.capemay.com for more information on Campgrounds in the area.
Mid-range
Splurge
- Congress Hall - Beautifully restored building in operation since 1816. Visit www.congresshall.com
The gem in the area to stay is Diamond Beach Area - between the doo whop of the Wildwoods and the great old vics of Cape May. All new community built over the 20 years with private beaches. All condos and towns with a great little tavern in walking distance. Local realtors or check with condo rental sites for a direct connection to owners.
Get out
- Wildwood. The town on the other side of Cape May Harbor (up the peninsula) has a long boardwalk and several large areas with amusement park rides. There are at least four roller coasters. It all gets busy later in the evenings, especially on Friday.
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