I snuck a way for a few days last month to Cape May, New Jersey, which is a town I’d heard of many times, but didn’t know much about besides that it has a picturesque reputation (not the Jersey Shore I recall from pop culture days of yore).
But, as soon as I arrived, I was totally charmed. The entire town is filled with impeccably restored Victorian homes, and the beachfront-boardwalk is perhaps the most pristine I’ve ever seen. It’s a classic East Coast beach town, but it’s incredibly clean and delightful at every turn. I cannot wait to go back, perhaps again in the early fall when it’s just ever-so-slightly off-season.
Where to Stay in Cape May
I was a guest of La Mer Beachfront Resort on this trip, which is a newly renovated classic beach hotel. It has everything you want — a great restaurant, a pool, beachfront views, beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and spacious rooms. It’s towards the end of the beachfront strip, and a perfectly easy walk to all the restaurants and shops.
What to Do in Cape May
We’ll consider this a travel diary rather than a full travel guide, because I only had about 48 hours, and didn’t have time for a more comprehensive experience. But here are a few places I checked out:
- Beach Plum Farm: This is the most pleasant place to spend a nice afternoon. Stroll around, grab lunch, and, if you’re there in the summer and it’s too hot, just stop by to peruse their adorable garden shop.
- Bagel Time: I went here both mornings because they have a chocolate chip bagel. My husband says a sweet bagel is blasphemy, but I will defend a chocolate chip bagel with my life — and they’re so hard to find.
- The Buoy Coffee Shop: I stopped by here in the morning, and it’s the best spot to grab a coffee then stroll down to the beach.
- Drinks at Congress Hall: This is one thing we actually didn’t do, but it came as a top recommendation from everyone I spoke to! It’s the oldest hotel in Cape May.
- Tommy’s Folly Boutique: I’ve been seriously missing one of my favorite shops in Urbanna that closed recently (Low Tide), and this boutique had super similar vibes. I could have bought every block print dress I here.
- Washington Street: The main drag of Cape May is not on the beach, but a few blocks back. You’ll find lots of charming shops and places to pop in.
- Cape May Antiques: This is your classic antiques mall, but something about being at the beach makes me feel like strolling through dusty aisles after a day spent exploring (when do I not feel like doing that…).
- West End Garage: I was caught here during a major thunderstorm, so I can vouch that there are near endless vendors to explore.
