The Ultimate Guide to Cape May, NJ: Dan Zarrow’s Top 11 Things to See and Do

The Cape May peninsula — affectionately called "Exit Zero" — has a wide variety of recreational and historical experiences for New Jersey residents of all ages.

From top to bottom, the great state of New Jersey offers countless opportunities for day trips, recreation areas, and stay-cation destinations. And I am so excited to highlight some of my favorites, as part of a special series brought to you by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

This month, we are literally headed to the bottom of the state.

The Cape May peninsula — affectionately called "Exit Zero" — has a wide variety of recreational and historical experiences for New Jersey residents of all ages. Cape May is America's oldest seaside resort, dating back to 1761. This year, it was listed as one of 17 best beach towns in Travel & Leisure.

Far removed from NJ's urban corridors and the busy northern shore beaches and boardwalks, Cape May offers a slower pace and plenty of elbow room. It is a long drive down the Garden State Parkway. But a perfect spot to relax for a day — or more.

1) 38.93° N

Cape May Point is officially the southernmost point in the state of New Jersey. There is a buoy marking the milestone, just off Beach Ave. in Cape May, near Convention Hall. It's very Instagrammable and a highlight of a Cape May odyssey for any New Jerseyan. 

2) Beach

Beaches are sandy and plentiful in Cape May, on the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. Beach badges and associated fees are required in Cape May. (Unlike their neighbor to the north, Wildwood.)

Condè Nast Traveler even rated Cape May as one of the top 10 beach towns on the East Coast.

3) Lighthouse

The highlight of Cape May State Park is the 157-foot Cape May Lighthouse, the third tallest of New Jersey's 11 such navigational beacons. Originally erected in 1959, it is still in (automated) operation today. Are you stout enough to climb the 199 steps to the top? (Tickets are required.) The lighthouse hosts events such as nighttime climbs, to make your visit extra special.

4) Painted Ladies

The entire downtown area of Cape May is a National Historic District. That is because it is home to over 600 Victorian houses, known as "Painted Ladies" due to their striking, vivid paint schemes.

Fun fact: Cape May is home to the second-largest concentration of Victorian structures in the United States, trailing only San Francisco.

5) Bed & Breakfast

Several of those centuries-old houses have been converted into bed-and-breakfasts. The ocean block in Cape May (and Wildwood) is dotted with hotels and motels. But if you're looking for a classier ambiance and more personal service, be sure to look at all the available options for your next South Jersey staycation.

6) Tours

Cape May may have a wider variety of guided tours available than anywhere else in New Jersey. They have trolley tours and house tours. Nature tours and ghost tours. Plus dolphin spotting, and whale watching. (Just keep in mind, many of these only operate during peak season, during the warm weather months.)

The southern tip of New Jersey is also a huge mecca for bird watching. National Geographic even listed Cape May as one of the top ten destinations for birding in the entire world.

7) Zoo

Easily my family's favorite spot on this list. The Cape May County Zoo is open year-round and features 250 species of animals to visit and explore. All of them are awesome, but our favorite exhibits are in the back — it's quite a hike but well worth it as you discover a wide-open savannah that is home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and more. Oh, and the zoo is free. Yes, admission is FREE for all! They do accept donations, which are highly recommended.

8) Washington Street Mall

If you close your eyes and picture what a "quaint outdoor shopping mall" might look like, your imagination would probably conjure something very similar to Washington Street Mall in the heart of downtown Cape May. The approximately six-block area has almost 100 stores and restaurants. And the park has frequent musical performances, festivals, and even a Christmas parade.

9) Have a Drink

Owing to its almost Mediterranean climate, Cape May County is home to quite a few wineries, along with breweries and distilleries for every taste. Just be sure to drink and drive responsibly.

Take a mini wine tour at Hawk Haven Winery & Vineyard, Willow Creek Winery, Natali Vineyards, Jessie Creek Vineyards, and/or Cape May Winery & Vineyard.

If a pint of ale is more your cup of tea, Cape May Brewing Company, Gusto Brewing Company, and the non-profit Cold Spring Brewery have tasting rooms with a variety of brews on tap.

And at Nauti Spirits, you can go on a half-hour "Beyond The Stills" tour, followed by a tasting of their grain-to-glass vodka, gin, and rum.

10) Christmas in Cape May

Take all the great sights in Cape May I have already mentioned — quaint Victorian homes, lovely beach views, a huge assortment of shops and restaurants, and laidback living — and multiply by ten during the Christmas season.

From candlelight tours to spirited family-friendly events to jolly trolley rides, Cape May's festivities and decorations are in full swing from the end of November and through the new year. Their big Christmas parade is scheduled for the first Saturday in December.

11) Sunrise, Sunset

Let's not forget that beautiful Cape May sits in a unique spot in New Jersey (and arguably the entire East Coast) — on a narrow peninsula surrounded by water on three sides.

On my bucket list for my next Cape May overnight trip? Watching both the sunrise and the sunset over the water from (approximately) the same spot. When conditions are just right, I have heard the views over the ocean and the bay are spectacular.

Whether you're looking for a fun end-of-summer getaway or scheduling a trip for later in the year, be sure to consult the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism website. They have so many resources that make planning easy.