Cape May travel guide

Cape May travel guide: Cape May is a charming seaside town located on the southern tip of New Jersey, known for its Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and rich history.

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Cape May, US
7:06 am, Jun 8, 2025
temperature icon 19°C
overcast clouds
Humidity 94 %
Pressure 1009 mb
Wind 11 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds Clouds: 100%
Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:34 am
Sunset Sunset: 8:23 pm

What to do in Cape May

Cape May travel guide.
Here is a list of all the activities in Cape May.

Visit the beaches in Cape May
Visit the beaches in Cape May
Take a walking tour in Cape May
Take a walking tour in Cape May
Visit the Cape May Lighthouse
Visit the Cape May Lighthouse
Explore Cape May Point State Park
Explore Cape May Point State Park
Take a whale watching tour in Cape May
Take a whale watching tour in Cape May
Visit the Emlen Physick Estate
Visit the Emlen Physick Estate
Enjoy the local cuisine in Cape May
Enjoy the local cuisine in Cape May

Cape May travel guide

National Airports

Cape May does not have any national airports. The closest national airports to Cape May are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is approximately 90 miles northwest of Cape May, and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), which is approximately 40 miles north of Cape May. Both airports offer a variety of domestic and international flights, with several airlines operating daily flights to and from major cities across the United States and beyond. From either airport, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach Cape May. There are also several shuttle services available that offer transportation to and from the airports.

Trains in Cape May

Cape May does not have a train station, so there are no trains that directly serve the town. However, there are several options for traveling to Cape May by train:

Take the NJ Transit train to Atlantic City and then transfer to a bus or shuttle service to Cape May. The NJ Transit train runs regularly from Philadelphia and other locations in New Jersey to Atlantic City.

Take an Amtrak train to Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware, and then transfer to a bus or shuttle service to Cape May. Amtrak offers several daily trains to both cities.

Take a private train service such as the Cape May Seashore Lines, which offers scenic train rides from Richland to Tuckahoe, about 15 miles north of Cape May.

Although there is no direct train service to Cape May, visitors can still enjoy the convenience and comfort of train travel by taking one of these options and then transferring to a bus or shuttle service to reach their final destination in Cape May.

Buses in Cape May

Cape May has a public transportation system called the Cape May Seashore Lines, which operates a network of bus routes throughout the town and surrounding areas. The buses operate year-round, with frequent service during the summer months.

In addition to the local bus service, there are also several private bus companies that offer transportation to and from Cape May. These include Greyhound, Peter Pan, and New Jersey Transit, among others.

Visitors can use these bus services to travel to Cape May from nearby cities such as Philadelphia and Atlantic City, or to explore the town and its attractions. Some popular bus routes include the Cape May County Shuttle, which provides transportation between various points of interest within the town, and the Garden State Parkway Express, which connects Cape May to other towns and cities along the Garden State Parkway.

Overall, there are several bus options available for visitors to Cape May, making it easy and convenient to explore the town and its surrounding areas.

How to get to Cape May

Cape May is located on the southern tip of New Jersey and is accessible by car, bus, and ferry. Here are some ways to get to Cape May:

By car: Cape May is easily accessible by car via the Garden State Parkway, which connects the town to cities such as Philadelphia and New York. Visitors can also take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Lewes, Delaware, which provides a scenic route to the town.

By bus: There are several bus services that provide transportation to Cape May from nearby cities such as Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Greyhound, Peter Pan, and New Jersey Transit are among the bus companies that operate routes to Cape May.

By ferry: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a popular option for visitors to Cape May, providing a scenic journey across Delaware Bay. The ferry operates year-round, with several daily departures from both Cape May and Lewes.

By air: Visitors can fly into nearby airports such as Atlantic City International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport, and then take a bus, shuttle, or rental car to Cape May.

Overall, there are several transportation options available for visitors to Cape May, making it easy and convenient to reach this charming seaside town.

What is the best time to travel to Cape May

The best time to travel to Cape May largely depends on personal preferences and the activities you are interested in. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:

Weather: Cape May has a mild climate and can be visited year-round. However, the most popular time to visit is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are bustling. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the crowds are thinner.

Events and Festivals: Cape May hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Cape May Music Festival in May, the Cape May Food and Wine Celebration in September, and the Victorian Weekend in October. If you are interested in attending any of these events, plan your trip accordingly.

Crowds: As mentioned, the summer months are the busiest time in Cape May, with larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable vacation, consider visiting during the off-season.

Activities: The best time to visit Cape May also depends on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you enjoy birdwatching, the spring and fall months are the best time to see migratory birds. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or biking, the spring and fall months offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Overall, the best time to travel to Cape May depends on personal preferences and the activities you are interested in. Consider these factors when planning your trip to ensure that you have the best possible experience in this charming seaside town.

How to get around Cape May

Cape May is a small town and is easily navigable on foot, but there are also several other transportation options available for visitors. Here are some ways to get around Cape May:

Walking: Many of Cape May’s attractions, including the beaches, shops, and restaurants, are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the town and take in its charming architecture and scenic views.

Biking: Biking is another popular way to get around Cape May. The town has several bike rental shops, and there are also several bike paths and trails in the surrounding areas.

Trolley: The Cape May Trolley provides a fun and nostalgic way to explore the town. The trolley operates during the summer months and offers several tours of Cape May’s historic landmarks and attractions.

Shuttle: The Cape May Seashore Lines operates a shuttle service that provides transportation between various points of interest within the town, including the beach, the Cape May Lighthouse, and the Cape May Zoo.

Car: Visitors can also rent a car or bring their own vehicle to Cape May. However, parking can be limited in some areas, especially during the summer months.

Overall, there are several transportation options available for visitors to Cape May, making it easy and convenient to explore the town and its attractions.

Accommodations in Cape May

Cape May offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some options:

Hotels and Inns: Cape May has several historic hotels and charming bed and breakfasts, many of which are located in historic Victorian buildings. These properties offer a unique and romantic experience, but can be more expensive than other options.

Vacation Rentals: Visitors can also rent a vacation home or condo in Cape May. This is a good option for families or groups, as it offers more space and flexibility than a hotel or inn.

Campgrounds: There are several campgrounds in Cape May for visitors who prefer a more rustic experience. These campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and swimming pools.

Motels: Cape May also has several budget-friendly motels that offer basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.

Resorts: For visitors looking for a more luxurious experience, Cape May has several beachfront resorts with amenities such as pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants.

Overall, Cape May offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, from historic hotels and charming bed and breakfasts to budget-friendly motels and campgrounds. Visitors are advised to book early, especially during peak season, as accommodations can fill up quickly.

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