The Best Cape May Hotels

Before we get into the best Cape May NJ Hotels, lets learn a little about America’s original seaside resort. In Cape May, you’ll find fine wines, outstanding restaurants, classic jazz festivals and special events year ’round. Cape May is a historic Victorian seaside gem and is the oldest most beautiful spots in the country. The entire city is a National Historic District, with nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings.

In addition to the beautiful beaches and shimmering Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find a year-round range of activities that make this more than just a one-season surf-and-sand stop. Cape May is one of the few Jersey Shore towns with year-round appeal, offering events, attractions, dining, and shopping.

Meet a painted lady. Painted Ladies are the colorful Victorian homes trimmed with gingerbread woodwork and framed by large porches that fill the historic downtown of Cape May. To learn more about the Victorian era that shaped this beach town, take a guided walking or trolley tour with the informative guides at Cape May MAC. For a list of all the great beaches in the area, head to the best East Coast Beaches here.

Cape May Weather – When to Visit

The best time to visit Cape May is from May to September (average temperatures from low 70s to mid 80s) when the air and water temperatures are warm enough for sunbathing and swimming. Summer is when the Jersey Shore comes alive, but this seaside destination still has plenty of activities throughout the year. Visit around Christmas time to see twinkling lights draped across the city’s Victorian homes, or opt for an autumn trip to enjoy the Cape May Fall Festival in October.

Cape May Area Beaches

Ocean City

Ocean City offers 8 miles of pristine white sand with plenty of coastline to enjoy swimming in the waves. There are plenty of restaurants, taffy and fudge shops, and an amusement pier with a 140 foot Ferris wheel, kiddie cars, roller coasters, a miniature golf course and a water park.

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Wildwood

This 2 miles is of one of the best family boardwalks in New Jersey. There are three amusement parks with more than 100 rides and attractions including a roller coaster, extreme thrill rides, kids rides and a water park. You can also enjoy everything from surfing to boogie-boarding to body surfing.

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Avalon

The beautiful white-sand beaches are backed by stately dunes. Most of the island’s shoreline are fronted by large, well-spaced homes that give the area the feel of an exclusive private enclave. There is also a boardwalk with some concessions.

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Sea Isle City

At Sea Isle City is a wide asphalt promenade that runs from 29th Street to 57th Street. It’s low key, no amusement park, with a number of small concessions, and an attractive outdoor amphitheater at 40th Street for summer concerts. At Sea Isle City Beach there are plenty of activities to include rafting, surfing, volleyball, sailing, kayaking and surf fishing.

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Cape May

Here you’ll find over 2 miles of pristine beach. There’s a 2-mile promenade past the beautiful Cape May Beach on the east and many Victorian homes, B & B’s and and grand hotels on the west. There a a small number of concessions, restaurants and small shops.

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North Wildwood

The wide, white, sandy, free beaches, the gentle surf, fun-filled boardwalk amusement rides and some of the best salt water fishing on the east coast, are just a few of the activities that bring vacationers back to North Wildwood year after year.

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Best Cape May Restaurants

Peter Shields Restaurant Over $30

The restaurant uses fresh ingredients from local sources with a concern for sustainability. The menu will not include any fish in danger of being over fished. Enjoy well prepared contemporary American food with elegant ambiance and old-world charm. Telephone: 609-884-9090 Web: Peter Shields Restaurant

Union Park Dining Room Over $30

Serves a well-executed menu, attractively presented, featuring fresh, locally farm to table ingredients. Enjoy well prepared contemporary American food with elegant ambiance and old-world charm. When available, try the North American Lobster, The Australian Lamb Rack and The Duck Breast. Telephone: 609-884-8811 Web: Union Park Dining Room

Tisha’s $11 – 30

Their New American cuisine is sure to please even the most sophisticated palates. Offering both indoor and al fresco dining for lunch and dinner. Tisha’s is celebrating 30 years in business and considered a must try in Cape May. Telephone: 609-884-9119 Web: Tisha’s

Sapore Italiano $11 – 30

They offer fine Italian food made with fresh local farm picked ingredients served amid an elegant white-tablecloth setting in a Victorian style restored home. Telephone: 609-600-1422 Web: Sapore Italiano

Backstreet Simply Delicious $11 – 30

The Backstreet Cafe is an alternative and a favorite amongst diners who come here for good food and reasonable prices in an unpretentious atmosphere. The bread and desserts are made in house daily. Telephone: 609-884-7660 Web: Backstreet Simply Delicious

Best Cape May NJ Tours & Activities

Best Cape May Outdoor Bars

The Rusty Nail

There’s nothing better than relaxing fireside with your toes in the sand, and the sound of ocean waves crashing just feet away. At the Rusty Nail, adjacent to the Beach Shack Hotel, you can gather with friends and family among one of the many fire pits. Telephone: 609-884-0017 Web: The Rusty Nail

The Front Porch at the Ebbitt Room

A classic, elegant atmosphere awaits you at The Front Porch at the Ebbitt Room. Enjoy live piano paired with a Mint Julep on the front porch or just inside, in the enclosed sun room. Tie it together with some delectable food options (cheese platter or gourmet deviled eggs) and this is sure to be a great night. Telephone: 609-884-5700 Web: The Front Porth at the Ebbitt Room

Barefoot Bar at the Marquis de Lafayette

The Barefoot Bar at the Marquis de Lafayette offers a wide variety of flavorful dishes along with a daily happy hour from 4-7pm. Try a Blueberry Lemonade or a Sunset Celebration. Enjoy either (or both) at this swingin’ venue. Pet-friendly as well! Telephone: 609-884-3500 Web: Barefoot Bar at the Marquis de Lafayett

The Veranda Bar at Congress Hall

The Veranda Bar is a juice bar by day, and cocktail bar by night. This is a spot you do not want to miss! Located right on the back porch of Congress Hall, you can sit and relax, or walk around and play corn-hole with the whole family.  Telephone: 609-884-8421 Web: The Veranda at Congress Hall

Tiki Ten35 at SeaSalt

Tthe Tiki Ten35 provides you with a laid-back beach vibe, servicing martinis, margaritas, mojitos, and much more. What else could you possibly ask for? Telephone: 609-884-7000 Web: Tiki Ten35 at SeaSalt

The Porch at Elaine’s

Here you’ll want to try their frozen Jack & Coke! There’s also a variety of live music any night of the week, so go prepared for a truly enjoyable time. We won’t even go into their top-notch food items on the menu; you’ll just have to go find out yourselves. In the fall season, there will be outdoor heaters and blankets: you can’t beat that. Telephone: 609-884-1199 Web: The Porch at Elaine’s

Best Cape May NJ Hotels