Day Trip to Cape May, New Jersey

Summer days may soon be merely a happy memory for the year, but the opportunity is not lost to still enjoy a lovely day trip down along the Jersey shore. Way down the shore, in fact – to Cape May, New Jersey, located at the southernmost tip of the state, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The drive from Monmouth County is roughly just two hours, but once you’ve arrived, it may feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a more genteel, graceful era.

Recognized as the oldest seaside resort in the United States, the entire city of Cape May was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark; the only city in the country to make that claim to fame. The community is filled with beautiful, well-maintained Victorian homes boasting ornate “gingerbread” architectural designs. Only San Francisco has a larger collection of such structures. Vacationers from Philadelphia first began arriving there in the mid-1700s and by the 19th century, it was considered one of the finest resorts in America. Fast forward to 2010, and that reputation continues, with visitors traveling from around the globe.

Along with its rich history and architectural treasures, Cape May features award-winning beaches, unique shops, fine dining, commercial and sport fishing, entertaining cultural events, and eco-tourism outings such as whale watching and bird watching. In fact, the autumn months have made the Cape May region world famous for the observation of migrating birds, with over 400 bird species recorded and hundreds of birders flocking to take in the sight.

The Cape May Bird Observatory (www.birdcapemay.org), founded by the New Jersey Audubon Society, is a leader in research, environmental education, bird conservation, and recreational birding activities. Bird-watchers may want to pack their binoculars and join the observatory for the 64th Annual Cape May Autumn Weekend/Bird Show, scheduled for October 29-31, 2010. There will be field trips, workshops, programs, back bay cruises, book signings, and special presentations by celebrated speakers. 

Dolphin and whale watching tours, offered by several operators in the area, guarantee passengers breathtaking sights of these beautiful sea mammals frolicking in the ocean and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. The tours go on almost year-round, beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall months. Before setting sail, look online for schedules, packages, and pricing for the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center (www.capemaywhalewatch.com) or the Cape May Whale Watcher (www.capemaywhalewatcher.com).

Just looking to simply enjoy some quiet serenity in a picturesque setting? Take a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog along the Promenade (a.k.a. the Boardwalk, although it’s paved rather than planked), which runs parallel to Beach Avenue and continues for nearly two miles alongside Cape May’s glorious beach. Unlike the boardwalks of other Jersey shore towns that are crowded with rides and attractions, here you’ll find a handful of quaint businesses to accompany the unparalleled ocean vistas. Venture onto the sand after Labor Day and access is free, with no beach tag fees to think about.

Looking to have a wild time on your visit? The Cape May County Park & Zoo is home to 250 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as over 550 animals, all living on 85 acres of carefully maintained exhibits and habitats. The zoo is open 364 days a year (except Christmas) and offers free admission, but donations are greatly appreciated. The zoo also lies within the boundaries of the 200+ acres of Cape May County Park, where you can enjoy picnic areas, walking and biking paths, fishing ponds, shelters, a disc golf course, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a baseball field. Take a walk on the wild side at the Cape May Zoo website, www.capemayzoo.org.

The Cape May area is also home to several local wineries, where guests can take tours and sample the best of the local vineyards with wine-tastings, often accompanied by live music, food, and craft artisans. They include Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery (www.hawkhavenvineyard.com), Turdo Vineyards (www.turdovineyards.com), Natali Vineyards (www.natalivineyards.com), and Cape May Winery (www.capemaywinery.com). Of course, fine wine requires good food, and there are plenty of choices for both fine and casual dining in Cape May throughout the town. 

Cultural events and festivals abound throughout the year in Cape May, offering a variety of themed celebrations. Some upcoming favorites include the 14th Annual Cape May Food & Wine Festival, September 16-26; Oktoberfest on October 2; the 38th Annual Victorian Week, October 8-17; the Cape May Jazz Festival, November 12-14; and the 44th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours on December 4, 11, and 18.

For theatre lovers, The Cape May Stage (www.CapeMayStage.com), the East Lynne Theater Company (www.eastlynnetheater.org), and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (www.capemaymac.org) all offer a full lineup of theatrical and musical performances that are sure to captivate audiences, as well as dinner shows and even ghost tours. 

And of course, if you run out of time to enjoy all of this and decide to make your day trip an overnight getaway, there is an abundance of lodging choices in Cape May, including bed and breakfast inns, guest houses, hotels, motels, and vacation house and condo rentals, most within walking distance of the lovely sights and sounds of magical, magnificent Victorian Cape May.

For more information, visit www.capemay.com or www.capemaychamber.com.