What to Do Year-round in Cape May
Experience Cape May All Year Long with the Ferry
Traveling to Cape May for a vacation or just a day trip? Don’t miss out on these mostly free and definitely fun activities that you and the rest of the family can enjoy not only in the summer, but any time of year! If coming during cooler months, take your car so you can stop off at more than one of these great attractions.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Everyone has their favorite zoo animal and it's a good bet you'll find your favorite at The Cape May County Park & Zoo. Known for its endangered species and wildlife, this zoo is a great place for all ages to enjoya day of the beaches. The zoo is free, but donations are recommended to help take care of all the animals.
Cape May Point State Park
It's free to enter the park and see the Lighthouse from the outside. But, if you want to enjoy the scenic view from the top of the 157-foot tall Cape May Lighthouse, it's worth paying the entrance fees.* Besides the lighthouse, there are three trails on the property for hikers to enjoy and see all the different habitats, birds, wetland marsh, and other wildlife along the shore. Each trail is a different distance. The Red Trail is .5 miles long and is wheelchair accessible. The Yellow Trail is 1.5 miles long and the Blue Trail is 2.0 miles long. Each trail offers different unique sightings for all to enjoy! For more information regarding the lighthouse or trails, visit their website.
*Lighthouse Entrance Fees: Adults $8 | Children (3-12 years) $5 | Younger Children (<3 years) $Free
Washington Street Mall
Enjoy the wonderful shops and restaurants Cape May has to offer at the Washington Street Mall, considered the heart of Cape May. Window shopping is always free, but you may be lured in to the aromas from local restaurants or enticing boutique offerings from the many stores on the brick paved walking mall. Although the mall and most stores are open year round, some businesses are seasonal, so double check particular store sites if you have your heart set on one particular shopping experience.
Sunset Beach
The name of this beach is self-explanatory with the best sunsets only juxtaposed against the odd shape of a sunken ship. But, it's not just any sunken ship. It's the historic Atlantus, considered the most famous of 12 concrete ships built during WWI. The ship was purchased and brought to Cape May to build construction of a Ferry dock, but during a storm, the ship sunk. You are able to see the tip of the ship that is still sticking out above water. On the beach, you can explore and find many famous “Cape May Diamonds” in the sand. If you pick up a raw diamond on the beach, it's yours to keep for free, but you may want to wander inside the gift shop and buy a polished one ready to wear.
This is just a taste of all that Cape May has to offer. Other popular activities include bird watching, bike riding, and definitely overnight stays in the town's iconic Victorian bed and breakfast homes. The Wildwoods are just a few miles up the road, as are Historic Cold Spring Village, and many more wonderful, hidden attractions. For more on Cape May museums check out our post on the Emlen Physick estate house tour.