One Weekend at The Jersey Shore: A 3-day adventure in Cape May County!
New Jersey’s Coastline is more than beach town resorts, packed bars, and large crowds. Down at the most southern tip of the state is the landmark town of Cape May. Known for its historic, Victorian-style architecture and world-renowned birdwatching. It’s a paradise for people with any and all interests.
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Quick Side Note! This post was written by Bree, a local of South Jersey! This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate Cape May weekend guide. Read more about Bree at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
3 Days in Cape May Quick Itinerary
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick snapshot of how I’d spend a long weekend in Cape May. If it sounds like your kind of trip, stick around for all the details and hidden gems below!
- Day 1: Breakfast at The Fish House, Search for Cape May “diamonds, Cape May Point SP, Beach Plum Farm, Rea’s Farm Market, Willow Creek Winery, Sunset Beach
- Day 2: Breakfast at Mad Badder, Bike ride the Promenade, Washington Street Mall, Revolution Rail, Cape May Zoo, dinnar at The Lobster House, live music at Carneys
- Day 3: Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s, Congress Hall, Whale Watch, Cape May Brewery, Wildwood Boardwalk
How to Get to Cape May
Cape May, the southernmost point of New Jersey’s Shore, is a 1.5-hour drive from the Philadelphia Airport and just 45 minutes from the Atlantic City Airport. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry also transports you between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware, making Cape May easily accessible from Delaware and Maryland!
There are also bus services that run from all over the state and even NYC! So it could make a really fun weekend getaway from the Big Apple!
When is the Best Time to Visit the Jersey Shore (Cape May County)
You would assume that the best time to visit the Jersey Shore would be in the summer, but that’s not always the case. Fall and Spring are excellent times to visit, to avoid the summer crowds and heat. There are festivals here year-round, but fall is a very popular time!
Cape May is a huge migration stopover point for birds and butterflies, drawing wildlife enthusiasts down to Cape May Point State Park to get their eyes on the thousands of birds and pollinators that fly through.
Cape May Weather & Events by Month
| Month | Avg High / Low Temp | Avg Rainfall | Notable Annual Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44–50°F / 30–35°F | 3.3 in (≈11 wet days) | Winter craft shows & exhibits |
| February | 45–52°F / 30–35°F | 3.1 in (≈10 wet days) | Valentine’s specials, art exhibits |
| March | 52–58°F / 35–40°F | 3.9 in (≈10 wet days) | Spring festivals & nature programs |
| April | 60–65°F / 45–50°F | 3.3 in (≈9 wet days) | Garden & historic home tours |
| May | 70–75°F / 55–60°F | 3.4 in (≈10 wet days) | Farmers’ markets, art shows |
| June | 80–85°F / 65–70°F | 2.8 in (≈9 wet days) | Beach season, outdoor concerts |
| July | 85–90°F / 70–75°F | 3.6 in (≈11 wet days) | Fourth of July events, Movies on the Beach |
| August | 85–90°F / 70–75°F | 4.3 in (≈11 wet days) | Craft Beer & Crab Festival, Monarch Festival |
| September | 80–85°F / 65–70°F | 3.3 in (≈8 wet days) | Harvest & Tomato Festivals, Wine events |
| October | 70–75°F / 55–60°F | 2.9 in (≈7 wet days) | Victorian Weekend, Halloween festivals |
| November | 60–65°F / 45–50°F | 3.3 in (≈9 wet days) | Art shows, sunset cruises |
| December | 50–55°F / 35–40°F | 3.5 in (≈10 wet days) | Holiday festivals, Victorian tours |
Where to Stay in Cape May
Staying on the island of Cape May can be pricey, but the town is full of adorable B&Bs and Victorian hotels, emanating a New England-style vibe. If you’re looking for cheaper options, there are many campgrounds with cabins, Airbnbs, and other lodging located throughout the Cape May peninsula. Lodging in the off-season is also a fraction of the price compared to the period between MDW and LDW.
There are other beach islands in Cape May County that are worth checking out, including Wildwood, Stone Harbor/Avalon, Sea Isle/Strathmere, and Ocean City!
Wildwood and Ocean City are the most kid/family-friendly shore towns. Sea Isle is more upbeat with fun bars, and Stone Harbor/Avalon are more laid back and luxurious. I could write entire blogs on each of these shore towns, but my focus here is on Cape May!
My Personal Cape May Hotel Recommendations!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Cape May for every budget!
- Budget-friendly Option: Beach Comber Campground Cabins– Campsites, RV sites, and some glamping sites available.
- Mid-range Option: Beach Shack– Right on the water with a fun pool, beach loungers, and just minutes from all of Cape May’s attractions!
- Luxury Option: Congress Hall- This luxourious option comes with a hefty price tag, but you’ll find 2 restaurants, 3 bars, a poolside bar, spa, and direct beach access.
- Dog-friendly Stay: The Boarding House – This pet-friendly stay is within walking distance from The Washington Street Mall and Cape May Beach, making it the perfect hotel to stay with your pup
- Unique Option: Dream Space – Coastal Quad – The Dream Space tiny cabins are amazing! They are dog-friendly and unique, and come with private hot tubs, outdoor fire pits (and showers), and other fun amenities (kayaks, mini golf, etc)
Cape May 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
This Jersey Shore weekend guide is perfect for anyone looking for jam-packed fun! You’ll check out some of the best restaurants, beaches, farms, and wineries! Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Beaches, Farms, & Wineries
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Fish House. A newly renovated restaurant located at Sunset Beach.
After breakfast, walk down to the beach to carefully scan the sand on the beach here for Cape May “diamonds”. While they’re not real diamonds, they are beautiful, translucent quartz pebbles that have been smoothed out from tumbling in the ocean. You will find various sizes and shapes as you search the beach.
Note! On weekends, there will likely be a wait to be seated at Fish House, as they do not take reservations, so put your name in and take a walk on the beach, browse the gift shop, and play a quick round of mini golf.
Then, drive just 5 minutes down the road to Cape May Point State Park. There are miles of hiking trails with beautiful views of ponds, the marsh, the beach, and the lighthouse. This is one of the BEST bird watching locations on the entire East Coast, so bring your binoculars and camera! Starting September 1st through November 30th, there are naturalists stationed each day on the “Hawk Watch” birding platform, at the East corner of the parking lot.
Being that Cape May is a peninsula, it naturally funnels birds migrating southbound, causing them to feed and rest at Cape May Point before continuing their journey south over the Delaware Bay.
This raptor migration is a spectacle that you will not want to miss if you are at all interested in wildlife, nature, and birding in particular. Even if you have not the least idea of how to identify birds, the naturalists working each day on the platform are there to educate and inform you on what you are witnessing.
After you have gotten your bird-watching fix, I highly recommend that you climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse and check out the museum located right by the beach entrance near the parking lot.
Afternoon:
The beaches at the lighthouse and Sunset Beach are both free, so bring your chairs and prepare to relax. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards here so you should not swim. Pack a picnic and spend an hour or two relaxing on the beach!
Down the road is Beach Plum Farm. It’s not just any farm, though! Wander through the mesmerizing gardens, feed the chickens, enter into their market in the large wood barn, and be sure to go upstairs to shop their unique section of home goods.
And, if you didn’t pack a picnic, their kitchen prepares and serves fresh, locally harvested food on Thursday-Sunday until 2:30 pm. The property even has cottages that you can reserve to stay in!
For more fresh, locally harvested produce, baked and canned goods, drive up the road to Rea’s Farm Market. You can’t miss their big red barn!
Evening:
Head back down the road to Willow Creek Winery for a frozen sangria and delicious dinner! Take a stroll through the vineyards and into their Alice in Wonderland-inspired garden. If you have a large enough group, you can even place human checkers on their giant garden checkerboard. It’s a hilarious activity after a few glasses of wine!
End your night by heading back to Sunset Beach as it’s known to be New Jersey’s best spot to watch the sunset, and I can attest to that, but get there early, because it can get crowded!
Day 2: Bike Ride, Revolution Rail, The Lobster House
Morning:
Day 2 starts with breakfast at the Mad Batter, but get there early, because they do not take reservations.
Then, go for a morning walk or bike ride down the promenade that runs between Beach Ave and the Beach. Sheild’s Bike Rental and Cape Island Bikes offer rentals right on the Promenade.
Afternoon:
Stroll through Washington Street Mall. There are endless shops to be explored, with just about every item you could think of. From your basics to the most unique gifts and souvenirs, they have it all! There’s delicious bar food at Delaney’s Pub, or more midscale dining at Fin’s. I highly recommend the lobster rolls at Quincy’s!
A unique experience that I love and recommend is taking a ride on Revolution Rail! You should definitely reserve in advance. You’ll pedal 4 miles up and back on a railcar, on Cape May’s old decommissioned railroad. Whether you’re 90 years old or just a 2-week-old baby, this activity is suitable for everyone!
The railway brings you all the way to the canal overlook, where a conductor will provide a lesson on the local history. Then, halfway back, you will stop for a quick walk through the Garrett Family Preserve, where another conductor will provide a lesson on Cape May’s bird migration and other wildlife. The whole experience is about 1.5-2 hours.
If you still have some time, take a drive north to the Cape May Zoo! It’s free, but donation-based. There are over 250 different species at the zoo! Give yourself 1-2 hours to see and appreciate all of the exhibits. Summers at the zoo are busy, and weekdays during the school year can also be crowded, so try to plan accordingly.
Evening:
If you’re looking for upscale seafood dining, then the Lobster House is your spot. It’s not my favorite spot, but it’s definitely a place that you need to dine at least once when visiting Cape May.
If you’re looking for more upbeat vibes and to be outdoors, then head to Port Marina!
Mad Viking is another budget-friendly option, right on the water, and has an awesome playground for kids to enjoy while the parents kick back and relax with a well-deserved drink!
If you’re looking to go out late at night to see live music and to dance, then check out Carney’s!
Day 3: Breweries and Boardwalks
Morning:
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is probably the most well-known breakfast spot along the Jersey shore! If you want some quality diner-style breakfast and the absolute best pancakes, this is your spot!
After breakfast, I recommend spending more time at the beach, because, well, this is “America’s Oldest Seaside Resort” and one of the best beaches in the country!
Afternoon:
Congress Hall is a Cape May staple. Whether you stop by just to walk the halls and admire the history, or you spend your weekend lodging there, you must pay it a visit. They have a spa with a wide selection of services and a pool. Their courtyard is perfect for relaxing outside and enjoying a cocktail. There is a tavern and coffee shop inside, and they even have a bike and surrey rental shop.
If you want to get out on the water and see some dolphins and potentially whales, then you must book a spot on the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Boat! Their captains and naturalists on board are so knowledgeable and provide a wonderful naturalist experience!
Evening:
If you enjoy beer, then you need to stop at Cape May Brewery. Their Brewery has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to sit back and relax, but there are also plenty of options to grab beer to go. You can’t come to Cape May and not try their beer!
If you want to keep the beer drinking going, then head into Wildwood to Mudhen. They have a huge selection of beer and cocktails as well as a wonderful food menu with indoor and outdoor seating! This is my favorite place to eat in Wildwood!
Finish your night with endless fun on the Wildwood boardwalk. Whether you’re a young kid or a grown adult, the boardwalk is such a fun, happy place! Go on amusement rides, play in arcades, stuff your face with boardwalk food, and buy yourself some Jersey Shore souvenirs.
North Wildwood has plenty of lively bars with bands and DJs to dance to. Seaport Pier on the boardwalk is another fun bar!
More Cape May Ideas
You can spend FAR more than 3 days exploring The Jersey Shore. If you do have some extra time, here are some more of my favorite places to eat and things to do in Cape May.
Breweries:
- Cold Spring Brewery
- Behr Brewery
- Gusto Brewing Co.
- Whale Tale Brewing Co.
Wineries:
- Cape May Winery
- Hawk Haven
- Turdo
- Jessie’s Creek(30 minutes north)
- Natali (30 minutes north)
Where (else) to Eat in Cape May:
Upscale Options
- Primal Steakhouse
- Port Marina
- The Pier House
- Secondo
- The Ebbitt Room
- Washington Inn
Bar Food/Budget Friendly Dining
- Mad Viking
- The Rusty Nail
- Delaney’s Pub
- Ugly Mug
- Carney’s
- Exit Zero
- Barefoot Bar & Restaurant
- Lucky Bones Backwater Grill
- 2-mile landing
- Stowaways- located at the Cape May Ferry
Spanish/Mexican style
- La Doña
- Taco Caballito
- El Pueblo Taqueria – more casual and budget-friendly, but this is in north Cape May, so it’s not on the island & no ambiance
- Dos Amigos – more casual and budget-friendly, but this is in Rio Grande, so it’s not on the island, but their food is incredible and more traditional!
Outdoor seating with a view
- Mad Viking
- Port Marina
- 2 Mile Landing
- Fish House
- The Lobster House (outside seating)
Nightlife in Cape May
- Carney’s
- & Nearby in Wildwood
- Seaport Pier
- Keenan’s
- Joe Joe’s Place
- Exit 6
- The Point
- Lazy Bass
- Honky Tonk Saloon
Hiking/Nature/Science/Wildlife
- Cape May Point State Park
- South Cape May Meadows
- Garrett Family Preserve
- Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
- Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (Wildwood Crest)
- Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Cape May County Zoo
- Cape May Whale Watch & Research
- Cape May Point Science Center
- Wetlands Institute
- Birding by Boat on The Osprey
- Salt Marsh Safari Boat Ride- The Skimmer
Other activities:
- Revolution Rail Co.
- Cape May Lighthouse
- Pour Candle Bar + Chandlery
- Harriet Tubman Museum
- Historic Cold Spring Village
- Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
- Emlen Physick Estate
- The Sperlak Gallery & Sculpture Gardens
- Cape May Stage Theater
- Morey’s Pier – Wildwood Boardwalk
- Cape May Ferry – take a ride to Delaware!
- Rent Bikes
- Fishing Charter
- Rent Jet Skis
- Rent Kayaks/SUPs
- Go Parasailing
- Farmers Markets
- Beach Plum Farm
- Rea’s Farm Market
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Cape May:
- Summertime traffic is not fun! Local’s summer (September and early October) is the best time to visit. The beaches are also free and do not require a beach tag after Labor Day!
- Cape May is expensive. “Budget-friendly” doesn’t really exist here, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. There are still free and cheap things to be enjoyed!
- There are actually a lot of campgrounds in the Cape May Peninsula with RV and tent sites, and also cabins to rent!
About the Author!
Hi! I’m Bree! I was born and raised in the heart of South Jersey. I’ve spent every summer of my childhood and adulthood exploring just about every inch of every coastal southern New Jersey town. I love food, beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as outdoorsy adventures and wildlife. Basically, I am your go-to guide for any inland and shore town south of LBI! Come follow along on Instagram!
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