Cape May, NJ
Jersey Shore
Victorian streets, a historic lighthouse and a boat that goes looking for dolphins
Cape May is a Victorian seaside town at the southern tip of New Jersey. The lighthouse and the Victorian mansion tours bring the history, a dolphin and whale watching cruise leaves from the harbor, and the beach and the zoo cover the rest. It works for a long weekend.
About 3.5 hrs from Stamford · about 2.5 hrs from Philadelphia (estimates, confirm with your map app)
Why Grandparents Love It
A pedestrian mall and a historic district make it easy to wander without a plan
The Victorian architecture gives grandparents something to enjoy alongside the grandchildren's activities
A cruise that looks for dolphins and whales is the kind of outing that sticks in a grandchild's memory
The Cape May Lighthouse dates to 1859 and rewards climbers with ocean and bay views
The Emlen Physick Estate is an 1879 Victorian mansion with tours, including children's tours
The Cape May Whale Watcher runs whale and dolphin cruises from the Cape May harbor
The Washington Street Mall is a three-block pedestrian shopping and dining street
Top Free Pick
Cape May Point State Park
A coastal state park good for nature walks, birding, picnics and photography, with ponds, dunes, marsh and forest and three hiking trails ranging from half a mile to two miles. The Cape May Lighthouse is in the park area.
Top Activities (4)
Cape May Lighthouse
Ages 6+ for the climbA 157-foot lighthouse built in 1859 and still a New Jersey landmark. Climbers get views of both the ocean and the bay.
Grandparent note: The climb is optional. Check the operator's website for current climbing requirements and any alternatives for those who prefer to stay at the bottom.
Emlen Physick Estate
Ages 5+An 18-room mansion built in 1879 by architect Frank Furness, one of the best remaining examples of Victorian Stick-style architecture. Tours are offered year round, including children's tours and holiday events.
Grandparent note: Ask about the children's tour when you book, since it is built for younger visitors.
Cape May Whale Watcher
Ages 4+A 110-foot boat that has run whale and dolphin watching trips from Cape May since 1993. Its main trip is a roughly three-hour tour of the bay and the Atlantic.
Grandparent note: Three hours is a long time on a boat for young children. Check the operator's website for shorter or special family trips, and bring snacks and layers.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
All agesA large zoo in Cape May Court House with animals from around the world, walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds.
Grandparent note: It is a short drive from the town of Cape May. Check the county website for current hours and any seasonal changes.
Where to Stay
Congress Hall
Historic beachfront hotel · Check the website for current rates
Billed as the oldest seaside resort in America, with a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's club
The Virginia Hotel
Boutique hotel · Check the website for current rates
A restored 1879 hotel on Jackson Street in the historic district, a good fit if you prefer something quieter
Where to Eat
Uncle Bill's Pancake House
Check the restaurant website for the current menuBreakfast
A long-running breakfast landmark serving pancakes, waffles, omelets and more, with an extensive lunch menu too
The Lobster House
Check the restaurant website for the current menuSeafood
Cape May's best-known restaurant, at Fisherman's Wharf. It does not take reservations, and waits can be long
Grandparent Tips
The Lobster House does not take reservations. Go at an off-peak hour and bring patience
The lighthouse climb is the only strenuous part of the town. Everyone else can skip it
The zoo is not in Cape May itself. It is in Cape May Court House, a short drive away
Check the website of each attraction for the current schedule, since seasonal hours vary
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Town and Water
Morning: Breakfast at Uncle Bill's, then the Washington Street Mall
Midday: Emlen Physick Estate children's tour, or the lighthouse
Afternoon: Cape May Point State Park
Day 2 — Boat and Zoo
Morning: Cape May Whale Watcher cruise
Afternoon: Cape May County Park & Zoo
Printable PDF Guide
A 2–5 page travel guide for Cape May — formatted for printing or saving to your phone.
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