Local Attractions – Things to Do!
Cape May Point State Park. Located on the water’s edge in Cape May Point, this park is the site of scenic Lighthouse Beach. Within the park are the Cape May Point Lighthouse and the Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The lighthouse, built in 1859, is still operational as a navigational aid to seacraft and houses a museum and observation tower. The Bird Sanctuary sits on 180 acres within the park where as many as 90,000 birds of prey pass over each fall.
Sunset Beach. Search for Cape May “diamonds” — a polished, semi-precious quartz– and see the sunken concrete ship, the SS Atlantis. Located at Sunset Beach are a grill serving breakfast and lunch and several souvenir shops.
Victorian Cape May. One of only five National Historic Landmark Cities in the country, Cape May boasts more late 19th century houses than any other community in the United States. Be sure not to miss the Physick Estate located on Washington St. This mansion on 8 acres was designed by Frank Furness and built in 1881. It now houses a museum containing furniture, costumes and toys of the Victorian era. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts operates the Estate and sponsers many activities year round.
Cold Spring Village. This 22 acre 19th century living history museum with 25 restored buildings features interpreters who display their crafts and discuss life in the 1850s. Civil War encampments occur at various times throughout the year.
Leaming’s Run Botanical Garden. Just north of Cape May on Rte. 9, this lush paradise features 25 specialty displays including English cottage, shade and reflecting gardens.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Connecting travelers to points south, many take the ferry just to enjoy a pleasurable journey across the bay to visit historic Lewes, DE, the first European settlement in that state. Lewes is now home to many award-winning restaurants and charming shops.
Restaurants – Cape May is the restaurant capital of New Jersey. If you can’t find what you want, you haven’t looked hard enough. Many restaurants have their own web site, or take a look at the Cape May Restaurant Guide.
The Nature Center of Cape May -The Nature Center of Cape May was founded in 1992, with the twin goals of creating a responsible stewardship program for open space surrounding Cape May Harbor and providing environmental education for people of all ages. The center offers interactive displays, games, activities and programs.
Morey’s Pier – On the boardwalk in nearby Wildwood, Morey’s Pier offers seven world-class roller coasters, two huge beachfront waterparks and a large number of family rides.
Wetlands Institute and Museum – The Wetlands Institute is uniquely housed in a cedar shake building designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century coast guard. The station is situated overlooking 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands near Stone Harbor. The wetlands are a bird-watcher’s paradise. Other attractions include various educational exhibits, gift shop, an aquarium, nature trails, an observation tower and marsh walks.
Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center – Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center offer boat tours featuring breathtaking sights of the world’s largest mammals, dolphins and other seldom seen rare and endangered species. Located near the Cape May Canal bridge in Cape May.
Cape May County Zoo – Two miles north of Cape May Court House on Route 9, the Cape May County Zoo is a surprising high quality facility. This 128 acres zoo offers 170 species of animals, including bears, zebras, monkeys, giraffes, many reptiles, exotic birds, and the endangered Bengal Tiger. And it is free, although a donation is appreciated.