Top 10 Things to Do in Cape May, New Jersey
My first destination when Rollsbud and I hit the road was Cape May, New Jersey.
You spent two years converting a 2003 Ford E-350 Shuttle Bus into a tiny home and the first thing you did was drive 8.5 hours?! To Jersey?!?!
You bet!
WHY?!
My entire understanding of “the beach” has been and always will be Cape May. Every summer for as long as I can remember, my family has made our way to the southern most beach on the Jersey Shore to enjoy a perfect week (rain or shine) at my Aunt Sue’s family beach house.
Walking to the beach hand-in-tube.
Cape May Point, NJ (ca. 1997)
My cousin Sarah (the cute blondie on the left) was married on the very beach across the street from the house. It’s a magical place. The house on the Point has been in Aunt Sue’s family since 1966 and I thank my lucky stars that she (and now my all-grown-up cousin) continues to extend an invitation to us each year.
One summer, there were nearly 15 of us at the Cape May house. After a sun-soaked morning out on the beach, all of us were crowded onto the screened porch, some eating an early lunch, some eating a late breakfast, others doing a crossword or reading a book, when Aunt Sue, ever the planner (even on vacation), asked, “What do people want to do this week?” Absolutely every single one of us immediately started naming activities, everything from fishing, to mini-golfing, to shopping, to jet skiing. Not wanting to miss anything, Aunt Sue reached for a pen and paper, but the only paper available at the table was a stack of paper plates. She scribbled down activities as fast as we called them out. Afterwards, we had a full plate and a new tradition. Every summer since, we load a paper plate with our collective beach bucket list.
If you ever find yourself at Exit 0, here are a few things that should be on your paper plate:
1 . Cape May Point State Park
303 County Hwy 629, Cape May, NJ 08204; (38.932982, -74.961144)
Open 8 AM-8 PM, FREE
An obvious number one activity is to visit the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park. Admission to the park is free and there’s a fairly large parking lot. From there you have access to the beach, public restrooms, and a small nature education center.
For birders, there’s an observation deck and plank pathway through the state wetlands and natural area. For a reasonable fee you can climb to the top of the lighthouse to view Cape May in all its panoramic glory.
Sorry fellow vanlifers, the park closes at dusk. No overnight parking.
(there’s a Walmart in nearby Rio Grande, though!)
2. Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210
Zoo Hours: 10 AM - 4:30 PM Park Hours: 7 AM-dusk, FREE (donations encouraged)
capemaycountynj.gov
It blows my mind that a zoo this good is still operating on “Suggested Donation” entry. Before you even get to the zoo, there’s a large park and play area with plenty of picnic benches for quick bite before or after you visit the animals. My favorite section is a raised boardwalk that meanders through the woods showcasing everything from alpacas, to wild cats, to red pandas, and kookaburras before opening up to the African Plains where you can get a close up look at zebras, giraffes, and more! The last time I visited, I was treated to baby capybaras.
Who knew the Jersey Shore boasted such a bountiful collection of wild animals?
3. Drink
When people say, “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” they’re talking about Cape May, NJ.
For refreshing, non-alcoholic options, the Twisted Lemonades they serve at the Farmer’s Market (see # 6) are top notch. Many restaurants, like Elaine’s, have a mocktail menu to rival their boozier brothers from the bar.
For those who enjoy an “adult” beverage, here are some popular choices:
916 Shunpike Road, Cape May, New Jersey 08204
A farm to table distillery conveniently located just a few minutes form the Cape May Lewes Ferry. Take a tour, visit the chickens, and try out their cocktail list! My personal favorite is the Krabby Patty ($12 - Jalapeno-infused NS Vodka, lime & orange-oleo saccharum with an Old Bay Rim for the brave).
1250 Hornet Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Visit their Brewtanical Garden and try a flight of their craft beers or seltzers! Grab some swag and a pack to go from their Brewtique (open: 11AM-9PM). Many of their beverages are also distributed throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their website even has a handy dandy beer finding tool: capemaybrewery.com/beer-finder
1879 Route 9, Cape May Court House NJ 08210
This craft brewery is about 30 minutes back up the Garden State Parkway, but it’s well worth the trip. Rollsbud’s favorite is, of course, the Schoolie, which took Silver Medal in the New York International Beer Competition (2020).
426 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204
If a local pub is more your speed, check out the Ugly Mug on the Mall (see # 4). The mugs hanging from the ceiling belong to members of The Ugly Mug Club and were the inspiration for the book Murder at Exit 0: A Cape May Mystery by Miles Nelson.
If possible, have my cousin’s husband, Chris, shake you up a mean margarita.
Have fun! Make good choices.
4. West End Garage
484 WEST PERRY STREET, CAPE MAY, NJ 08204
West End Garage
If you’re looking to shop without the drop then West End Garage is the stop. The West End Garage is an indoor bazaar where many of my favorite local vendors have their own stall. Think of it as a mini mercantile buffet. Sample the best of Cape May all in one convenient spot.
If you’re craving more shopping, head over to Washington Street Mall (see #5 below)
5. Washington Street Mall
If you’re picturing your average soulless mall complete with Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and two-story Forever 21’s overrun with preteens… stop it. You cut that sh*t out right now.
Washington Street Mall is a charming 3-block stretch of boutique shops and restaurants in the heart of Cape May. Over 75+ establishments to visit on a beautiful open-air pedestrian strip. Find everything from kitschy tchotchkes to high end art; handmade soaps to salt water taffy.
Personal favorites: Across the Way (gifts and knicknacks), Kohr Bros. (frozen custard).
6. West Cape May Farmer’s Market
What’s summer without a Farmer’s Market?
On Tuesdays between late June til the end of August, head over to “Backyard Park” for the West Cape May Farmer’s Market (3 PM-7:30 PM). Walk, ride your bike, or go early to snag free parking. There’s live music, tasty treats, and booths for local businesses to sell their wares.
My personal favorite is the screenprinter - The Flying Fish Studio. If you miss them at the Farmer’s Market, their shop is just around the corner (130 Park Boulevard, West Cape May, NJ 08204, open 10 AM-5 PM). They also have a stall at the West End Garage (see #4 above)
7. Cape May Promenade (a.k.a. boardwalk)
In comparison to the big bad Boardwalks of the rest of the Jersey Shore, Cape May’s is fairly modest - so quaint, in fact, they call it the “Promenade.” While Atlantic City’s 6-mile boardwalk empire boasts concert venues and casinos, Cape May’s 2-mile stroll offers arcades, mini golf courses, and ice cream shops, which make for an easy date night or family night out.
Note: Don’t expect to see any boards on this walk. The last wooden boardwalk in Cape May was destroyed by the nor’easter of ‘62.
8. Sunset Beach
Follow Sunset Boulevard all the way to the Delaware Bay and you’ll find Sunset Beach. Personally, I go for the mini golf, but there is plenty to keep you busy for an entire day.
To start, Sunset Beach is a treasure trove of history. As you approach the beach, you’ll see a WW2 watch tower on your left - Fire Control Tower No. 23 (one of 15 such towers stretching from North Wildwood to Bethany Beach, Delaware). For a small fee, you can climb to the top, reading about its history on your ascent.
From the beach, you can see the remains of the “Sunken Ship” or the “Concrete Ship,” the SS Atlantus, which has a wild history of its own.
The beach itself is pebblier than most so I recommend bringing a good chair and a bucket (one for sitting, one for collecting beautiful shells and stones - if you’re lucky, you may even find a Cape May diamond! Told you it was a treasure trove! If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the beach, don’t worry. There are CM diamonds of every shape and size in the Gift Shop.)
There’s also a snack shack for some midday munchies.
It’s a crowded parking lot, but there’s room on the shoulder of the road as you approach.
The “concrete ship” SS Atlantus off the shore of Sunset Beach in Cape May, New Jersey.
9. Oh yeah, go to the beach.
I guess that should go without saying… but just look at how many other things there are to do in Cape May (see #1-8^^^) you mighta forgotten to spend any time with your toes in the sand!
While some folks enjoy splashing in the waves or playing games like: Ladder Golf, Bocce, or THIS CRAZY GAME I’ve never understood?! — I prefer to get to the beach early before it’s too hot and crowded so I can read until I nap (and repeat as needed).
Recommended Reads:
The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde; 2. Fruiting Bodies: Stories by Kathryn Harlan; 3. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson 4. The Overstory by Richard Powers; 5. Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Leigh Allen
In the evening, after the day has cooled off andthe crowds have left (sensing a theme here?) my family heads back to the beach for sunsets and trick kites!
Don’t forget your sunscreen!
10. N-O-T-H-I-N-G
Saved the best for last!
Don’t you dare do a damn thing, cutie. You’re on vacation!
You’ve got enough on your plate most of the year.
Next time you’re at the beach, let your paper plate be blank.
Blank paper plates leave plenty of room for Peanut Butter Pizza.
RECIPE: Peanut Butter Pizza
Start with peanut butter cookie dough. You can buy the pre made stuff or google “3 recipe peanut butter cookies” and use whatever pops up.
Spread the cookie dough evenly over a baking sheet. Dough should be 1/4-1/2 inch thick depending on how crispy you like it.
Bake at 350 until it seems just about done (often about 8 minutes)
Remove from oven and sprinkle approximately equal quantities of peanut butter and chocolate chips over the surface until mostly covered
Put back in oven for a minute or two until the chips are melty. Remove from oven and spread to become “sauce.”
Top your pizza with m&ms, mini marshmallows, and peanuts until satisfied.
Put back in oven for a minute or two until everything is a little melty.
Cool and enjoy! (Some people like it warmed up a bit, some like it fridge chilled. Do what’s in your heart)
Sarah (left) and me (cheesin on the right) prepping the perfect peanut butter pizza.
Cape May Point, NJ (ca. 2005)
Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.
Many many thanks to cousin Sarah for sharing this family recipe <3
Much love,
Rachel & Rollsbud
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