Where to Stay in Cape May (Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Cape May

Cape May is a popular New Jersey summer destination that people from all over come to enjoy every year. The quiet, historic charm of the town invites people of all ages. 

There aren’t very distinct neighborhoods within Cape May, but there are some popular areas for where to stay.

Beachfront

👉 Best Area For Beach Lovers | ✨ Best Beachfront Hotels: ICONA Cape May • Ocean Club Hotel • Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons we New Jerseyans love a trip to Cape May is for the immaculately kept beaches. In fact, Cape May’s Poverty Beach is one of New Jersey’s best. The beachfront is where you can take in fantastic views of the ocean and hear the waves grace the shore. As a beach bum myself, these views are top tier!

Keep in mind, beachfront accommodations are in high demand and, as such, tend to be more expensive. But taking in the magnificent Atlantic Ocean views is well worth it. Some of the best hotels in Cape May are on Beach Avenue, like ICONA Cape May and Ocean Club Hotel, both of which face the shore. 

Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, such as free on-site parking and private balconies. There are even swimming pools if swimming in the ocean isn’t your thing. If this is your first time in Cape May, trust me, staying on the beachfront is your best bet for an amazing time. Just be sure to pack for a beach vacation!

Pros of Staying on the Beachfront:

• Magnificent ocean views
• Walking distance to the beach
• Great bars and restaurants within walking distance

Cons of Staying on the Beachfront:

• Hotels and resorts are pricey
• Peak season can get crowded

Historic District

👉 Best Area For History Lovers | ✨ Best Historic District Hotels: Congress Hall • Lokal Hotel Cape May • Southern Mansion

The Historic District is yet another top choice when staying in Cape May. Its Victorian stick-style architecture is bursting with the historic beauty that Cape May is known for. Book a stay at a historic inn like Congress Hall or the Southern Mansion for a truly charming experience.

Pay a visit to the Greater Cape May Historical Society, where you can learn more about Cape May’s rich history. You can even take a trip back in time at the Emlen Physick Estate. Here, it’s like you’re literally stepping into a Victorian home filled with antique furniture and learning how one family lived during this time period. 

The Historic District is a great place to stay in Cape May if you love history, but still want to be close to the beauty of the Jersey shore. Not to mention the great shopping at the Washington Street Mall!

Pros of Staying in the Historic District:

• Beautiful Victorian architecture
• Home of the Washington Street Mall 
• Plenty of attractions to enjoy

Con of Staying in the Historic District:

• Not many hotels specifically in this area
• Farther out from the beach 

Cape May Harbor

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers | ✨ Best Cape May Harbor Hotels: La Mer Beachfront Resort • Inn at the Park • The Beach Club on Madison Avenue

Cape May Harbor is further away from the more popular areas by the beaches and the Historic District. There aren’t any hotels in this area, so you’ll have to choose accommodations closer to the Jersey shore. You can then drive up to the Harbor area to enjoy the attractions.

The Harbor is a beautiful, underrated section. Here you can enjoy waterfront dining at a number of harborside restaurants. There’s also a Marina where you can watch boats blissfully sail by. Pay a visit to the Nature Center, or catch a boat to go whale-watching! 

While Cape May’s Harbor area doesn’t offer accommodations, it’s still a great place to visit during your stay in Cape May. This being said the Inn at the Park is a historic and highly-rated bed and breakfast that’s just a short drive from the harbor.

Pros of Staying in Cape May Harbor:

• Beautiful waterfront views
• Waterfront dining
• Whale-watching opportunities

Con of Staying in Cape May Harbor:

• Farther away from the beach
• No hotels in the immediate area

West Cape May

👉 Best Area For Relaxation | ✨ Best West Cape May Hotels: Buttonwood Boutique Hotel • Wilbraham Mansion • Elaine’s Cape May Boutique Hotel

West Cape May is a great area to stay in if you want a quieter experience. While Cape May isn’t a noisy town to begin with, West Cape May is even quieter. This area is more residential, so you’ll find more local Cape May residents as opposed to tourists. Make sure to respect the residents and avoid any disruptive or disrespectful behavior.

Come to West Cape May if you want to avoid crowds of tourists and just enjoy a serene pace of living. The Buttonwood Boutique Hotel is a charming, highly-rated inn with a beautiful property.

You can enjoy Cape May Point State Park, which features the historic Cape May Lighthouse. A little further out, you can visit the Cape May Bird Observatory to catch a glimpse of Cape May’s feathered friends. Nearby Cape May Point is also a perfect place for a day trip.

Pros of Staying in West Cape May:

• Very quiet 
• Still close to Cape May’s beaches
• Fewer tourists

Cons of Staying in West Cape May:

• Not many options for hotels
• Further out from Cape May’s main attractions
• Most bars & restaurants are outside of West Cape May

Tips for Staying in Cape May

Prepare to do Some Walking

While there is parking in Cape May, it can be tough to find – especially during the peak travel season. This is especially the case around the beach. 

If you want to enjoy all that Cape May has to offer, walking is your best bet. It’s also great for taking in all of the great scenery and sea breezes in beautiful weather. So make sure to bring some comfortable shoes!

Don’t Skip Out on the Seafood

As a seaside resort town, Cape May’s seafood is unmatched. Enjoy a variety of fish, lobster, shrimp, and even savory scallops. Most of it is freshly caught, so you’re getting only the best and freshest seafood. This freshness comes out as a decadent flavor that you don’t want to miss!

Book Off-Season

It stands to reason, if you’re traveling during peak season, prices are going to be higher. In addition, restaurant reservations may be harder to come by, and you’ll encounter more people. In many ways, this coincides with my general tips for when to visit New Jersey.

Off-season travel between the months of October and April can give you the best possible way to enjoy all the beauty that Cape May has to offer.

Take in the Historic District

One of Cape May’s most notable features is its fantastic architecture. The Victorian architecture is enough to draw in visitors from all over. You can take in such great sights as the Emlen Physick Estate and the homes that line Beach Avenue, across from the promenade.

Visit Local Breweries

Cape May is home to quite a few breweries and wineries. Stop by the Cold Spring Brewery for an ice-cold beer. Or you can take a vineyard tour at the Willow Creek Winery & Farm and relax with a glass of wine. 

Don’t Miss Out on the Whales

Whale-watching is one of the most popular things to do in Cape May. The whale-watching season depends on their migration, so they’re only visible at certain times. Between Spring and mid-summer are the best times to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Check out places like the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center to see when boat tours are available.

Go Bird Watching

I love watching birds, and Cape May is home to some beautiful birds. One of these is the adorable Cape May warbler. These and other birds can be seen throughout Cape May, or at places like the Nature Center of Cape May. Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory at Cape May Point for even more views and to learn about bird conservation.

Pay a visit to Wildwood Crest

While Wildwood Crest isn’t technically part of Cape May, it is part of Cape May County. This is the livelier side of Cape May County. It features activities that appeal to a younger, more energetic crowd. There you can enjoy the famous Morey’s Piers. Bring some beach chairs and relax on the pristine Diamond Beach. 

Venture Further Out

There are great Cape May attractions and activities close to the Beachfront and Historic District. But Cape May has even more to explore. Pay a visit to Lower Township, where you can find the Historic Cold Spring Village. This village, almost frozen in time, gives you a glimpse of what life was like back in Victorian times.

Stroll Cape May’s Promenade

The promenade along Beach Avenue is a great place for a stroll. This peaceful 2-mile stretch of paved walkway offers amazing ocean views. It’s lined with a variety of stores and small restaurants you can stop into along your way. Enjoy a sunset on Beach Avenue or even a sunrise along the lovely promenade.

Hop on a Ferry

Want to see more of Cape May’s coastal views? Hop on a ferry to get a different perspective of this gorgeous town. Take a ride across the Delaware Bay for great views of North Cape May, as well as some of the wildlife that lives there. Some have even been able to spot turtles. 

👉 Read Next: Best Areas and Towns to Stay in New Jersey

FAQs

What part of Cape May is the best?

The Beachfront is hands-down the best part of Cape May. There are great ocean views along Beach Avenue’s promenade. Along with great restaurants, this area is popular with first-time and seasoned visitors alike.

Are Cape May Beaches Free?

Cape May beaches are not free during beach season, which runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day. From 10 am – 5 pm during beach season, you will need to purchase beach tags for any beach-goers who are 12 years old and over. After beach season is over, you can access the beach for free, but there will be no lifeguards on duty. As a result, certain activities like swimming may be restricted. 

Why is Cape May Popular?

Cape May is a beautiful, relaxing seaside resort town. It features amazing restaurants, the freshest seafood, and beautiful Victorian architecture. Its relaxed pace and ocean views draw many visitors in every year.

Is Cape May a dry town?

Cape May is not a dry town, although other parts of Cape May County are, such as Cape May Point, Wildwood Crest, and Ocean City.

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Cape May! Check out these other great places to visit in New Jersey for more great destination ideas. Have fun deciding where to stay in Cape May!