Located in the Heart of Historic Downtown Cape May, NJ
Your Perfect Cape May Getaway...
... Planned Just For you
Looking for things to do in Cape May? Cape May Newbies | Cape may Weekend Getaway | Girlfriends | Winter Escape | Food & Wine | Zen...
Updated: January 2024
Whether you are a seasoned Cape 'May-niac' or this is your first time visiting Cape May, we have the perfect itinerary for you - You'll find our Top 7 List of Things to do in Cape May a great resource for planning your perfect Cape May getaway.
Below you will find several different Cape May Itineraries - Cape May Girlfriend Getaways | Winter Getaways (things to do in Cape May in Winter) | Cape May Gourmet Itineraries | Relaxing in Cape May | Cape May History Buffs | Cape May Newbies (Geared toward the first time visitors to Cape May | Adventure and Fitness Seekers. | Christmastime in Cape May. No matter the goal for your Cape May vacation, we have the Top 7 list of things to do in Cape May for all types of visitors.
Take the guesswork out of planning the perfect trip to Cape May
Here are our most sought after itineraries [personalized just for you]
Cape May Winter Getaway
The town of Cape May is one of the only New Jersey shore towns that is still quite active in the winter months. Many restaurants, bars, B&B's and shops are open year round, making Cape May, the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Check out our Top 7 List of things to do in Cape May in Winter:
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Firstly, decide on where you are going to stay for your getaway - there are many hotels and B&B's that are open year round in Cape May. The Mason Cottage, Cape May Bed and Breakfast is located in the downtown, historic district and is open year-round. The inn offers guests a delicious, seated, 2-course breakfast. Guests will love relaxing in the parlor, by the fire.
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Hit some of the local Cape May wineries for wine tastings - The local wineries that are open daily, year round include: Jessie Creek, Willow Creek, Cape May Winery and Hawk Haven. Both Cape May Winery and Willow Creek offers daily wine tastings, as well as a live music on Saturdays with a tapas & wine pairing menu. Jessie Creek has live music on Saturdays & Sundays, 1 - 4 PM.
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In January & February, the Cape May Convention Center opens up for roller skating (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays). When was the last time you went roller skating? Bring your own skates (or rent them at the convention center) Click here for more information and schedule.
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Do a pub-crawl to some of Cape May's most famous bars: Ugly Mug, Mad Batter, Delaney's, Taco Caballitos and Fins GTK: all these bars are within walking distance to the Mason Cottage, Cape May Bed and Breakfast
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Visit the Cape May County Zoo - one of the coolest small town zoos I have ever seen. It is open year round and it's a free thing to do in Cape May NJ (donations appreciated).
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at Nauti Spirits Distillery. You're invited to take a 25-30 minute walking tour of the farm and production facilities to showcase New Jersey’s premier farm-to-bottle distillery. Open Thursday - Sunday in off-season. Stop by for live music (on Saturdays & Sundays) and tasty, craft cocktails, all locally sourced. GTK: Nauti Spirits is a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). Visit Nautispirits.com for more information and music schedule.
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Check out Fireside Chats at Cold Spring Brewery - gather round the fireplace at Cold Spring Brewery for this free lecture series! In additon to learning about some really interesting topics, grab one of their signature brews and take in the beauty of this restored 1804 three bay English-style Cape May County barn from Upper Township. Permission to restore and reconstruct the barn, board by board, and place it in Historic Cold Spring Village.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EXCITING CAPE MAY ITINERARIES
Cape May Food & Wine Enthusiasts
For all the gastronomes, you've come to the right place - after all, Cape May was dubbed the 'Restaurant Capitol of New Jersey' by the New York Times. In addition to gourmet restaurants, Cape May has amazing specialty shops, wineries and walking tours, specidically geared towards our foodie friends. Here is our Top 7 List of Things to do in Cape May for Foodies:
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Cape May has some really great wineries to check out (and most are open year round). The local wineries that are open daily, year round include: Hawk Haven, Willow Creek Farm & Winery and Cape May Winery & Vineyard. Both Cape May Winery and Willow Creek offers daily wine tastings, as well as live music on Saturdays. Don't miss the tapas & wine pairing menu.
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For a truly local, culinary experience, don't miss dinner at Beach Plum Farm. They offer themed, farm-to-table dinners each month - featuring their own sustainable meats and poultry, and hand-harvested herbs and vegetables. Dinner reservations are a must! For more information, call 609-602-0128.
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Don't miss Cape May's Historic Downtown Food Tour. This guided walking tour features stories about our Victorian architecture, local history and lore and delicious food tastings in various locations.
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Check out Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts Gourmet Brunch Walk, a guided walking tour through the downtown. Visit MAC's culinary events for more information.
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Specialty Cape May gourmet shops that would be of interest: The Cheese Shop in Washington Street Mall offers a great selection of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie boards to order, pate and specialty prepared foods and sandwiches (a great stop to pick up some delicacies before heading to the beach), Cape May Peanut Better Co., a gourmet store stacked with all kinds of sweet and savory treats inspired by the American classic! The Spice Cellar/Olive Oil Co. on Carpenters Lane is jammed packed with unusual spices from around the world, delicious flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars, gourmet chocolate sauces and so much more.
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Looking to keep it local? Stop in and visit some of our local Cape May tradespeople for artisanal bread (people have been known to wait in line for over 2 hours to score some of this locally made bread), honey, soap etc.
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Cape May has some incredible restaurants it for Foodies, here is our list for Best Gourmet Restaurants in Cape May Reservations are a must!
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EXCITING CAPE MAY ITINERARIES
Fitness & Adventure Seekers
Getting away doesn't mean that you have to forgo your workout. There are some great activities in in Cape May that will not only get your heart rate pumping, but you'll have fun while doing it. Be sure to note the GTK's (Good To Know's) throughout this guide for interesting information and insider news. Check out our Top 7 List of Things to do in Cape May for fitness and adventure seekers:
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One of the newest adventures to check out - Cape May County Zoo's Tree to Tree Adventure Park - South Jersey’s premiere aerial adventure course featuring zip lines, nets, Tarzan swings and other fun obstacles for every age and ability. Tree To Tree’s color coded courses become progressively more difficult and are designed to challenge both the mind and body. Visit Tree to Tree Adventure Parks website for more information. GTK: If you have some time, definitely check out the County Zoo in the same park - it is one of the coolest small town zoos I have ever seen - it's free, but donations are appreciated.
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Enjoy the inter-coastal waterway views via a Paddle Board at SUPCAPEMAY with group lessons given by a paddle board instructor. GTK: Check out their Full Moon Paddle Board Tours, as well as Yogo on a Paddle Board (who even knew this was possible).
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Take a hike through Cape May Point State Park - a 244 acres state park located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. It has walking, hiking and nature trails as well as beaches, an exhibit gallery, a ranger office and is the site of the Cape May Lighthouse. There is also great hiking trails throughout Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area GTK: Cape May is considered the very best birding destination in North America to witness fall migration. Visit Higbee Beach Birding & Wildlife Trails for more information.
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Get out and enjoy the water on a Kayak at Miss Chris Kayaks and Paddle beards (MCKP) with a two-hour guided tours of the wetlands around Cape Island Creek and Cape May Harbor. GTK: MCKP also offers Sunset tours on Wednesday and Saturday at 6PM. For more information, call 609-884-0997
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Railbiking with Revolution Rail Co. is a fun excursion activity that allows riders to ride the railroad tracks under their own power and explore the outside in a brand new way! Riders check in behind the Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street and enjoy the expansive native wildflower meadows and flora, as well as world-class viewing opportunities for migrating songbirds, raptors, and pollinators like bumblebees and monarch butterflies
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Walk the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse with breathtaking views of Cape May Point and beyond.
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Take one of Cape May Recreation's fitness classes, from Brazilian Jiu Jitzu to Zumba, there is a class that suits every exercise style and level of experience. To see all classes and times, visit Cape May Recreations Group Fitness Schedule Visitors can pay for a set of 10 classes for $40 or pay $5/per class.
Zen Masters
Cape May is the perfect spot to get away from it all - From spa retreat packages to yoga on the beach, Cape May is the place to relax, recharge and renew your spirit. Be sure to note the GTK's (Good To Know's) throughout this guide for interesting information and insider news.
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Plan an escape to Cape May Day Spa and treat your body to an uplifting, luxurious spa experience - Services include specialty facials, massage therapies, hydro-therapy, body wraps, 1.5 to 5 hour spa escape packages and mani-pedi's. For more information, visit Cape May Day Spa's Website
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Maintain your strong mental and physical well-being while on vaca...yoga on the beach...aqua yoga, and even yoga on a paddle-board. When it comes to getting your yoga fix, there are some great options in Cape May. Karen Manette Bosna AKA 'The Gypsy Yogini' of Yoga Cape May offers classes at her studio, on the beach (in season) and at the pool - for more information on Karen's various classes, visit her website at YogaCapeMay.com Looking to try Yoga on a Paddle-board (hey why not, you are on vacation), visit SUPCAPEMAY - they offer yoga classes, for up to 15 people, on a paddle-board through Cape May's inter-coastal waterways.
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Take in a day at the beach or a sunset in North Cape May on the beaches along the Delaware Bay - these beaches are off the beaten path and therefore, far less crowded (you don't need a beach tag) and BONUS, you will see some of the most incredible sunsets. To get to this area, do a search for 'Harpoons on the Bay' (restaurant/bar open seasonally) in Google Maps - Park you car near Harpon's and head over to the beach with a blanket and a good book.
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While there is a ton of great shopping in Cape May, here are my top 3 favorite shops, that are sure to please any 'Zen-Master': First up, Good Scents - a zen shop specializing in unique, handmade jewelry, essential oils, candles and other scented products. Givens (formally Makers Making) - a shop dedicated to fine craft and inventive design, with a parallel mission to function as a medium for inspiring, discussing, and sharing creative processes. Madame's Port - selling unusual hats, scarves, bags and jewelry, as well as a variety of American made glassware, chimes, candles and home décor.
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Hope on a bike and take a leisurely bike ride through historic, downtown and you'll see some of the nation’s finest examples of Victorian architecture dating back to the early 1800's. Looking to rent a bike for a few days? Check out 'Shields Bike Rentals' at 11 Gurney Street or 'Village Bicycle Rental' at 605 Lafayette Street. GTK: The Mason Cottage, a Cape May B&B provides complimentary bicycles to all guests staying at the inn.
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Stop in to the Carriage House Cafe and Tearoom for the 'Classic Tea Luncheon', a four-course luncheon consisting of scones & tea breads, cup of soup or salad, three assorted tea sandwiches (chef’s choice), sweet plate and a choice of one tea from our selection of teas. Visit Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts for more information.
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End your evening with a stop in at the King Eddie Bar at the Chalfonte Hotel. An intimate hangout where locals and guests mingle over fine wines and classic cocktails. Open seasonally.
Cape May Newbies
Is this your 1st visit to Cape May? If so, then we are super excited that you're here! Among its many awards, Cape May was just voted the 'Prettiest town in New Jersey' by Architectural Digest. This is a town with amazing activities, tours, shopping, events and festivals to offer our visitors - so lets start off with some of the basics to help get your bearings.
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Take MAC's (Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts) 'Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tour' - this is a 45 minute tour that takes you to the points of interest in and around Cape May. This tour is geared to first time visitors or those not familiar with Cape May's sites. GTK: When I am visiting a new area, I like taking these type tours on the first day - that way, if I see something of interest along the way, I have time to go back and revisit. For more info about times and dates, visit MAC's trolley tour page
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After the trolley tour, head on over to the Cape May Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ. The staff at the Welcome Center are top notch and they can answer any question you have on things to do and the best places to see. You can also visit their website here. GTK: Another great resource, don't miss our month-by-month guide of Events and Things to Do in Cape May.
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Relax on our amazing beaches - after all, Cape May Beaches were named some of the best in the nation. Keep in mind, that you will have to purchase a Beach Pass to use the beaches in season. These passes can be purchased at any beach entrance point. You can purchase a Daily, 3 Day or Weekly Pass.
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Don't miss the Lobster House for dinner - This is the quintessential Cape May dining experience, popular with locals and tourists alike. Looking for other dining options? Don't miss our Cape May Restaurant Guide, with great suggestions for romantic spots, places on the water, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options, fit for foodies, best happy hour etc.
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The town of Cape May is a National Historic Landmark - Be sure to take it all in with a leisurely stroll or bike ride through town and you'll see some of the nation’s finest examples of Victorian architecture dating back to the early 1800's. Looking to rent a bike for a few days? Check out 'Shields Bike Rentals' at 11 Gurney Street or 'Village Bicycle Rental' at 605 Lafayette Street. GTK: The Mason Cottage, a Cape May B&B provides complimentary bicycles to all guests staying at the inn.
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Visit the Cape May Lighthouse - Climb the 199 stairs to the top and see an amazing panoramic view of the area. Located at 215 Light House Ave, Cape May Point. GTK: If you happen to be in Cape May during a Full Moon, don't miss the Full Moon Lighthouse Climb and the the town by moonlight (April thru October).
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Cape May has great shopping - don't miss Washington Street Mall, Carpenter's Lane, Washington's Common's and the shops in West Cape May. Click here, for more info on shopping in the area.
Cape May Girlfriend Getaway
Looking for a place to chill with your BFF's? Cape May is the perfect spot to getaway with the girls and re-connect and celebrate your friendship. Be sure to note the GTK's (Good To Know's) throughout this guide for interesting information and insider news. When planning a Cape May Girlfriends Getaway, don't miss our Top 7 List of things to do while in town:
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Plan a tour of several local Cape May wineries (bonus, these wineries are open all year round). Cape May Winery, Hawk Haven and Willow Creek are all within a 15 minute drive of each other and offer tours, wine tastings and tapas menus. Are you celebrating a special occasion, maybe a girlfriends birthday or a Bachelorette Party? Want to amp up the experience with a Cape May winery tour via Stretch Limo? Check out Zark Limo and ask about their winery tour limo. GTK: Looking to make the most of your winery experience, check out our 'Offbeat things to do in Cape May' and schedule your visit around one of the winery's events, like Fire-Pit Fridays or Sangria Sundays..
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Shopping...shopping...and more shopping - Cape May has fantastic shopping - from upscale woman's boutiques to shops that unearth your inner zen. Here are my top 5 most favorite shops in Cape May:
#5. West End Garage - West End Garage features more than 50 stores under one roof, a shoppers paradise where you can find unique items.
#4. Good Scents - specializing in fine bath & body, incense, candles, jewelry, pottery & more
#3. Victorious - Abundant collection of antique and estate jewelry. Unique collection of contemporary designer jewelry. Go upstairs for all the eye candy a girl could want. Clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, gifts...
#2. Cash & Clive - upscale clothing lines for the active woman of all ages
#1. Carolines Boutique -upscale woman's boutique. If you are looking for the perfect outfit, you will find it here. Very knowledgeable staff.
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Spend the afternoon on the Tini Tiki Boat Cruise - this floating tiki pontoon boat accommodates up to 6 people and is fully equipped with a Weber tailgate grill, 2 kayaks, giant floating mat, amazing sound system and a gas powered blender. Bring your own food and alcohol for a 3 or 4 hour tour of the beach or back bay swimming areas. For more information on scheduling your Cape May Girlfriend Tiki Cruise, visit the Tiny Cruise Line
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Climb the 199 stairs at the Cape May Light House. A great way to see the surrounding town. GTK: a great group selfie spot!
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Head over to Fins Bar & Grille for one of the best Happy Hours in Cape May. Sunday thru Friday, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. $5 Fins Margaritas, Crushes and house wines, $2 domestic bottles and $5/$8 small plates.
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Plan a 'Spa Escape' at Cape May Day Spa. CMDS offers several packages ranging from 1.5 hours for $195 up to half-day for $495. My favorite is the 2.5 hour 'Sea Escape', a sophisticated combination of spa services designed to focus on rejuvenating the body with your choice of a seawater bath, steam or whirlpool. The hydrotherapy is followed by a 50-minute Classic Swedish Massage and restorative European Facial. Complete your escape with light refreshments in their spa lounge with your girlfriends. For more information, visit CMDS spa package page.
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Visit Nauti Distillery for a 'Behind the Stills' 25-30 minute walking tour of the farm and production facilities to showcase New Jersey’s premier farm-to-bottle distillery. After the tour, check out the bar and try some of their amazing handmade craft cocktails. GTK: In addition to local food trucks, visitors can bring their own food. Another GTK: Go when they have their live music. Visit Nauti's Event List for their schedule
GTK: The Mason Cottage, Cape May Bed & Breakfast is located in the downtown historic district. The inn offers several rooms that can accommodate up to 3 guests. In addition, guests will find complimentary bicycles (in-season), free WI-FI and a full, 2-course, seated breakfast each morning.
History Buffs
If you are a history buff, then Cape May will not disappoint. The entire town of Cape May is registered a National Historic Landmark and has the 2nd largest concentration of well maintained Victorian buildings in the nation (following San Francisco, CA). Cape May is also named "America's First Seaside Resort". If you are interested in history, here is a great list of things to do in Cape May that will make your appreciate this town for its historical significance, as well as its beauty.
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Take Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC)'s Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Tour. GTK: I always think its a good idea to take these type of tours at the beginning of your trip - that way you have time to go back and visit the places that you learned about on the tour. This tour starts with a guided trolley tour of Cape May's historic district, followed by a guided tour through Cape May's Physick Estate Museum. You can purchase tickets for both of these tours separately, but if you are new to Cape May or haven't done either of these tours, its a Must-Do for any history buff!
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Visit the WWII Look-Out Tower and learn about the role of Cape May in our nations coastal defenses. For more information, visit Cape May WWII Tower
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Have a drink at the King Edward Bar at the Chalfonte Hotel (don't forget to check out their lobby). Recognized as Cape May's oldest, original hotel, the Chalfonte has done a fantastic job of 'modernizing' the hotel, all while maintaining the historic significance of the building. Stepping into this building is like stepping back into time. Interesting history fact, it was only within the last 10 years, that the Chalfonte installed AC units in all guest rooms. Prior to this time, all guest room doors had a 1 foot opening at the bottom. When the main doors at the end of each corridor were opened, it would act as a natural wind tunnel, bringing fresh ocean breezes through to all guests rooms. While each guest room now has solid doors, these 'original' doors were left on, in front of the new solid doors.
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Take a historic harbor boat ride on the 'Fancy', operated by the 'Tiny Cruise Line'. This Fantail Launch boat replicates the boats that ferried passengers from Schellenger's Landing to Wildwood Crest in the early 1900's. What a fantastic way to spend the afternoon - relaxing on the water, taking in the sights and learning the history of historic Cape May harbor. GTK: You can bring your own alcoholic beverages with you to enjoy on your boat ride. For more information, visit the Tiny Cruise Line
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Visit the Lobster House for lunch or dinner. The Lobster House is a Cape May tradition, having been around since the early 1950's. Just inside the main entry way, take a few moments to read the original menus from the restaurants beginnings. Check out the old photo's of past fishing fleets, as well as the many fires that plagued the buildings over the years. Don't forget to get your picture taken with the 37 1/2 lb. lobster that's on display in the breezeway (caught in NJ waters).
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Whats better than having a craft beer in a beautifully, restored barn? Take a ride over to the Cold Spring Brewery, housed in a restored 1804 three-bay English-style Cape May County barn Each piece of this historic barn was painstakingly dismantled, numbered and then moved from Upper Township to its current location in historic Cold Spring Village. Beers change frequently, usually 5-7 beers on tap daily. GTK: They have a great outdoor area with picnic tables, games (who doesn't like a good game of corn-hole). Also, its a BYOF - Bring Your Own Food.
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Plan your Cape May getaway and stay at a Victorian inn, built in 1871. The Mason Cottage Cape May Bed and Breakfast received recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and currently operates as a 9 room B&B in Cape May's downtown, historic district. For more information on this Cape May Bed and Breakfast
Christmas Time in Cape May 2024
Christmas in Cape May is absolutely magical and something that has to be seen at least once in your lifetime. The town is decked out in Victorian, Christmas splendor with Cape May B&B's, hotels and local businesses all vying for top prize in the annual "Light Up Cape May' competition. Enjoy this winter-wonderland with Candlelight hour tours, festivals, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, along with great shopping and amazing restaurants, all open and ready to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Christmas Season in Cape May runs November 22nd 2024 thru January 1st 2025. Get a jump start on the holiday season with Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) Holiday Preview Weekend - November 22nd - 24th 2024. Visit MAC's Physick Estate for Christmas exhibits, holiday trolley rides and a visit from Santa, who flips the switch in the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. With so much to do in town, it was hard to narrow it down to 7 - Here is my Top 7 List of Things to Do in Cape May during Christmas season:
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The #1 thing that is a MUST DO during Christmas in Cape May is MAC's Christmas Candlelight House Tours. Get a peek inside the many Victorian inn's and private homes, all decked out for the Christmas season. The 2024 Christmas Candlelight House Tours occur Saturdays: December 7th, 14th & 21st 2024 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM). GTK: Visitors MUST buy their tickets in advance, these tours are always a sell out. To purchase tickets for the tours, visit MAC's Candlelight House Tours Event Page. Also, reserve your stay early at a Cape May Bed and Breakfast - rooms sell out months in advance. If you can't make it to the Candlelight House Tours, here are other tours/events that are also definitely worth checking out:
- Lamplighters Christmas Tour - Sponsored b y MAC, this is a self guided tour though four of Cape May inns and private homes. The owners and innkeepers, at each property, will share their holiday spirit. This tour also includes entry into the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate. : 2024 Dates TBD.
- Holidays Inn Tours: Sponsored by MAC, a self guided tour through a selection of Cape Mays inns and private homes decked out in their holiday splendor. 2024 Dates TBD.
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Annual West Cape May Christmas Parade 2024 - this always gets a huge turn out: Always the 1st Saturday in December (Saturday, December 7th 2024). The parade starts at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse and marches south on Broadway, then winds east on Perry Street and onto Carpenter Lane in downtown Cape May. Bands, holiday music, floats and more will delight both the young and young at heart.
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Get the 'perfect' holiday gift - Cape May has fantastic shopping - the shops, restaurants and bars are all open all during the holiday season. For really unique one-of-kind items, here are a few of my favorite Cape May shops: Good Scents - a shop specializing in unique handmade jewelry, books, pottery, essential oils, candles and other scented products. Whales Tale - one-stop shopping for unusual, hand selected gifts, jewelry, nature themed toys, and greeting cards. Caroline's Boutique - a quaint, sophisticated, women's boutique with all the latest fashion trends. Galvanic - a unique, men's store with a focus on quality, wearable fashions that you won't find in every 'other' store.
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Take Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) Holiday Lights Trolley Ride - Hop on board the famous Green and Red Trolley through Cape May’s Historic District to see festively decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music.
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Take in a show at Cape May Stage. The 2024 Cape May Holiday themed play is TBD - 2024 Dates TBD.
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Take a horse and carriage ride through the downtown historic district and look at all the B&B's, private homes and local businesses all decked out in their holiday splendor - something out of Charles Dickens. For more information, visit Cape May Carriage Company.
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Plan your Cape May Christmas visit and stay in one of the best Christmas decorated inn's in all of Cape May - The Mason Cottage, goes all out for the Christmas holiday season, both inside and out. The highlights are the the inns two lavishly decorated Christmas trees, one in the parlor and one in the dining room. (you'll never see the same tree twice, tree themes change every year). Having won many accolades for their holiday decorations over the years, the Mason Cottage is "The Place to Stay during the Christmas Holiday Season".
