Set on New Jersey’s southern tip, the coastal town of Cape May has long been a favourite seaside destination with couples, groups and families. Founded in 1260, the town is brimming with heritage charm, and the hundreds of Victorian buildings of the historic district are particularly picturesque. Some of the best places to stay in Cape May are, in fact, restored Victorian mansions. There are extensive resort-style properties, too, as well as simple B&Bs catering to a whole host of tastes and budgets. Wherever you choose to stay, there’s heaps to see and do in the area!
Unlike many of the towns lining the Jersey Shore, Cape May is home to a few thousand permanent residents, so it has a wonderful buzz throughout the year, with cafés, independent shops, eateries and lovely live music venues to explore. For a sense of the town’s long history, stroll through the historic district, popping into brightly-painted Victorian mansions, or take a guided walking tour.
The Cape May Lighthouse promises striking sea views, and there’s lots for wildlife lovers to admire at Cape May Point State Park, or the Cape May Bird Observatory. Whilst the beaches are at their busiest during the summer months, the spring or autumn is the best time for bird watchers to spot migratory flocks. Visitors of all ages will love long days of sandcastle-building, sea swims and whale watching or fishing trips. There’s cycling, sailing and kayaking, too, as well as some great golf.
New Jersey’s burgeoning wine industry also features, with nearby vineyards offering fantastic tours and tastings. Spend your evenings savouring fresh seafood, crowding around a campfire, or catching a gig at one of the town’s vibrant venues. The town's unique peninsula-tip position also make it a brilliant place to catch both the sunrise and the sunset, which feels very special.
Whether you’re dreaming of a fun family trip, a chic couples’ escape or a laid-back holiday with friends, Cape May is a cracking base. Small and intimate, the best places to stay in Cape May fill up fast — book your stay well in advance to avoid missing out!
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Cape May (New Jersey)
Quaint and cosy centrally-located boutique hotel with contemporary decor, comforts and cuisine. Impeccable Victorian exterior gives way to velvet furnishings, glossy woods, pretty floral wallpaper and eclectic antique touches. Enjoy porch, sexy bar, fireside lounge & on-trend dining. Heritage cool.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Family-owned hotel with fun restaurant, bar and live music just metres from the beach. Pretty Victorian exterior houses well-appointed rooms with sophisticated nautical palettes, Craftsman and mid-century furnishings and modern styling; some have sea views. Suits upbeat couples and families.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Romantic B&B in a former Victorian home. A contemporary take on opulent 19th-century decor combines Renaissance-style furnishings, period armoires, wall coverings, plush carpets and sleek marble bathrooms. Enjoy afternoon tea on the porch. Glossy heritage charm with modern comforts.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Grand Victorian-era institution offering classic American seaside holidays. As well as direct beach access, there's fun for all the family with spa, pools, sea-facing lawn, fire-pits, multiple restaurants and bars. Powder-blue rooms channel beach cottages with American heritage-style furniture.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Located in Cape May’s historic district, this bed and breakfast combines Victorian architecture with modern comforts. Think lofty ceilings, full-length windows, and stylish rooms with private baths. Guests can enjoy beach cruiser bikes, a relaxing garden, and a cosy lounge. A charming stay.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Classic beach motel revamped with modern boutique interiors. Rooms, suites and multi-bedroom bungalows steps from the sand, with facilities of nearby sister hotel, offer great-value. Decor blends fresh white palette with jewel-tone furnishings and color pops; porches have sea views. Fab beach base.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Pretty 19th-century beach cottage transformed into contemporary design-led boutique property. Light and airy rooms feature grand antique beds, gas fires, statement bathrooms and fresh 'beach house' touches. Enjoy the dining room, porch and common lounge. Centrally located and perfect for couples.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Centrally-located Victorian mansion set amongst leafy grounds. Classic period rooms feature antique four-poster beds, hand-painted tiles and ceiling fans. Relax in the double-height living room, solarium and original wrap-around porch with rocking chairs. A grand property with old-world charm.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Collection of stylish self-catered studios and family-friendly two-bedroom suites just steps from the beach. Everything's been thought of in the airy rooms; enjoy ocean breezes, decks and ample space for chilling out. Pool, BBQs, garden and fire-pit on-site. Cool and contemporary micro-beach resort.
Cape May (New Jersey)
Victorian-era boutique B&B with playful modern decor. Individually-decorated design-led rooms feature bold colour walls, modern furnishings and 20th-century art plus fun prints and patterned touches. Enjoy chef-cooked breakfasts, a wrap-around porch, monochrome-chic lounge and pretty dining room.