Cape May County has a way of drawing people in. The ocean air, colorful Victorian homes, quiet back roads and miles of shoreline all come together to create a place that feels relaxed yet full of life. Whether you picture early morning walks on the sand, afternoons exploring historic streets or evenings with live music and local wine, you will find no shortage of fun things to do in Cape May County.
If you are planning a visit or thinking about making this part of the Jersey Shore your home, this guide will walk you through some of the most memorable Cape May County attractions. From classic beach days and lighthouse climbs to wineries, farms and theaters, these Cape May County activities show why so many people fall in love with the area.
At Schaeffer Homes, we build new homes throughout the Cape May County region, and we take the time to get to know the communities where our homeowners reside. Our latest community, Sandcastle Estates in Ocean View, is just minutes from many of the experiences listed below, making it an excellent home base for enjoying the best of the shore year after year.
Cape May City’s beaches stretch for a little over two miles along Beach Avenue, giving you plenty of room to spread out with a chair and umbrella. They are known for being clean and family-friendly, with easy access to food, shops and public restrooms close to the sand, which makes full beach days simple for both locals and visitors.
Set inside an authentic World War II hangar at the Cape May Airport, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum invites you to step back in time. Families can walk right up to vintage aircraft, explore hands-on exhibits and learn how this busy training base once helped support the war effort, making it a great option on cooler or rainy days.
For a classic shore-town experience, few things compare to climbing the Cape May Lighthouse. Built in 1859, the lighthouse features a cast iron spiral staircase with 199 steps leading to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and surrounding nature trails once you reach the top. On clear days, the panorama makes every step worth it.
On the back bay side of Stone Harbor, The Wetlands Institute offers a closer look at the tidal marsh that makes this coastline so special. Boardwalks lead out over the wetlands, an elevated observation tower provides sweeping views and touch tanks bring local marine life up close. Living nearby means you can drop in for bird migration, kids’ programs or sunset walks on the marsh whenever the mood strikes.
Cape May’s Victorian character comes to life at the Emlen Physick Estate, an 1879 mansion turned museum. Guided tours walk you through richly detailed rooms while sharing stories about the family who once lived there and what daily life looked like in a nineteenth-century seaside resort. It is an ideal stop if you enjoy history, architecture and a quieter pace between beach outings.
Tucked near the shoreline, the World War II Lookout Tower was once part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware system. Today you can climb to the top, take in views of the coast and learn how Cape May played a role in protecting shipping lanes during the war. It is a small but powerful reminder that this peaceful stretch of beach was once a strategic military vantage point.
If you want to see Cape May County from the water, boat and nature tours offer a different perspective on the coast. Depending on the trip you choose, you might glide past historic landmarks, watch dolphins play alongside the boat or cruise at sunset as the sky turns orange and pink. These tours are perfect for anyone who feels most at home on the water or wants to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s ecology.
Cape May Winery combines rolling vineyard views with relaxed tastings, wine flights and small bites. Guests can sample locally crafted wines on the patio, stroll among the vines or settle in for a laid-back afternoon between beach days. It is a favorite for date nights, girls’ weekends and quiet celebrations that do not require leaving town.
Avalon and Stone Harbor share Seven Mile Beach, a long, primarily residential stretch of shoreline known for its clean sand, family-friendly vibe and cooler by a mile ocean breezes. Residents along the Jersey Cape treat this area as their everyday playground, from morning runs on the sand and low-key surf sessions to evenings spent strolling the shops and restaurants along Dune Drive and 96th Street.
Willow Creek Winery brings a resort-style feel to the countryside of West Cape May. Estate-grown wines and sangrias, farm-inspired small plates and firepit seating create the kind of atmosphere where you can linger for hours. Between guided vineyard tours, seasonal events and live music, it is easy to see why locals and visitors return often.
Beer lovers will feel right at home at Cape May Brewing Company, located near the airport and harbor. The expansive tasting room and outdoor beer garden make it easy to meet friends, sample rotating brews and enjoy seasonal releases that often feature beachy flavors and playful names. It is the kind of place that quickly becomes part of your regular weekend routine.
Just a short drive from downtown, Beach Plum Farm is a working farm where you can stroll garden paths, meet friendly chickens and shop a rustic market filled with fresh produce and local goods. Seasonal menus, farm-to-table meals and special events give you plenty of reasons to return through the year, especially in fall when the fields glow with autumn color.
Set at the northern tip of North Wildwood, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse & Gardens feel like a quiet retreat from the busier boardwalk. This 1874 Victorian lighthouse is surrounded by lush seaside gardens and walking paths that lead right to the seawall. For county residents, it is a peaceful alternative to the boardwalk’s buzz, perfect for morning walks, photography and watching the ocean in a quieter corner of the island.
At the end of Sunset Boulevard you will find one of the most memorable spots in Cape May County. Sunset Beach is known for its fiery evening skies, mini golf, casual bites and tiny polished quartz pebbles known as “Cape May diamonds.” Just offshore, the partially sunken concrete ship SS Atlantus adds a touch of history to the horizon.
Cape May sits along one of North America’s premier bird migration routes, and the Cape May Bird Observatory helps you make the most of it. Guided walks, migration watches and special programs welcome both beginners and experienced birders, especially during spring and fall when the sky fills with raptors, songbirds and shorebirds on the move.
Congress Hall, often called America’s first seaside resort, has welcomed guests since the early 1800s and still anchors the oceanfront today. Its broad lawns, rocking chairs and historic architecture create an unforgettable backdrop for vacations, while The Brown Room inside offers a cozy cocktail setting for evening drinks. Many locals think of it as their go-to spot for a special night out without leaving town.
Set in the restored Howell House on Lafayette Street, the Harriet Tubman Museum shares the story of Tubman’s time in Cape May and the town’s wider role in the Underground Railroad. Exhibits, artifacts and guided tours offer a powerful look at the fight for freedom and civil rights in this coastal community, making it a meaningful stop for families and history enthusiasts.
For fans of live theater, East Lynne Theater Company delivers intimate performances in a historic setting. The company focuses on classic American plays and contemporary works inspired by them, so you can experience thought-provoking stories in a uniquely Cape May environment. It is a lovely option when you want a cultural night out after a day of sun and sand.
Climb aboard the Spirit of Cape May, a 110-foot mini cruise ship, for an unforgettable outing on the water. Daytime dolphin and whale watching cruises highlight the area’s marine life, while sunset dinner cruises pair local flavors with sweeping views of the coastline. It is a great way to introduce visiting friends or family to the magic of Cape May.
Historic Cold Spring Village feels like stepping into a different century. This open-air, living history village recreates South Jersey life from 1789 to 1840 with costumed interpreters, working trades and historic buildings. Kids can try hands-on activities, and adults often enjoy the slower pace and craftsmanship on display.
Located in Cape May Court House, Cape May County Park & Zoo is one of the area’s best family-friendly attractions. The free zoo and surrounding park feature more than 500 animals, tree-lined walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas and even a treetop adventure course. Having a year-round, no-admission zoo just up the Parkway is a huge perk for families considering a move anywhere in Cape May County.
Lake Lily in Cape May Point is a peaceful retreat tucked away from busier streets. A walking path circles the freshwater lake, offering views of cottages, birdlife and the occasional glimpse of the lighthouse in the distance. It is a perfect place for quiet morning walks, reflective evenings or a simple change of scenery when you want nature without the crowds.
Often called the heart of Cape May, Washington Street Mall is a three-block pedestrian downtown filled with boutiques, cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants. As a future resident, you will likely find yourself here on weeknights grabbing dinner, meeting friends for coffee or strolling with visiting family after a day at the beach. It is where small-town charm and seaside energy meet.
Located in the historic district, Cape May Stage brings Broadway-quality productions to an intimate shore-town venue. With a full season of plays and special performances, it offers an easy way to keep live theater in your regular rotation, especially when paired with a walkable dinner nearby. Many year-round residents consider it one of their favorite Cape May County activities.
Just a few minutes from downtown, South Cape May Meadows Preserve offers a completely different side of the shore. Flat trails wind through freshwater wetlands and fields, and a full mile of undeveloped beach lets you enjoy the ocean in a more natural setting. It is internationally known among birders, yet for locals it often serves as a peaceful place for sunrise runs, post-work walks and quiet lighthouse views in every season.
Set on a working 60-acre farm, Nauti Spirits Distillery puts a farm-to-bottle spin on spirits like vodka, gin, rum and whiskey. The spacious tasting room and outdoor seating host food trucks, live music and seasonal cocktails, which creates a relaxed countryside feel without ever really leaving Cape May. It is a fun stop when you want to experience something a little different from the typical beach bar scene.
Ocean City Boardwalk & Beaches offer another classic take on the Jersey Shore. The 2.5-mile boardwalk combines old-fashioned amusements, mini golf, bike rentals and food stands with a dry town, family-focused atmosphere. Paired with wide, guarded beaches, it gives Cape May County residents another style of shore town to enjoy, perfect for day trips with kids, evening bike rides on the boards and year-round community events.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk stretches for more than two miles and delivers non-stop energy. Shops, arcades, eateries and oceanfront attractions line the boardwalks, along with three amusement piers and multiple waterparks. For people living in Cape May County, it is an easy go-to for summer nights, festivals and fireworks just a short drive up the coast.
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks are the heart of the Wildwoods' fun. Family-owned since 1969, this local company operates three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks, featuring more than 100 rides that range from kid-friendly attractions to serious thrill rides. Locals love having big park energy close to home, whether that means season passes, impromptu weeknight visits or entertaining summer guests.
After a day of exploring beaches, lighthouses, wineries, and all the small-town charm Cape May County has to offer, it’s easy to imagine what life could look like if this were home, not just a vacation. At Schaeffer Homes, we make that vision possible.
Our newest community, Sandcastle Estates in Ocean View, NJ, offers a rare combination of spacious homesites, flexible floor plans, and a peaceful setting just minutes from the shore. With lots starting at over an acre, top-rated schools nearby and public utilities already in place, Sandcastle Estates gives you room to grow while staying close to everything you love about the Jersey Shore.
Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled coastal retreat or a year-round home built around your family’s lifestyle, we’ll help you personalize every detail. When you live here, Cape May County isn’t just your getaway; it becomes part of your everyday story.
Ready to make the move? Contact Schaeffer Homes and schedule a visit to Sandcastle Estates and start your next chapter in Cape May County.
Yes, Ocean View is a wonderful place to call home throughout the year. Residents enjoy a peaceful setting, strong schools, open space and an easy drive to nearby coastal attractions, which makes it appealing for both families and retirees.
Ocean View is roughly 15 minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches along the Jersey Shore. You can spend the day by the ocean, then return home to a quieter, more private neighborhood at night.
Absolutely. We specialize in flexible floorplans and personalized design selections so that your home reflects your style and daily needs. From layout choices to finishes and features, we work closely with you to create a home that feels uniquely yours.
Sandcastle Estates combines large, luxury-sized homesites with top-rated schools, public utilities and a location just minutes from the beach. With limited availability, thoughtful community design and our commitment to quality craftsmanship, it stands out as a unique opportunity for buyers who want both coastal convenience and a true sense of retreat.
