Cape May is a beautiful summertime destination for anyone seeking a fun and relaxing getaway. From visiting the beach and local restaurants to shopping, whale watching, and nature walking, here there’s plenty of warm-weather activities to keep you busy. What are our top suggestions? Take a look at our updated Cape May visitors guide, below.
Cape May Beaches
Cape May is known for its beaches. In fact, they are considered some of the best on the East Coast. Enthusiasts will fall in love with beaches like Higbee Beach, Sunset Beach and Poverty Beach. Visitors always enjoy the clean and never over-crowded atmosphere, beautiful water, and groomed sand. We offer complimentary bicycles and beach chairs. Plus, if there’s something else you need, additional beach gear is available for rent and delivery.
Cape May Lighthouse
Take a Cape May lighthouse tour up the 199 steps for a view of Cape May village and the famous Wildwood to the north. On clear days you can even see Cape Henlopen in Delaware. If you choose not to climb you can still enjoy the Visitor’s Orientation Center and Museum Shop on the grounds nearby.
Washington Street Mall
The Washington Street Mall offers a variety of charming boutiques located on an outdoor walking mall complete with brick pathways, decorative fountains, and garden planters which make for a lovely shopping experience. Here, you’re also sure to enjoy the great restaurants, souvenir shops, and galleries that also line the streets.
Nature Center of Cape May
The Nature Center of Cape May offers a number of free and guided activities. Just a 6-minute drive from The Queen Victoria, the center features an observation deck and tour, upstairs lounge and several other areas open to the public. Bring binoculars and get comfortable. Several gardens, including themed ones that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, are also open to explore.
Whale Watching
Whale Watching is a great way to enjoy the ocean in Cape May. There are plenty of opportunities to spot whales and dolphin, here. Enjoy a whale-watching trip on the open Atlantic or stroll the beach at sunrise or sunset. In the summer, you’re very likely to see schools of dolphin swimming by. Don’t forget your camera!
Enjoy delicious food
Cape May is home is many outstanding restaurants. From small delicatessens to world-class oceanfront bistros, here you’ll find a number of restaurants where you can enjoy really delicious fresh food.
Naval Air Station
Visit Hanger #1 at the Cape May Airport (only 15 minutes from the inn) for a look at 1940’s Aviation History. Of the many different types of vintage aircraft are on display here, some have cockpits you can sit in, and the museum’s centerpiece – a TBM Avenger Aircraft – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with the hanger itself.
Other activities:
- Biking around town
- Visiting the scenic New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail
- Kayaking in the saltwater marshlands
- Taking a salt marsh safari
- Visiting the Bird Observatory operated by the New Jersey Audubon society
We hope you find our summertime Cape May visitors guide helpful. The Queen Victoria is ideally situated at the center of town, just one block from Cape May’s beautiful beaches and two short blocks from the shopping and dining district. To book your room, check our rates and availability.