Cape May - Wildwood Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cape May - Wildwood
Cape May - Wildwood
Cape May - Wildwood
Cape May - Wildwood
Cape May - Wildwood

Cape May is known today as a fashionable summer hot spot for the rich and famous, but it’s also preserved its past as a Victorian-era beach resort.

Explore the nature trails, sunbathe on the beaches, people watch or enjoy the historical attractions at Cape May, New Jersey. The best way to get around the city is by bike or on foot the terrain is flat and there is limited car parking.

Cape May has been a destination for tourists since the late 18th century. During its heyday in the 1800s, it was the destination of choice for wealthy travellers, attracting visitors from the former colonial capital of Philadelphia and from New York.  

A visit to one of the local beaches is a great place to start your trip to Cape May. Watch a flag-lowering ceremony and see the 80-year-old wreck SS Atlantus at Sunset Beach, to the west of downtown Cape May. For a livelier scene, head to the popular beaches of Cape May city, located on the southeast side of the cape. To access these beaches, you’ll need to buy a beach tag from the City Hall Tax Office, or at the beach entrance during the summer season.

Further west down the Atlantic Coast lies the 244-acre Cape May Point State Park. There are nature trails, beaches and an observation platform from where you can see hawks flying overhead during the fall. It’s also home to the Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey’s southernmost point. Climb up the 199 steps to enjoy striking vistas of the Delaware Bay below.

Boat trips are another popular activity in Cape May. Spend a morning out on the waves fishing, sightseeing or dolphin and whale watching.

Back on land, take the time to explore the town. The streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings. These are known as “painted ladies” because of their colourful appearance. The historic housing, which ranges from mansions to “gingerbread” cottages, is meticulously maintained.

After a day spent outdoors, enjoy a delicious meal of fresh local seafood at one of the restaurants on and around Beach Avenue.

Where to stay in Cape May - Wildwood

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Diamond Beach

3/5(1 area review)

Diamond Beach is popular for its beaches, and you can check out Five Mile Beach, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Diamond Beach
Washington Street Mall showing a small town or village

Cape May Historic District

While visiting Cape May Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Washington Street Mall and Cape May Beach.

Cape May Historic District
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North Cape May

While North Cape May may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cape May Terminal and Cape May Winery.

North Cape May
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Village Green

When in Village Green, you can plan a visit to Washington Street Mall and Cape Island Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Village Green
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Townsend's Inlet

While Townsend's Inlet may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sea Isle City Beach and 7 Mile Beach.

Townsend's Inlet
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Admiral Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Admiral Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Poverty Beach and Washington Street Mall.

Admiral Estates
Hotel Cabana Oceanfront/ Boardwalk

Hotel Cabana Oceanfront/ Boardwalk

2.5 out of 5
423 E 23rd Ave, North Wildwood, NJ
Stay at this beach hotel in North Wildwood. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (778 reviews)
"Nice hotel right on the boardwalk but more toward the northern end so it’s not quite as busy which is nice. Only negative was they didn’t have coffee on site in the morning! Lol. Never seen a hotel that didn’t. No worries you have DD or a coffee shop within a block away in either direction."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel Cabana Oceanfront/ Boardwalk
La Mer Beachfront Resort

La Mer Beachfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
The price is Rp5.249.464 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp5.249.464
Rp6.017.136 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Cape May. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,128 reviews)
"Disappointed that there was a street between the hotel and the beach. The photos didn't show that"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

La Mer Beachfront Resort
The Vibes Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Vibes Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
3900 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
The price is Rp1.629.144 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.629.144
Rp2.015.695 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Wildwood. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (332 reviews)
"We generally felt good about our stay. Room was clean and staff were helpful. We had a major issue with our room getting cleaned. We had requested housekeeping and were told we were on the schedule but returned after 5PM and found a dirty room. Staff apologized and did send housekeeping over right ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

The Vibes Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coastal Estate

Coastal Estate

2.5 out of 5
756 U.S. 9, Cape May, NJ
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape May. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wildwood Boardwalk and Washington Street Mall are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"my husband and I planned a weekend getaway for our anniversary. I was nervous about booking because you just never know. We loved it! Communication by text was great. very easy!. Location, cottage all was great. I loved the pool! Two small things i would have liked - an extra door lock to lock door ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Coastal Estate
Beachcomber Resort

Beachcomber Resort

3 out of 5
7900 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star condo in Avalon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (380 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Beachcomber Resort
The Sandpiper Beach Club

The Sandpiper Beach Club

4 out of 5
11 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cape May. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (362 reviews)
"Great amount of space for a Cape May vacation."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

The Sandpiper Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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