The Best Small Town In New Jersey For A 3-Day Weekend

Choosing a vacation spot can be challenging, with so many destinations to consider. Once the state is set, the process becomes easier, especially when the plan is New Jersey. One town stands out for a short getaway: Cape May.

This seaside resort on the Jersey Shore has drawn visitors since the 1700s and still does with its mix of busy downtown beaches and quieter park areas. The town also shows its long history through 18th- and 19th-century mansions, Underground Railroad sites, and a historic lighthouse, along with a strong shopping and culinary scene near the waterfront.

Historic landmarks

Cape May is one of the oldest vacation spots in the United States. First explored by the Dutch in the 1600s, it was later settled by colonists from New England. It was named for Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, and by the 1700s had become a popular resort town for travelers from Philadelphia. Cape May would not be officially incorporated until 1848.

During the 1800s, the town was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North or in Canada after the Fugitive Slave Act allowed slave catchers to pursue them in Northern states.

Visitors can see this history in several buildings and museums. The Museum of Cape May County is in the 18th-century John Holmes House, a two-story Georgian home with interior rooms set to different eras in the town’s past. The museum grounds also include an 1780 barn and carriage house.

For Underground Railroad history, the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey highlights Tubman’s time living in Cape May in the 1850s. The Historic Cold Spring Village shows daily life from 1780 to 1840 through 26 restored buildings and period reenactors. The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, has 199 steps leading to views across Cape May Point State Park.

Natural landmarks

Cape May’s natural landmarks are centered on the coast. It has long been a beach destination, with many beaches within walking distance of hotels and other accommodations. These areas can be busy, but some remain quieter, such as Higbee Beach in the Higbee Wildlife Management Area. It has rolling dunes and Rugosa roses, though there are no lifeguards. For more visited spots, The Cove is within Cape May’s city limits, while Cape May Point and Sunset Beach sit just outside the city in nearby communities.

Cape May Point State Park is another place to spend time by the water or go bird watching. It is one of the region’s best fall birding sites and has platforms for hawk observation. Songbirds are also visible along the park’s hiking trails.

North of Cape May is the Belleplain State Forest, a 21,000-acre area with varied ecosystems, from cedar swamps to saltwater marshes. Visitors can hike, ride horses, or swim at Lake Nummy. The forest is also a common stargazing area because of its low light levels.

Restaurants and Businesses

Local businesses in Cape May sit close to one another, which makes it easy to visit several spots on foot. Many are also near the town’s hotels.

One of the main shopping areas is Washington Street Mall, an outdoor walking mall closed to cars that has a small village feel. It includes a range of shops, such as the soap maker A Place on Earth, the independent Cape Atlantic Book Co., and the boutique GIVENS.

Antique shoppers will find many options in Cape May, which is part of a wider network of antique stores along the Jersey shoreline. The Cape May Antique Center is a large site with 70 dealers selling vintage toys, painted furniture, and other goods.

Cape May’s dining scene includes classic American food, seafood, and cafes. Seafood spots include The Lobster House and the Fish House near Sunset Beach. Beach Plum Farm serves farm-to-fork meals, and Coffee Tyme prepares locally brewed coffee.

Accommodations

Cape May has many accommodations suited to a short stay. Several basic hotels sit close to the beach, including The Beach Shack and The Beach Club on Madison Avenue. Travelers seeking a more refined stay can choose The Southern Mansion.

This building was completed in 1860 and stands in the middle of the town’s historic district. It now operates as a bed and breakfast with amenities that include a gourmet breakfast, hand-painted tile showers, and complimentary beach chairs and towels for use along the shore.

A Village Vibe

Cape May feels similar to a European village in some ways, with many attractions set close together. This layout makes it easy to move from place to place on foot without using extra gas.

After leaving a hotel, visitors can see the town’s abolitionist history at the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey, wade in the waters of Sunset Beach, shop at Washington Street Mall, or go bird watching at Cape May Point State Park.

These examples show the range of museums, nature trails, and activities available during a 3-day weekend in Cape May.