Cape May Point New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cape May Point, New Jersey.
1. Cape May Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
The Cape May Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its observation deck. Visitors can climb 199 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Cape May peninsula and surrounding areas. The lighthouse, dating back to 1859, includes an interpretive museum with exhibits on lighthouse history and maritime heritage.
2. WWII Lookout Tower
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
The WWII Lookout Tower once served as an observation post for German submarines during World War II. This restored fire control tower, officially known as Fire Control Tower No. 23, is the last remaining tower of its kind on the Atlantic coast. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views while learning about Cape May's important role in coastal defense during wartime.
3. Cape May Point State Park
NATURE AND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Cape May Point State Park is a great place for birding with marked, easy-to-follow trails to help even novice birders spot ducks, swans, osprey, and other shore birds. The park encompasses 235 acres of varied habitats including beaches, dunes, freshwater wetlands, and maritime forests. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, beach activities, and the park serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a world-renowned bird-watching destination.
4. Jersey Shore Alpacas
FURRY FARM FRIENDS
Jersey Shore Alpacas is rated as one of the top attractions in Cape May, offering visitors a chance to interact with these gentle, curious animals. The farm provides educational tours where guests can learn about alpaca behavior, care, and the products made from their luxurious fiber. Visitors especially enjoy feeding and taking photos with the alpacas in this family-friendly environment.
5. Cape May Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL BEAUTY
Cape May Beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches on the Jersey Shore with its clean white sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the scenic shoreline that stretches for miles. The beach is well-maintained with lifeguards on duty during summer months, making it ideal for families and individuals seeking a classic beach experience.
6. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum preserves and showcases the rich aviation history of this former World War II airfield. Located in a historic wooden hangar built in 1943, the museum houses vintage aircraft, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia documenting the facility's role in training naval aviators. Visitors can explore cockpits, learn about aviation technology, and discover the stories of the men and women who served here during wartime.
7. Emlen Physick Estate
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Emlen Physick Estate is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that now serves as a museum showcasing 19th-century architecture and lifestyle. Built in 1879, this 18-room mansion designed by renowned architect Frank Furness features distinctive elements like stick-style bracketed bay windows and hooded dormers. Guided tours offer visitors insight into Victorian-era customs, decorative arts, and the history of the Physick family who once called this impressive structure home.
8. Sunset Beach
MEMORABLE COASTAL SUNSETS
Sunset Beach offers one of the most spectacular sunset views on the East Coast, where visitors gather each evening to watch the sun sink into Delaware Bay. This unique beach is famous for its Cape May diamonds—clear quartz pebbles that can be found among the sand and polished to a gem-like shine. The beach is also home to the remains of the concrete ship SS Atlantus, visible offshore, and hosts a moving flag-lowering ceremony each summer evening in honor of veterans.
9. Washington Street Mall
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Washington Street Mall is a picturesque pedestrian shopping district in the heart of historic Cape May featuring over 75 unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The brick-paved outdoor mall spans three blocks and is lined with colorful Victorian-era buildings housing everything from boutique clothing stores to gourmet food shops. Visitors can enjoy leisurely browsing, outdoor dining, and seasonal events in this vibrant downtown area that captures Cape May's distinctive charm.
10. Cape May Winery
VINEYARD AND TASTINGS
Cape May Winery offers visitors a chance to sample award-winning wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the vineyard's 70 acres. The winery features several tasting rooms, including a beautiful deck overlooking the vineyards where guests can enjoy flights of wine paired with charcuterie. Tours provide insight into the winemaking process from grape to bottle, showcasing the unique maritime-influenced growing conditions of this coastal region.
11. Willow Creek Winery
VINEYARD AND FARM
Willow Creek Winery is a 50-acre vineyard and farm estate offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The grand villa-style tasting room features hand-crafted wines produced from grapes grown on the property, along with seasonal tapas made with ingredients from their own gardens. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds with outdoor seating areas, gardens, and occasionally encounter the peacocks that roam the property.
12. Cold Spring Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Cold Spring Village is an open-air living history museum that recreates a rural South Jersey community of the early 19th century. The village features 26 restored historic buildings where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and trades from blacksmithing to basket weaving. Visitors can experience everyday life from the 1800s while exploring the buildings, gardens, and interacting with the skilled artisans who bring this early American community to life.
13. Cape May County Park & Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is a free, family-friendly attraction housing over 550 animals representing 250 species in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can observe a diverse collection of wildlife including African lions, giraffes, bald eagles, and snow leopards along paved pathways through the 85-acre facility. The zoo also offers educational programs, a carousel, train rides, and picnic areas, making it a perfect day trip for families exploring the Cape May region.
14. The Lobster House
ICONIC SEAFOOD DINING
The Lobster House is a Cape May institution serving fresh seafood in a waterfront setting overlooking Cape May Harbor since 1954. This multi-faceted establishment includes a main restaurant, raw bar, fish market, and the Schooner American, a replica of a 130-foot Grand Banks sailing vessel where guests can enjoy drinks on deck. Diners can feast on locally caught seafood specialties while watching commercial fishing boats come and go from one of New Jersey's last remaining commercial fishing ports.
15. Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned boutique winery producing handcrafted wines from grapes grown on their 16-acre estate. Visitors can enjoy tastings in their charming tasting room or on the outdoor patio surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The winery offers tours, seasonal vineyard tours, and hosts regular events including live music, food truck festivals, and their popular Sangria Sundays featuring house-made sangria and wood-fired pizza.