So you’ve chosen Cape May for your Jersey Shore day trip? Good choice! From the lighthouse at the point to the pasteled grandeur of Congress Hall and dozens of fine eateries, Cape May is perhaps the most beautiful shore town anywhere along the New Jersey coast.
With only one day to enjoy the splendor of this quaint beach haven, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit in all the excitement into just 24 hours. But for intrepid beachgoers and fun-seekers, this action-packed day trip less than a two-hour drive from the Main Line is the perfect way to spend a summer day.
9 a.m. – Chow down at Mad Batter
19 Jackson St., Cape May
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If you leave the Main Line region at 7 a.m., you should arrive in Cape May by 9 a.m., which may very well be the best time to tuck in at one of the Jersey Shore’s rising eateries. Having exploded in popularity in the past several years, Mad Batter’s inviting patio offers a serene brunch atmosphere and almost five decades of service under its belt.
10:30 a.m. – Stroll and shop at Washington Street Mall
401 Washington St., Cape May
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Boutique stores, yummy fudge shops and delightful antique centers line the sides of Washington Street Mall. With over 75 individual businesses along this promenade, it would be easy enough to lose a whole day here, let alone an hour. Not only is it a great place for enjoying the fruits of the Jersey Shore for yourself, but it’s also a fantastic spot to pick up souvenirs for those missing out. The saltwater taffy and fudge by the pound are always favorites.
11:30 a.m. – Put the beach in beach trip
Cape May
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Cape May’s beaches are the warmest down the Jersey Shore (though only marginally) due to its southern location and proximity to the Delaware Bay. Towering dunes and refreshing waters are perfect for relaxing after a long workweek. For shore-goers looking for calmer seas, smaller waves can be found further southwest near the Cape May Cove. Be sure to pick up a beach tag before you visit. They’re $10 a person for single-day use, and you won’t be allowed on the beach without them. If you don’t feel like lugging chairs and umbrellas down in your car, Steger Beach Service will get you all the gear you need.
1 p.m. – Pick up a quick bite at the Rusty Nail
205 Beach Ave., Cape May
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A premium beach bar with innovative drinks, tasty handhelds and fun games while you wait, “The Nail” is as iconic a part of the Cape May experience as the pastel-colored architecture.
1:45 p.m. – Retire to Congress Hall for a quick cleanup
200 Congress Pl., Cape May
There are few resorts as integral to the character of a town as Congress Hall is to Cape May. Opened in 1816, this palatial hotel has hosted several presidents and claims to be America’s first seaside resort. Since you’ll be staying here tonight, now is a great time to check into your room and shower off the sand and salt of the beach.
2:30 p.m. – Rent bikes for sightseeing
251 Beach Ave., Cape May
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Though there are more than a handful of bike shops around town, Cape Island Bikes is attached to Congress Hall and has offered a massive fleet of bikes, scooters and e-bikes for almost three decades. Whether you want a nature or history tour is up to you. The beautiful, historic architecture of downtown makes for great scenery, as does the nearby Cape May Point State Park with miles of bike trails in its interior. It will be tough to find the time for both in one day though.
4 p.m. – Get competitive at Octopus Golf
315 Jackson St., Cape May
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Lock up your bikes and try your hand at mini golf. Though this classic course is known officially as Cape May Miniature Golf, it has unofficially been dubbed “Octopus Golf” by locals for its distinct logo.
6 p.m. – Dig into dinner at The Lobster House
906 Schellengers Landing Rd., Cape May
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Return your bikes by 6 p.m. and hop back in the car for a short drive to the marina and a fine dining experience at The Lobster House. Enjoy drinks on the floating outdoor cocktail lounge Schooner American before tucking into your meal. Dine on fresh oysters, delicious soups, exquisitely cooked fish and, of course, one- to three-pound lobsters.
7:45 p.m. – Savor the sunset down Sunset Boulevard
502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May
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You don’t need to travel across the country to visit the picture-perfect Sunset Boulevard. Cape May’s Sunset Beach faces due west toward the setting sun, and the backdrop of fishermen setting up their poles for late-night outings and a sunken ship just off the surf adds to the stunning scene.
9 p.m. – Sip on a nightcap at the Brown Room
200 Congress Pl., Cape May
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Head back to Congress Hall’s atmospheric prohibition-era cocktail lounge after enjoying the sunset. Intimate vibes and luxury furniture will have you relaxed and enjoying one — or more — of over a dozen specialty cocktails concocted by the highly trained mixologists at this elegant bar.
10:30 p.m. – Hunker down at Congress Hall
200 Congress Pl., Cape May
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After an action-packed day down the Shore, get ready to sleep like a baby inside one of Congress Hall’s guest suites. Standard room prices start at $161 but can rise as high as $1,000 depending on when you book. Be sure to plan ahead for the best deal possible and enjoy all the bounty Cape May has to offer.
Related: Seaview Is a World-Class Golf Resort Near Atlantic City
