Things To Do
Washington Street Mall
Cape May is home to the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor walking mall spanning three blocks, with brick pathways, decorative fountains, and wooden benches surrounding garden planters. Shopping in Cape May is basically concentrated on the mall, the Washington Commons, Carpenter’s Square Mall (located behind the Washington Street Mall on Carpenter’s Lane), the beachfront, and West Cape May, primarily where West Perry Street meets Park Boulevard.
Cape May Light House
Built in 1859 and opened to the public in 1988, the Cape May Lighthouse has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors to date. Travelers who scale the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse will be rewarded with panoramic oceanfront views. Those who would rather stay on solid ground can enjoy the Oil House, which contains a visitor center and a museum shop with souvenirs. The Cape May Lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for veterans and children ages 3 to 12. Active-duty military can enter for free. You'll find the lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park.
Beach Plum Farm
Beach Plum Farm is located less than two miles from Cape May’s historic downtown. Established by owners Curtis Bashaw and Will Riccio, this working farm is open to the public and welcomes visitors from near and far. Since 2008, Beach Plum Farm has grown to produce over 100 kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as chickens, eggs and Berkshire Hogs. The Farm provides produce and meats to local Cape May restaurants including The Ebbitt Room, the Blue Pig Tavern, the Rusty Nail, the Boiler Room, Louisa’s Café and more.
Cape May Winery & Vineyard
Cape May Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned business that got its start in 1989. As of 2020, the winery grows 11 different varietals across four vineyards covering 26 acres of land. At the property, patrons can enjoy wine tastings at the bar, indulge in tasty tapas on the deck overlooking rows of grape vines and tour the vineyard or production facility. Tastings cost $10 per person for a flight of six wines, and reservations are required for groups of seven or more. Recent visitors praised the quality of wine and food, as well as the excellent service and scenic outdoor seating.
Emlen Physick Estate
Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period, reflecting one Victorian family’s lifestyle, and detailing the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Built in 1879, the 18-room mansion is an architectural wonder built by famed American architect Frank Furness and is one of the best examples of Victorian Stick Style architecture in the country. Guided tour themes change annually. $20 adults, $15 children (ages 3 to 12)