Cape May Summer
Cape May Tourism

Cape May is one of the most popular vacation spots down the shore and, while the beach is great, there’s lots of fun things to do off of the sand this summer. From exploring the Cape May Lighthouse to having Breakfast with Pirates, here are some things both old and new to do on your Cape May vacation this summer

Please note that many events and activities have limited availability to maintain social distancing. Face coverings may be required and other policies may be in place to protect the health of visitors and residents. Visit capemaystrong.org  to view COVID-19 information for Cape May. 

Breakfast with Pirates
Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington St.)
July 28, Aug. 4 & 18, 9:30 am
$20/adults and children, $5/children under 3
It can be a pirate’s life for you at the Breakfast with Pirates. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while listening to a story and pirate music. After eating, participate in a pirate-themed craft and then go on a treasure hunt with the pirates. Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve them early. For additional information, including information on dietary restrictions, contact Janice Corkery at 609-224-6027 or by emailing jcorkery@capemaymac.org

Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Point State Park (215 Lighthouse Ave.)
Daily, 9 am to 5 pm through Labor Day
$10/adults, $5/children ages 3-12, Free/veterans and active military
Climb 199 steps to the top of this historic lighthouse, which has been helping navigators since 1859. The Cape May Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the Jersey Cape, Delaware Bay and the city of Cape May. On the lighthouse grounds, there’s also the Oil House, the Visitor’s Orientation Center and Museum Shop and plenty of state park amenities. The lighthouse also offers special events throughout the year like full moon climbs, dinners and ghost tours—check the website for updates about these events. Purchase tickets to climb the lighthouse here (note that military tickets cannot be purchased online). 

Cape May MAC Trolley Tours
Locations Vary
Resuming July 24 with a limited schedule
$15/adults, $5/children ages 3-12, active military and veteran discounts available
Sit back and watch Cape May go by on a trolley tour of the city. While you enjoy the sights, a guide will share history and fun facts about Cape May. The basic tour lasts about 45 minutes and begins at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth; it’s designed to introduce anyone new to Cape May to all the great things the city has to offer. Special trolley rides, like ghost tours, children’s rides and trips that feature the seaside mansions, are offered on a more limited schedule. Accessible tours are available but must be booked 48 hours in advance by calling 609-884-5404. Tickets can be purchased online

Cape May Tourism

Painted Ladies, Porches & More! Walking Tours
Tour starts at the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington St.)
Dates vary, 9:30 to 10:15 am
$15/adults, $10/children ages 3-12
Be one of the first to enjoy this brand new walking tour that features the beautiful Victorian architecture and painted ladies of Cape May. Stroll from the Emlen Physick Estate to the Washington Street Mall as you learn about Victorian styles and customs like why front porches were so important to the Victorians. To maintain social distancing, limited amounts of tickets are available. Face coverings are required to be worn while on the tour; guests who cannot or decline to wear a mask will not be able to participate and will have their ticket refunded. Masks will be provided, if needed, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. Reserve spots on this tour here.

Physick House Museum
Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington St.)
Dates and times vary
$15/adults, $8/children ages 3-12, free/veterans and active military
Learn about a piece of Cape May history with a tour of the Emlen Physick Estate House. The house shares the history of Cape May’s Physick family, who moved into the house in the late-19th century. Each year’s tour is a different theme and this year’s focus is on the preservation and history of the house itself. You can also take a self-guided or audio tour of the house or keep an eye out for special events, like A Day in the Life with Dr. Physick or the Children’s Physick Estate Tour. Reserve your tickets online.

Vintage at the Emlen Physick Estate
Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Ave.)
Brunch, 11 am to 4 pm; Dinner, 5 to 8 pm
Enjoy a new dining experience located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Vintage is “modern, eclectic and delicious.” The restaurant is open for brunch and dinner services daily. Tasty brunch dishes include a pancake charcuterie, salmon pappardelle, a crab cake sandwich and many more sweet and savory choices. The dinner menu features main courses like crab, duck confit and wild boar Bolognese plus delicious appetizers like steakhouse sliders, crimson watermelon and cajun shrimp caesar salad. There’s lots of outdoor dining space—where dogs are welcome—and a takeout option. Call 609-224-6064 to make a reservation or to place a takeout order.  

Cape May Tourism

World War II Lookout Tower
Lower Township (Sunset Boulevard)
$6/adults, $3/children, Free/veterans and active military
Reopening daily July 27, 11 am to 2:30 pm
Learn about Cape May’s World War II history while climbing up the six floors of Fire Control Tower No. 23 which served as a part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware known as Fort Miles. The tower was built in 1942 as one of four located in Cape May County. It was restored in 2009 and now houses interpretive panels and educational exhibits that explain the role the New Jersey coastline played in protecting the Delaware River and Bay from enemy invasion. Click here to purchase tickets.