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Cape May

United States · Coast · USD · 38.935100, -74.906000
Family friendly 5.6/10 · Rank 1851 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Cape May is an ideal place for romantics, history lovers and quiet beach holidays. It is recommended for couples, families and those seeking an authentic American resort. Least suitable for vibrant nightlife lovers.

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$250.00 (≈ 20 980 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 750.00 (≈ 146 860 ₽)
Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in New Jersey, located on the Atlantic coast, famous for its Victorian architecture and cozy beaches. Its historic center with Victorian houses, lighthouse, and boardwalk create a unique atmosphere. The city is also known for its festivals and birdwatching.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
-2.0°C
Sea
24.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Cape May residents are friendly and hospitable people, proud of their historical heritage. The atmosphere in the town is calm and romantic.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique Victorian architecture
  • Beautiful white sand beaches
  • Rich history
  • Calm romantic atmosphere
  • Excellent seafood
  • Lighthouse and nature reserve

Cons

  • High prices in high season
  • Limited nightlife
  • Beach overcrowded in summer
  • Infrastructure is overloaded
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
24.4°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
2.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
6.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-2.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
22.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
24.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
March-May, November-December
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
fine white sand with quartz pebbles
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
good
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Cape May Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Cape May is a safe resort. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards in summer. Main risks are jellyfish in summer.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms around Cape May. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Deep-sea corals are found in the coastal waters of Cape May, but they are at significant depths and do not pose a danger to swimmers.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are occasionally found off the coast during summer months.

Sharks — details

  • Sharks inhabit New Jersey waters, including sandbar, thresher and great white sharks. Attacks are extremely rare, but caution is advised in deeper water during summer months.
Attractions

Cape May Lighthouse

A historic 1859 lighthouse with panoramic coastal views. Climb to the top for the view.

Washington Street Mall

A pedestrian shopping street with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Emlen Physick Estate

A historic Victorian mansion with a museum and gardens.

Cape May Beach

A sandy beach with fine white sand. A popular spot for swimming and walks.

Cape May Point State Park

A nature reserve with dunes, marshes and birdwatching.

Victorian Houses

Over 600 historic Victorian houses listed on the National Register.

Best areas

Historic District

The heart of Cape May with Victorian houses, shops and restaurants.

Beach Area

A coastal area with the beach, hotels and promenade.

Cape May Point

A quiet nature area with the lighthouse and reserve.

Must-try food

Fresh seafood

Cape May is famous for fresh crab, oysters, clams and fish. Try The Lobster House.

Crab cakes

Fried crab cakes — a signature dish of the coast.

Clam chowder

Thick clam soup with potatoes and bacon.

Ice cream

Homemade ice cream from Douglass Candies — a local institution.

Wine

Local wineries offer tastings and tours.

Where to go next

Wildwood

A resort town with a boardwalk and attractions. 15 minutes away.

Atlantic City

A city with casinos and a boardwalk. 40 minutes away.

Philadelphia

A large historic city. 1.5 hours away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Cape May County Airport (WWI).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$280.00
≈ 23 498 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$385.00
≈ 32 309 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$350.00
≈ 29 372 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$16.00
≈ 1 343 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Cape May Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Cape May: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cape May: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cape May: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-2.0°C, during the day — up to +6.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cape May: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +24.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Cape May: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on March-May, November-December. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cape May: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "fine white sand with quartz pebbles" surface, white sand, good water. The most popular beaches: Cape May Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Cape May: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Cape May: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Cape May is a safe resort. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards in summer. Main risks are jellyfish in summer.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cape May: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $250.00 (≈ 20 980 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cape May: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $45.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $180.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $280.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $385.00 per night, an apartment — $200.00 per night, a villa — $350.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cape May: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $45.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.50, a 0.5L beer — $6.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cape May: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $15.00, car rental — $65.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cape May: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Cape May Lighthouse — A historic 1859 lighthouse with panoramic coastal views. Climb to the top for the view.; Washington Street Mall — A pedestrian shopping street with shops, cafes and restaurants.; Emlen Physick Estate — A historic Victorian mansion with a museum and gardens.; Cape May Beach — A sandy beach with fine white sand. A popular spot for swimming and walks.; Cape May Point State Park — A nature reserve with dunes, marshes and birdwatching.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cape May: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh seafood — Cape May is famous for fresh crab, oysters, clams and fish. Try The Lobster House.; Crab cakes — Fried crab cakes — a signature dish of the coast.; Clam chowder — Thick clam soup with potatoes and bacon.; Ice cream — Homemade ice cream from Douglass Candies — a local institution.; Wine — Local wineries offer tastings and tours.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cape May: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic District — The heart of Cape May with Victorian houses, shops and restaurants.; Beach Area — A coastal area with the beach, hotels and promenade.; Cape May Point — A quiet nature area with the lighthouse and reserve.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cape May: is a visa required?
Visa: required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cape May: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Cape May County Airport (code WWI). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cape May: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $250.00 (≈ 20 980 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cape May: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cape May: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cape May: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Wildwood — A resort town with a boardwalk and attractions. 15 minutes away.; Atlantic City — A city with casinos and a boardwalk. 40 minutes away.; Philadelphia — A large historic city. 1.5 hours away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.6/10
Overall rank: 1851 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1123

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: 38.935100, -74.906000