Cape May

At the southern tip of New Jersey is the historic Victorian resort of Cape May. About a four hour drive from New York City and about a two hour drive from Philadelphia, it is a great beach town to visit for a peaceful getaway that offers plenty of activities for all ages without the beaches being extremely crowded.

Where to Stay

There are many of hotels lining Beach Avenue. The Buckingham Motel offers simple and clean rooms situated around an elegant lawn with plenty of seating and tables. The motel is excellently run and the owner has great knowledge of the area. All rooms have a kitchenette with sink and microwave. Compared with other hotels along Beach Avenue, particularly those at the upper end of the avenue farther away from the the shops and restaurants, the Buckingham Motel is an excellent value. It is about a three-quarter mile walk to where the shops and restaurants begin on Beach Avenue.

What to Do

Certainly the pristine beaches are likely the primary reason for visiting Cape May, but there are a number of enjoyable things to do that everyone can enjoy. Keep in mind that, during the peak season, you must pay to be on the beach. A bicycle is a great way to get around. There are also various water sports, ranging from kayak or canoe rentals to jet skis and parasailing. There is also a whale and dolphin watch tour that is a nice for a cruise around the island where Cape May is situated. Dolphins, though, can easily be spotted from the beach and sometimes swim quite close to the shore. Kayaking through the marshland between the two canals is a peaceful way to spend a summer afternoon.

Whether you want to just relax on the beach, explore the shops along Washington Street Mall, or take part in various water sports, Cape May is a great place to spend a few days.