NEW JERSEY - When you think of Cape May, New Jersey, you probably picture sunny beaches, striped umbrellas, and bustling crowds grabbing ice cream on the boardwalk. But when the summer crowds leave and a quiet chill settles over the Atlantic, Cape May transforms. The nation's oldest seaside resort sheds its beach-town persona and reveals its true character: a cozy, magical Victorian village straight out of a storybook.
Winter is arguably one of the best times to visit. The pace slows, the lines disappear, and the town’s historic charm takes center stage. Here are the best things to do in Cape May during its quiet season.
Step into a Victorian Christmas
From Thanksgiving through New Year's, Cape May becomes a Dickensian dream. The entire historic district leans into the holiday spirit, making it the town's primary winter draw.
- Take a Holiday Lights Trolley Tour: This is the quintessential winter activity in Cape May. Board one of the iconic red trolleys for a guided tour through the historic streets. You'll see grand Victorian inns and homes draped in thousands of twinkling lights and festive garlands, all while listening to holiday music.
- Tour the Emlen Physick Estate: The 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, gets a stunning holiday makeover. A daytime tour shows you how a Victorian family would have celebrated Christmas, complete with a massive tree, vintage toys, and period-appropriate decorations.
- Stroll the Washington Street Mall: This three-block, pedestrian-only shopping district is the heart of the town. In winter, it's lined with festive decorations, a giant Christmas tree, and lamp posts wrapped in greenery. It's the perfect place for holiday shopping at cozy, locally owned boutiques.
Enjoy the Quiet Coast
The beach doesn't close just because it's cold. The Cape May coast takes on a stark, quiet beauty in the winter that you'll never get to experience in July.
- Hunt for "Cape May Diamonds": Take a long, bundled-up walk along the shore, especially at Sunset Beach or Higbee Beach. The winter waves churn up "Cape May Diamonds"—small, polished quartz pebbles that have traveled down the Delaware River. It's a meditative and free treasure hunt.
- Climb the Lighthouse: The Cape May Lighthouse is open most days, even in the off-season (weather permitting). The 199-step climb to the top rewards you with a breathtaking, windswept view of the empty beaches and the confluence of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Go Birding: Cape May is a world-renowned birding destination. In winter, the crowds of bird-watchers thin, but the birds remain. Head to the Cape May Point State Park (near the lighthouse) to spot wintering sea ducks, loons, and the occasional snowy owl.
Get Cozy Indoors
When the ocean breeze gets too sharp, winter is the perfect excuse to explore Cape May's excellent indoor scene.
- Visit Wineries and Breweries: Cape May has become a craft beverage hotspot. Warm up from the inside out at Cape May Brewing Co., one of the largest and most popular breweries in the state. For a quieter scene, visit a local winery like Cape May Winery & Vineyard or Willow Creek Winery, which offer cozy tasting rooms, fireplaces, and beautiful, frosty vineyard views.
- Enjoy Fireside Dining: Winter is the best time for a romantic dinner. Many of Cape May’s best restaurants, often housed in historic inns, feature cozy fireplaces. You can finally get a reservation at hotspots like The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia, The Merion Inn, or Peter Shields Inn, enjoying world-class food without the summer rush.
- Check into a Victorian B&B: In summer, a B&B is just a place to sleep. In winter, it is an experience. Choose one of the grand Victorian inns (like The Mainstay Inn or The Southern Mansion) and spend an afternoon reading by a fireplace, sipping tea, and enjoying the opulent, quiet atmosphere.
Savor the "Deep Winter" Solitude (Jan-Feb)
After the holiday decorations come down, Cape May enters its quietest period. This "deep winter" season is a haven for introverts and couples seeking a peaceful escape.
- Enjoy Lower Prices: This is the most affordable time to visit. Many inns and hotels offer significant discounts and romantic winter packages.
- Have the Town to Yourself: This is the time to explore the intricate Victorian architecture (the "painted ladies") without dodging crowds. You can take your time, visit the antique shops, and feel like you have the entire historic town to yourself.
- Plan Ahead: Be aware that many shops and some restaurants will have reduced hours or close for a few weeks in January or February. However, there is always more than enough open to keep you well-fed and entertained.
Winter in Cape May proves that the town is far more than just a beach. It's a place where history, charm, and a cozy atmosphere create a perfect cold-weather getaway.