Day Trip to Cape May
From New York City • 3hr drive
Cape May sits at the far edge of New York day-trip range — 3hr each way — which is exactly why its beaches stay saner in August. Commit to the early start and build the day around Victorian District.
Timing it: This distance rewards discipline: on the road by 6:45 AM, beach by 10. Weekdays cut both traffic and crowds, and early September is the sweet spot — warm ocean, empty sand.
Getting to Cape May from New York City
car
3hr
Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 0.
💡 Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
bus
4hr typical
NJ Transit route 319 runs from Port Authority down the shore to Cape May in summer.
💰 $25-35 one way
💡 Route 319 is seasonal — confirm it is running before you plan around it.
ferry
85min crossing
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry links Cape May with Delaware — not a route from the city, but a scenic add-on if you want to loop home the long way.
💰 $15-50 depending on vehicle
Doing Cape May without your own car?
The train and bus get you to town. A one-day rental from New York City gets you to the beaches the schedules skip.
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Your Cape May Day Trip Itinerary
☀️ Morning
Leave New York City
The drive runs about 3hr — leaving by 6:45 AM puts you on the sand by mid-morning, ahead of the lot-fills-up crowd.
Arrive in Cape May
Park first, then get badges. Local intel: Metered street parking. Municipal lots available. Summer parking can be challenging.
Beach time
Claim your spot while the good stretches are still open
⏱️ 2 hours
🏖️ Afternoon
Lunch
Grab a casual lunch at a local spot
Victorian District
Walk through the historic district or take a trolley tour
⏱️ 1.5 hours
Late beach or activity
Another swim or one more stop before dinner
🌅 Evening
Sunset Beach
Watch the flag ceremony and hunt for Cape May diamonds
Head back to New York City
It's a 3hr run home — leaving by 7:30 gets you back at a reasonable hour.
Top Things to Do in Cape May
Victorian District
Cape May Lighthouse
Sunset Beach Flag Ceremony
Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May County Zoo
Where to Eat in Cape May
Romans Pizza House-N Cape May
Rita's Italian Ice-Frozen
Plumsted Grill
Phinney's Pub
Practical Information
Parking
Metered street parking. Municipal lots available. Summer parking can be challenging.
Budget
Plan on $50-100 per person all-in. Known costs: $10 beach badge; the rest is gas, tolls, and food.
Day Trip Tips
- Daily beach badges in Cape May run $10 in season. Kids under 11 are free. Bring cash — some badge checkers don't take cards.
- Parking: Metered street parking. Municipal lots available. Summer parking can be challenging.
- Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
- At 3hr each way, the early start is the whole game — every half hour past 6:45 AM costs you prime beach time at both ends.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Weekend
Evenings in Cape May are the reward day-trippers skip: dinner at Romans Pizza House-N Cape May, a beach walk, no traffic ahead. The 3hr drive home can wait until Sunday.
Popular hotels:
Book Your Stay
Check AvailabilityCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Cape May Day Trip FAQ
More Day Trips
Make the Cape May Trip Easy
Get the free Shore Insider Guide — badge savings, packing lists, and booking timing — plus seasonal planning tips.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.