NJShore Guide

Romantic Escape

A dreamy couples getaway at the shore

3Days
$400-600Per Person
3Towns
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3 Days$$ Moderatesummershoulderoff-season

An intimate 3-day retreat designed for couples seeking romance, relaxation, and connection. Victorian B&Bs, sunset sails, wine tastings, and candlelit dinners await.

Perfect For

CouplesAnniversary tripsHoneymoonsProposals

Estimated Cost

$800-1200 for couple

$400-600 per person

Trip Highlights

  • Stay in a Victorian B&B
  • Sunset sailing cruise
  • Wine tasting at Cape May wineries
  • Candlelit dinner by the ocean
  • Morning beach walks
  • Couples spa treatment
  • Stroll through gas-lit streets

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & Romance Begins

Theme: Victorian Charm

Location

Cape May

🌅 Morning

10:00 AM

Scenic drive to Cape May

💡 Take the slower route through beach towns for a relaxed start

☀️ Afternoon

1:00 PM

Lunch in Cape May

The Blue Pig Tavern

$40-60 for 2

💡 Sit on the porch of Congress Hall for old-school elegance

2:30 PM

Check into your B&B

Cape May Victorian B&B

💡 Many B&Bs offer early check-in with notice

3:30 PM

Wine tasting at Cape May Winery

Cape May Winery

$15-20/person tasting

Duration: 1.5 hours

💡 Try the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay. Buy a bottle for later!

5:30 PM

Relax at B&B, get ready for evening

🌙 Evening

6:30 PM

Sunset stroll on the promenade

Cape May Promenade

💡 Walk to Sunset Beach to watch the sun set over Delaware Bay

8:00 PM

Romantic dinner

The Ebbitt Room

$120-180 for 2

💡 One of Cape May's finest. Make reservations well in advance.

10:00 PM

Evening walk through gas-lit streets

Cape May Victorian District

💡 The Victorian houses are beautifully lit at night

Day Tips

  • Request a room with a private porch if available
  • Cape May has excellent restaurants - book dinner reservations
Day 2

Sea, Sun & Sails

Theme: Ocean Romance

Location

Cape May

🌅 Morning

8:00 AM

B&B breakfast

💡 Most Cape May B&Bs serve gourmet multi-course breakfasts

9:30 AM

Morning beach walk

Cape May Beach

Duration: 1 hour

💡 Hunt for Cape May diamonds (quartz crystals) on Sunset Beach

11:00 AM

Relax on the beach

$8-10 badge

Duration: 2 hours

💡 Rent a beach cabana for extra comfort

☀️ Afternoon

1:00 PM

Lunch al fresco

Fins Bar & Grille or Lucky Bones

$50-70 for 2
2:30 PM

Couples spa treatment

Cape May Day Spa or Congress Hall Spa

$150-250 for couples massage

Duration: 1.5 hours

💡 Book at least a week in advance for couples treatments

4:30 PM

Return to B&B, freshen up

🌙 Evening

5:30 PM

Sunset sailing cruise

Schooner American or Cape May Sailing

$60-80/person

Duration: 2 hours

💡 BYOB on many sailings. Bring that wine from yesterday!

8:00 PM

Dinner with ocean views

Peter Shields Inn

$100-150 for 2

💡 Request oceanfront seating when booking

10:00 PM

Nightcap at a wine bar

Cape May Wine Cellar

Day Tips

  • Sunset sail is the romantic highlight - don't miss it
  • Book spa treatments well in advance

🌧️ Rainy Day Plan

If rainy: Visit Emlen Physick Estate for Victorian tour, wine tasting at Willow Creek Winery, and dinner at Washington Inn

Day 3

Farewell & Sweet Memories

Theme: Morning Magic

Location

Cape May / Spring Lake

🌅 Morning

7:30 AM

Early morning beach walk

Cape May Beach

💡 Watch the sunrise together - magical way to start the day

8:30 AM

Final B&B breakfast

💡 Savor it - Cape May B&B breakfasts are special

10:00 AM

Check out and explore Washington Street Mall

Cape May downtown

Duration: 1 hour

💡 Pick up a memento - jewelry, art, or wine

☀️ Afternoon

11:30 AM

Drive to Spring Lake (optional)

Duration: 1.5 hours

💡 If time allows, detour through this elegant shore town

1:00 PM

Brunch in Spring Lake

The Whispers Restaurant

$60-80 for 2

💡 Lovely Victorian setting for a farewell brunch

2:30 PM

Stroll the Spring Lake boardwalk

Duration: 30 min

💡 Non-commercial boardwalk with beautiful homes and lake views

3:00 PM

Head home

💡 Take the scenic route along Ocean Avenue if you have time

Day Tips

  • Spring Lake is often called the Irish Riviera - very elegant
  • Leave by 3pm to avoid shore traffic

Where to Stay

Virginia Hotel

Cape May

$$$$

Boutique hotel with Ebbitt Room restaurant, elegant and romantic

💡 Their restaurant is outstanding

Search Rentals in Cape May

Queen Victoria B&B

Cape May

$$$

Classic Victorian B&B with afternoon tea and gourmet breakfast

💡 Ask for a room with private porch

Search Rentals in Cape May

The Southern Mansion

Cape May

$$$

Stunning Italianate mansion, luxury experience

💡 Book the George Allen Suite for ultimate romance

Search Rentals in Cape May

Congress Hall

Cape May

$$$$

Historic grand hotel with spa, restaurants, beach service

💡 The most iconic Cape May stay

Search Rentals in Cape May

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Packing List

  • Nice dinner outfits (2-3 evenings)
  • Light layers for evening walks
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Beach attire
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Camera for scenic moments
  • Wine opener (just in case)
  • Book to read on the beach together

Pro Tips

  • 💡Book B&B and dinner reservations 2-4 weeks ahead in summer
  • 💡Cape May is beautiful year-round - off-season is quieter and more intimate
  • 💡Request ocean view or porch rooms when booking B&B
  • 💡The sunset sail is the romantic highlight - don't skip it
  • 💡Spring Lake makes a perfect stop on the way home
  • 💡Many restaurants are BYOB - bring wine from the wineries
  • 💡Gas-lit streets are magical at night - plan an evening walk

Cost Breakdown

Accommodations

$200-350/night

Food

$150-200/day for 2

Activities

$150-250 total

Transportation

$30-50

May Not Be Ideal For

  • Families with young children
  • Budget travelers
  • Those seeking nightlife

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