Historic Inns & Victorian B&Bs
Step back in time at the Jersey Shore's charming Victorian bed and breakfasts. Gourmet breakfasts, antique-filled rooms, and personalized hospitality.
Featured Victorian B&Bs
The Queen Victoria
$$$Best B&B in Cape May every year since 2007. 31 rooms across three 1880s homes.
Angel of the Sea
$$$Most romantic B&B. Ocean-view balconies, gourmet breakfast, wine hour.
Congress Hall
$$$$America's first seaside resort (1816). Historic luxury with modern amenities.
The Virginia Hotel
$$$$Boutique luxury with award-winning Ebbitt Room restaurant.
Mainstay Inn
$$$Most photographed spot in town. 1872 building with exceptional antiques.
The Breakers
$$$Elegant oceanfront B&B in Spring Lake's upscale setting.
Best Towns for Historic Stays
Cape May
30+ B&BsAmerica's oldest seaside resort. National Historic Landmark with 600+ Victorian buildings.
Victorian elegance, fine dining, year-round charm
Spring Lake
10+ B&BsThe Irish Riviera. Elegant, upscale beach town with no commercial boardwalk.
Refined, quiet, understated luxury
Ocean Grove
15+ B&BsNational Historic Landmark Methodist camp meeting town. Victorian guesthouses.
Spiritual, historic, unique character
Asbury Park
5+ B&BsRestored Victorian architecture meets modern boutique hotels.
Hip, musical, artsy with historic bones
What to Expect at a B&B
Gourmet Breakfast
Multi-course breakfast included. Often the highlight of the stay.
Afternoon Tea/Wine
Many B&Bs serve afternoon refreshments, from tea to wine and cheese.
Antique Furnishings
Expect period furniture, four-poster beds, and unique room decor.
Personal Service
Innkeepers offer recommendations, help with reservations, local tips.
Quiet Atmosphere
Most have quiet hours and peaceful common areas. Not party spots.
Adults-Focused
Many are adults-only or restrict young children. Best for couples.
Room Types Explained
Standard Room
$150-225- • Queen bed
- • Private or shared bath
- • Smaller size
- • Interior view
Best for: Budget-conscious couples who mainly sleep there
Deluxe Room
$225-325- • King bed
- • Private bath
- • More space
- • Better view
Best for: Most couples - good value/comfort balance
Suite
$325-450+- • King bed
- • Sitting area
- • Premium bath
- • Best views
Best for: Special occasions, anniversaries, honeymoons
🏛️ B&B Etiquette Guide
Arrive during check-in hours (typically 2-6pm)
Show up unannounced before noon or after 10pm
Why: Innkeepers live on-site and may be preparing rooms or sleeping.
Communicate dietary restrictions in advance
Wait until breakfast to mention allergies
Why: B&B breakfasts are often prepared the night before.
Respect quiet hours (usually 10pm-8am)
Party in common areas or play loud music
Why: B&Bs are shared spaces - walls are thin in Victorian homes.
Remove shoes in common areas if asked
Track sand/dirt onto antique rugs
Why: Many furnishings are irreplaceable antiques.
Make reservations for dinner in advance
Expect innkeepers to get you into booked restaurants
Why: Popular restaurants fill weeks ahead, especially in Cape May.
Tip housekeeping ($5-10/night)
Assume tips are included in the rate
Why: Staff turnover is high - tips go directly to cleaners.
How to Choose the Right B&B
How private do you want to be?
Very private
Private bath, separate entrance room
Sociable
Shared breakfast seating, common areas
Middle ground
Private bath, communal afternoon tea
What's your breakfast style?
Early riser
B&Bs with early breakfast or flexible times
Late sleeper
Places with continental option or extended hours
Foodie
Multi-course gourmet breakfast specialists
Beach proximity vs. charm?
Beach access
Spring Lake oceanfront, Angel of the Sea
Victorian immersion
Historic district B&Bs, walking distance
Both
Cape May beachblock locations
💰 Budget Planning
Summer weekends are peak pricing
Oct-April (except holidays)
Gourmet breakfast worth $20-30 value
Daily social hour at most B&Bs
Fine dining is the norm
Historic tours, ghost tours
Housekeeping, any special services
First-Time B&B Guest Tips
✓ Book Direct for Perks
Call the B&B directly. You'll often get better rooms, flexibility, and local tips vs. booking sites.
✓ Read the House Rules
Every B&B has quirks - some don't allow food in rooms, some have specific parking instructions.
✓ Arrive During Social Hour
Time your arrival for afternoon tea/wine. It's when you'll meet other guests and get insider tips.
✓ Don't Skip Breakfast
B&B breakfasts are often the highlight. Wake up for them - you're paying for it either way.
✓ Use the Innkeeper
They know every restaurant, shop, and hidden gem. Ask for recommendations - it's their expertise.
✓ Check Bathroom Situation
Some budget rooms have shared baths. Confirm private vs. shared when booking if it matters to you.
🧳 What to Pack for a B&B Stay
Comfortable walking shoes
Victorian districts are for strolling
Dressy-casual dinner outfit
Fine dining is part of the experience
Light layers
Victorian homes can run hot or cool
Book or journal
Common areas invite relaxation
Cash for tips
Housekeeping, restaurant tips
Wine opener (check rules)
Some B&Bs allow BYOB in rooms
White noise app
Old houses can creak at night
Phone chargers with extension
Outlets may not be near bed
Best Times to Visit
Valentine's Packages
FebruaryVarious
Romantic packages with champagne, dinners, and special touches.
Cape May: B&B Capital of the Shore
Cape May has more Victorian B&Bs than any other Jersey Shore town. The entire city is a National Historic Landmark with over 600 preserved Victorian buildings. From intimate guesthouses to grand historic hotels, Cape May offers the most authentic Victorian shore experience.
Explore Cape May