NJShore Guide

Where to Stay in Cape May

Victorian B&Bs, beachfront resorts, and charming inns in America's original seaside resort.

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1816Historic Since
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Cape May is NJ's most popular destination - book early

Victorian B&Bs typically book 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends. Peak dates like July 4th and Victorian Week sell out 6+ months in advance.

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Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Cape May

Plan your Cape May summer getaway

Best rates available now

Check Cape May Availability
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Why Stay in Cape May?

🏛️

Victorian Heritage

More Victorian architecture than any U.S. resort - the entire town is a National Historic Landmark.

🍳

Gourmet B&B Experience

Multi-course breakfasts, afternoon tea, and evening wine - the B&B tradition at its finest.

🦋

Year-Round Destination

Victorian Christmas, birding festivals, and cozy winter weekends make Cape May special any season.

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Cape May Vacation Rentals

Victorian beach cottages, family condos, and oceanfront homes. Perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.

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Whale watching, lighthouse tours, garden trolleys, and Victorian walking tours. Free cancellation on most experiences.

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Victorian B&Bs

Charming inns with gourmet breakfast and historic character

Congress Hall

$$$$

Historic Inn • Beachfront • Est. 1816

America's oldest seaside resort. Victorian elegance meets modern luxury.

America's oldest seaside resort (1816)National Historic LandmarkBlue Pig Tavern restaurant
$250-800/nightView Details →

La Mer Beachfront Inn

$$$

Bed And Breakfast • Beachfront

Oceanfront B&B with gourmet breakfast and Victorian charm.

Oceanfront locationGourmet breakfast includedVictorian charm
$200-450/nightView Details →

Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

$$$

Bed And Breakfast

Elegant Victorian B&B with gourmet breakfast and wraparound porch.

Award-winning breakfastVictorian authenticityPersonalized service
$175-350/nightView Details →

The Queen Victoria

$$$

Bed And Breakfast

Cape May's most acclaimed B&B spanning four Victorian buildings.

AAA Four DiamondFour Victorian buildingsComplimentary bicycles
$200-450/nightView Details →

The Mainstay Inn

$$$

Bed And Breakfast • Est. 1872

Italianate Victorian gem with stunning architecture and grand veranda.

1872 Italianate villaOriginal period furnishings14-foot ceilings
$185-385/nightView Details →

The Chalfonte Hotel

$$

Historic Inn • Est. 1876

Authentic Victorian hotel since 1876 with famous Southern cooking.

Operating since 1876Famous Southern cookingAuthentic Victorian atmosphere
$125-275/nightView Details →

The Mansion Inn

$$$

Bed And Breakfast • Est. 1872

Elegant 1872 estate B&B with Cape May's largest porches.

Cape May's largest porches1872 Victorian estateExtensive gardens
$200-400/nightView Details →

Blue Fish Inn

$$

Bed And Breakfast • Beachfront

Relaxed beachfront B&B with wraparound porch.

Beachfront locationCasual atmosphereBeach gear provided
$150-325/nightView Details →

Hotels & Resorts

Full-service properties with modern amenities

Virginia Hotel

$$$$

Boutique Hotel

Elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Cape May with acclaimed Ebbitt Room.

The Ebbitt Room - acclaimed diningHistoric district locationEvening wine hour
$275-600/nightView Details →

Ocean Club Hotel

$$$

Boutique Hotel • Beachfront

Contemporary beachfront boutique with pool and sunset happy hours.

Rooftop pool with viewsComplimentary beach amenitiesModern boutique design
$200-500/nightView Details →

Montreal Beach Resort

$$

Resort • Beachfront

Family-friendly beachfront with pool, kids activities, and Cape May location.

Beachfront locationIndoor and outdoor poolsKids activities
$150-350/nightView Details →

Beach Shack

$$

Boutique Hotel • Beachfront

Casual beachfront boutique with barefoot luxury vibes.

Beachfront locationRetro surf vibeCasual atmosphere
$175-400/nightView Details →

Hotel & Alcott

$$$

Boutique Hotel • Beachfront

Modern beach boutique with minimalist Cape May style.

Modern designBeachfront locationOn-site restaurant
$200-450/nightView Details →

Pier House Cape May

$$$

Resort

Waterfront condos with marina access and sunset views.

Harbor viewsMarina accessFull kitchens
$200-475/nightView Details →

Where to Stay in Cape May

Beach Block (Beach Ave)

Ocean views, easy beach access

Pros

  • Walk to beach
  • Ocean breezes
  • Sunset views

Consider

  • Higher prices
  • Can be noisy in summer

Best for: Beach lovers willing to pay premium

Victorian District (Columbia/Hughes)

Historic heart, walkable to everything

Pros

  • Surrounded by B&Bs
  • Near restaurants
  • Quiet streets

Consider

  • 5-10 min walk to beach
  • Street parking only

Best for: History buffs, romantic getaways

West Cape May

Quieter, residential feel

Pros

  • More affordable
  • Less crowded
  • Near Sunset Beach

Consider

  • Need to drive to downtown
  • Fewer dining options

Best for: Families, budget-conscious, nature lovers

Cape May Point

Peaceful, near lighthouse

Pros

  • State park access
  • Bird watching
  • Secluded feel

Consider

  • No restaurants nearby
  • Limited accommodations

Best for: Nature lovers, birders, quiet seekers

📅 When to Book

6+ Months Ahead

Peak summer weekends (July 4th, Labor Day)

💡 Top B&Bs like Queen Victoria and Congress Hall fill early.

3-4 Months Ahead

Regular summer weekends, Victorian Week

💡 Good selection but popular dates going fast.

1-2 Months Ahead

Fall weekends, spring visits

💡 Still good availability. Can be choosier.

Last Minute

Weekdays, off-season, winter

💡 Best deals often available. Many B&Bs offer winter specials.

Book Your Stay

Plan your Cape May summer getaway

Best rates available now

Check Availability

4.7+ avg rating • Free cancellation

Seasonal Pricing Guide

SeasonB&B RatesHotel RatesNotes
Peak Summer (July-Aug)$275-450$350-600Book months ahead
Shoulder (May-June, Sept)$200-350$250-450Great value, good weather
Fall (October)$225-375$275-475Victorian Week premium
Winter (Nov-March)$150-275$175-350Best deals, cozy season

First-Timer Tips

✓ Book Direct with B&Bs

Call the inn directly for best rates, room selection, and insider tips. Many offer perks not on booking sites.

✓ Don't Skip Breakfast

B&B breakfasts are gourmet experiences - often the highlight. Wake up for them; you're paying either way.

✓ Make Dinner Reservations

Cape May has excellent dining but popular spots book up. Reserve 2-3 days ahead in summer.

✓ Rent Bikes

Cape May is flat and bikeable. Many B&Bs include bikes; otherwise rent from local shops.

✓ Explore Beyond Downtown

Cape May Point lighthouse, Sunset Beach, and the state park are worth the 10-minute drive.

✓ Ask Innkeepers for Tips

They know the best restaurants, hidden beaches, and off-the-beaten-path gems. Use their expertise.

🧳 What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes

Victorian streets are made for strolling

Beach gear

Badges required Memorial Day-Labor Day

Dressy-casual outfit

Fine dining is part of Cape May

Light layers

Evenings can be cool, even in summer

Binoculars

Bird watching opportunities everywhere

Camera

Victorian architecture is endlessly photogenic

Cape May Accommodation Tips

Best for Romance

Classic Victorian B&Bs like Virginia Hotel, Chalfonte, and Queen Victoria offer intimate settings with gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea.

Best for Families

Congress Hall and Ocean Club Hotel welcome families with pools, beach service, and modern amenities. Vacation rentals are also great for kids.

Best for History Buffs

Stay in a true Victorian landmark - Congress Hall (1816) or the Chalfonte Hotel (1876) offer authentic historic experiences.

Off-Season Stays

Winter rates are 30-50% lower, and Victorian Christmas (December) is magical. Many B&Bs offer special packages and cozy fireplaces.

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