Weekend Getaway to Cape May
1hr 30min from Philly • 3hr from NYC
A weekend in Cape May feels like stepping back in time—Victorian architecture, world-class dining, and beaches that actually stay peaceful even in summer. Just 90 minutes from Philly and 3 hours from NYC, it's the perfect escape for couples and foodies who want more than just sand and surf.
Why Cape May for a Weekend Getaway?
Over 600 preserved Victorian buildings—the entire city is a National Historic Landmark
World-class dining scene with NJ Chef of the Year at The Ebbitt Room
Year-round destination with Victorian Week, Christmas events, and spring birding
Whale watching, lighthouse tours, and Sunset Beach diamond hunting
Your Cape May Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
Arrive in Cape May
Check into your hotel and freshen up
Dinner
Kick off the weekend with a local favorite restaurant
Evening stroll
Walk the boardwalk or downtown to get oriented
Saturday
Breakfast
Start with a local breakfast spot or hotel dining
Beach time
Claim your spot and enjoy the morning sun
Lunch
Grab lunch at a casual beachside spot
Victorian district tour
Take a trolley tour or walk through the historic district
Sunset Beach
Watch the flag ceremony and hunt for Cape May diamonds
Dinner
Dress up slightly for your main dinner of the trip
Sunday
Breakfast
Relaxed breakfast before checkout
Final beach time
One more dip or walk on the beach
Check out & depart
Head home with great memories
💡 Leave by noon to beat traffic
Where to Stay in Cape May
Stockton Inns
$$hotel
Located in Cape May.
Best for: budget travelers
Star Inn
$$hotel
Located in Cape May.
Best for: budget travelers
South Winds Motel
$$hotel
Located in Cape May.
Best for: budget travelers
Things to Do in Cape May
Book tours, activities, and experiences with free cancellation
Where to Eat in Cape May
Romans Pizza House-N Cape May
$$italian
Must try: Located in Cape May.
Rita's Italian Ice-Frozen
$$italian
Must try: Located in Cape May.
Plumsted Grill
$$american
Must try: Located in Cream Ridge.
Phinney's Pub
$$american
Must try: Located in Cape May.
Budget Estimate for a Cape May Weekend
Budget
$300-400 total (motel, casual dining, beach)
Mid-Range
$500-700 total (boutique hotel, nice dinners)
Luxury
$900+ total (resort, fine dining, activities)
What to Pack for Cape May
- ✓Sunscreen and beach towels (hotels often have limited supplies)
- ✓Layers for cool evenings—shore breezes pick up after sunset
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalks and downtown
- ✓Cash for beach badges and parking meters
- ✓Reservation confirmations for popular restaurants
Cape May Weekend Getaway FAQ
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