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, restaurants, and beaches that stay calmer than most in summer. It is about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 3 hours from NYC.
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Cape May, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
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Why Cape May for a Weekend Getaway?
Over 600 preserved Victorian buildings—the entire city is a National Historic Landmark
The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel
Year-round destination with Victorian Week, Christmas events, and spring birding
Whale watching, lighthouse tours, and Sunset Beach diamond hunting
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Your Cape May Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
Arrive in Cape May
Check into your hotel and freshen up
Dinner
Dinner close to where you are staying
Evening stroll
Walk the boardwalk or downtown to get oriented
Saturday
Breakfast
Start with a local breakfast spot or hotel dining
Beach time
The beach is quietest before late morning
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
The weekend’s main dinner — reserve ahead in summer
Sunday
Breakfast
Relaxed breakfast before checkout
Final beach time
One more dip or walk on the beach
Check out & depart
Check out and head home
Tip: Leave by noon to beat traffic
Where to Stay in Cape May
Stockton Inns
$$hotel
Inns on Beach Ave a block from the sand.
Best for: budget travelers
Star Inn
$$hotel
Inn on Perry Street within walking distance of the beach.
Best for: budget travelers
Sun Retreats Seashore
$$campground
Campground off Seashore Rd for tents and RVs.
Best for: families
Choose your stay
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
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Where to Eat in Cape May
Romans Pizza House-N Cape May
$$italian
Must try: Pizza house serving North Cape May.
Rita's Italian Ice-Frozen
$$italian
Must try: Italian ice and frozen custard chain stop.
Phinney's Pub
$$american
Must try: Pub drinks and casual fare.
Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
$$american
Must try: Restaurant inside the Peter Shields Inn.
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Cape May Weekend Getaway FAQ
How long does it take to drive to Cape May from NYC?
About 3hr from New York City without traffic.
How long does it take to drive to Cape May from Philadelphia?
About 1hr 30min from Philadelphia without traffic.
Do I need a beach badge in Cape May?
Cape May beach badges cost $10 per day or $40 for the season; children under 11 are free.
Choose your nights before comparing stays
A useful shortlist starts with your arrival time, departure plans, and the places you want to visit.
- Decide whether you need one night or two; check minimum stays and check-in times.
- Compare walking distance, transit, parking charges, and travel time to your main outing.
- Check the full price for all travelers and rooms, including required fees and cancellation deadlines.
Choose your Cape May stay
Before you book: the stay-cost checklist.
Check Cape May stays for your dates
Set dates and travelers, then check the complete price.
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Compare two complete stay quotes →More Weekend Getaways
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Cape May, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more