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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Cape May Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Cape May, United States
Lifeguards and beach badges run late May to mid September; many shops, restaurants and B&Bs close or cut hours November to March
Bird migration is a main draw: spring in May, autumn from September to November, monarch butterflies late September to mid October
Atlantic hurricane season June to November can bring storm surge and coastal flooding, mostly in late summer and autumn
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on Cape May Beach and watch dolphins playing offshore
- 🗼 Climb the Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views
- 🏡 Stroll through the Victorian homes and gardens along Perry Street
- 🐋 Take a whale-watching cruise along the Atlantic coast
- 🌅 Visit Sunset Beach to see the evening flag ceremony
- 🏛️ Explore the Emlen Physick Estate and its historic architecture
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Cape May?
Cape May is a dream for anyone who loves a mix of beach days, history and nature. You can stroll the Washington Street Mall for boutique shopping, climb the iconic Cape May Lighthouse for sweeping views or tour the Emlen Physick Estate for a glimpse into the town’s Victorian past. Birdwatchers flock here for world-class spring and fall migrations and foodies will love the fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining. The beaches are wide and clean, perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing in the sun. But Cape May isn’t without its quirks: it gets crowded in summer, with weekend populations swelling to over 40,000, so book your stay and activities well in advance. Parking can be tricky, especially near the beach. Winters are quiet and can be cold and windy, while summer brings heat and humidity (with occasional nor’easters). Still, the town’s charm, walkability and authentic atmosphere make it a standout among East Coast beach towns.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Spring and Fall Birding Festivals
-
Cape May Music Festival (May–June)
-
Victorian Weekend (October)
-
Cape May Food & Wine Celebration
-
Christmas Candlelight House Tours
Knowledge before you go
- Consider renting bikes; the town is flat and easy.
- Plan time for Victorian house or trolley tours; it’s a National Historic Landmark district.
- Book whale and dolphin cruises ahead in summer; departures can sell out fast.
- Try a full-moon lighthouse climb for unique views, then enjoy Delaware Bay sunset nearby.
How to travel to Cape May
Cape May is about 156 km from Philadelphia International Airport. Drive via the Garden State Parkway or take a bus from Philadelphia or New York City. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects to Delaware. Amtrak and NJ Transit trains run to nearby towns, with local buses or taxis for the final leg.
Access summary
- From Atlantic City Airport (ACY): Around 60–75 minutes by rental car or shuttle.
- From Philadelphia: Typically 1.5–2.5 hours by car via I‑76 and Garden State Parkway.
- From Lewes, Delaware: Cape May–Lewes ferry about 80 minutes, plus short drive into town.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Cape May
Cape May offers everything from historic B&Bs in Victorian mansions to beachfront hotels, cozy inns and family-friendly motels. Book early for summer weekends and festivals. Many places blend period charm with modern comfort; some offer private beach tents or porches for ocean-side lounging. Camping is available nearby but not in town.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Cape May
Cape May is compact and walkable, especially around the Victorian District and beaches. Biking is popular and a great way to avoid traffic and parking headaches-rentals are widely available. Parking can be scarce in summer, so consider public lots or leave the car at your hotel. Trolley tours and local shuttles cover major sights. For exploring further afield, taxis and rideshares are available.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 3% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Cape May is very safe, with low crime rates and a friendly community vibe. Still, keep an eye on valuables at the beach and in busy areas and use caution when swimming in the ocean (watch for currents).
Health & Medical
Good medical care is available in town and nearby. Bring any needed medications and sun protection. Tap water is safe. Summer bugs (like mosquitoes) and sunburn are the main nuisances — take precautions.
Accessibility
Most attractions, beaches and restaurants are accessible, with ramps and boardwalks. Some historic inns and narrow sidewalks may be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers. Trolley tours and shuttles are accessible.
Tap water
Tap water is safe and widely available. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated, especially in summer and when out on the beach or biking.
Packing recommendations for Cape May
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
for cool evenings
🧥
Waterproof jacket
year-round
👀
Binoculars
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🏖️
Beach towel
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
⛑️
Cycle helmet
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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