Introduction

Cape May's attractions span its Victorian historic district, a state park, and a handful of sites that sit in neighboring municipalities easily confused with Cape May proper. We checked current facts, fees, and a few location distinctions worth getting right.

Cape May Historic District

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, covering roughly 380 acres and more than 600 Victorian-era buildings from the 1850s through the 1920s — the core reason Cape May draws visitors year-round rather than just for the beach.

Cape May Point State Park and Lighthouse

The park itself, in the separate borough of Cape May Point, is free to enter and includes a hawk watch platform, several trails, and a viewable but non-climbable World War II gun battery exposed by erosion. The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859 and standing 157 feet with 199 steps to climb, sits inside the park but is actually operated by the nonprofit Cape May MAC rather than the state park system directly; current climb fees run around $12 for adults.

Beach Tags

Cape May's beaches require paid tags in season — commonly around $10 for a daily tag, $25 weekly, and $30-40 for a seasonal tag depending on when you buy, with children 11 and under free. Note that neighboring Cape May Point sets its own, separate pricing — don't assume the two are identical.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

A year-round ferry service across the Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware, roughly 17 miles and 85 minutes each way.

Washington Street Mall

A three-block pedestrian shopping and dining district in downtown Cape May proper, closed to vehicle traffic since 1970, lined with more than 60 shops and restaurants in restored Victorian storefronts.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

A genuine, well-established local industry with multiple long-running operators offering trips roughly spring through fall.

A Few Location Distinctions Worth Getting Right

Several popular "Cape May" attractions actually sit in neighboring municipalities. Sunset Beach, known for the quartz pebbles called Cape May diamonds, and the nearby World War II Lookout Tower are both in the separate borough of Cape May Point or adjoining Lower Township, not Cape May city itself. The Cape May County Park & Zoo, a genuinely free 85-acre zoo, is roughly 10-11 miles away in Cape May Court House — a worthwhile day trip, but not walkable from downtown Cape May.

Practical Tips

• Don't assume Sunset Beach, the Lookout Tower, or the county zoo are within Cape May city itself — all three require a short drive.

• The lighthouse climb is run by a nonprofit, not the state park directly, so its hours and fees are set separately from the park's own free entry.

• Budget for beach tags if visiting in season, and don't assume Cape May Point's pricing matches Cape May city's.

Sources and Verification Notes

The lighthouse's operating structure, park fees, and location distinctions between Cape May city, Cape May Point, and Lower Township were checked against the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's official park page and Cape May MAC's own site.