Planning a trip can sometimes feel like a big puzzle, right? There are so many different pieces, it’s hard to know where they will go and how they will all fit together.

Well, guess what? You’ve stumbled onto a little secret – a Cape May travel guide with all of the best recommendations from someone who has actually lived here. We’re going to dive into the real heart of this charming town, with all of the tips from someone who has experienced it all.

Get ready to feel excited about your Cape May adventure!

Delicious Discoveries: More Than Just Dinner

Okay, so Cape May has a truly awesome food scene, there is no doubt about it. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood restaurants right on the water to cozy spots perfect for a romantic evening. Here are all of my favorite and best picks for breakfasts, lunches and dinners in Cape May.

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day

It’s always important to make time for breakfast especially if you’re planning on spending the day soaking up the sun and swimming!

For the best blueberry pancakes in town, check out Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. This Cape May classic is family friendly and one short block to the beach. Snag an outdoor seat to take in the sea breeze while you’re enjoying your coffee. 

If you want a high energy breakfast right in the center of Cape May’s classic Downtown, then the Mad Batter is going to be for you. They have an awesome selection of breakfast and lunch foods, everyone will be happy enjoying this “diner-like” delight Downtown. Note that they do not take reservations for breakfast or lunch so try not to come when you’re in a hurry.

Is it not vacation for you unless your dog gets to come along for the fun? I know that was always the case for my family! We have always loved taking our dogs to the Bella Vida Garden Cafe, a lovely outdoor patio style restaurant complete with “pupachinos” on the menu. Enjoy a slow morning “dog watching” (which is much more fun than people watching, in my opinion).

Lunch: Mid Day Munchies

It’s already lunchtime?! There are tons of options for great lunches in Cape May, with varying degrees of formality, depending on the “vibe” you are going for for the day.

If you’re interested in spending some time shopping on Washington Street Mall, consider Ugly Mug. This pub features lovely outdoor seating where you can let the day pass you by as you enjoy a beer and the bustle of the streets.

Looking for something on the water? The Lobster House is a delicious, waterside restaurant that features fresh seafood and even better cocktails. If you’re a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss The Lobster House on your trip as it’s considered one of Cape May’s best spots for seafood. I can never leave town without getting oysters there!

If you’re interested in something super casual, check out Hot Dog Tommy’s. This hot dog stand is a Cape May staple and is great for a fun, casual and quick lunch. For a highly indulgent experience, try out a hot dog covered in mac and cheese (and enjoy a nap on the beach after).

Really like hot dogs and looking to venture off the usual path? Try Maui’s Dog House in Wildwood, 2 towns over, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. A dive this restaurant is, but it is also delicious and fun, featuring your meal served in a dog bowl. I believe Maui’s is a special gem that deserves a spot on every Cape May travel guide.

Hot dogs and fries served in dog bowls at Maui's dog house just outside of Cape May.
Neighboring Cape May, check out this Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives delight- Maui’s Dog House!

Protip: Just after lunch is often one of the quietest and least busy times on the beach. If you’re looking for a peaceful and idyllic oceanside afternoon, try hitting the beach after lunch!

Downtown Dinners

As you can imagine, there are lots of fabulous dinner options in Cape May that you can pick based on what kind of environment and flavors you’re in the mood for.

If you’re looking for the best old school Italian restaurant complete with the best seafood pasta you’ve ever had, Sapore is the place for you. You can’t go wrong with any of the pastas in this BYO gem, and for me personally, their seafood risotto always keeps me coming back.

Looking for a more casual, family friendly vibe? Then you’re going to love Exit 0. Exit 0 has lots of fun, approachable American food, but is far from boring. This is a great place to hang with the family, and if not, a great place to get cocktails before enjoying a hearty dinner.

Want to eat dinner adjacent to one of the beautiful inns of Cape May? Check out Elaine’s, a beautiful patio restaurant equipped with fire pits for chilly nights and sumptuous seafood. My friends and I have always loved having outdoor dinner and drinks here to wind down after a long day at the beach.

Cape May classic Victorian restaurant Elaine's with an outdoor bar and string lights
Historic Victorian homes and twinkly string lights are the perfect setting for an evening cocktail at Elaine’s.

Local Sips of Cape May: A Guide to the Best Wineries, Breweries, and More!

Imagine sipping a glass of locally made wine while looking out over rolling vineyards. You can actually do that! There are some really nice wineries just a short drive from the main downtown of Cape May.

Willow Creek Winery is a Cape May institution where you can enjoy wine flights, tastings guided by experts, lunch and exploring the expansive grounds of the winery. If you go on a Saturday, they usually have live music playing outside! However, beware if you don’t like parties- this is often a popular destination for bachelorette parties on weekends.

Visiting Willow Creek Winery's rows of grape plants is a Cape May travel guide classic.
Explore this stunning, 50 acre vineyard oasis right in Cape May at Willow Creek Winery.

If you are more interested in a quiet winery and tasting experience, consider checking out Hawk Haven or Cape May Winery. Both are small, charming, and make you feel like you’ve traveled to a small wine cellar in Italy.

Interested in visiting all of these wineries? It’s actually very common and popular to spend a day in Cape May “winery hopping”. This is one of my favorite activities when there happens to be a rainy day in Cape May. 

If beer is more your thing, you’re in luck! The craft beer scene in Cape May is buzzing and Cape May Brewing Company is not to be missed. You can enjoy flights of everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers. They also have outdoor space where you can chill out and enjoy your brew.

If you’re more of a cocktail aficionado, then you must check out Nauti Spirits (cute name, right?). Here you’ll find small-batch spirits being made with local ingredients. It’s always fun to try something unique to the area! My ultimate favorite drink to have here is a vodka and beet juice cocktail. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Seeing the Art, Feeling the Culture: Travel to Cape May to Watch Local Talents Shine

One of the most lovely things about traveling to Cape May is just taking in the beautiful Victorian architecture of the old historic homes around town. You can even reserve a travel guide through the Cape May MAC center if you’d like to learn more about the history of this town.

Wander around town and you’ll likely stumble upon little art galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and all sorts of other cool creations. Washington Street specifically and its adjacent side streets are filled with beautiful crafts and gifts. These aren’t just your typical tourist shops; they’re often run by the artists themselves. West End Garage is also a fabulous place to check out local artisanal crafts and antiques. 

Enjoying live music is also a fantastic way to spend the time when you are visiting Cape May. I don’t think any Cape May travel guide is complete without mentioning The Howard Street Ramble, a jam band of local legends who perform on the outdoor patio of The Chalfonte Hotel every Thursday night in the summertime. Not only is it fun to listen to the music, but you can sit on the lawn outside of this historic inn, enjoy house-made gimlets, and truly drift away into the relaxing energy Cape May has to offer.

Outdoor seating in front of the Chalfonte Hotel while The Howard Street Ramble Band prepare to play music in Cape May
Be transported back in time watching The Howard Street Ramble at The Chalfonte Hotel.

Fun Times and Bright Lights: Your Night Out at Exit 0

Okay, so the sun has set, you’ve had a delicious dinner, and maybe a local brew or a glass of wine. What’s next? Cape May might be known for being a relaxing shore town, but your trusty Cape May travel guide is here to tell you that there’s definitely fun to be had after dark!

Congress Hall is one of the best spots to hit for a variety of nightlife options in Cape May. You can enjoy a cocktail on their famous lawn surrounded by the hotel’s pillars while relaxing in one of their rocking chairs.

Interested in hanging at a cool, dark, cocktail bar? The Brown Room, inside of Congress Hall is the spot for you. My favorite option of all is checking out The Boiler Room, an upscale basement bar right in Congress Hall, open on Friday and Saturday nights. They offer artisanal pizzas and even better, a DJ and lots of dancing! This is by far my favorite place to spend a Friday night in Cape May. 

Bar and lounge neon sign in basement of Congress Hall at the Boiler Room in Cape May
Upscale and “underground” is the energy you’ll experience when having a night out at The Boiler Room.

If you’re looking for a more classic dive bar with a DJ and dancing, consider checking out Carney’s, right along the beach. However, this place tends to host a younger crowd, so be prepared for that if that’s not your scene.

Get Ready for an Amazing Trip!

So, there you have it – a little peek behind the curtain of Cape May. It’s a place with so much more to offer than just its beautiful beaches (though those are pretty great too!). From savoring local flavors and sipping regional drinks to discovering the talent of local artists and enjoying a relaxed night out, there are so many ways to experience the real heart of this town.

I hope this little Cape May travel guide has gotten you excited to explore and has taken some of the stress out of planning. Get ready to make some wonderful memories in Cape May!