Now more than ever, everyone is looking for ways to cut back, especially when it comes to vacations. But a summer getaway to Cape May doesn’t have to be expensive. Discover how easy it is to budget for an affordable getaway with these free things to do in Cape May!
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Probably one of the most popular free things to do in Cape May is the Cape May Zoo. Open year-round and only 10 miles up the road from Cape May, you’ll see over 200 different species across the zoo’s many acres, all in natural settings. Discover areas like the World of Birds aviary, the Reptile House, and the special African Savannah. See a variety of animals such as giraffes, zebras, alligators, flamingos, and more, along with the rare snow leopard.
Visit the Victorian homes
While there are many paid tours you can take to see Cape May’s beautiful Victorian homes, you can also explore on your own for free. The iconic details of the Victorian era such as gingerbread trim, turrets, and gables can be seen almost everywhere with a simple stroll down the street. Home to the highest concentration of Victorian homes (second to San Francisco), Cape May is the perfect place to go “house hunting” without paying a dime!
The best places to start are along Perry St., Jackson St., Ocean St., and Decatur. Northeast of the Washington Street Mall, Hughes Street, and Columbia Street are also great places to spot some of our favorite Victorian houses in Cape May.
Movies on the beach
Probably one of the most popular summer events in Cape May is the Movies on the Beach event series at Convention Hall. Held every Thursday in July and August, visitors can enjoy a free movie on the beach. Bring a beach chair and a blanket, and enjoy the warm summer nights with a good movie. No beach tags are required since this is a nighttime event.
Walk the Promenade
The Cape May Promenade is one of the most popular attractions in town, and it’s free to explore! As the gateway to miles of beach, shops, restaurants, and Victorian architecture, the Cape May Promenade is one of our favorite activities, just steps from Stockton Inns. Running parallel to Beach Avenue and stretching for two miles from end to end, the promenade does not have any intersections or crosswalks, which makes it a natural choice for jogging, walking, biking, or even wildlife viewing. And the best part is you have a free ocean view the entire way!
Spend a day at the beach (almost free)
Known as “America’s Original Beach Town,” Cape May is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Stretching 20 miles out to sea, Cape May offers miles of sandy beaches that greet the waters from the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. From Higbee Beach to Poverty Beach, and everything in between, there’s a beach to enjoy no matter what time of year.
Beach tags are required in the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. But any other time it’s free! A daily tag is only $8 and if you plan to go more than once, there are three-day and week-long passes you can get at a discounted rate. Or just visit in the morning or evening and you don’t have to pay a thing.
Stay at the Stockton Inns
Complete your affordable Cape May vacation with a stay at the Stockton Inns. While we don’t offer rooms for free, we do provide seasonal discounts. For stays Sunday through Thursday, take advantage of the following discounts:
Book 4 nights and the 5th night is FREE
Book 3 nights and the 4th night is 50% OFF
Book 2 nights and the 3rd night is 30% OFF
Promotions are valid for reservations from May 1st through June 17th and September 18th through October 9th. Browse rooms at our Victorian mansion, the Stockton Manor, or book your stay in our ocean-front motel the Stockton Inn. Either way, we’ve got the room for you!
