The iconic details of the Victorian era such as gingerbread trim, turrets, and gables can be seen almost everywhere in Cape May, New Jersey. Home to the highest concentration of Victorian homes (second to San Francisco), Cape May comes alive with its historic homes and gardens. But with so much to see, it’s hard to know where to begin. Let those who know our town best take you on one of the many guided Cape May Victorian house tours and discover a little more about our little seaside town.
The Colonial House Tour
See the oldest house in Cape May with the Colonial House tour. Get a glimpse into the past with life in pre-Victorian Cape May in the 1700s. The Colonial House is open to the public for free from June 15th to September 15, Wednesdays through Saturdays. The house is also open during Victorian Weekend in October and December for the holiday Candlelight House tour.
Take a tour of the Emlen Physick Estate
One of the most popular Cape May Victorian house tours is inside the Emlen Physick Estate. Located at 1048 Washington St., the home once belonged to a prominent family in Cape May’s history. The house is said to be designed by architect Frank Furness and is the only one of its kind in Cape May.
Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the Physick House Museum, for a detailed look at its Victorian architecture and learn more about this unique period in history. There are also themed house tours of the estate that include the Historic Haunts ghost tour, the Magic & Mystery house tour, and the Gardens of Cape May house tour. Tickets for all tours can be purchased on their website.
Take a self-guided tour
Of course, one of the best ways to see these beautiful homes is all on your own with a self-guided tour. The best places to start are along Perry Street, Jackson Street, Ocean Street, Washington Street, Hughes Street, and Columbia Avenue.
Washington Street is the main shopping area, with a large section open to pedestrian traffic. Perfect for viewing the historic Victorian mansions all on your own.
Ocean Street includes highlights like the red gabled Queen Victoria and the Columbia House.
Columbia Avenue runs parallel to Washington Street and is a stunning representation of residential homes with colorful porched cottages.
Hughes Street is short, but it packs in the punch with its collection of Victorian homes, brick sidewalks, colorful gardens, and white picket fences.
Stay at the Stockton Inns
Don’t just tour the Cape May Victorian houses, stay in one of them at the Stockton Manor. As Cape May’s only oceanfront Victorian Inn with a pool, the Stockton Manor is a restored 1876 Victorian guesthouse, adjacent to the Stockton Inn on Beach Avenue.
Many of Stockton Manor’s rooms boast ocean views, and the large two-bedroom suites come with fully outfitted kitchen areas to easily accommodate your next family vacation. Spend a tranquil afternoon taking in ocean views from the rocking chairs on the wrap-around porch or seek quiet solitude in the first-floor parlor. Outdoor amenities include a refreshing onsite pool, ocean-view veranda, lounge chairs, and a barbecue grill. Best of all our convenient location places you moments away from numerous attractions that offer fun for everybody.