While a visit to Cape May can take many days, and even weeks to explore, there is still plenty you can pack in one day if that’s all you have. So, hit the ground running with our one day in Cape May with our itinerary below.
Grab breakfast at the Mad Batter
A Cape May tradition, breakfast at the Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar is a must. Located along the historic Jackson Street and just an eight-minute walk from the Stockton Inns, this Cape May favorite serves up breakfast classics such as pancake stacks, Belgian waffles, egg scrambles, and more.
Spend the morning at the beach
After breakfast, walk across the street to the beach. Spanning for two miles, the picturesque shores of Cape May are met with the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Promenade on the other. The beaches of Cape May are considered among the best on the coast and are accessible any time of year. Do note in the summer, a beach tag is required.
Walk along the Cape May Promenade
The Promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, almost the entire length of the Cape May beaches. Enjoy a scenic walk with ocean views and classic Cape May Victorian homefronts. Plus, there are many benches along the way for when you want to stop and take in the scenery.
Washington Street Mall
As you enjoy your walk along the Promenade, be sure to stop at the Washington Street Mall for some lunch and afternoon shopping. The open-air mall features over 75 businesses including restaurants, shops, bars, ice cream parlors, and more.
Several blocks of Washington Street are blocked off to vehicular traffic, along with a few other adjoining streets for pedestrians to enjoy. The quaint town square features numerous benches, colorful gardens, historical landmarks, gas lamps, bistro-style string lights, and all the charm of Cape May.
Grab lunch at Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls. Their lobster rolls are one of the top foods you must try when visiting Cape May. Enjoy tender Maine Lobster chunks with lemon butter and light seasoning on a warm buttery roll for the perfect midday meal.
Victorian house tour
After lunch, embark on a Victorian house tour. As a National Historic District, Cape May is known for its beautifully restored and maintained Victorians. With the largest collection of Victorians in the country (second the San Francisco) they are one of the town’s biggest attractions.
See iconic details of the Victorian era such as gingerbread trim, turrets, and gables at almost every corner you turn. Take your own self-guided tour with a list of our favorite Victorian houses in Cape May. Or schedule a guided tour with Cape May MAC. Tours leave from the Emlyn Physick Estate.
Visit a brewery or winery
After your Victorian house tour, stop in at one of the local breweries or wineries for a happy hour drink. With Cape May’s coastal location, the area offers exceptional soil for growing grapes, producing tasty wines. While you’ll mainly find wineries in Cape May, we also are home to several micro-breweries as well.
Stay at Stockton Inns
After your one day in Cape May, be sure to rest and relax that evening with a stay at Stockton Inns. Located along Beach Avenue, we offer beachfront accommodations at our Victorian mansion, the Stockton Manor, and our budget-friendly hotel at the Stockton Inn. We are also within walking distance of many area attractions such as Washington Street Mall and the Promenade.
Enjoy Victorian splendor at The Stockton Manor. As Cape May’s only oceanfront Victorian Inn with a pool, this is a great option for those summer getaways.
Or if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option for the entire family, book a room at our oceanfront motel. The Stockton Inn offers an ocean-view sundeck, outdoor lounge chairs, and rooms with your basic modern amenities.
Be sure to also take advantage of our seasonal specials. Promotions are valid for reservations from May 1st through June 17th and September 18th through October 9th.
