Cape May, N.J.
The city of Cape May is located at the sourthern tip of the New Jersey shore, facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. It is a year-round community of only about 4,000 permanent residents, that expands as a summer vacation destination with many modern hotels, restaurants and other activities. Cape May remains active year-round as a weekend destination with a wide selection of restaurants, a commercial and recreational fishing port, and other activities.
Cape May Bed and Breakfasts
Cape May is noted as an old victorian style town, and the entire city is designated a National Historic Landmark district. It is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2009.
A diverse selection of accommodations are available from large hotels, smaller motels, bed and breakfasts and rental apartments or condos. A large number of varied restaurants are available, many operating year-round. Of course, seafood restaurants serving fresh local fish are popular.
Among the top Cape May attractions are the city's beaches on the ocean and along the bay. Both bathing and fishing are available. Cape May also has a large commercial and sportfishing contingent, based in the Cape May Harbor which is sheltered inside the ocean inlet. The harbor is also accessible to the Delaware Bay through the Cape May Canal. Ample charter fishing is available for nearby or deep sea fishing.
Cape May Homes
Cape May is most noted for the Victorian style homes protected by the historic designation. Tours are available around the city to view interesting homes, with interior tours available at some sites. The streets of Cape May are pleasant to walk and usually active, with shopping areas and pedestrian walkways and a wide assortment of shops and eateries to be found.
The city is also the home of the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, which is the national training location for Coast Guard recruits. The facility is located at the north end of Cape May on a large area of land extending from the ocean to the bay and includes the southern side of Cape May Inlet, effectively restricting access to the inlet by land. The opposite side of the inlet is also restricted, but undeveloped federal property. There is no public fishing along the inlet.
Cape May Lighthouse
Other attractions include the Cape May Lighthouse, which is an active, working lighthouse and which visitors can climb to a viewing area near the top. This lighthouse was built in 1859 and is the third in the area. Also recently renovated and opened to the public is a World War II Lookout Tower, used during World War II. It too enables visitors to climb to the top.
Cape May, because of its location at the southern tip of New Jersey, is also an important transportation point along the East Coast. Regular ferry service, for cars as well as people, crosses the mouth of the Delaware Bay from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware. (pronounced Lou's). Cape May, and the ferry terminal, are found at the southern end of the Garden State Parkway, which comes down the coast from the northern end of New Jersey.