5 Reasons to Visit Cape May, NJ

Cape May is the heart and soul of NJ

As a born and bred Jersey Girl, I feel confident talking about my state. I’ll admit I’m a biased North Jersey resident, but when it comes to the summer, I strive to be below exit 90 any chance I get. And this summer, I went as far as possible and spent my summer at Exit 0. 

I’ve grown up spending my summers in Lavallette - one of the smaller and homier Jersey beach towns. Lavallette has always felt less like a vacation and more like a second home. 

When my parents wanted a beach vacation we’d pack our car and the extra bin on the roof and drive the 2.5 hour drive down to Cape May. 

We’d stay in the same place - The Periwinkle Inn, - and eat at the same places - Mcglades and Mad Batter - whenever we’d visit. 

So unlike Lavallette, Cape May has this sort of nostalgic feeling. So when I had the opportunity to live there for the summer, I jumped at the opportunity. 

After spending 3 months as a full-time Cape May Point resident, I’m going to tell you why this quaint and coastal town should be your next summer stop. 

Location 

Let me sell you on Cape May Point. 

When I pulled up to my house for the summer, I had no clue where’d I be living. I definitely didn’t know I’d be live sandwiched between a light house and the beach. 

Cape May Point is an NJ Borough about a 10-minute drive south of West Cape May. Most restaurants and shops are located throughout West Cape May and up towards Wildwood. 

Where there’s food, there’s always people, so those areas tend to get the most crowded. 

Cape May Point felt like a reprieve from the bussyness of shore towns. 

The beaches were less populated and the walks around the neighborhood were always serene and peaceful. 

Cape May Point does tend to be on the pricier side, and I only got lucky that my job offered cheap housing here, but if you have the funds, I say splurge! 

But if you’re saying, ‘Julia not everyone is lucky enough to have a 4-floor house where nuns used to live to spend the summer,’ I have other options for you. 

Don’t shy away from the smaller motels that are a drives away from the beach. My parents stayed at The Cape Cottage Inn, about 15 minutes from the beach, and we loved our time there. Don’t let the elaborate hotels and bed and breakfasts tempt you.

Cape May is more than just spending money on big houses. 

Nature 

This one should be a no brainer, but if it’s not, let me catch you up. 

Cape May is one of the US’s bird capitals. A migration stop for hundreds of birds and a nesting place for others, Cape May is a biodiversity hot spot. 

Not only are birds passing through but insects like dragonflies, monarchs, and bumble bees also love the town. 

One of Cape May’s migration MVPs are the Bottlenose Dolphins. These mammals come to Cape May for the warmer water to feed, mate, and give birth. It’s pretty magical seeing these guys.

My favorite thing to do this summer was go for a swim when the dolphins came close to the shore. I’d close my eyes and pretend I was swimming with them. 

Some of my favorite spots to be outdoors was Cape May Point State Park, Sunset Beach, and about 25 minutes outside of town, Stone Harbor Point. 

Nightlife 

My favorite thing about Cape May is her nightlife, or lack thereof. 

Most of Cape May’s year round residents are retired middle aged couples looking to watch the sunset and drink wine on their deck. Unlike beaches like Mansquan and Belmar, which are known for their bars and clubs, Cape May thrives on quiet evenings. 

As a 23 year old living here, I surprisingly loved the coziness of Cape May evenings. The restaurant I worked at would get rowdy around 6:30 and tended to die out by 9. 

In Cape May, you’re meant to reflect on your day while you watch the sunset, and boy did I do a lot of that. 

Cape May is a great place if you’re looking for quiet nights with nature and seafood dinners.

Food

So, remember when I said I’m a biased north Jersey resident? 

Well, let me be the first to tell you, the food isn’t the reason to come to Cape May. In my humble opinion, South Jersey wouldn’t know a good meal if it hit them in the face. 

But I won’t lie, Cape May’s seafood hits nicely. When eating in Cape May, I’d recommend a restaurant that has a good amount of seafood because that’s what Cape May does best. 

My favorite one to eat at, which is not biased because I definitely didn’t work there for three months, is Fins Bar and Grill on Decauter Street. 

There’s a large array of sandwiches, salads, and of course, seafood. 

I’m a HUGE fan of their salads and seafood chowder. 

So if you plan to visit Finns, tell them you heard the most beautiful host in New Jersey worked there. ;) 

Energy

Last and certainly not least, is Cape May’s energy. 

I need to live in a place that connects me to Mother Nature and the universe. My soul needs to feel connected to a place, and she felt connected to Cape May. 

Cape May is a place filled with warmth, happiness, and lots and lots of birds!!!!! 

Please visit her and treat her well. Cape May holds a special place in my heart. 

End notes 

I hope you enjoyed this article! 

I’ve been a freelancing machine, so check out my recent article on NJ Digest: https://thedigestonline.com/nj/what-to-look-for-on-a-walk-through-nj-this-fall/

Check out my LinkedIn - Julia DiGeronimo - for my news clips from the Cape May Star and Wave. I’ve been writing some of my most researched and mature pieces for them, and I’m really enjoying myself. 

And just to keep you guys on your toes, I’m heading on a plane back to Europe! They missed me and begged me to come back, so I couldn’t resist. 

I’m heading to Hungary and Poland, so keep an eye out for new blogs and diary entries on Julia is traveling! 

Follow my insta @julia.dig for exclusive content 

Wish me luck!