Cape May
Cape May is a historic seaside city at the southern tip of New Jersey, known for its Victorian architecture and charming coastal ambiance. It’s one of the nation’s oldest vacation resorts, offering pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and vibrant dining. The city blends small-town charm with a lively tourism scene, attracting visitors year-round.
Amenities
Tourism & Economy in Cape May
Tourism Industry
Tourism is the largest industry in Cape May, driving much of the local economy.
The Washington Street Mall serves as a central hub with shops, restaurants, lodging, and various attractions.
Cape May features many historic hotels and charming bed & breakfasts that attract visitors year-round.
Commercial and sport fishing also play a significant role in the town’s economy.
Cove Beach
Located at Cape May’s southernmost tip.
A popular destination for swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and hikers during the summer months.
International Tourism
Cape May has been a favorite vacation spot for French Canadian tourists for several decades.
Cape May County once operated a tourism office in Montreal, Quebec, which closed in the mid-1990s due to budget cuts.
By 2010, the county reintroduced outreach efforts through a French-language coupon booklet for visitors.
Seasonal Workforce
Before the 1980s, most temporary seasonal workers came from Philadelphia and New York City.
In the 1980s, a wave of workers arrived from Ireland.
By the 2000s, as Ireland’s economy improved, more Eastern European workers began filling seasonal roles.
Education in Cape May
Cape May offers a range of educational opportunities for students, from public schools to private and parochial institutions. The area’s schools are known for their strong academic programs and supportive community environment.
Public Schools
Lower Cape May Regional School District serves students from Cape May, West Cape May, and Cape May Point.
The district operates Lower Cape May Regional High School and Richard M. Teitelman Middle School.
Younger students attend Cape May City Elementary School, which provides education from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
Technical & Special Education
Cape May County Technical High School in Cape May Court House offers vocational and career-based programs to county students.
Students with specialized learning needs may attend the Cape May County Special Services School District, also located in Cape May Court House.
Private & Parochial Schools
Our Lady Star of the Sea School – A Catholic K–8 school in nearby Cape May, operated under the Diocese of Camden.
Cape Christian Academy – A private Christian K–12 school in Cape May Court House, offering faith-based education and small class sizes.
Higher Education & Libraries
Cape May residents have access to local branches of the Cape May County Library System, providing educational resources, community programs, and study spaces.
Nearby, Atlantic Cape Community College (Cape May campus) offers associate degrees, certification programs, and continuing education opportunities.
Recreation & Attractions in Cape May
Cape May offers beautiful parks, beaches, and outdoor attractions that celebrate its coastal charm and natural scenery. The city provides plenty of recreational opportunities for families, visitors, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Beaches & Waterfronts
Cape May Beaches – Known for their soft sand and clean shoreline, these beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings.
Cove Beach – Located at Cape May’s southernmost tip, popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and sunset views.
Poverty Beach – A quieter stretch of sand perfect for relaxation and beach walks.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Cape May Point State Park – Offers scenic trails, birdwatching areas, and views of the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.
Cape May Rotary Park – A charming downtown park featuring landscaped gardens, fountains, and a bandstand for live concerts.
Cape May County Park & Zoo (in nearby Cape May Court House) – Free admission year-round, featuring over 550 animals and 250 species across 85 acres.
Sports & Recreation Facilities
Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex – Includes basketball courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields for community sports.
Middle Township Recreation Department – Maintains additional indoor courts and fields supporting youth and adult sports programs.
Trails & Nature Activities
Cape May Bird Observatory – A premier destination for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
Nature trails and bike paths throughout Cape May offer scenic routes for walking, running, and cycling amid coastal views and greenery.
Transportation in Cape May
Roads & Highways
Cape May has about 31.6 miles of roadways, mostly maintained by the city and Cape May County.
Route 109 connects Cape May to the Garden State Parkway and U.S. Route 9 in Lower Township.
U.S. Route 9 also provides access to the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, linking New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit operates bus routes from Cape May to Philadelphia (Routes 313, 315, and 316), Atlantic City (Route 552), and New York City (Route 319, seasonal).
The Great American Trolley Company provides summer trolley service throughout Cape May.
Cape May City Rail Terminal offers excursion train rides via the Cape May Seashore Lines at Lafayette and Elmira Streets.
The city’s last regular passenger rail service ended in the 1980s.
Ferry Transport
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry, operated year-round by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, carries both vehicles and passengers across the Delaware Bay in about 70–85 minutes.
A seasonal shuttle bus connects the Cape May Welcome Center with the ferry terminal during summer months.
