Day 1

Designated a National Historic Landmark, Cape May is known for its collection of Victorian period homes, second in the nation after San Francisco. Cape May MAC (Museum+Arts+Culture) interprets the town’s history through trolley and horse-drawn carriage tours. After a tour, head to Washington Street Mall to stroll Cape May’s picturesque town square lined with unique shopping and dining experiences. Finish the day with a trip to the Emlen Physick Estate. Designed by renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness, the 18-room mansion features a new guided tour each spring. Stop for lunch or dinner at Vinage Restaurant B.Y.O.B. on the grounds. Be sure to check out their calendar to attend one of the estate’s many year-round-programs including the Gardens of Cape May Tour in June; Music Festival in May and June; Harvest Brew Fest in September; Victorian Weekend in October; Sherlock Holmes Weekends in November; and Christmas in Cape May throughout December. 

Want to stay overnight? Cape May offers several accommodation types for varying tastes and budgets. 

Day 2

Start the day at the Cape May Lighthouse, one of the country's oldest lighthouses in continuous operation. Climb the 199 steps of the original, cast-iron spiral stairway to the top and enjoy unparalleled views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Back on the ground, choose between three nature trails which will have you traversing wetland marsh, coastal dunes, and sandy beaches to view flora and fauna, and wading birds, ducks, swans as well as the occasional osprey, which come to rely on these freshwater ponds for food and habitat for breeding. Packed a lunch? Enjoy a picnic on the beach or in one of the many picnic shelters.  

After, stop at the World War II Lookout Tower which was part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. Explore New Jersey’s last remaining restorable WWII, part of Fort Miles, but built to protect the coastline from attack. It's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Conclude the day at one of Cape May’s wineries and vineyards for a relaxing atmosphere that makes everyone feel part of the family after the first sip! 

Day 3

Spend the day exploring Historic Cold Spring Village, New Jersey’s largest open-air museum, with 27 buildings recreating life in the 1800s. Take a stroll along 30 acres of shaded lanes, enjoy the gardens, and visit the farm where heritage crops are grown. Visitors can explore twenty-seven restored historic buildings including a blacksmith shop, print shop, woodshop, and other trades. Historically clothed interpreters educate and entertain visitors about the lifestyles, issues, trades, and crafts of yesteryear including those of mid-19th-century farmwomen. Grab a bit to eat at the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant and a tasty, cold, libation at the Cold Spring Brewery – New Jersey’s first non-profit brewery.