Day Trip to Cape May, NJ: What to See in One Day

For the first time ever, I did a day trip to Cape May, New Jersey! It was just over an hour south from Long Beach Island, at the very last exit on the Parkway. I even took a picture of it (posted below) along with other snapshots of unforgettable moments of a beautiful New Jersey coastal town. This trip made me realize I need to start exploring more of the state I grew up in.

Cape May is one of the most charming coastal towns in New Jersey, known for its historic Victorian architecture, stunning beaches, and iconic lighthouse views. If you’re planning a Cape May day trip, here’s everything you can see in just one afternoon, including shops, boardwalk walks, and the best sunset spots.

I drove straight to the Cape May Lighthouse. I always need to check out the local lighthouse on my tourism. And this one did not disappoint. I paid the hefty $12 to hike to the top for some nice views of the tip of New Jersey and of Cape May itself.

From the top, I spotted a nature trail below. After my descent, I headed for the path. There are three trails you can hike with varying distances. I did the blue trail (Plover Trail) which was about 1.5 miles. You can find a trial map here.

A wooden boardwalk will take you out into the marshes and forest area by the lighthouse and beach. It was definitely well worth it. You can also check out a harbor defense battery from World War 2.

After giving up on street parking, I paid the parking fee to park in a lot. I still have no idea if it’s paid parking year round or seasonal. Every one I asked said different things. And there was no sign saying exactly what dates it was enforced. Gotta try and beat the system somehow! But I failed this time.

I walked down Jackson Street and headed straight for the boardwalk. On my walk, I saw many of the bars alive with music and filled with people. I stopped for an ice cream (photo above) and headed into the town to get lost in the streets while appreciating all the beautiful Victorian architecture that Cape May is famous for. Look at these houses!

And of course I had to get a photo with the horse carriage rolling by, making it really feel like a flash from the past. Why don’t they make all architecture look as beautiful as this?

I then headed to Washington Street, the apparent shopping hub of Cape May. I felt like I was in Disney Land. It’s like an outdoor mall with a long street filled with cute shops. I found a nice book store called Cape Atlantic Book Company, a coffee shop with one of the best pumpkin chai lattes I’ve ever tasted (Coffee Tyme), art studios, and Christmas shops.

Once I got my shopping fill, I headed back to the beach where I went for a nice walk on a boardwalk built on the sand. The sunset was so mesmerizing that I ended up walking all the way to the end. I think it turned out to be a forty-minute walk. Here’s a photo of the views at the end.

It was dark when I returned; it was only 5PM! I still had another hour and a half on my parking meter. So as I returned to Jackson Street, I noticed the bar was even livelier than before. I had leftovers waiting for me at home, and already spent way too much money. But the night was still young, and I couldn’t go back yet. So I entered the bar, which I later learned was called Carney’s Restaurant.

I’m so happy I did! It ended up being the end of Cape May Jazz Festival. I got to see the closing act, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. Holy bajeezes, were they good. And the singer had some pipes on her. The entire bar was cheering her on during those high notes. All the retired dads were hooting and hollering. It was hilarious.

Overall, I would definitely return and still can’t believe I waited this long to check out this lovely New Jersey beach town. I’m curious to see what it’s like in the summer time!