One of the oldest seaside resorts, Cape May, New Jersey, is home to a National Historic District with nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings. A beautiful promenade runs beside the sandy beaches, offering a perfect location for biking or jogging. Top things to do in Cape May, NJ with kids include Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, the Historic Cold Spring Village and the Nature Center of Cape May. Visitors can also enjoy unique restaurants, wedding venues and day trips.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
1.Cape May Beaches
Cape May is a paradise for beach lovers - some of the most beautiful East Coast beaches are located along its coastline. All the beaches are family friendly and dogs are not allowed during the summer months. Certain beaches, such as Higbee Beach, offer spectacular views of the dunes.
Poverty Beach has excellent food stalls, Steger Beach has volleyball nets, while Sunset Beach offers panoramic views of the sunset. Fishing is allowed on most of the beaches.
2.Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859 just two miles from the city of Cape May. Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. Learn about the history of the lighthouse that was a valuable aid to navigate mariners in the past.
There is an Oil House with a fully accessible Visitors Orientation Center for those who aren’t keen to make the perilous trip to the top. The museum shop has interesting maritime items and other souvenirs.
3.Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum
Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is located inside the historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. NASW was an active dive-bomber squadron facility for training during World War II. Today, Hangar #1 has been converted into an Aviation Museum that houses several aircrafts, engines, and educational interactive displays that introduces the visitor to the history of WWII.
Visitors can climb a real air traffic control tower, sit inside the cockpit of an aircraft, try the flight simulator games, and admire the 26 helicopters and planes on display.
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, 609-886-8787
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4.Cape May Carriage Company
The Cape May Carriage Company was founded in 1983 and ads a Victorian charm to Cape May. Take a trip on a vintage carriage pulled by magnificent horses that lead the way through Cape May’s historical streets. This tour lasts half an hour on weekends during the fall and spring season, but visitors can enjoy the ride every day during the summer and Christmas seasons.
The carriage tours begin from the corner of Washington Street Mall and Ocean Street. Reservations are recommended.
315 Ocean St, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-4466
5.Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate is a charming historic house museum that transports visitors to the Victorian era. There are 15 restored rooms that give a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of Cape May during the 1800s.
The walls have several hangings and the vintage furniture is beautiful. Some claim that the estate is haunted. Visitors can admire the Victorian period crockery and interesting gadgets like the magic lantern and button hooks that were revolutionary at the time.
1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-5404
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6.Washington Street Mall
The Washington Street Mall is an open air mall that does not even allow bicycles or skateboards. Located close to the beach, this shopper’s paradise is open throughout the year. Visitors can browse candy stores, jewelry shops, clothing stores, and boutiques that stock unique souvenirs.
Take a break on any of the benches that line the pathway or beside the fountains that offer a cool breeze during the warm months. There are several restaurants offering fresh seafood, and visitors can enjoy live music on weekends.
313 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
7.Fire Control Tower No. 23
Fire Control Tower No 23 was built in 1942 and is the only surviving World War II Tower that played an important role in coastal defenses. Notice the All Veteran Memorial on the deck beside the base of the Tower, the Memorial Plaques in the Tower, and the Eternal Flame Monument. Visitors will find the climb up easy on the spiral staircase.
There are many exhibits and information about the history of the Tower, but those who can’t make it up the tower can browse through the folder available at the entrance.
1200 Sunset Blvd, North Cape May NJ, 800-275-4278
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8.The Historic Cold Spring Village
The Historic Cold Spring Village gives visitors a glimpse into life during the 18th century in this region. Visitors will enjoy participating in the hands-on family activities, interacting with local residents, and learning to make the connection between the past and the present way of life.
Explore the grounds and learn about farming heritage crops and visit the 26 restored buildings.
720Rt 9 South, Cape May, NJ08204, 609-898-2300
9.Nature Center of Cape May
The Nature Center of Cape May is an award-winning environmental education campus that was founded in 1992. The center rests on the shores of Cape May Harbor and it has a three level observation tower, exhibit aquaria, indoor observation hall, a gift store, and a beautiful multiple themed display garden.
Being close to a diversity of habitat, Nature Center can easily incorporate it into their programs. Visitors can take a salt marsh boat tour, kayak nature tour, wild life friendly gardening programs, summer science day camps, and cycling tours.
1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-898-8848
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Curious Cape May takes participants on unique seaside biking tours to explore the stories and legends of the resort town's history and architecture. The company offers all of its expeditions aboard Priority Bikes beach cruisers, which offer oversized adjustable seats, raised handlebars, and baskets for storing personal belongings. Guides offer unique tales of the city's history and culture, including stories about former hotels dating back to the 18th century and eclectic past city residents. Tour packages offered explore the city's downtown or historic point, providing complimentary water bottles for all participants. Tours last approximately 90 to 120 minutes, with time to stop at prominent landmarks and locations along the way. Private biking tours are available for small groups and organizations with advance reservations.
Phone: 833-386-7433
11.The Colonial House Museum
Managed by the Greater Cape May Historical Society, The Colonial House Museum showcases the history of the greater Cape May area through a variety of exhibits, displays, artifacts, and memorabilia. Established as their headquarters, the ,useum is located on Washington Street in a first-period house built circa 1730.
Originally a tavern and family house of Memucan Hughes, famous patriot from the Revolutionary War, the architecturally distinctive building features beautifully restored common and tea rooms, a tavern room, and a Gallery Exhibit Room on the first floor. Other rooms in the museum that are open to the public include a colonial era cooking/eating room, a bedroom, and an added research/exhibit room. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from June until September. The museum is also open by appointment.
653 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-9100
12.The Museum of Cape May County
Established in 1927, the Museum of Cape May County is dedicated to preserving the diverse history of Cape May County for future generations. Founded and managed by the Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society, the museum has been one of the country’s foremost advocates for the preservation and display of local history.
Housed in three historic buildings, the museum features an array of rotating exhibits and displays, child-friendly guided tours, history-related lectures and special events, and a world-renowned genealogical and research library for students and serious historians. Special exhibits include a Colonial period home from the early 1700s, a 1830 Federal period addition, and a barn and carriage shed that showcase county life from Native American times through the 21st century.
Centrally located only minutes from some of the county’s best beaches and tourist attractions, the Cape May County Museum is a fun, educational place to spend quality time with the family.
504 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, 609-465-3535
13.Louisa's Restaurant & Chocolate Bar
Established in the early ‘80s by Chefs Louisa Hull and Doug Dietsch, Louisa's is a favorite restaurant that serves an array of delicious home-cooked food in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Housed in a cozy blue and yellow cottage on Jackson Street and now run by brother/sister team Will and Honna Riccio, Louisa’s is famous for serving seafood-centric farm-to-table fare created from locally sourced ingredients.
The tiny restaurant with a chalkboard menu only seats 20 people at a time and is packed with regulars and visitors alike. While guests return time and again for the delicious food, Louisa’s is also well-known for their new Chocolate Bar, which sells a variety of delicious artisan chocolate bars and caramels and specialty, hand-made chocolates from around the country.
104 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-5882
14.Cape May Stage Professional Equity Theater
Cape May Stage Professional Equity Theater is an intimate theater showcasing a variety of shows, plays, and dinner and show packages. Housed in a beautiful 19th-century church known as the Robert Shackleton Playhouse located at the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May, the theater provides professional performances to the community in a relaxed, intimate setting, and it inspires and fosters education in the arts.
Cape May Stage presents over 150 performances from mid-May through December, ranging from traditional and contemporary works to modern and new works by both established and up-and-coming playwrights. Signature stage productions range from Magicians and Puppet Shows to original, ground-breaking biographical one-act plays, played and presented by award-winning regional and international artists and writers.
405 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-1341
15.Cape May Brewing Company
Cape May Brewery Company is a microbrewery that specializes in brewing and producing delicious craft beer. Established and run by a group of friends who wanted to share their passion for beer with the public, the brewery produces over 100 varieties of beer, the majority of which are only available on draft with a limited selection of bottles for release.
Visitors to the Cape May Brewery can explore the brewery alone on self-guide tours when the tasting room is open, offering a quick, behind-the-scenes peek at the brewery and equipment. Knowledgeable staff present guided tours of the brewery and the opportunity to learn about the brewing process and the people behind Cape May Brewing Co.
These tours last approximately 15-20 minutes and include a free tasting in the taproom, which is the largest in the state. A special Tour & Tasting Package includes four beer samples of your choice, and a signature Cape May Brewing Co. souvenir pint glass to take home.
1288 Hornet Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-849-9933
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Cape May Food Tours offer visitors a culinary and cultural journey into the heart of Cape May. The three-hour guided food tasting and cultural walking tours explore award-winning Cape May restaurants, delectable eateries, and distinctive specialty food stores. Six delicious tastings are included with the tour, making a most satisfying lunch for most appetites.
Local guides lead you through the bustling streets of Cape May and share their knowledge and insight to the history, culture and architecture of the city, creating a delicious blend of food, history, design and people. Tickets for these fantastic and very popular tours should be booked and purchased in advance.
609-527-3131
17.Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center (CMWW & RC) offers unforgettable seafaring safaris to explore the wonders of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1987, Cape May Whale Watch offers whale-watching trips on board the M/V American Star, presenting guests with the chance to see whales, dolphins, seals, and pelagic birds in their natural habitats.
Naturalists on board will share their knowledge about the animals’ feeding, migration, and breeding habits, ‘spotting techniques’ and offer advice on how to capture the essence of these beautiful creatures on camera.
The 90-foot long boat can seat up to 150 passengers with comfortable seating and sighting areas, four restrooms, and a full snack bar. Cape May Whale Watch trips run seasonally and are extremely popular, so advance booking is advised.
1121 Rt. 109 (Utsch's Marina) Cape May, NJ 082041, 888-531-0055
18.Cape May Trolley Tour
Explore Cape May in a unique and exciting way – on a Cape May Trolley Tour. Hop on one of the town’s bright red trolleys, and take a guided tour around the streets of Cape May. Knowledgeable guides share knowledge, information, snippets of history, and interesting facts while you rumble along, from the town’s rich Victorian heritage and maritime history.
Trolley tours can be enjoyed by the whole family, with a variety of tours offered for younger guests, and themed tours for groups and special events. Signature tours include the Cape Mayhem Trolley Tour, which explores superstitions, strange beliefs, curiosities, and mysteries from the 19th century; the Historic District Trolley Tour where guests can enjoy entertaining and educational stories about the nation's oldest seashore resort; the Physick Estate Tour, which takes visitors on a guided tour of Cape May's only Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate.
1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-5404 / 800-275-4278
19.Tastings & Tours
Tastings & Tours offers a variety of winery, brewery and distillery tours around New Jersey. Wine and brewery tours are available around the regions of Bucks County, Cape May, and Lehigh Valley/Berks County and feature comfortable transport to and from the winery or brewery, facility tours with an expert guide and tastings of the products from each farm. Lunch at a local restaurant is also included in the tour package, where guests can relax with excellent food and wine.
Guests must be over 21 years of age to participate in the tour, and tour packages include a professional tour guide/driver, local transportation, tour and lunch, and VIP tastings. Tours are available for special events, and booking in advance is recommended.
484-695-6465
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One New Jersey’s finest wineries, Turdo Vineyards is a family-owned and run vineyard and winery that produces premium wines from quality varietals under the label TURIS. Husband and wife team, Sal and Sara, run the winery and are involved in the entire process from picking the grapes to filtering, washing, bottling, and running the tasting room.
TURIS wines are 100% estate grown and are harvested by hand at peak maturity. Signature white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Rosato (blush), while red vintages range from Nero D’Avola, an indigenous grape from Sicily, Barbera from the Piemonte region in Italy, and Sangiovese from Tuscany.
3911 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-5591
21.Garrett Family Preserve
Taking a trip to the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek is a lot like being pulled into a fairytale land with its gorgeous ever-changing landscape and abundant wildlife. It’s the perfect place to visit for nature lovers who want to retreat to a tranquil place of peace and quiet, and for birdwatching enthusiasts who want to see all that Cape May has to offer. Wander through overgrown fields of fruit-bearing trees and wildflowers as you keep a lookout for red-tailed hawks, horned owls, and other raptors perched upon trees ready to hunt. In addition to bird watching, the preserve has more than four miles of trails to explore, shaded pavilions to picnic under, and even pubic art easels for the use of painters and sketchers.
801 Wilson Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204, Phone: 609-861-0600
22.Willow Creek Winery
Located in New Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain and surrounded by the ocean and bay, Willow Creek Winery boasts a 50-acre vineyard that produces premium sustainable wines. Boasting a unique microclimate that is very similar to that of Bordeaux in France, which produces exceptional grape harvests, Willow Creek produces excellent wines from a range of award-winning varietal.
Willow Creek Winery not only produces some of the finest hand-crafted wines found outside of Europe, but also offers spectacular scenery of vineyards and gardens to stroll around and explore, and an architecturally stunning wine-tasting room with a beautiful outside brick patio and fireplace. Willow Creek is open to the public for daily farm and vineyard tours, wine tastings, light tapas lunches, winery tours, and private wine paired events.
160-168 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-770-8782
23.Cape May National Golf Club
Cape May National Golf Club is renowned for its beautiful scenery and natural landscapes. Nicknamed “The Natural,” the course is surrounded by a 50-acre private bird sanctuary, which is home to an array of bird species, both endangered and migrating. Designed by Karl Litten/Robert Mullock, the 18-hole course features 6,905 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71 and has a slope rating of 136 on Bent grass and a course rating of 72.9.
Other course and club amenities include a 25-tees driving range, a fully stocked pro shop with golf equipment, clothing, and accessories, and lessons and clinics run by pro golfers.
Route 9 & Florence Avenue, Erma, NJ, 609-884-1563
24.Jersey Shore Alpacas
Undeniably a unique and intriguing attraction in Cape May, Jersey Shore Alpacas is the perfect place for family’s who want to see adorable and friendly alpacas up-close and personal. This small family farm was established in 2005 and is owned, operated, and lovingly maintained by the husband-and-wife duo of Jim and Tish Carpinelli. Together, they raise 18 adorable alpacas, each of which have their own unique personalities, which truly shine when there are visitors around. The best way to enjoy the farm is through their special Fence Line Feeding Tours which are led by knowledgeable guides and allow guests to feed these lovely animals with their favorite treats – carrots. After getting to know the alpacas, be sure to drop by the farm store after to pick up great items made out of the alpacas fine, warm, and comfortable fleece.
521 Route 47 South, Cape May, New Jersey 08204, Phone: 609-889-4957
25 Best Things to Do in Cape May, New Jersey
- Cape May Beaches, Photo: Courtesy of Chad McDermott - Fotolia.com
- Cape May Lighthouse, Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Kazmierski - Fotolia.com
- Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum, Photo: Naval Air Station Wildwood
- Cape May Carriage Company, Photo: Courtesy of dmitrimaruta - Fotolia.com
- Emlen Physick Estate, Photo: Emlen Physick Estate
- Washington Street Mall, Photo: Washington Street Mall
- Fire Control Tower No. 23, Photo: Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
- The Historic Cold Spring Village, Photo: Courtesy of okskukuruza - Fotolia.com
- Nature Center of Cape May, Photo: Courtesy of lcrms - Fotolia.com
- Curious Cape May, Photo: Curious Cape May
- The Colonial House Museum, Photo: The Colonial House Museum
- The Museum of Cape May County, Photo: The Museum of Cape May County
- Louisa's Restaurant & Chocolate Bar, Photo: Louisa's Restaurant & Chocolate Bar
- Cape May Stage Professional Equity Theater, Photo: Courtesy of kasto - Fotolia.com
- Cape May Brewing Company, Photo: Courtesy of Irmelamela - Fotolia.com
- Cape May Food Tours, Photo: Courtesy of chriss73 - Fotolia.com
- Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center, Photo: Courtesy of Susan - Fotolia.com
- Cape May Trolley Tour, Photo: Cape May Trolley Tour
- Tastings & Tours, Photo: Courtesy of hennyvanroomen - Fotolia.com
- Turdo Vineyards & Winery, Photo: Turdo Vineyards & Winery
- Garrett Family Preserve, Photo: Natalie/stock.adobe.com
- Willow Creek Winery, Photo: Willow Creek Winery
- Cape May National Golf Club, Photo: Courtesy of Gunter Menzl - Fotolia.com
- Jersey Shore Alpacas, Photo: F&J McGinn/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Moyer - Fotolia.com
More ideas:
South Cape May Meadows
South Cape May Meadows is a renowned birding spot that was established in 1981. This land is an excellent resting habitat for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway before they cross the Delaware Bay. Admire the freshwater wetlands, meadows, dunes, ponds, and a stretch of protected beach.
Spectacular sights await visitors as they get the opportunity to view birds on both the freshwater wetland and the undeveloped beach. Take the one-mile loop trail from the entrance to the beachfront, along the way the observation platform offers picturesque views of this terrain.
Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Hotel Spotlight: Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey
Congress Hall is a luxury resort in fashionable Cape May, New Jersey. This beautiful, sophisticated resort is America's oldest, having been founded in 1816 by Thomas Hughes. At first, the hotel was called "The Big House", and was a simple wood boarding house for summer vacationers. The name was changed to its current moniker when, in 1828, Thomas Hughes was elected to Congress.
In 1878, a fire swept through the hotel, destroying it entirely. A replacement was erected, this time in brick. The gracious hotel has been loved by popular writers, entertainments, and several American presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Benjamin Harrison all stayed at Congress Hall. Benjamin Harrison spent so much time at the hotel during the warm months of the year that he referred to the resort as his "Summer White House".
All of the more than one hundred rooms and suites of Congress Hall are decorated to soothe and calm, using the blue shades of the sea, tasteful artwork, and enviable views of the ocean. Rooms at Congress Hall have TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, two phones, voice mail, a data port, terry robes, a bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries, an iron and ironing board, and receive twice daily housekeeping.
Suites
The large, gracious suites at Congress Hall are decked in sedate blues and grays, have playful seaside accents, and daring splashes of color. Bedding is plush, and the furniture is custom-designed and handcrafted.
The Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large parlor, and a well-proportioned balcony. One bedroom overlooks the grand lawn, and is dominated by a gorgeous king canopy bed. It has an en suite bathroom with a whirlpool to relax in. The second bedroom also has a king bed. This room has an ocean view, and comfortable club chairs. Two queen sleeper sofas in the parlor help accommodate extra guests. The expansive parlor has plenty of seating and a wet bar.
Next read: 20 Best New Jersey Beaches
The Annie Knight Suite is named for the woman who owned the hotel during the years 1904-1931. This lovely suite has two bedrooms, both with king beds, a parlor with a pullout sofa, and a living area that includes a full kitchen and a dining table. The deck of the suite looks out at the ocean.
The Junior Suites have an atmosphere redolent of an American cottage. These suites include a comfortable bed, a queen sleeper sofa, cozy armchairs, and are lovely and serene.
Deluxe Guestrooms are outfitted with a king canopy bed, an old-fashioned desk, a seating area with two club chairs, and doors leading to a private balcony. Both ocean view and town view rooms are available. Superior Rooms have two queen or one king bed, town or ocean views, a sleeper loveseat, and a club chair. Standard Rooms have a town or ocean view, one queen or two queen beds, and a comfortable chair.
Congress Hall has a strong focus on farm-to-table dining. All of its produce and eggs come from the resort's own Beach Plum Farm, a 62-acre plantation that grows more than one hundred varieties of fruit, vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers. A large flock of chickens provide eggs for the hotel. Each year approximately 10,000 pounds of tomatoes and 2,000 pounds of strawberries are grown at Beach Plum Farm.
The Blue Pig Tavern in Congress Hall offers American comfort food to its diners. Guests here can sit indoors in the splendid dining room near the fireplace, or stretch out on the secluded patio. Farm-fresh produce means that the menu changes according to the season, but some of the standby favorites include macaroni and cheese, fish and chips, chicken noodle soup, meatloaf, steak, and spaghetti. Salad lovers will be in their element here, with fresh crisp vegetables to devour, and roast chicken, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers are always available. Fresh seafood from the Atlantic rounds out the menu.
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The Boiler Room is an underground music club and pizzeria located in the basement of Congress Hall. The late night club has a distinctly urban feel, and live entertainment means that diners can dance between courses, or just sit back and enjoy the tunes. Sports matches are always showing on the twelve large HD TVs in The Boiler Room, and salads, brick oven pizza, cocktails, and ice cold beer make this restaurant the perfect place to end the day.
If The Boiler Room is the perfect place to end the day, then Tommy's Folly Coffee Shop is the ideal place to start it. Wake up to coffee, espresso, and cappuccino, accompanied by freshly baked pastries and muffins, sandwiches, and wraps. Breakfast can be enjoyed outside either in rocking chairs on the veranda, or in Adirondack chairs on the lawn overlooking the sea.
The Brown Room is a lounge where comfort is key. Guests can sink into deep leather chairs, relax by the fireplace, and enjoy the surroundings. The Brown Room is tricked out in 1930s décor, with a large zebra-skin rug, palm trees, and fine period artwork. Live entertainment plays while guests savor signature cocktails, beer, and wine, and dine on a selection of small plate offerings. Baked clams, smoked salmon, meatballs, and devilled eggs are just a few of The Brown Room's menu items.
The Sea Spa offers facials, massage, body treatments, waxing, manicures, and pedicures. The facials on the spa menu hydrate, cleanse, and exfoliate, while minimizing fine lines and smoothing rough skin. Guests of the hotel come to be soothed by massage, whether it be a classic Swedish rubdown, a deep therapeutic massage, prenatal treatment, a foot rub, or the relaxing effects of hot stone therapy. Body treatments include a hydrating wrap, sea salt exfoliation, or a detoxifying body mask made of seaweed.
Whether it be swimming, biking, bird watching, hiking, or sunbathing by the pool, Congress Hall and the Cape May area have something to please every guest.
The beach at Congress Hall is the main attraction for summer visitors. Striped beach tents are the big hit, and reservations for them go quickly. Beach tent rentals include two lounge chairs, lush beach towels, a cooler containing water, soda, and iced tea, a table, and food service. Those not lucky enough to get a beach tent can still use the resort's loungers, beach umbrellas, and towels, and have a bite to eat at the beach's own food stand. Hungry beachgoers can snack on hummus with pita bread, guacamole with tortillas, fresh watermelon and other local fruits, giant chocolate chip cookies, potato chips, sandwiches, ice cream and salads. A children's menu is offered for youngsters. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach, but the beach menu offers soda, lemonade, and water.
Sun lovers who prefer a pool deck will love the relaxing lounge chairs around the hotel's large pool. Surrounded by lush gardens and the grand lawn, guests can sunbathe, swim, and dine on the same menu as beachgoers. Alcoholic beverages are welcome at the pool, and guests may choose from cold beer and signature cocktails.
The hotel offers bicycle rentals for guests who would like to tour the area. Single bikes, tandem bicycles, and children's bikes are available. A popular destination is Beach Plum Farm, only a mile and a half from Congress Hall, and open to guests. Kids will like the opportunity to check out the chickens, pigs, and ducks who call the farm home.
For fitness buffs there are jogging and running trails nearby, plenty of places to walk, and a fitness center right in the hotel. Guests may enjoy Boot Camp or yoga classes on the beach. Kayak and paddle board rentals and lessons are available locally.
Every weekend, Congress Hall offers historical tours that last about an hour. On Thursday evenings, family members can get together for karaoke night, and on Monday evenings everyone can join in the carnival on the grand lawn. Carnivals feature family-friendly games, face-painting, balloon animals, and food vendors.
The Cape May area is a haven for sea and migratory birds. Hundreds of varieties of birds have been sighted here, and include sandpipers, gulls, terns, pelicans, mergansers, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, cormorants, egrets, ibis, herons, mockingbirds, flycatchers, and hawks. Birding tours are available, both on land and by boat. Lovers of sea animals can take whale watching tours during which the area's whales, dolphins, and sea birds delight sailors and visitors alike.
The Victorian charm and excellent service of Congress Hall makes it a highly popular wedding destination. For one hundred years, people have come to Congress Hall to be married on the grand lawn, the beach, or in the huge ballroom indoors. The hotel employs wedding planning and event coordinating experts who help to coordinate every aspect of the big day.
Wedding packages are offered by the hotel, and include two nights' accommodation for the happy couple in a Deluxe Room, the services of a wedding planner and event coordinator, valet parking, fine banquet linens, and on-site wedding cake services. A premium open bar and champagne for toasting helps make the wedding festive, and hot and cold passed hors d'oeuvres, plated and buffet meals, desserts, and a children's menu will appeal to even the fussiest eater.
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200 Congress Place, Cape May, New Jersey 08204, Phone: 609-884-8421,
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