New Jersey Cape May — This historic Victorian town on the state’s southern tip was the country’s first seaside resort and maintains much charm today
A canal, dug from a natural shallow creek, runs from Cape May's harbor to the Delaware Bay making Cape May an island. This simple fact is fundamental to understanding Cape May. But first here are some fairly well-known facts about Cape May, New Jersey:
Though it is an island, Cape May is a part of a "cape," a strip of land projecting into a body of water. Settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times, Cape May has been the destination of vacationers since "resorting" to a different location began, making Cape May America's oldest seaside resort.
In 1878, Cape May City nearly burned to the ground; the reconstruction that followed has left a plethora of Victorian era buildings like no other in America.
With roots as a U.S. Navy base prior to World War II, Cape May's Coast Guard Training Station continues to be an integral part of Cape May.
In 1976, Cape May was declared a National Historic Landmark City.
Cape May ("Cape Island") is made up of Cape May City, the boroughs of West Cape May and Cape May Point and a township ("Lower" which is not to be confused with Middle and Upper - all of which comprise Cape May County).
The year-round population of Cape May is about 4,700, a number that has varied little for over a hundred years. That number can swell to more than 40,000 on some summer weekends.
Getting to Cape May
Directions to Cape May, New Jersey by car, airplane, boat, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Flying to Cape May
The closest airport to Cape May is the Cape May County Airport. You can fly into the Cape May County Airport if you have your own small plane or access to a corporate jet.
The next closest airport is the Atlantic City International Airport. The airport is located about 45 minutes north of Cape May. There are three types of transportation out of the terminal. Rental cars, taxis, and Yellow Van Shuttle. If you need an alternate form of transportation into Cape May you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the NJ Transit Bus Station in Atlantic City. Buses run from this station directly into Cape May. Taxis are always at the airport and Yellow Van Shuttle can be contacted direct for rates and reservations.
PRIVATE BOATS
Cape May is a popular vacation spot for boaters and numerous marinas here make your visit enjoyable whether you're just passing through or planning an extended visit.
Cape-May Lewes Ferry
Another by boat option is one you don't have to pilot yourself! The Cape May Lewes Ferry is a great option for drivers coming from the South.
By Car
If you are traveling from Philadelphia, there are two ways you can drive to reach Cape May.The first option is the Atlantic City Express Route. Take either the Walt Whitman or the Ben Franklin Bridge to I-676 S. Follow the signs to RT-42 S and Atlantic City Expressway. Once on the Expressway, get off at Exit 7S to the Garden State Parkway. Follow the parkway until it ends and you're in Cape May!
