Cape May — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerAug 6, 2026

Summer Might Be Coming to an End, But These East Coast Beach Towns Thrive in the Fall

Where to find the locals' summer, from Nantucket to Cape May.

24 things in this story

The Whaling MuseumMuseumNantucket, United Statesvisit this downtown museum
North Fork of Long IslandNeighborhoodLong Island, United Statesoffers wine tastings, farm visits, scenic hikes, vintage shopping
Breeze Hill FarmSightLong Island, United Statespick up apple cider donuts here
Orient Beach State ParkTrailLong Island, United StatesThe park is situated at the tip of the North Fork of Long Island.
Laurel Lake PreserveTrailLong Island, United StatesConserving Long Island's working farms and natural lands…
The Times VintageSightGreenport, United Statesshop for a '70s shift dress
Beal & BellSightGreenport, United Statesshop for midcentury-modern coffee tables
Silver Sands MotelMotelGreenport, United Statesoffers stargazing experience with Custer Institute
McCall WinesSightGreenport, United Statesbook an exclusive winery tour and tasting
Sayle's SeafoodRestaurantNantucket, United Statesgrab bay scallops starting in October
Mitchell's Book CornerSightNantucket, United Statespop into this downtown shop
Sconset Bluff WalkTrailNantucket, United Stateswalk to Sankaty Head Lighthouse for coastal scenery
Sankaty Head LighthouseSightNantucket, United Statesdestination of the Sconset Bluff Walk
Batacular Bike RaceFestivalNantucket, United Statescoincides with Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Fall Festival
Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Fall FestivalFestivalNantucket, United Stateslate October event with a bike race
Middle MoorsNature reserveNantucket, United Statesbeautiful loop for biking during the Batacular Bike Race
Bartlett's FarmSightNantucket, United Statesvisit this farm for pumpkins and winter squash
Mabel'sRestaurantKennebunkport, United StatesMabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport is a classic Maine restaurant serving a variety of seafood from fried clams to…
Alisson’sRestaurantKennebunkport, United StatesLocated in the center of Dock Square, Alisson's has been a Kennebunkport tradition since 1973.
Tyler Brook PreserveNature reserveKennebunkport, United Statesexperience fall foliage from this river-lined preserve
Rachel Carson Wildlife RefugeTrailKennebunkport, United Statesfilled with wildlife in cooler months
Sound View Dunes ParkTrailLong Island, United States
The BeachsideHotelNantucket, United States
FarawayHotelNantucket, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 4

6 Best Spas in New Jersey, From a Chic Countryside Estate to a Bathhouse on the Boardwalk

The Garden State's spa scene is in bloom—here's where to get some well-deserved R&R.

6 sights in this story

Sea Spa at Congress HallSightOffers sea-inspired scrubs steps from the shore.
Elsewhere
Spa Pendry NatirarSightNatirar, United StatesA world-class spa in Somerset County, NJ, Spa Pendry Natirar offers a space to unwind and relax with a range of…
SoJo Spa ClubSightEdgewater, United StatesAuthentic spa treatments, therapeutic saunas, and striking panoramic views of New York City await.
Exhale Spa and Bathhouse at Ocean Casino ResortSightAtlantic City, United StatesBathhouse on the boardwalk.
Island Spa & SaunaSightAtlantic City, United StatesOffers a Korean head spa.
Elements SpaSightAtlantic City, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 23

12 Best Family Beach Vacations in the US to Visit Before Summer Ends

Searching closer to home for a coastal family getaway this year? From Puerto Rico to Wisconsin, Americans can get creative in their quest for sun and sand.

14 things in this story

Beach Plum FarmPlaceTour the 62-acre grounds, feed chickens, and pick up provisions.
Congress HallHotelAmerica's oldest seaside resort, welcoming guests for over 200 years.
Elsewhere
Henderson Beach State ParkParkDestin, United StatesAdjacent park offering complimentary day passes for resort guests.
Sanderling ResortHotelOuter Banks, United StatesHas private beaches and pools, plus kayaking and surfing.
Lodge at Gulf State ParkHotelGulf State Park, United StatesBeachfront hotel in a 6,200-acre eco-preserve on the Gulf of Mexico.
Interpretive CenterMuseumGulf State Park, United StatesInteractive exhibits on the park’s nine ecosystems.
Gulf State Park trailsTrailGulf State Park, United StatesBike or walk some of the 28 miles of trails.
Aulani Resort & SpaHotelOahu, United StatesThis $800-million, family-friendly Disney beach resort opened in 2011 on the leeward side of Oahu.
Mo'olelo Fire Pit StorytellingPlaceOahu, United StatesEvening storytelling that illustrates Disney's unparalleled entertainment.
HuttopiaHotelSanford, United StatesGlamping resort on 40 wooded acres with a heated outdoor pool.
Timber Cove ResortHotelJenner, United StatesModern-bohemian enclave on bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Timber Cove hiking trailsTrailJenner, United StatesOn-site hiking trails showcase this stretch of California coast.
HendersonParkDestin, United StatesBeachfront resort with ways to test the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village' moniker.
Timpoochee TrailTrailSouth Walton, United StatesBike to beachfront towns on this 18-mile trail.

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Lonely PlanetJul 22

The best beaches in New Jersey

"Down the shore" is as much a feeling as it is a place: Bike rides to the bay and pizza and custard on the boardwalk.These are the best beaches on the Jersey Shore.

12 things in this story

Cape May Bird ObservatorySightCheck in for migratory bird information.
Elsewhere
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation AreaSightSandy Hook, United StatesSee NYC skyline from beach; includes nude and gay beaches.
Fort HancockSightSandy Hook, United StatesGlimpse of prior importance as military and navigational site.
Stone PonyTheatreAsbury Park, United StatesNightclub where Bruce Springsteen got his start.
Barnegat PeninsulaNeighborhoodSeaside Heights, United StatesLocals call it 'the barrier island'.
Island Beach State ParkSightSeaside Park, United StatesOffers fishing, wildlife, and untouched sand dunes.
Barnegat LighthouseSightBarnegat Light, United StatesKiller view from Island Beach State Park.
Farias Surf ShopPlaceShip Bottom, United StatesRent bikes here to explore the island.
Steel PierSightAtlantic City, United StatesOffers rides and amusements.
All Saints’ Anglican ChurchSightGalle Fort, Sri Lanka
Maritime Archaeology MuseumMuseumGalle Fort, Sri Lanka
Dutch GateSightGalle Fort, Sri Lanka

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 17

9 Best Cape May Airbnbs to Book for a Jersey Summer

Whether you’re interested in birdwatching or breweries, America’s oldest seaside resort has it all.

25 things in this story

The Lobster HouseRestaurantIconic restaurant near Cape May.
Cape May Brewing CompanyPlaceKnown for IPAs and an expansive garden.
Washington Street MallMarketIt makes up the southernmost three blocks of Washington Street, a major east-west street in the city, which runs from…
South Cape May Meadows PreserveSightNearby nature preserve.
Harry's Ocean Bar and GrilleRestaurantNearby restaurant.
Cove BeachSightCape May City’s beaches are family friendly, clean, and close to restrooms and food.
Cape May MarinaSightMarina next to a one-bedroom rental.
Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island CreekSightNearby preserve.
Elsewhere
The Shore ClubRestaurantMiddle Township, United StatesLocated on the bays of Stone Harbor in New Jersey, The Shore Club offers premier private golf, recreation and an…
Higbee BeachSightLower Township, United StatesBeach welcoming four-legged friends.
Cox Wildlife Management AreaSightLower Township, United StatesNearby wildlife area.
Historic Cold Spring VillageSightLower Township, United StatesNearby historic village.
Miami BeachSightLower Township, United StatesIt is a principal city in the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida.
Fleck’s Ice CreamIce cream shopLower Township, United StatesNearby ice cream shop.
Cape May LighthouseSightCape May Point, United StatesFamous lighthouse near a renovated cottage.
Adullam LakeSightCape May Court House, United StatesLake next to a nature retreat cottage.
Cape May County Park and ZooSightCape May Court House, United StatesNearby park and zoo.
Avalon Golf ClubSightCape May Court House, United StatesNearby golf club.
Natali VineyardsSightCape May Court House, United StatesNearby vineyard.
Beach Plum FarmSightLower Township, United StatesNearby farm.
Sunray BeachSightMiddle Township, United States
Jersey Shore AlpacasSightMiddle Township, United States
Norbury's LandingSightMiddle Township, United States
MudHen Brewing CompanyRestaurantLower Township, United States
Pearl BeachTrailCape May Point, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerMar 5

9 Dreamy Hotels Our Editors Are Booking This Summer

From villas on the Amalfi Coast to historic inns at the Jersey Shore, these one-of-a-kind properties are getting us excited for the sunshiny months ahead.

9 hotels in this story

Virginia HotelHotelSeaside landmark hosting guests since 1879 in Cape May.
Elsewhere
Le SirenuseHotelPositano, ItalyIconic, family-owned jewel perched above the Amalfi Coast.
Ett HemHotelStockholm, SwedenCharming Arts and Crafts townhouse with midcentury-modern furniture.
Silver Sands Motel & Beach BungalowsHotelNorth Fork, United StatesHas firepits, fishing charters, and Flamingo Estate toiletries.
AmanyaraHotelProvidenciales, Turks and Caicos IslandsRetreat on Providenciales island with timber-shingled pavilions.
The Claremont HotelHotelSouthwest Harbor, United StatesOldest hotel on island with pool overlooking Somes Sound.
Brush Creek RanchHotelSaratoga, United StatesLuxury cabins with private decks and open-range views.
Madonna InnHotelSan Luis Obispo, United StatesMadonna Inn in San Luis Obispo offers 110 themed rooms, spa, pool, dining, bakery, shopping, and horseback riding—all…
Life Gallery Hotel & SpaHotelUbud, Indonesia

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 4, 2025

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Visit Cape May on the Jersey Shore

It's been called the Stars Hollow of New Jersey—and for good reason.

26 things in this story

Cape May LighthouseSightClimb the cast-iron spiral stairway for coastline views
Willow Creek WineryRestaurantEnjoy wine by a firepit with a crisp breeze
Victorian WeekendFestivalPeek inside Victorian homes, craft fairs, baseball games
Emlen Physick EstateMuseumTake a ghost tour of this Victorian house museum
South Cape May MeadowsNature reserve200-acre wetland area for migrating raptors
Cape May Bird ObservatorySightOffers programming with experienced naturalists
Cape May Point State ParkNature reserveHome to the iconic lighthouse
Higbee BeachSightWatch warblers, raptors, and shorebirds take flight
Beach Plum FarmPlaceHayrides, cider, pumpkin picking, farm market
West End GarageMarketAntique market in a 1940s garage
Sunset BeachSightAmazing sunset views and hunt for quartz crystals
The Lobster HouseRestaurantDockside seafood restaurant with a 130-foot sailing vessel
Good Earth Organic EateryRestaurant600 Park Boulevard, West Cape May, NJ 08204 609-898-6161 Free Parking ~ Cash Only (ATM inside) ~ BYOB Reservations…
Chez Michel French BakeryRestaurantChez Michel is a small French bakery located in West Cape May.
Peter Shield InnRestaurantExperience exceptional fine dining at Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, celebrated as one of the best restaurants in Cape…
Washington InnRestaurantFamily-owned and operated since 1978, the Washington Inn takes pride in its warm hospitality and outstanding cuisine.
Fish HouseRestaurantEnjoy fresh fish right on Sunset Beach
PortHotelFamous lobster caviar fries, watch football Sundays
Cape May Brewing CompanyPlaceTasting of seasonal beers
Cape May Winery and VineyardRestaurantLive-music happy hour Fridays 5–8 p.m.
Elaine'sTheatreLocals hang out on the expansive patio
Virginia HotelHotelEnjoy cocktails by the fireplace with live piano
Congress HallHotelGrand resort with ocean or mall views
Boiler RoomRestaurantPizza restaurant slash nightclub with live music
Beach Plum Bakery and CaféRestaurant
Ostara’s Coffee HouseRestaurant

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National GeographicSep 27, 2023

These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall

Summer may be over, but beach season doesn’t have to be. In fact, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the best time to explore coastal towns where cultural sites, natural wonders, and ...

18 things in this story

Cape May LighthouseSightClimb 199 steps for a bird's-eye view.
Madison’s BakeryBakeryFamily-owned bakery for a sticky bun.
Cape May BreweryRestaurantOffers a double IPA.
S.S. AtlantusSightExplore the skeletal remains at Sunset Beach.
Elsewhere
Haystack RockNature reserveCannon Beach, United States235-foot basalt sea stack on the shoreline.
Revere Beach ReservationSightRevere, United StatesFirst public beach in the U.S.
Kelly’s Roast BeefFast foodRevere, United StatesGrab a roast beef sammie or lobster roll.
Twist & ShakeRestaurantRevere, United StatesFamily-run spot for a sundae.
Welcome PoleSightCannon Beach, United States10-foot cedar sculpture by Guy Capoeman.
Cannon Beach History Center and MuseumMuseumCannon Beach, United StatesSee one of the namesake cannons.
Main BeachSightLaguna Beach, United StatesAction-packed beach where Michael Jordan played basketball.
Thousand Steps BeachSightLaguna Beach, United StatesSecluded beach reached by a steep staircase.
Top of the World hikeTrailLaguna Beach, United States2.4-mile hike with panoramic views.
Old Town TrolleyPlaceSt. Augustine, United StatesTour the historic city.
City GateSightSt. Augustine, United StatesBuilt with coquina blocks in 1808.
González-Alvarez HouseMuseumSt. Augustine, United StatesOldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in the city.
Crescent BeachSightSt. Augustine, United StatesGo horseback riding on this sandy shore.
Mickler’s Landing BeachSightSt. Augustine, United StatesLook for shark's teeth on pink sand.

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