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.
Home to the iconic lighthouse
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.
- 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
- Peter Shield InnRestaurant
- Washington InnRestaurant