Beach Plum Farm, Cape May

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.

Tour the 62-acre grounds, feed chickens, and pick up provisions.

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.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

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.

Hayrides, cider, pumpkin picking, farm market

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

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Beach Plum Farm

In the coverage2 stories

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

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