Apart from staying at the new and improved Montreal Beach Resort, what are the top 10 reasons to visit Cape May in 2022? It’s no secret, there are a number of fun things to do in Cape May and plenty of sites to see. Here you’ll find fresh sea air, beautiful beaches, excellent eateries, and fun seasonal activities – just to name a few! In Cape May you’ll also find:
1. A Seaside Resort with History
Cape May is North America’s first seaside resort, incorporated during the height of the Victorian Era. Here you’ll find distinguished Victorian Architecture bursting with old-fashioned charm. Historic sites to visit are:
- The Emlen Physick Estate. Tours available through MAC
- Historic Cold Spring Village. Experience a South Jersey rural community of the 1800s.
- Cape May WWII Lookout Tour. Built in 1942, this tower was one of 15 observation posts across Delaware and New Jersey
2. Beautiful Cape May Beaches
Cape May is well-known for its beautiful beaches, a favorite being the beach at Madison Avenue, from where we operate the Montreal Beach Resort Beach Club. Take advantage of our private cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach-side service from Harry’s, and – of course – the rejuvenating sun, sand, and saltwater of Cape May. Our club staff is always happy to make your beach vacation dreams come true. Other nearby beaches:
- Higbee Wildlife Management Area
- Sunset Beach
- Cape May Point
- Cape May Point State Park
- City Of Cape May
3. Excellent Shopping
Cape May is home to excellent shopping. The Washington Street Mall, and outdoor walking mall, offers a number of locally owned shops full of charming wares. In addition, you can peruse Carpenter’s Square Mall, the beachfront, and West Cape May where Weste Perry Street and Park Boulevard Meet. Visit Capemay.com for a full list of shops. Specialties include:
- Apparel and Accessories
- Gifts and Souvenirs
- Food and Spirits
- Home goods
4. Whale Watching
Cape May was recently featured on Conde Nast Travelers list of top places to watch whales is the US. Whale watching is fun for people of all ages and an excellent way to spend time outdoors. Expect to see whales as they come and go to feed all summer long. Most often spotted are immature (sub-adults) or adults not on a migratory pattern. Humpback, Finback, and Minke are most common. Photo op, anyone? Cape May Whale Watchers:
- Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
- Cape May Whale Watcher
- Spirit of Cape May
5. Bird Watching
Cape May welcomes many bird watchers each year (pros and amateurs). Birdwatching in Cape May is a fun outdoor activity where enthusiasts watch and learn about birds, their migration patterns, feeding preference, behaviors, songs, and more. In Cape May, bird migration occurs year-round, but the busiest times are in the spring and fall. Like whale watching, bird watching in Cape May is an awesome opportunity to take great photos. Your Instagram feed will thank you.
6. 4th of July
4th of July weekend is one of the busiest in Cape May as our oceanfront village is truly an ideal spot to celebrate Independence Day. With colorful fireworks, parades, special events, and old-fashioned summertime fun, Cape May is absolutely a must-visit destination for the holiday. Events include:
- Live Music at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
- Independence Day Parade
- Cape May City Fireworks
- Lower Township Fireworks
- Historic Cold Spring Village events
7. Exit Zero Jazz Festival
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival is always an amazing show. International touring artists perform on two outdoor stages at Exit Zero Ferry Park each festival day. Headline concerts are scheduled in Schmidtchen Theater, plus Cape May bars and restaurants will host many performances also. This year’s performers include:
- Marcus Miller
- Artemis
- Arturo Sandoval
- Makaya Mccraven
- Mingus Big Band
- Cecile McLorin
8. The Theatre
Cape May is home to two playhouses that offer several outstanding theatre performances each year. Whether you’re an experienced critic or an every so often theatergoer, the Cape May theatre scene has something for you. Performances typically run for about four weeks, Spring through Fall. Visit the below websites for more information about upcoming performances.
9. Cape May Wine, Beer, and Spirits
Cape May is well known for its wineries and breweries as each produces excellent beer, wine, and spirits. Nauti Distillery, for example, is located on a 60-acre preserved farm and specializes in farm-to-bottle handcrafted spirits. In fact, they grow many of their own ingredients onsite.
Visit the below establishments for fun tastings and other seasonal events.
Cape May Wineries
- Natali
- Cape May
- Willow Creek
- Hawk Haven
Cape May Breweries
- 7 Mile
- Slack Tide
- Gusto
- Cold Spring
10. Fun Guided Tours (via Trolley)
Hop on a Cape May MAC trolley tour and learn everything you need to know about historic Cape May. We know what you’re thinking…history is boring. Sometimes that’s true, however, these trolley tours are anything but. In fact, they’re typically very interesting not to mention relaxing after a long night out on the town.
Montreal Beach Resort opens for summer 2022 in April. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Cape May. There’s so much happening this year. Book your room now, you won’t want to miss it.