Not everything has to cost money! Discover these free things to do in Cape May that are actually worth it!
Cape May Point State Park
This state park is free to the public. Plus, it is an ideal location for birding, picnics, beach time, and exploring coastal nature walks. Cape May Point State Park spans 244 acres and features wetlands, freshwater meadows, forests, ponds, dunes, and beaches. Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to bird watching and fishing at the park.
Cape May Lighthouse
While visiting Cape May Point State Park, be sure to spend some time at the Cape May Lighthouse. Visitors can climb to the top for free. Still in operation today, the Cape May Lighthouse stands 157 feet tall and is an iconic structure in the town of Cape May. While not the original lighthouse that was built in 1847, it is comprised of the original bricks from the first one built. Visitors are encouraged to take the climb up 199 steps for incredible panoramic views of the Cape May peninsula.
Watch the sunset
Of course, what list of free things to do in Cape May would be complete without a mention of our beautiful sunsets. One of the best places to catch the sunset in Cape May is at Cape May Sunset Point. Just as the name suggests, Sunset Point is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Cape May. Located in the Lower Township, next to Higbee Beach, Sunset Point is the perfect spot to park your car and watch the sun go down on another lovely day in Cape May. Complete the evening with dinner at Sunset Beach Grill, where you can dine with a view.
Discover our guide for the places to watch the sunset in Cape May.
Cape May Zoo
See hundreds of animals from all over the world at the Cape May Zoo. Surrounded by a park, the zoo features a picnic area, playground, hiking trails, and biking trails. The zoo is free and open to the public every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Birding
The National Geographic lists Cape May as one of the best destinations in the world for birding. Due to Cape May’s small peninsula, the area draws in a wide variety of birds during spring and fall migrations. Home to the Cape May Bird Observatory and several popular migratory areas nearby, birding in Cape May is a favorite activity for both locals and visitors alike and it’s free!
Cape May Point is one of the best places for birding in Cape May. Here, visitors will find easy-to-follow trails that lead to ducks, swans, osprey, and other waterfowl.
Victorian home tour
Discover the iconic Victorian houses that put Cape May on the map with the highest concentration of Victorian homes (second to San Francisco). You can take guided tours, with some even taking you inside the homes, but it’s just as easy to design your own tour for free. To help you get started, find out our favorite historic Victorian homes to visit in Cape May.
Stay at Southern Mansion
While we don’t offer free accommodations at the Southern Mansion, we do feature seasonal specials for a budget-friendly Cape May vacation. This fall, take advantage of our seasonal special. In the month of October, stay with us mid-week Sunday through Thursday and receive 20% off. *New reservations only. *Excludes October 10th
Enjoy the charm of our Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens, opulent rooms and suites, plus a fanciful parlor to greet you upon arrival. It’s the perfect complement to any Cape May vacation!
