Cape May is known for fun times under the sun on the east coast. Visitors can enjoy dolphin and whale watching during the summer, stroll along the Cape May Promenade, and have fun at Historic Cold Spring Village. You may think Cape May becomes a ghost town once chilly winter weather arrives. It may be cold outside, and snow is beginning to fall, but there’s still fun to have in our Victorian beach town! Get ready to bundle up and plan the best winter getaway to Cape May.
Bundle Up and Head Out
Let’s be honest, winter here can get brisk. Highs hover in the 40s and there’s always a chill in the sea breeze. But that’s part of the charm. Picture yourself wrapped in a scarf, gloved hands holding a hot drink, strolling through a quiet town where every block feels like a postcard.
Nature is Still Wide Open
Cape May Point State Park in winter is peaceful and beautiful. The trails are calm, and you’ll often have the place to yourself. Look for warblers, hawks, and winter birds. Don’t forget the binoculars.
And yes, the Cape May Lighthouse is open on weekends. The view of the ocean and surrounding town in winter is breathtaking. Fewer people. Just as much beauty.
Warm Meals on Cold Days
Not every restaurant closes when summer ends. In fact, some of the best meals happen in winter when you can enjoy them in peace.
Start your morning at Bella Vida Garden Café. It’s bright, cozy, and full of local charm. For dinner, Lucky Bones Backwater Grille is the go-to for fresh seafood and comfort food in a relaxed setting. And if you’re visiting in February or later, don’t miss Willow Creek Winery, which reopens after its winter break in early February, perfect for a glass of wine by the fire or a quiet afternoon tasting among the vines.
Walk the beach
The ocean never closes. It’s still just as peaceful, maybe even more so. Bring a warm coat and take it all in.
Shop the Washington Street Mall
Many stores are open, and you can actually enjoy browsing without dodging crowds. It’s the perfect place to grab a gift or a hot drink.
Tour the Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May’s rich Victorian history is always on display. The estate offers guided tours and special winter events.
Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum
A powerful and moving museum that shares a deeper layer of Cape May’s story. It’s open all year and well worth the visit.
See the animals at the Cape May County Zoo
It’s free, it’s open in winter, and it’s a great quiet outing with or without kids.
Birdwatching in the wild
Cape May is known for its birding, and winter doesn’t stop the show. Whether you’re a birder or just enjoy a walk in nature, there’s always something to see.
A Stay at Southern Mansion
Our historic mansion, built circa 1860, is set on one-and-a-half acres of award-winning landscapes in Cape May’s historic district. Our 40,000-sq.ft. Italianate villa-style mansion stands out as an antique home, fitting in perfectly with the other colorful houses of Cape May!
Stay with us and book a cozy room and enjoy decadent furnishings, plush linens, towels, and antique finishings that set the Southern Mansion apart from any other bed and breakfast in the area. Book your stay with us today.
