Visiting during the Cape May Memorial Day weekend isn’t just a getaway—it’s a full-on celebration of the season ahead. As the town bursts to life with the first waves of summer, visitors can expect a mix of vibrant events, seaside relaxation, culinary delights, and classic shore-town charm. Whether you’re here to unwind or rev up the fun, here’s what your weekend in Cape May could look like:
Kick off with live music and culture.
Start your weekend with the Cape May Music Festival by Cape May MAC. Launching Memorial Day weekend, this annual tradition brings world-class classical, jazz, and folk performances to intimate venues like the Episcopal Church of the Advent and the Emlen Physick Estate. It’s an uplifting way to set the tone for a magical weekend.
Hit the beaches, where summer begins.
Cape May’s beaches—like Higbee Beach, Poverty Beach, and Sunset Beach—officially open for the season. Bring your beach tag, your flip-flops, and your sunscreen. Don’t miss the iconic Sunset Beach flag-lowering ceremony at dusk, a local tradition that perfectly balances relaxation and reverence.
Explore the buzzing Washington Street Mall.
Three blocks of boutiques, cafés, and galleries await you in Cape May’s iconic pedestrian mall. Grab a cone at Kohr Brothers, browse locally made goods at Whale’s Tale, or pick up beachy decor at West End Garage. It’s perfect for both souvenir shopping and people-watching.
Dine at Cape May’s culinary gems.
Reserve early for hotspots like Tisha’s or Washington Inn. For something more laid-back, hit up Exit Zero Filling Station for burgers with flair and colorful vibes.
Get outdoors and explore.
Rent a bike from Shields Bike Rental and cruise around town, or hop on a Cape May Whale Watcher cruise to see dolphins and maybe even whales! For history lovers, don’t miss a climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse or a visit to the World War II Lookout Tower.
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, all decorated with a historical theme. 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.
