Cape May is a place where walking isn’t just a way to get around—it’s part of the experience. Especially when you’re staying at the stately Southern Mansion, nestled on a quiet, leafy avenue just a few blocks from Cape May’s most iconic sites. Ready to explore Cape May on foot? Here’s the perfect route to take in beaches, boutiques, and bold history—all without needing a car.
Start at Southern Mansion
Begin your day at the Southern Mansion, a breathtaking 1860s Italianate villa turned luxury inn. With lush gardens and a wraparound porch, it feels like stepping into a more elegant era. Located just off Columbia Avenue, it’s within easy walking distance of Cape May’s beach, shopping, historic homes, and museums—making it the perfect basecamp for your walking adventure.
Cape May Beach
A 13-minute walk south puts you at Cape May Beach, one of the most pristine stretches of sand on the Jersey Shore. Stroll along Beach Avenue, breathe in the salty Atlantic air, and watch dolphins dancing offshore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sunrise or a lively afternoon by the surf, this beach delivers year-round charm.
Washington Street Mall
Head north from the beach and find yourself on Washington Street Mall, Cape May’s walkable downtown gem. This brick-paved promenade is car-free and lined with everything from artisan boutiques and local bookstores to ice cream parlors and farm-to-table restaurants. Sip an iced latte, try a saltwater taffy, and explore locally-owned shops filled with handcrafted goods.
Harriet Tubman Museum
A 10-minute walk from Southern Mansion, the Harriet Tubman Museum is more than a historical site—it’s a tribute to resilience and legacy. Housed in the historic Howell House, this museum honors Tubman’s time in Cape May and her heroic efforts in the Underground Railroad. The intimate space offers a deeply moving and educational experience.
Emlen Physick Estate
Finish your walk at the Emlen Physick Estate, an 18-room Victorian mansion built in 1879 and surrounded by lush gardens and shaded paths. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of Cape May’s elite during the Gilded Age, complete with authentic furnishings and tales of the Physick family. It’s a living museum that’s both elegant and eerie (yes, there are ghost tours too!).
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.
