Cape May isn’t just about beach days and Victorian homes—in 2026, it’s all about experiencing the town in ways that feel immersive, memorable, and uniquely local. From narrated trolley rides through historic streets to climbing a lighthouse under moonlight, here’s how to experience unique things to do in Cape May beyond the ordinary.
Ride Cape May’s Historic Trolley Tours (With New Twists)
Operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, Cape May’s trolley tours remain one of the most authentic ways to explore town. In 2026, visitors can choose from a range of themed experiences, including the Historic District Trolley Tour, which dives into Cape May’s preserved Victorian architecture, and the Evening Ghosts of Cape May Tour, where guides share true stories of the town’s haunted past. Seasonal specialty tours—like holiday lights rides and garden tours—add even more variety throughout the year.
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse Under a Full Moon
For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your visit around a Full Moon Climb at the Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park. Held on select evenings, this event lets you climb all 199 steps after dark. At the top, you’ll get panoramic nighttime views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, with the coastline glowing under moonlight. It’s one of the most unique and peaceful ways to see Cape May from above.
Discover Cape May Point State Park and Sunset Beach
Head toward Cape May Point for a quieter, nature-focused experience. Walk the trails at Cape May Point State Park, climb the nearby World War II bunker at Sunset Beach, and don’t miss the daily flag-lowering ceremony during summer evenings. This area is also famous for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations when hawks and shorebirds pass through.
Explore Washington Street Mall and Local Culture
For a lively downtown experience, stroll the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian-only area filled with boutique shops, ice cream parlors, and local restaurants. In 2026, you’ll still find street performers, seasonal events, and pop-up vendors that give the area a vibrant, ever-changing feel—especially in the evenings.
Take a Ghost Tour Through Historic Streets
Cape May’s long history comes with plenty of legends. Walking ghost tours—often departing near the Emlen Physick Estate—offer a deeper dive into real stories tied to historic homes and inns. These tours are storytelling-driven and grounded in local history, making them both entertaining and informative.
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.
