If you don’t have a car or simply want to explore on foot, Cape May, New Jersey is the place to be. With a walkable downtown, a strong bike culture, and public transportation service, a car-free Cape May trip is possible. Ocean Club Hotel offers great accommodations, including ocean-view rooms, and fine dining without the fuss. Here, we share some helpful information on planning a weekend getaway in Cape May without a car.
Key Takeaways
- It’s possible to explore Cape May without a car, as it has a highly walkable design, bike rentals, and public transportation services.
- If you plan to visit Cape May without a car, it’s recommended to stay in the beachfront area or in the Historic District, which are near several restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- Things to do on a car-free Cape May trip include renting bicycles to see the town, taking a guided walking tour, visiting the beach and promenade, and trying local restaurants.
- Ocean Club Hotel has a beachfront location that makes it perfect for car-free guests. It also has a heated pool, on-site dining, and a sun deck that will help you enjoy your experience without leaving the hotel.
Why Cape May Works Well Without a Car
Some people may think they need a car to get to and around Cape May, but it isn’t a requirement. There are public transportation options for arriving, including the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Delaware and NJ Transit buses from New Jersey and New York. Visitors can also use private boats or ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.
Cape May is a small town that stretches only 2.9 miles, making it easy to navigate without a vehicle. There is a walkable downtown and promenade area, and bike rentals are available around town for people who want to get around without walking all the time. Staying near Beach Avenue or the Historic District puts you close to many major attractions, including the beach, promenade, and Washington Street Mall.
A Sample Car-Free Weekend Itinerary
Cape May is easy to explore without a vehicle, and you can still get a memorable experience on foot or by bike. Some ideas to add to your car-free weekend itinerary include:
Friday Arrival
Whether you’re arriving by bus, ferry, boat, or a ride-share vehicle, you’ll want to head to your hotel and settle in once you get into town. If it’s still early in the day, consider visiting your hotel’s pool for some fun in the sun. When dinner time comes around, Ocean Club hotel offers on-site dining or you can take a walk to a nearby restaurant. Popular options near Beach Avenue include Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille and Mermaids Restaurant.
Saturday
Saturday will likely be your busiest day, so think about renting bikes to cover more area. Some fun ideas for your day include:
- Heading to the beach to swim or sunbathe
- Walking along the promenade, where there are candy stores, arcades, and ice cream shops
- Exploring Washington Street Mall, which is home to local shops, bakeries, and more
- Dining at a local restaurant to try fresh seafood or another delicious meal
- Taking a guided walking tour of Victorian architecture
Walking from the beachfront to Washington Street Mall in the Historic District takes around five minutes, meaning you won’t need to worry about long treks in the sun.
Sunday
On Sunday, it will be time to check out of your hotel. Before you pack up and head out, grab breakfast nearby at Mad Batter, a popular place with pancakes, omelets, benedicts, and more. Then, take in one last oceanfront walk before you leave.
Plan Your Car-Free Cape May Trip Today
In a world where many popular locations require a car to get around, Cape May stands out as an ideal spot for a car-free vacation. Stay right near the beach when you book a room at Ocean Club Hotel, where we offer ocean-view rooms, a heated pool, a sun deck, and on-site dining. To learn more about planning a car-free Cape May trip or to book your stay, contact us today.
FAQ About Car-Free Cape May Vacations
Can you visit Cape May without a car?
Yes, you can visit Cape May without a car. Once you arrive, it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike.
How can you get to Cape May without a car?
You can travel to Cape May by NJ Transit bus, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, private boat, or ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft.
Where should you stay in Cape May if you want to walk?
If you plan to walk in Cape May, you should stay in the beachfront area right along the beaches or in the Historic District, which is close to downtown.
How do you plan a car-free weekend in Cape May?
When planning a car-free weekend in Cape May, be sure to look into how you will arrive without a car and book your tickets ahead of time. Stay in a hotel that is centrally located and use nearby dining and hotel amenities to reduce the need to travel far.
What are some packing tips for a car-free trip?
If you’re planning a car-free trip, be sure to bring comfortable shoes that won’t hurt your feet with lots of walking. It’s also smart to pack lightweight beach gear that you can carry to the beach without too much struggle.