When you have a long weekend, heading to Cape May, New Jersey, is a great idea. With sandy beaches, fresh, farm-to-table food, and local boutiques, Cape May is an ideal spot to spend a few days. Ocean Club Hotel provides ocean-view accommodations right near the beach, along with on-site dining and a heated pool. Here, we help you plan your weekend getaway and share some ideas for your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Cape May, NJ, is well-suited for weekend getaways because it is walkable, small enough to see in a few days, and close to many major cities.
- It’s a good idea to balance relaxing with attractions and outings to keep your weekend restful and enjoyable.
- During your weekend trip, plan a low-key day with lunch and swimming at the pool; a busier day with the beach, a tour, or a nice restaurant; and a breakfast and walk before you leave on your last day.
- Ocean Club Hotel is a great place to stay for a weekend trip, offering a beachfront location, on-site dining, a heated pool, a sun deck, and more.
Why Cape May Fits a Three-Day Itinerary
Cape May is a small town that covers just 2.9 square miles. This small footprint makes it a highly walkable place that can be covered in a long weekend. Even though it’s not a large city, Cape May still offers plenty of variety without feeling overwhelming.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, try local restaurants, explore historic or architectural sites, or shop for mementos, America’s original seaside resort offers it all and more in one destination. Cape May is also within driving distance of several major cities, including Philadelphia, New York City, Atlantic City, Baltimore, and more, making it ideal for long weekends.
How to Spend Each Day Without Overplanning
When planning a long weekend trip, you want to balance relaxation with exploration. You don’t want to pack so much into your visit that you’re exhausted or not plan enough things and end up bored. Here is a sample itinerary for a three-day weekend in Cape May:
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Cape May, you’ll want to check into your hotel or other lodging and get settled. You may be hungry after driving, so plan to grab lunch near the hotel. You can ask the concierge for recommendations on nearby restaurants or do some quick research on top-rated eateries.
After lunch, you can relax by the hotel pool or take a stroll to Washington Street Mall, an outdoor shopping area with local boutiques, bakeries, and more. If your hotel has on-site dining, the first day of your trip might be ideal to eat there, so you can unwind and relax before a busier next day.
Full Day
On your second day, you should plan to visit Cape May’s 2.5-mile stretch of beaches, especially if the weather is pleasant. You can sunbathe, walk along the promenade, and even take a dip in the ocean. Head to a nearby spot for lunch, such as Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille, for al fresco dining and fresh local seafood.
In the afternoon, consider taking a local tour to see the town and learn something new. There are ghost tours, Victorian architecture tours, food tours, and more. For dinner, book a reservation at a nice restaurant, like 410 Bank Street or Washington Inn & Wine Bar, to enjoy delectable cuisine and cocktails. On the way to your room, stop to get fudge, saltwater taffy, or an ice cream cone – all quintessential sweet treats of a classic Jersey Shore experience.
Departure Day
On your last day, start the morning off with breakfast at a popular local spot, such as Mad Batter or Oceanview Restaurant. Before you check out and get on the road, stop by the promenade to take in your final ocean views.
Book Your Weekend Getaway in Cape May Today
If you’re looking to plan a long weekend in Cape May, stay at the Ocean Club Hotel. Located on Beach Avenue right near the beach, our hotel offers luxury accommodations with ocean-front views, a heated pool, a sun deck, and two on-site dining options. Contact us today for more advice on planning a weekend getaway to Cape May.
FAQs About Cape May Weekend Getaways
Is Cape May good for a long weekend?
Yes, Cape May is a great choice for a long weekend getaway. It is less than a three-hour drive from many major cities, it can be explored on foot, and it has plenty of exciting attractions to offer.
What should I do on a three-day Cape May trip?
On a three-day trip to Cape May, you should:
- Visit the beach
- Walk the promenade
- Visit Washington Street Mall
- Take a guided tour
- Try local restaurants
What should you look for in a long-weekend hotel in Cape May?
When booking a hotel for your long weekend trip, consider staying in a central location that is close to the beach. You should also look for hotels that have amenities that make short stays feel complete, such as pools, on-site dining, and more.
Is Cape May worth visiting for a short trip?
Yes, Cape May is worth visiting for a short trip. It is a small town that can be thoroughly explored in a long weekend. It has seaside charm, numerous attractions, great food, and, of course, a magnificent beach.