What to do and see in Cape May, New Jersey (NJ): The Best Museums

January 23, 2022 Tynisha Seiler

Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.
Restaurants in Cape May

1. Guardian

221 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ 08204-1442 +1 609-884-6179
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Guardian

2. Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Avenue Cape May Point State Park, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-884-5404 [email protected] http://www.capemaymac.org
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,078 reviews

Cape May Lighthouse

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is fully restored and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse has been restored and is managed by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The park is “carry in, carry out;” please do not litter.

Reviewed By O33TP - Jekyll Island, United States

The lighthouse is a must see stop. Even if you don’t climb the stairs to the top it truly is amazing. Great history lesson and information from the kindest gentleman (Jim) working the gift shop. Adequate parking. Easily accessible. Clean restrooms.

3. Historic Cold Spring Village

720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-898-2300 [email protected] http://hcsv.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
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1%
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4.5 based on 314 reviews

Historic Cold Spring Village

Historic Cold Spring Village (HCSV) is a open-air living history museum that invites all visitors to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration in the exploration of southern New Jersey's past. It is a nonprofit, educational museum that is open during the spring-summer season. The centerpiece of the museum is a re-created rural Southern New Jersey town of the "homespun era" set on more than 30 acres. *(Covid regulations: PLEASE ENTER VIA SEASHORE ROAD/RT. 626 ENTRANCE. 735 Seashore Road, Cape May NJ 08204

Reviewed By sarahnG5322AF

We did the ghost walk at night and it was actually our second time doing it. This is such an amazing ghost tour especially for those who have spiritual gifts. Lots of activity goes on here at night and is one of the best cape may ghost tours around.

4. Emlen Physick Estate

1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204-1737 +1 609-884-5404 [email protected] http://capemaymac.org/experience/emlen-physick-estate/
Excellent
53%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 684 reviews

Emlen Physick Estate

The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May's only Victorian house museum. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Furness, the home has been fully restored. Its 15 rooms open a window into Victorian times in Cape May. Guided and self-guided tours are offered. Each year, a new theme is interpreted in the museum, which has been restored and is operated by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). The organization also offers guided daytime and evening trolley tours of Cape May, as well as the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower. Check website for more information.

Reviewed By CaravelEF - Greenwood Lake, United States

The mansion, outer buildings and grounds are beautifully restored. My family and I enjoyed exploring the mansion and learning about its history, architecture and restoration from our tour guide. The gift shop had a nice selection of gifts, books and collectibles as well as a expertly curated exhibit about the Cape May Lighthouse. A very nice way to spend an afternoon.

5. World War II Lookout Tower

536 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-884-5404 [email protected] http://capemaymac.org/experience/world-war-ii-tower/
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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4.5 based on 307 reviews

World War II Lookout Tower

Fire Control Tower No. 23 is New Jersey’s last remaining restorable World War II tower, and was part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. It played a major part in the coastal defense of the Delaware River and Bay. Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 towers that helped aim batteries of coastal artillery. Fire Control Tower No. 23 is on land now part of the Cape May Point State Park. The boardwalk leading up to the Tower is lined with interpretive panels and leads to the All Veterans Memorial on the rear deck at the base of the Tower. The deck and entry level are all fully accessible. The Tower was restored and is operated by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture).

Reviewed By R6016RQcarolh - Monroe Township, United States

We stopped to look at a piece of history. We didn't walk to the top of the tower, but it was open. Make certain to walk around to the back of the tower to see the sculpture of eternal flame in memory of veterans.

500 Forrestal Rd Rio Grande, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-886-8787 [email protected] http://usnasw.org
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 877 reviews

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, Cape May County, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the Navy airmen who died while training during World War II. Hangar # 1 was listed onto the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1997. Naval Air station (NAS) Wildwood was commissioned on April 1, 1943. The site served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility from 1943 to 1945. Aircraft stationed at NAS Wildwood included TBM Avengers, Douglas Dauntlesses, Vought Corsairs and Curtiss Helldivers. Forty-two airmen perished while training at NAS Wildwood during World War II. In June 1997, NASW Foundation purchased Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The 92,000 square-foot all-wooden structure was in a state of disrepair and required extensive renovation. Under the stewardship of NASW Foundation, the hangar was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum now boasts over 26 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and more. Additionally, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has provided NAS Wildwood with a wealth of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to discover the science of flight. The museum also features a library, food vending area as well as a recently expanded gift shop. In its role as a community resource, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum regularly hosts activities including fly-ins, aviation festivals, big band concerts, swing dances, veterans’ ceremonies, historical lectures, school field trips and senior tours.

Reviewed By redclover11 - Parsippany, United States

Great exhibits for all ages, had complete access to airplanes. Was very informative, with an emphasis on local WWII history. There are also many interactive and hands on exhibits. You can even get inside the various airplanes! The highlight of our visit was when Dr. Salvatore personally took us around and showed us behind the scene projects they were working on. He even took the time to tell us the story of how he acquired an engine for Boeing 777 and explained the history of many exhibits. It was such a great visit and will definitely be back again!

7. Cape May Fire Department Museum

643 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204-2324 +1 609-884-9512 http://capemayfd.com/custom.html
Excellent
51%
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4.5 based on 68 reviews

Cape May Fire Department Museum

Reviewed By eds857 - Brooklyn, United States

It was fun to have visited the museum. Old style vehicles, apparatus, fire fighting tools. Unusual Building for one vehicle.

313 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204-1423 +1 800-304-6944
Excellent
59%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 44 reviews

Washington Street Gallery

Reviewed By cjudge32 - Winslow, United States

Shopping, eating and drinking at several places. A nice time to walk around with family and friends; all kinds of shops and eateries.

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