After a devastating fire in 1878, officials of the Atlantic seaside town of Cape May dictated that all of the resort’s grand hotels be rebuilt in the picturesque Victorian style. The result is that Cape May is the most famous Victorian town in America, with over 600 carefully and colorfully preserved structures. The town’s elegant Christmas visage will not shortly be forgotten.
Planning a visit? Stay at The Depot Travel Park.
Cape May is the southernmost of the Jersey shore beaches, and the historic Cape May Light has been guiding mariners around the peninsula since 1859. Now part of Cape May State Park, the tower may be climbed by negotiating 199 spiraling cast-iron steps. On the far side of the cape, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is ideal for hiking on the dunes; Sunset Beach faces west for evening nature shows. The beach is celebrated for its “Cape May Diamonds,” pieces of quartz that have been polished smooth after a 200-mile journey through the Delaware River basin.
Vehicles and walkers alike take advantage of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which travels 17 miles across the open water of Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware. Bus service at both ends facilitate tax-free shopping in the Diamond State.
