Information and History for Cape May NJ

In 1609, Captain Henry Hudson encountered Cape May, NJ for the first time aboard his sailing ship, the Half Moon. It was a breif visit, but in his logs there are accounts of the abundance of life that was present in the waters surrounding the cape. Heards of Dolphins and massive Whales were seen feeding on the immesurable bounty of fish present in the virgin estuary of Delaware Bay. Over the years the area Captain Hudson encountered, would be named Cape May, for it's 1620's governor Captain Corneilius Jobsen Mey.

This area has seen it all over the years from Native American Tribes to settlers, land based whaling communities to land based pirates. We have seen the likes of Black Beard or Edward Teach and Captain Kid and it is said that their treasure still lies in the hills near Cape May Point. The Victorian downtown area would make Charles Dickens feel right at home. The area is alive with quaint, unique shops and restaurants and bistos nestled amongst Victorian Bed and Breakfasts. Cape May has known many a storm and after the Great Nor'Easter of 1962, the town almost lost it's identity. However, thanks to a grass roots movement at the time, known as MAC, the area remains a historical hamlet today. MAC, or the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts fought to preserve the history of Cape May, NJ. Today their museum can be found in downtown at the Emelyn Physic Estate.

History can be found around every turn in Cape May, literally, thanks to the winding and sometimes, whimsical small streets. The history is so dense in the city of Cape May, the entire city is a National Historic Landmark, the first time in the USA that an entire city received this status instead of a single address. Walking the streets is the perfect way to relax and remember a simpler time.

If you venture down towards Cape May Point, more history and natural beauty awaits you. You can stop into Cape May Point Light House and climb the 199 steps up to the top, for a panoramic view of Cape May Point and the surrounding waters. Also located at the point is Cape May Point State Park which includes, a hawk watching platform, nature trails, picnic areas, and a small natural history museum.
Back in town, you will almost positively want to check out the Beach. Our Beaches in this area are famous and worth checking out. The Beach patrol will be keeping an ever watchful eye so you can swim safely. Remember to purchase a Beach Tag. If you want to view the beach but not get sandy, go for a walk on the Promenade. Stop by McGlades for Breakfast or perhaps the fudge kitchen for something sweet. As always, the Arcade is open in the evenings and the original Skee Ball can be played right here.

If you have been to the Cape May Whale Watcher, you have been to the Miss Chris Marina. At the Miss Chris Marina there are many opportunities which await you. If you have been on the whale and dolphin watch, maybe an evening cruise would be something different. Or perhaps one of our famous Light House Cruises to see the Delaware Bay Light Houses, only visible from the water. Cape May is known for it's unique gift shops such as Wanderlust and Good Sense and Whale's Tale, but at the Miss Chris Marina we have the Dancing Dolphin Gift Shop. Kayaking is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the backwaters of the area as well. The Miss Chris Marina offers daily Kayak tours or you can opt for a self guided tour of exploration with a Kayak Rental. The fishing boats depart daily at 8:00am for 1/2, 3/4, and full day fishing trips and almost always have space available. Private rental boats are available for crabbing and fishing in the back bay, and if you would like to have a guide, charter boats are also available.

Many accomodations are available in Cape May proper. Your selection ranges from small motels either offshore or at the beach to small boarding houses, to oppulent hotels like Congress Hall, the Grande, the Montreal, Atlas or La Mer and authentic Victorian Bed and Breakfasts like the Angel of the Sea, Southern Mansion, the Queen Victoria, and the Fairthorne.

For places to dine check out Restaurants or things to do check out Attractions.