Of all the winter getaways in New Jersey, Cape May is one of the most charming. Yes, Cape May is known as an iconic summer destination, but the truth is that this enchanting New Jersey small town makes for a wonderful getaway year-round. In the wintertime, the crowds are few, but plenty of places are still open and welcoming travelers. By visiting in the off-season, you’ll get to see a side of this beloved coastal town that most never experience.

Cape May is well-known as a summer vacation spot. Its history as a resort began all the way back in the 1700s, with visitors often traveling from Philadelphia. By the 1800s, it was attracting visitors from New York, Baltimore, and Washington as well. Today Cape May averages over 10 million visitors a year.

Sparhawk4242/Getty Images

Although many think of Cape May as a summer-only spot, the truth is that this small coastal town has plenty to do in the off-season as well.

Joice Brinkerhoff / EyeEm/Getty Images

Perusing the shops and restaurants on the Washington Street Mall is a delight in the wintertime, especially when it’s all decorated for the holidays. You’ll skip the crowds but still get all the charm.

Washington Street Mall/Facebook

The area doesn’t frequently see much snow, so it can make a nice change of pace if you’re traveling from snowier climes. But significant snowfall does occasionally occur, so be prepared just in case!

Washington Street Mall/Facebook

Museums like the Emlen Physick Estate are open year-round, with tours offered on weekends. The Physick House Museum offers an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the Victorian lifestyle.

Visit Cape May MAC/Facebook

Also worth a visit is the Harriet Tubman Museum, located on a block that was once home to prominent anti-slavery activists. Although the Harriet Tubman Museum is closed for the month of January, it reopens in February for both guided and self-guided tours.

Harriet Tubman Museum/Facebook

No trip to Cape May is complete without a stop at the West End Garage. Here you’ll find all kinds of artisan-made goods, antiques, vintage memorabilia, and more. Be sure to stop by the adjacent Beach Plum Cafe for a cup of coffee or a pastry as well (or both).

The West End Garage and Beach Plum Cafe/Facebook

Round out your trip with an invigorating but beginner-friendly hike at South Cape May Meadows. Known as “a birder’s paradise”, you may glimpse all sorts of birds here along the flat and easy trails.

Jeannie Donahue/AllTrails

Have you ever visited Cape May in the winter? What are your favorite winter getaways in New Jersey?

Sparhawk4242/Getty Images

Joice Brinkerhoff / EyeEm/Getty Images

Washington Street Mall/Facebook

Visit Cape May MAC/Facebook

Harriet Tubman Museum/Facebook

The West End Garage and Beach Plum Cafe/Facebook

Jeannie Donahue/AllTrails

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Cape May, NJ 08204, USA