A Cape May Day Trip: a Solo Travel Guide
One of the things I love most about my solo trips is that they can be whatever I want. My favorite types of solo trips are shorter, either a weekend or even a day trip. It’s easier to get away for only a few days, less expensive, and a great way to see the highlights of a place. While day trips can sometimes be challenging, like my recent trip to NYC, if you plan it well, a day trip is perfect for solo travelers. I recently took one such trip to Cape May, New Jersey. So check out what I was able to do in my Cape May Day Trip below.
Morning: Cape May-Lewes Ferry
I actually didn’t stay in Cape May when I visited, since it’s a bit pricey. I stayed in Lewes, Delaware and took the very convenient Cape May-Lewes Ferry over to Cape May. This ferry is only about an hour ride across the Delaware Bay and is $18 for an individual round trip fare during peak summer.
So I got up early the morning of my trip to Cape May and boarded the ferry. The weather was gorgeous and it was a very fun way to start my day. Once I arrived in Cape May, I took the shuttle to the downtown area, which has tons of restaurants and shops. I stopped in to McGlade’s on the Pier for a lovely beach-side breakfast before heading out to explore.
Afternoon: Cape May Point State Park
When researching what to do on my Cape May day trip, I knew that I wanted to go to the beach (DUH!), and enjoy the outdoors. I also saw some really gorgeous pictures of the Cape May Lighthouse, which I wanted to visit. So my afternoon was spent at Cape May Point State Park, which had everything I wanted. My first stop was to the lighthouse, which has 360-degree views once you climb to the top. It’s $12 to climb, but definitely worth it.
After visiting the lighthouse, I explored the Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area, which was right across the parking lot. This was not on my planned itinerary, but I am so glad I found the trail. It was a gorgeous boardwalk trail with lots of blooming flowers and amazing views of the lighthouse. After my walk, I headed to the beach to relax. It was surprisingly empty and a great spot to get my beach fix and put my feet in the sand.
Evening: Downtown Cape May
My ferry ride back to Lewes left around 7, so I had a few hours to enjoy the evening before heading back. I headed back to downtown Cape May, where there was a festival going on. I hadn’t realized this was occurring when I visited, but it added an extra level of fun and activity to the day.
I loved downtown Cape May mainly because of its pastel-colored buildings. It reminded me of Charleston or other southern towns with its charm. I walked around, did some shopping, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere before grabbing dinner at The Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar. With that, it was time to call it a day and head back to Lewes.
My ferry ride back to Lewes was the perfect way to end the trip. The sun was setting during the ride, which made for some beautiful scenery. If you’re interested in taking the ferry from Delaware like I did, check out my Lewes blog post. And let me know if you’ve visited Cape May before!
20 Comments
Eva Keller
We love day trips! This looks like it would be so fun!
Jordan
Hi Eva,
Yes they are so great! Thanks!
Carrie Beaton
I’ve never been to New Jersey. It look beautiful there! I love the brightly colored buildings!
Myrka
Seems like a great getaway! I would love to climb up a lighthouse one day. I’m saving this for if I ever go to NJ!
Jordan
Hi Myrka,
It was a lot of fun! I hope you get to visit soon.
Patricia Boesz
I can get to Cape May by bus. Where can I get the taxi to the ferry. I have people who lives near the ferry. Is there a taxi to get me to the light house?
Jordan
Hi Patricia,
That’s great that you can get there by bus. In that case, you wouldn’t even need the ferry, unless you wanted to go to Lewes, DE. I think the best way to get to the lighthouse is an uber or lyft, unless your friends nearby have a car. I hope this helps!