Best things to do in Cape May

Come enjoy these adorable creatures. We are here for you to learn about alpacas. In our farm store, Absolutely Alpaca, you will find quality alpaca clothing, such as capes, shawls, and sweaters, handknit scarves, hats, earwarmers, socks, gloves, toys, a large assortment of luxurious alpaca yarn, and other unique gift ideas. You can expect your visit to last 30-45 mins. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Private appointments are also available -there is a charge of $20 per group up to 4 people (additional guests are $5 each), but we will allow you to go into the paddock with the alpacas as part of your private visit - sort of like swimming with the dolphins, but without water!

September-December Schedule:

We are open to the public on Saturdays 10am-4pm, without an appointment (free, but we do have a donation box on the fence :) Also, private appointments are available Monday-Friday - cost is $20 for a group of up to 4 people and $5 for every additional person). Please call or email us for a reservation. It is best to reserve a tour at least 1-2 days in advance during the fall, but you are welcome to call/email for last minute availability. Reservations must be confirmed in advance. We are closed on Sundays.

Note: We are not able take private appointments during any "Open Farm" day (there just are not enough of us or the alpacas to do so). Thanks for understanding.

Climbing the 199 steps of Cape May Lighthouse is a rite of passage on the Jersey Shore. The view from atop the lighthouse covers all points of interest along the shore from north to south and east and west. Bring your camera and a bottle of water for the ascent. The "Oil House" near the base of the lighthouse houses the visitor center with a museum that shares the lighthouse's story.

Bask on the white sand and in the calm water at Cape May Beach. Explore the promenade on bike or surrey, which are available to rent. To spend time on the beaches, you must purchase tags from the patrols at one of the entrances or at city hall. Keep the tags handy as you move between beaches, which feature similar amenities, including lifeguards. Food and nonalcoholic drinks are allowed, so consider bringing a picnic, or pick up a hot dog from one of the snack bars.

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is an aviation museum located at the Cape May Airport in Lower Township, in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States.

Willow Creek Winery is a winery in West Cape May in Cape May County, New Jersey. Formerly a produce farm, the vineyard was first planted in 2005, and opened to the public in 2012. Willow Creek has 40 acres of grapes under cultivation, and produces 6,000 cases of wine per year. The winery has recently purchased Legates Farm Market and is cultivating an additional 68 acres under vine. The winery is named for a large willow tree near the owner's residence, and the Pond Creek, a stream that borders the farm.

At 8 km (5 mi) long white sandy Wildwood Beach, swim, sunbathe, play ball, or catch a seasonal event. The pristine beach is that way for a reason--each morning the sand is raked and the beach cleaned. The surrounding area blossoms with shops, stores, amusement parks, and restaurants known for live entertainment.

Cultivating award-winning wines, Cape May Winery & Vineyard is a favorite in New Jersey. A tour of the estate includes a Vines to Wines tour, a fruit-and-cheese plate, wine tasting, and a complimentary wine glass. Tours require an advance reservation, but wine lovers looking for a quick stop can enjoy a tasting for a small fee anytime during the day. Pair a glass of the well-received Chardonnay, aged in French oak barrels, with a walk through the landscaped property.

Take a break from the beach by visiting Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian house/museum designed by notable American architect Frank Furness. Constructed in 1879, the mansion contains 19 fully restored rooms, allowing visitors a peek into the lifestyle of an affluent Victorian family. Designed in the "Stick Style" of architecture--noted for its use of vertical beams on the outside walls--the mansion served as a primary residence for a local physician who was the owner of the first automobile in Cape May. The exterior of the house features oversized chimneys, hooded dormers, and stick-like porch brackets, considered Furness' trademarks. The estate includes a tearoom and gift shop. Check the website for information on a combination ticket that includes the house tour and a trolley ride through the Cape May historic district.

At Cape May County Park & Zoo, 550 animals are cared for in a pristine natural environment. Since its opening in 1978, the zoo has participated in numerous species survival programs. Now it is home to 250 mammals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles, and a breeding ground for snow leopards--large Asian cats with thick fur and paws for walking through snow. The park is known for being particularly tidy and organized. Picnic areas, bike paths, a disk-golf court, and even fishing ponds are available. Just remember, you cannot bring food into the zoo. However, you can purchase it from a cafe at the site, which offers healthy food, fast food, snacks, and beverages.