Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is one of New Jersey’s classic shore destinations, known for beaches, Victorian architecture, historic sites, lodging, restaurants, fishing, boating, shopping, and coastal charm.

Use this NJTGO guide to explore Cape May government, schools, businesses, eateries, historic places, arts, recreation, places of worship, real estate, and visiting information.

CountyCape May County

ZIP Code08204

Known ForBeaches & Victorian History

Became Cape May CityMarch 9, 1869

Explore Cape May

GovernmentCity Hall and municipal departments. EducationSchools and education information. Arts & EntertainmentGalleries, theater, arts, and cultural activities. Business & ShoppingLocal shops and businesses. EateriesRestaurants, dining, and local food options. Historic PlacesHistoric district, museums, and Victorian landmarks. ParksPreserves, wildlife areas, and outdoor spaces. Sports & LeisureFishing, boating, amusements, riding, and recreation. Visiting & LodgingHotels, lodging, and visitor information. Real EstateCape May real estate information. ClassifiedsLocal classified listings. JobsLocal job listings. Places of WorshipLocal churches and faith communities. Clubs & OrganizationsCommunity and civic organizations. CemeteriesCemeteries and funeral homes.

Featured Cape May Highlights

Cape May BeachClassic Jersey Shore beach destination.

Cape May Historic DistrictVictorian architecture and historic buildings.

Washington Street AreaShopping, dining, galleries, and visitor activity.

Historic Cold Spring Village720 U.S. 9
609-898-2300

Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities1048 Washington Street
609-884-5404

Cape May Whale Watcher Fleet1218 Wilson Drive
609-884-5445

Nearby Towns

Lower Township West Cape May

About Cape May

Cape May is named for Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored and charted the area between 1611 and 1614. The area was later settled by New Englanders from the New Haven Colony.

What is now Cape May was originally formed as the borough of Cape Island on March 8, 1848, from portions of Lower Township. It was reincorporated as Cape Island City on March 10, 1851, and became Cape May City on March 9, 1869.

Government

City of Cape May
643 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-884-9525

Official Cape May Website

Departments

Construction Official: 609-884-9560
Court Administrator: 609-884-9552
Fire: 911
First Aid: 911
Public Works: 609-884-9570
Recreation: 609-884-9565
Tax Collector: 609-884-9587
Tax Assessor: 609-884-9545

Education

Cape May Board of Education921 Lafayette Ave
609-884-8485

Cape May Elementary SchoolGrades PreK–6
921 Lafayette Ave
609-884-8485

Richard Teitelman Middle SchoolGrades 7–8
687 Route 9
609-884-3475

Lower Cape May Regional High SchoolGrades 9–12
687 Route 9
609-884-3475

Arts & Entertainment

Cape May Art Gallery323 Washington Street
609-884-4803

Cape May County Art League670 Washington Street
609-884-8628

Center for Community Arts712 Lafayette Street
609-884-7525

Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities1048 Washington Street
609-884-5404

SOMA NewArt Gallery31 Perry Street
609-898-7488

Washington Street Gallery313 Washington Street
609-884-1818

Cape May Stage31 Perry Street
609-884-1341

East Lynne Theatre Co.121 Fourth Ave
609-884-5898

Historic Places

Cape May Historic District

The Cape May Historic District includes hundreds of historic buildings and is one of the town’s major visitor attractions. Many of the buildings reflect Cape May’s Victorian and seaside resort history.

George Allen House

720 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ

Built in 1863.

Arlington Hotel

Grant and North Streets
Cape May, NJ

Built in 1878.

Cape Island Presbyterian Church

417 Lafayette Street
Cape May, NJ

Built in 1853.

Chalfonte Hotel

Howard and Sewell Street
Cape May, NJ

The Chalfonte Hotel was built in 1876 by Civil War Colonel Henry Sawyer.

Peter Shields House

1301 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ

Built in 1906.

Parks & Outdoor Areas

Cape Island PreserveWilson Street
Cape May, NJ 08204

Cape Island Wildlife Management AreaRoute 109
Cape May, NJ 08204

Sports & Leisure

Atlantic Pier Amusements705 Route 9
609-898-7640

Cape May Arcade406 Beach Avenue
609-884-1311

Family Fun Arcade732 Beach Drive
609-884-7020

Hell Yeah Watersports1048 Shunpike Road
609-884-0549

Hidden Valley Riding Center4070 Stevens Street
609-884-8205

Sea Horse Farm27 Taylor Lane
609-884-5354

Cape May Whale Watcher Fleet1218 Wilson Drive
609-884-5445

Miss Chris Marina1218 Wilson Drive
609-884-3351

Porgy IV Deep Sea FishingNew Jersey 109
609-884-1214

Jim's Bait & Tackle1208 New Jersey 109
609-884-3900

Clubs & Organizations

Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May609 Lafayette Street
609-884-9562

Corinthian Yacht Club1819 Delaware Avenue
609-884-8000

Garden State Seafood Association1636 Delaware Avenue
609-898-1100

Loyal Order of Moose569 Seashore Road
609-884-9625

Veterans of Foreign Wars419 Congress Street
609-884-7961

Places of Worship

Allen African Methodist Church717 Franklin Street
609-884-2626

Cape Island Baptist Church115 Gurney Street
609-884-3917

Cape May Lutheran Church509 Pittsburg Ave
609-884-2181

Cape May United Methodist Church635 Washington Street
609-884-3792

Church of The Advent Episcopal Church686 Washington Street
609-884-3065

The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May500 Hughes Street
609-884-3949

Cemeteries & Funeral Homes

St. Mary's Cemetery1056 Seashore Road
609-884-3614

Spilker Funeral Home815 Washington Street
609-884-3793

Own a Business in Cape May?

Get your business listed on NJTGO.com and help local visitors find you.

Learn About Business Listings