Romantic Getaway in Cape May: 9 Unforgettable Experiences for Couples
What Can Couples Do in Cape May Together?
Cape May is an ideal destination for couples in search of a romantic getaway. Miles of spectacular beaches, nature parks, wineries, and an exquisite storybook setting of streets lined with Victorian homes are just some of the area’s highlights you can discover together.
Couples could spend their days restoring their body and mind in a spa session for two, lingering over a delicious seafood meal, or taking romantic walks along the beach at sunset. Active couples will also find plenty to do around Cape May, with deep-sea fishing, golf, and cycling among the sporty activities to try. Check out our suggestions below to find more ideas for a romantic escape in Cape May.
1. Cape May Promenade
A refreshing sea-view cycle
Good for: Couples, Budget
The 1.9-mile (3-km) paved Cape May Promenade along the beach offers a scenic route for couples to ride a bike and enjoy the area. Take in the wide ocean views, and find some arcades and shops selling ice cream and snacks.
Explore further by cycling to Cape May State Park or riding around the heritage-house lined streets. Bike rental is available from several shops, while some hotels provide free bikes for their guests. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll need to make an early start. Bikes and roller skates are allowed on the boardwalk between 4 am and 10 am only, from May 16 to September 14.
Cape May Promenade
2. A couple’s spa treatment
Side-by-side massage sessions and more
Good for: Couples, Luxury
Couples in need of some body-soul recovery will find plenty of couple’s spa treatments and healing choices in Cape May. Several day spas offer a range of therapeutic treatments including massages, facials, and aromatherapy, as well as feel-good treatments like manicures and pedicures.
You’ll find treatment packages especially designed for couples at such luxury spas as Sea Spa at Congress Hall and Cape May Day Spa. A romantic treatment-for-two might include a soak in a whirlpool followed by a Swedish massage and reflexology treatment, then some tea and treats to savor in a private couple’s spa room.
A couple's spa treatment
3. Cape May Point State Park
Climbing up the lighthouse for a better view
Good for: Couples, Photo, Food
With sandy beaches, wetlands, and trails to explore, Cape May Point State Park is a beautiful place for couples to while away an afternoon. Bring your binoculars and search for birds or stroll along the boardwalks through lush marshland.
If you’re visiting in September and October, there’s a good chance to see thousands of migrating monarch butterflies flitting around. The sea views are spectacular, especially for those who pay the small fee to enter the lighthouse and climb to the top. There’s an ocean-view pavilion with tables and another pavilion near the trails that are good spots to relax with your picnic lunch.
Location: Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 609-884-2159
Cape May Point State Park
4. Washington Street Mall
Retail therapy with a romantic touch
Good for: Couples, Shoppers
The row of shops at Washington Street Mall, stretching for three blocks between Perry and Ocean Streets, is a charming place for couples to wander for a few hours. When you’re done browsing for clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, or books, take a rest stop for ice cream or coffee and watch the crowds walk along the brick pathways.
Find those last-minute items for your Cape May vacation, whether it be a birding book or a pair of board shorts. And with the beach just a five-minute walk from the mall, it’s easy to escape for a seaside stroll if you tire of shopping.
Location: 401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Washington Street Mall
5. Museums
Victorian splendor on display
Good for: Couples, History, Budget
Couples eager to explore Cape May’s history need only stroll through its streets, which are lined with 19th century Victorian buildings that serve as a sort of a living museum. Among these architectural gems is the Emlen Physick Estate, actual museum that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Cape May’s astute residents of the past. With an entry ticket, you get a guided tour of the first and second floors of this magnificent 1879 mansion.
For more captivating historical insights of the area, visit the Museum of Cape May County and Historic Cold Spring Village.
Museums
6. A fishing adventure
The romance of the sea
Good for: Couples, Photo, Adventure
A shared goal can help strengthen a couple’s bond, so battling together to reel in a big bluefin on a fishing adventure might just be the ticket to relationship bliss. Cape May is a superb fishing destination year-round. Through the summer months you might find flukes, flounder, and weakfish, while in October through December there’s striped bass. The best time for tuna is usually May and June.
Take a half-day tour or go on an overnight trip if you’re keen to venture out further to catch some big ones. If chartering a boat is too pricey, save some money and do a join-in fishing tour. Head to Cape Island Marina to find a variety of tours.
A fishing adventure
7. A winery tour
Sipping and savoring South Jersey’s best wines
Good for: Couples, Food
Wine goes hand-in-hand with romance, so couples escaping to Cape May will likely want to enjoy a winery tour and tasting at the local vineyards. There are myriad ways to explore the area’s wineries, whether you hop aboard a trolley for a special wine trip by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) or join a guided wine tasting tour.
You could also go at your own pace by driving out to such vineyards as Willow Creek, Cape May Winery, and Hawk Haven, each of which offer tastings and tours of their scenic estates.
A winery tour
8. Sunset Beach
Golden skies over Delaware Bay
Good for: Couples, Photo
Watching a sunset is one of those must-do romantic activities, and the aptly-named Sunset Beach is an ideal spot to enjoy that magic moment together. You might feel a bit wistful as you gaze out and see the remains of the ship S.S. Atlantus rising from the sea, where it’s been since it ran aground and sunk in a storm back in 1926.
Scour the beach in search of Cape May diamonds, quartz pebbles that look like diamonds when cut and polished. Or stop by the Sunset Beach gifts shop and surprise your loved one with a Cape May diamond ring or necklace.
Sunset Beach
9. A candlelit dinner
Love is worth a splurge
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury
A candlelit dinner in classic surroundings is the ultimate way to spend a romantic evening in Cape May. The Washington Inn, a grand 19th-century mansion, has been the backdrop for countless marriage proposals, offering an unforgettable dining experience with its exquisite American cuisine, fresh local seafood, and extensive wine selection.
For those who prefer seafood with a view, the Peter Shields Inn provides an equally romantic atmosphere. With its mahogany wraparound porch and a pianist playing at the grand piano, this charming venue offers breathtaking sea views that perfectly complement its delectable seafood offerings.
A candlelit dinner
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