Cape May’s beaches and Victorian architecture get most of the attention, and for good reason. But ask a local where they actually spend a free afternoon, and the answer is rarely the promenade.
Just outside the historic district, and scattered along the quieter roads of Cape May County, there is a different side of the destination: a free county zoo, family-run wineries and a craft distillery, a working brewery, and stretches of coastline that stay peaceful even in the height of summer. These are the Cape May attractions that locals recommend to friends rather than the ones that top a search result.
September and October are an especially good time to look for them. The summer crowds thin out, parking gets easier, and several of the spots on this list are noticeably quieter than they are in July.
Staying at La Mer Beachfront Resort puts you close enough to explore all of it and still be back on the sand, or at The Pier House, before the evening is over.
A Free Afternoon at Cape May County Park & Zoo
One of Cape May County’s best-kept secrets is that admission costs nothing. Cape May County Park & Zoo spans more than 85 acres and is home to over 250 animal species, from big cats to birds and reptiles, along with playgrounds and shaded walking paths.
It is an easy add to a family trip or a rainy-morning plan, and because it is free, there is no pressure to rush through it to get your money’s worth. Arrive earlier in the day during summer months, when the walking paths are more comfortable and the animals tend to be more active.
The paths are stroller and wheelchair friendly, and the on-site playgrounds make it easy to build in a break for younger visitors. Most families plan for two to three hours, longer if you bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Trade the Boardwalk for the Dunes at Cape May Point State Park
At the southern tip of the peninsula, Cape May Point State Park offers hiking trails through dune and marsh habitat, a quieter beach, and some of the best birdwatching on the East Coast during migration season.
It sits near the Cape May Lighthouse, but draws a different crowd: hikers, birders, and anyone looking for a slower walk than the main beach allows. Trails are mostly flat and well marked, making it a good option for visitors of most fitness levels.
One of the park’s more unexpected sights is Battery 223, a massive concrete bunker built in 1942 that once anchored the area’s coastal defenses. Decades of shifting sand and tide have left it stranded on the beach itself, and it remains one of the more surprising, photograph-worthy stops in the park.
Taste Cape May’s Wine and Craft Beer Scene
Cape May’s food and drink scene extends well beyond its restaurants. Cape May Winery & Vineyard offers tastings and vineyard views close to town, while Cape May Brewing Company pours its own small-batch beers in a taproom near the airport, with tours available on select days.
Both are popular with visitors who want a relaxed afternoon that does not involve the beach at all, and both make an easy stop between other things on this list. Check each venue’s website for current hours before you go, since these can shift seasonally.
If you are visiting both in one day, plan for a designated driver or a rideshare between stops. Most tastings are casual and unhurried, so it is easy to lose track of an afternoon in the best possible way.
For the full rundown of tasting rooms across the area, see La Mer’s guide to wineries and breweries in Cape May.
See Cape May from the Water, Away from the Crowds
For a different view of Cape May, Salt Marsh Safari aboard The Skimmer runs small-boat eco-tours through the back bays and salt marshes, spotting osprey, herons, and other wildlife you would not see from the main beach.
It is a quieter, more intimate alternative to a larger sightseeing cruise, and a good option for visitors who want to see Cape May’s natural side rather than just its shoreline.
Cruises typically run for an hour or two, so bring a light jacket for the water and a camera or binoculars if you have them. Trips run seasonally and can sell out on weekends, so booking a day or two ahead is worthwhile.
For more options on getting out on the water, see La Mer’s guide to boat tours in Cape May.
A Distillery With a Corn Maze? Only in Cape May
Cape May County attractions in fall get an unexpected addition at Nauti Spirits Distillery, a small craft distillery that grows many of its own ingredients on-site and adds a seasonal corn maze to the property once the weather turns cooler.
It is one of the more unusual stops on this list, and one of the most memorable, particularly if your visit lines up with the fall maze season. The tasting room is a relaxed spot to sample small-batch spirits before or after working your way through the maze.
It also makes a good group outing. Between the tasting room and the maze, it is easy to spend an hour or two here without ever feeling rushed.
A Runway Full of History at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
A short drive from Cape May, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is housed inside Hangar #1, an all-wood aircraft hangar assembled by the U.S. Navy in 1942 from a kit delivered by railroad.
The hangar trained dive bomber squadrons that went on to fly in the Pacific during World War II, and it is now listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. Restoration has been ongoing since the late 1990s, and the museum today displays historic aircraft alongside exhibits on the base’s training history.
It is one of Cape May County’s more overlooked attractions, and a worthwhile stop for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, or families looking for something a little different from a beach day.
Shop Like a Local at Woodland Village
A few miles up the coast in Clermont, Woodland Village is a collection of about 15 independent shops set beside a garden center, open year-round and largely unknown to visitors who stick to the main shopping streets in town.
It is a good stop for gifts, home decor, and one-of-a-kind finds, and it is far less crowded than the Washington Street Mall during peak season. Pair it with a scenic drive up the coast for an easy half-day outing.
Tips for Exploring Cape May’s Hidden Gems
A few things to keep in mind before you set off:
- Check seasonal hours first. Several of these attractions run reduced schedules outside the summer months.
- Pair two or three in a day. The zoo in the morning and a winery or brewery in the afternoon makes an easy, unhurried itinerary.
- Bring cash or a card for smaller, independently run spots, since not all accept every payment method.
- Wear comfortable shoes for anything involving a park, trail, or nature reserve.
- Visit in September or October if you can. The shoulder season means shorter lines and a noticeably quieter experience at almost every stop on this list.
- Ask the team at La Mer for current recommendations, since hours and seasonal events can change throughout the year.
Stay Close to Everything at La Mer Beachfront Resort
Cape May’s hidden gems are spread across the county, but La Mer Beachfront Resort puts you within easy reach of all of them while keeping the beach just outside your door.
After a day spent tracking down local favorites you will not find on a postcard, come back to oceanfront accommodations and finish the evening with dinner at The Pier House.
Explore things to do near La Mer and start planning a Cape May visit built around the attractions locals actually recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Point State Park, and one of the local wineries or breweries are the easiest to combine into a single day. All three are a short drive from the beach and can be worked into a relaxed, unhurried itinerary.
Yes. Admission is free, and the zoo is open most days of the year, which makes it one of the easiest hidden gems to add to any visit regardless of budget.
September and October are ideal. The summer crowds have thinned out, parking is easier, and many of these spots are noticeably quieter than they are in peak season.
Most are. Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Point State Park, and the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum are all family-friendly, while the wineries, brewery, and distillery are better suited to an adults-only outing.