So long, boardwalk crowds and obstreperous fist-pumpers! Hello, fall colors and wide open beaches!
That’s the case for New Jersey, where autumn activates a new personality away from the traditional Jersey Shore stereotypes.
Although, there’s one calmer town charming as it May, that becomes the ultimate fall retreat.
The East Coast is teeming with delightful towns perched seaside with captivating architecture and beautiful scenery.
One such destination is Cape May, which sees its fair share of summertime crowds.
As we flip our calendars to a new season, USA Today is already ‘ooh’ing and ‘ahh’ing over this laid-back beach town this fall.
Living On The Edge…Sorta
Located on New Jersey’s southernmost tip, looking out into the great beyond brings on a sense of living on the edge of the world.
While you certainly won’t be ‘living on the edge’ from a risk standpoint, this quaint coastal beaut is far from sketchy – leave that to Newark!
What you’ll find here is a dreamland of charming streets brimming with historic Victorian structures, world-class restaurants, and pretty beaches without the crowds come fall.
The last of the crowds will wind down in the next couple of weeks, making no better time to plan your perfect fall retreat.
Rows of Victorian homes may draw you in for photo-ops, but there may be no more delightful place to spend time than the Beach Plum Farm 2 miles from downtown, where you can stay in cozy modern cottages and eat and shop your way through all their locally produced goodies.
Tip: Cape May is very walkable, but take time to book an architectural tour (like The Southern Mansion) to deep dive into the fascinating history of the town.
Postcard Lighthouses And Scenic, Spacious Beaches
There’s just something magical about lighthouses along the East Coast, isn’t there?
It’s the sign validating you’re in the right place, which is what we all want when booking a nice vacation no matter where we go.
Summer temps can be a blessing and a curse, but probably reason #1 why beaches are appealing in the first place.
The weather will soon change, but not dramatically enough to dissuade you from lounging along the scenic shores of Cape May.
In fact, waters are still often warm enough to swim. But the real draw this time of year is the elbow room, something taken for granted during the busy, jam-packed summer months.
And after you’re done spending countless hours beachside, the local boardwalk is the perfect spot to enjoy a breezy stroll and watch the sunset.
Here you’ll find ample restaurants with patio seating to wine and dine while overlooking the vast Atlantic.
Cape May has been consistently ranking in the top 10 best beaches in the Northeast, according to USA Today.
Tip: For even better views, climb Cape May Lighthouse’s 199 steps to the top. ($12 entry fee)
A Burst Of Fall Colors And Festive Events
Cape May is mostly seen as a summer destination, but that’s where you can take advantage of just how wrong those people are.
Prepare for the already gorgeous town to see a burst of fall colors transform the charming streets with hues of reds, golds, and oranges stretching from the town center to the idyllic coastal trails like Cape May Point State Park.
There’s no better time to hop aboard the town trolley to snap pretty photos while also being guided through a fun history lesson.
Cape May sees a variety of festive events. As you can imagine, many of which involve food.
Nobody is stopping you from starting your day with an obligatory Pumpkin Spice Latte, but make sure to pack your TUMS for an array of seasonal adult offerings such as:
- Cape May Oktoberfest
- Cape May Wine Trails
- Cape May Harvest Brew Fest
Circling back to Beach Plum Farms, they offer delicious Thanksgiving dinners and their signature Autumn Harvest Dinner Series held Fridays and Saturdays beginning October.
Say what you want about Cape May, but you won’t leave hungry!
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