Cape May City is internationally known for its Victorian history and the entire town is honored as a National Historic Landmark. Meander through gas-lit streets of the nation’s first seaside resort and drink in the antiquated beauty of intricate homes, quaint cottages and the grandeur of the bed and breakfast inns.

Through the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), tours are available on a daily basis and in a series of various interests. The most notable is the tour of the Emlen Physic Estate, which allows you to peek back in time to the Victorian era to learn how local ladies and gentlemen lived, worked and played. After the tour, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the Twinings Tea Room and don’t forget to stop by the estate’s museum and Gallery Shop for precious china, silver plate serving pieces, teas and more. MAC also offers Trolley tours to admire the architecture and surroundings of the city. Those seeking romance can ride through the city in a horse-drawn carriage with that special sweetheart.

In addition to its Victorian history and architecture, Cape May is famous for its restaurants. Many of the best in New Jersey, the East Coast in fact, are located right here. Whether you decided to phone ahead for quick take out after a busy day at the beach or dine in an elegant Zagat rated restaurant to celebrate a special moment, Cape May eateries will fulfill your desires. Seafood is at its best at the Jersey Shore, but especially in Cape May where most restaurants feature “catch of the day” specials.

Take time out for a little shopping therapy at the Washington Street Mall, a quaint pedestrian walkway straddled with picturesque shops on either side. You can purchase anything from saltwater taffy and fudge to home decorations to clothing to toys but the best part of the mall is the experience itself. It is a comfortable, yet exciting, way to spend some time in Cape May.

Cape May’s Promenade runs parallel with Beach Avenue, so it’s easy to take pleasure in the ambiance of the ocean without having to get sand in your shoes. During the morning, it is refreshing to feel the slight breeze in your hair as you ride along the promenade on bicycle, during the afternoon it’s fun to stroll into the shops that line the walk and in the evening it’s nice to wander on the promenade while taking in the scent of cool ocean air and the sight of Cape May lit for evening.

An excellent way to really see the nooks and crannies of Cape May is via bicycle. Its flat terrain makes it easy to navigate, even for the less experienced rider. Behold the amazing views on each side street as you get an intimate look at the Victorian dwellings and drink in the splendid shadows that fall over the city at sunset. Hop off to pack in some shopping or a meal at one of the local eateries – bicycling is one of the best ways to learn about those charming little places that might not be in every visitor guide.

Boating and other aquatic activities are as essential to Cape May as are Victorian Homes and wassail parties during the holiday season. What else could be true for an area surrounded by water on three sides? Of course many come to Cape May for its fine beaches. Revel in the relaxation of sunbathing on the sandy carpet of the beach, grab a long board to surf the waves or fish off of the sun-kissed jetties. Cape May allows you to do it all! For those with sea legs, bring your boat and dock in one of the many fine marinas that provide all the amenities a boater would want or need to make it a great trip. Still others can enjoy kayaking, boogie boarding and crabbing. If you love water, then Cape May is your ultimate vacation destination.

There isn’t a more special time of year in Cape May than during the winter holiday season. The inns are decorated with sparkling lights, lush greenery hangs around picket fences and wassail parties are in full swing. Special tours are planned and innkeepers warmly welcome visitors into their homes. Shopping in Cape May is especially wonderful this time of year, as you can purchase that unique gift that is sure to be appreciated.

Music lovers will not want to miss the Cape May Jazz Festivals, held annually in the spring and fall. Nationally renowned musicians provide entertainment that is second to none. Sway to the sounds of the sax as you listen to one of America’s most beloved genres of music.

The Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, which prepares enlisted recruits for duty, is the only one in the nation. From May through September, the Coast Guard hosts the Sunset Parade, which is a military ceremony that includes the Recruit Band, drill team and marching troops and honors the lowering of the National Ensign. This is a wonderful family event that promotes patriotic pride.

West Cape May is a town beloved by many and hosts magnificent shops and restaurants. West Cape May famously and proudly promotes its yearly Lima Bean – yes, Lima Bean – Festival, where Queen and Mr. Lima Bean are crowned and guests savor the flavor of lima beans cooked and baked every way imaginable.

While Cape May City and West Cape May provide a plethora of activities for visitors, Cape May Point is for the more laidback. With no motels, hotels or bed and breakfasts, Cape May Point is a quiet sanctuary surrounded in the natural beauty of the Jersey Cape. However, not to be forgotten, Cape May Point has many rental properties in which to stay and points of interest that are not to be missed. The first is Sunset Beach, a lovely place for folks to come to search for Cape May “Diamonds,” which are quartz stones sparkling throughout the sand and are a favorite of visitors to collect.

A trip to the Cape Mays is just not complete with out a visit to the Cape May Lighthouse. Although technically located in Lower Township, most folks consider it a Cape May Point landmark. Climb the 199 steps to the top and savor the panoramic view of the Jersey Cape from the Lighthouse observation deck.

Bird watchers flock to the area in the spring to compete in the World Series of Birding, but Cape May is great for bird watching all year long. When not observing the migration periods, many prefer to study birds indigenous to the area as well as beautiful monarch butterflies in flight. A great spot to watch from is down by the lighthouse at the nature preserve.

Many return to Cape May season after season, year after year for all it has to offer and the memories that it provides to those who choose to visit.