Did MTV’s Jersey Shore ruin the charm of New Jersey?
Some might say so. Then again, the downfall of Atlantic City doesn’t help either…
But like any other place, a few disappointing eyesores aren’t exactly a foolproof way to sum it up accurately.
The same can be said for just about anywhere, yet for some reason, New Jersey still gets boxed into a tired stereotype despite being a surprisingly majestic state with delightful getaways both inland and along the Atlantic.
One such place lies within a few hours from a cluster of major Northeast cities, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
Our expert team here at Travel Off Path is putting our reputation on the line, staking our claim that this storybook town is the East Coast’s most underrated beach destination — and perfect for a spring or summer escape with no Snooki in sight.
Cape May In May: The Sweet Spot To Visit This Coastal Heartthrob
If you’re looking for your next vacation spot, it doesn’t matter if you’re Team East Coast or Team West Coast, being so easy to reach with well-connected airports close by, Cape May, New Jersey is a come one, come all destination.
According to local sources, May is the perfect time to visit. And no, our local since isn’t Justin Timberlake…
It’s not that Cape May is a secret, it’s that May is considered “locals summer” — a time between the comedown of tourists pouring in for the kickstart to spring and the impending summer invasion.
Living in San Diego, believe me, I know…
In May, hotels are typically cheaper, you can find discounts on tours, and more parking spaces to unload your cooler and loungers.
Plus, the weather is phenomenal!
Cape May sees consistent 70 degree days perfect for exploring the timeless townscape, enjoying a sun-kissed restaurant patio, or endless hours spent seaside.
Where History Meets The Sea: More Than Just A Beach Town
Cape May isn’t the type of place where you simply claim your patch of sand, take a dip, and call it a day.
This storybook escape boasts breezy beach days with old-world charm, where Victorian homes, horse-drawn carriages, and one of the nation’s ‘oldest seaside resort’ vibes collide with the Atlantic is the very tip of the state.
One minute you can be soaking up sunshine along the shore, and the next you’re strolling streets that feel frozen in time, perusing quaint boutiques, staying at historic inns, and savoring cozy restaurants.
That said, Cape May is undeniably a gorgeous beach getaway.
Whether you’re strolling expansive Beach Avenue to start or cap your day or the type who prefers to never leave their beach chair, Cape May delivers with wide sandy beaches, mellow waves, and a timeless seaside atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Jersey Shore stereotype.
Now the question is where to work on your tan.
Locals and tourists alike both rave about Higbee Beach and oddly-named Poverty Beach that’s anything but poor with broad stretches of sand, scenic dunes, and a peaceful setting perfect for unwinding.
But if you ask us, we’re heading to Pearl Beach, holding an impressive 4.8 Google rating and located near the SS Atlantus shipwreck, making for a cool photo op.
Plus, it’s in close distance to Fish House, offering equally great seafood selections as it does coastal views.
Cape May Is One Of America’s Safest Small Towns
Topping the list of travel concerns is safety and affordability. The good news is Cape May ticks off the boxes for both, where numerous hotels are in the low $100s through the rest of spring.
As for safety, Cape May cracked the top 18 last year in an insightful report detailing America’s safest small towns, finding itself in good company with other cozy hideaways such as Mystic, Connecticut and one of my personal favorites, Carmel, California.
That report points out how walkable Cape May is any time of day, where there’s no need to keep your head on a swivel, stating “The promenade feels safe at any hour, and plenty of inns are within an easy walk.”
Before any trip make sure to check the latest travel advisories for your destination.
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
