Cape May is a city at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County,
New Jersey. Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid 18th
century and is recognized as the country's oldest seaside resort. Following the
construction of Congress Hall in 1816, Cape May became increasingly popular in
the 18th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19th
century. The ride to Cape May is rich in beauty and history.
- Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City
- New Jersey's tallest lighthouse has been shining and guiding ships since 1857. This state-owned
historic site is 228 steps in one amazing journey! It includes a replica of the light keeper's
dwelling, a museum, and gift shop. Expansive grounds detail the history of the site.
- Absecon Island's Oldest Fire House and City Hall, Ventnor
- Named after a particularly beautiful locale in Ventnor, England, this charming community is home
to Absecon Island's oldest fire house and city hall.
- Lucy the Elephant, Margate
- Lucy the Elephant is a six-story-shaped example of novelty architecture, constructed of wood and
tin sheeting in 1881 by James V. Lafferty two miles south of Atlantic City. Originally named
Elephant Bazaar, Lucy was built to promote real estate sales and attract tourists. Today, Lucy is
the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America.
- Site of Tony Mart's, Somers Point
- The site of one of the most famous, exciting and historically important rock-n-roll nightclubs on
the east coast of the United States. Conway Twitty, Bill Haley and the Comets, Duane Eddy and
Del Shannon are some of the musicians who played here. It was here Bob Dylan discovered
Levon and the Hawks in 1965, thus beginning the recording career of THE BAND in May. In
May, 1982, the popular rock and roll cult movie classic, “Eddie and the Cruisers” was filmed in
the final year of this rock ‘n roll mecca.
- Somers' Mansion, Somers Point
- The oldest house in Atlantic County was built about 1725 by Richard Somers.His son, Richard,
attended the Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia with future naval heroes Stephen Decatur and
Charles Stewart. He commanded a division of gunboats during attacks on Tripoli in the First
Barbary War. In 1804, Somers commanded the Intrepid, which had been fitted out as a "floating
volcano" to be sailed into Tripoli harbor and blown up in the midst of the enemy fleet. That night,
while underway into the harbor, she exploded prematurely, killing Somers and his volunteer crew.
This led to the reference “to the shores of Tripoli” in the Marine Corps Hymn.
- Salt Marshes, Garden State Parkway, Cape May County
- These coastal salt marshes, also known as tidal marshes, are a coastal ecosystem in the upper
coastal intertidal zone between the land and open saltwater that is regularly flooded by the tides. It
is dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These
plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh in trapping and
binding sediments. Salt marshes play a large role in the aquatic food web and the delivery of
nutrients to coastal waters. They also support terrestrial animals and provide coastal protection.
- Cape May County Historical Museum, Cape May Court House
- Located in three historic buildings, the museum features exhibits showcasing county life from
Native American times to the 21st
century. They advertise “a great beach alternative – cool when
it's hot, and dry when it's not".
- Cape May County Park and Zoo, Cape May Court House
- The Cape May County Park and Zoo iprovides free year-round admission to a collection of more
than 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres of exhibits. One of the finest zoos in
America, its principal exhibit areas are a 57-acre African Savanna, a free-flight aviary, and a
reptile collection.
- Concrete Ship SS Atlantus, Sunset Beach, Cape May
- SS Atlantus is the most famous of the twelve concrete ships built by the Liberty Ship Building
Company in Brunswick, Georgia during and after World War I. After two years of service, the
ship was retired in 1920 to a salvage yard in Virginia and eventually purchased by a ferry service
and towed to New Jersey. During a storm in June, 1926, the SS Atlantus broke free of its
moorings and beached itself at Sunset Beach, where it remains today. The area around Sunset
Beach is the last stop for migratory birds before they make their way across the Delaware River.
- Fire Control and WWII Lookout Tower, Sunset Beach, Cape May
- Fire Control Tower No. 23 is New Jersey’s last remaining restorable World War II tower, part of
the immense harbor defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles, playing a major part in
coastal defenses during WWII. Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 towers that helped aim
batteries of coastal artillery, stretching from North Wildwood, N.J. to Bethany Beach, DE.
- Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point
- This the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey. It has always been an
attention-getting landmark as well as an aid-to-navigation for mariners. It was built in 1859.
Because it is adjacent to the community of Cape May Point and just two miles from the city of
Cape May, NJ, it has drawn visitors throughout its history. The Coast Guard continues to operate
the light as an active aid to navigation.
- Cape May Promenade, Along Beach Avenue, Cape May
- Cape May’s promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, taking
you on a scenic walk or run past Cape May’s beaches. Though it’s sometimes referred to as a
boardwalk, the promenade is actually paved (the last wooden boardwalk was destroyed in the
1962 nor’easter).
- Washington Street Mall, Cape May
- This pedestrian mall area is in the heart of Cape May. It is open daily with gift shops, sweet shops,
cafes, massage centers, restaurants and bars, etc. Has about 100 stores total in the area, if you
include the side streets and parallel streets.
Contact AC Tour Guy
John King |
101 Boardwalk, Apt 814,
Atlantic City, NJ 08401