Share the article
Last updated
Goodbye, boardwalk crowds and rowdy fist pumpers! Hello fall colors and wide open beaches!
Such is the case for New Jersey, where autumn activates a new personality, away from the traditional Jersey Coast stereotypes.
Although there is one quieter town that is just as charming Be able tothat will be the ultimate fall retreat.
The east coast is teeming with beautiful coastal towns with captivating architecture and beautiful landscapes.
One such destination is Cape Maywhich sees its fair share of summer crowds.
As we turn our calendars to a new season, USA today is already oohing and ahhing over this laid-back beach town this fall.
Living on the edge… Sort of
Located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, looking into the distant past gives the feeling of living on the edge of the world.
While you certainly won’t be living ‘on the edge’ from a risk perspective, this scenic coastal spot is far from sketchy – leave that to Newark!
What you’ll find here is a dreamland of charming streets packed with historic Victorian buildings, world-class restaurants and beautiful beaches without the autumn crowds.
The last of the crowds will thin out in the coming weeks, meaning there’s no better time to plan your perfect fall retreat.
Rows of Victorian houses may entice you to take photos, but there may be no more wonderful place to spend time than the Beach plum farm 2 miles from the center where you can stay in cozy modern cottages and eat and shop among all their locally produced delicacies.
Tip: Cape May is very walkable, but take the time to book an architectural tour (such as The Southern Mansion) to delve deep into the city’s fascinating history.
Postcard Lighthouses and picturesque, spacious beaches
There’s just something magical about lighthouses along the East Coast, isn’t there?
It’s the sign that you’re in the right place, and that’s what we all want when we book a nice holiday, wherever we go.
Summer temperatures can be a blessing and a curse, but they’re probably reason #1 why beaches are attractive in the first place.
The weather will change quickly, but not dramatically enough to keep you from lounging along Cape May’s scenic shores.
In fact, the water is often still warm enough to swim in. But the real draw this time of year is the space to move around, something that is taken for granted during the busy, busy summer months.
And after spending countless hours at the beach, the local boardwalk is the perfect place to enjoy a breezy stroll and watch the sunset.
You will find plenty here restaurants with terrace seating to wine and dine while overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.
According to USA Today, Cape May consistently ranks in the top 10 best beaches in the Northeast.
Tip: For even better views, climb the 199 steps from the Cape May Lighthouse to the top. ($12 entrance fee)
A burst of autumn colors and festive events
Cape May is mainly seen as a summer destination, but there you can take advantage of how wrong those people are.
Prepare to enter the already beautiful city and watch as a burst of fall color transforms the charming streets with shades of red, gold and orange that stretch from the city center to the idyllic coastal trails like Cape May Point State Park.
There’s no better time to jump on board city cart to take beautiful photos while also being guided through a fun history lesson.
Cape May has a variety of festive events. As you can imagine, many of these involve food.
No one’s stopping you from starting your day with an obligatory Pumpkin Spice Latte, but be sure to pack your TUMS for a range of seasonal adult offers, such as:
- Cape May Oktoberfest
- Cape May Wine Trails
- Cape May Harvest Brew Fest
They return to Beach Plum Farms offering delicious Thanksgiving dinners and their signature Autumn Harvest Dinner Series, held on Fridays and Saturdays in early October.
Say what you want about Cape May, but you won’t leave hungry!
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
