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Did MTV’s Jersey Shore ruin the charm of New Jersey?
Some might say that. On the other hand, the demise of Atlantic City doesn’t help either…
But just like anywhere else, a few disappointing eyesores aren’t exactly a foolproof way to accurately sum it up.
The same can be said for just about anywhere, but for some reason New Jersey still gets pigeonholed into a tired stereotype, despite being a surprisingly majestic state with wonderful getaways both inland and along the Atlantic Ocean.
One such place is within a few hours of a cluster of major cities in the Northeast, including New York City, Baltimore and Washington DC
Our expert team here at Travel Off Path puts our reputation on the line and backs up our claim that this storybook town is the East Coast’s most underrated beach destination—and perfect for a spring or summer escape without Snooki in sight.
Cape May in May: the best place to visit this coastal heartthrob
If you’re looking for your next vacation destination, it doesn’t matter if you’re Team East Coast or Team West Coast, because it’s so easy to get to with well-connected airports nearby, Cape May, New Jersey is a destination you’re sure to come across.
According to local sourcesMay is the perfect time to visit. And no, our local since is not Justin Timberlake…
It’s not that Cape May is a secret, but that May is considered “local summer” – a time between the arrival of tourists pouring in for the kickstart of spring and the impending invasion of summer.
I live in San Diego, believe me, I know…
In May, hotels tend to be cheaper, you’ll find discounts on tours, and there are more parking spaces to unload your cooler and loungers.
Plus the weather is phenomenal!
Cape May experiences consistent 70-degree days, perfect for exploring the timeless cityscape, enjoying a sun-drenched restaurant patio, or spending endless hours by the sea.
Where history meets the sea: more than just a seaside resort
Cape May isn’t the kind of place where you simply claim your patch of sand, take a dip and call it a day.
This storybook escape offers breezy beach days with old-world charm, where Victorian homes, horse-drawn carriages, and one of the country’s “oldest seaside resorts” collide with the Atlantic Ocean at the very tip of the state.
One moment you can enjoy the sun along the coast, and the next moment you are strolling through streets that seem frozen in time, visiting nice boutiques, staying in historic inns and enjoying cozy restaurants.
That said, Cape May is undeniably a beautiful beach getaway.
Whether you stroll the expansive Beach Avenue to start or end your day, or are the type who prefers never to leave your beach chair, Cape May offers wide sandy beaches, gentle waves, and a timeless seaside atmosphere that’s worlds away from the Jersey Shore stereotype.
Now the question is where to work on your tan.
Both locals and tourists are enthusiastic Higbee Beach and called strange Poverty beach which is anything but poor, with extensive sandy beaches, picturesque dunes and a peaceful environment, perfect for relaxing.
But if you ask us, we’ll go to Pearl beachwith an impressive Google rating of 4.8 and located near the SS Atlantus shipwreck, which makes for a cool photo.
Moreover, it is a short distance from Fish housewith equally great seafood selections and coastal views.
Cape May is one of the safest small towns in America
At the top of the list of travel concerns are safety and affordability. The good news is that both options are covered in Cape May, with numerous hotels in the low $100s for the rest of the spring.
In terms of safety, Cape May ranked top 18 last year in an insightful report on America’s Safest Small Towns, and was in good company with other cozy hideaways like Mystic, Connecticut and one of my personal favorites, Carmel, California.
That report points out how walkable Cape May is at any time of day, where you don’t have to keep your head on the ground, saying, “The boardwalk feels safe at all hours, and there are many inns within walking distance.”
Be sure to check the latest information before each trip travel advice for your destination.
