Skip to →
Cafes/Coffee Shops | Wineries | Breweries | Bars | Distilleries | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Bagels/Sandwiches | Pizza | Desserts
cafes / coffee shops
31 Perry St, inside Carpenter's Square Mall
Cape May's coffee institution since 2001; known for frappuccinos (rare in town), expertly crafted espresso drinks, an enormous selection of syrup flavors, freshly baked pastries including raspberry croissants, and a cozy mini library; the owner wants it to feel like his living room
⭐ 4.6/5 (TripAdvisor)
12 min walk from your Airbnb
Better for smaller sub-groups; intimate interior; cash only
600 Park Blvd, West Cape May
Widely considered the best coffee shop in Cape May; bohemian, literary vibe with books, art, and jewelry on display; known for lavender lattes, mocha lattes, and iced coffee made with coffee ice cubes so it never gets watered down; breakfast sandwiches come with handwritten literary quotes; vegan and gluten-free options available; order ahead online recommended
⭐ 4.9/5 (Google)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; free street parking
Good for smaller sub-groups; closes at 2pm daily; closed Tuesdays
151 Route 47 N, Goshen (Cape May Court House)
A newer local gem that opened Spring 2025; family-owned takeout coffee shop cooking everything clean with olive oil only; La Colombe coffee; gourmet breakfast, handcrafted lunch, and fresh-baked goods; passionate community-first ethos
⭐ 4.9/5 (Google)
20 min drive from your Airbnb; note this is not in Cape May City proper — worth it for a day you're already heading north
Closed Tuesdays; Sat/Sun hours 8am–1p
414 Washington St & 315 Beach Ave (two locations)
Family-owned Cape May staple; eight specialty coffees brewed fresh daily; premium espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, and breakfast sandwiches made from scratch; the blueberry muffin is a must; cash only
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
12 min walk from your Airbnb (Washington St location)
Good for groups; two locations help spread things out
Steps from Convention Hall, Beach Ave
Beachfront cafe serving Rival Bros coffee alongside custom house-roasted blends; health-conscious menu with smoothies, bowls, wraps, and grab-and-go snacks perfect for the beach; also took over the former Out There Coffee space
⭐ 4.6/5 (Google)
15 min walk from your Airbnb
Good for groups heading to or from the beach
Inside West End Garage, West Cape May
Located on a 62-acre working farm; La Colombe draft latte on tap; baked goods made daily with farm-fresh herbs, eggs, and produce; rustic, serene setting unlike anything else in town
⭐ 4.7/5 (Google)
8 min drive; free parking at West End Garage
Good for groups; outdoor seating available
600 Park Blvd, West Cape May
Health and eco-conscious cafe with organic and non-GMO options; full breakfast and lunch menu cooked to order; frequent daily specials announced on Instagram (@golden.stop); a neighborhood gem in West Cape May
⭐ 4.5/5 (Google)
8 min drive from your Airbnb
Good for a smaller sub-group morning outing
wineries
168 Stevens St, West Cape May
The only winery on Cape May Island; stunning 50-acre estate with vineyard vistas, a hand-carved post-and-beam tasting room, and a brick patio with fireplace; famous for their wine-infused Willow Whip Sangria Floats; full farm-to-table grill menu Thursday–Sunday, charcuterie Monday–Wednesday; Fire Pit Fridays with live music 6–9pm
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free on-site parking
Good for groups; reservations strongly recommended, especially on weekends
Hours: Mon–Thu noon–6pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–9pm, Sun 11:30am–6pm
711 Townbank Rd, North Cape May
The oldest winery in the area, open since 1996; 20+ wine selections including a barrel-fermented chardonnay; indoor and outdoor seating with an upstairs deck; Sunday brunch tapas menu in summer
⭐ 4.2/5 (Google)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; free on-site parking
Walk-in for small groups; call ahead for 12
Hours: Daily, open year-round; verify summer hours on their site
Cape May area (100+ acre farm; confirm address on Google)
Husband-and-wife owned; everything harvested, pressed, fermented, and bottled on-site; offers sparkling and canned wines; food trucks on weekends; Prey Gourmet Market on-site for snacks; winner of Best Wine Shop on the Jersey Shore Hot List
⭐ 4.4/5 (TripAdvisor)
10–12 min drive; free on-site parking
Walk-in friendly; good for groups
Hours: Daily noon–6pm (verify summer hours)
breweries
1250 Hornet Rd, Lower Township (inside Cape May Airport complex)
One of the most beloved craft breweries in New Jersey, open since 2011; nearly 90,000 sq ft facility with 23 taps including flagship Cape May IPA, Coastal Evacuation Double IPA, and Always Ready Pale Ale plus rotating seasonal and experimental batches; spacious tasting room, covered outdoor beer garden, and "The Brewtique" gift shop; self-guided tour available
⭐ 4.5/5 (Yelp)
15 min drive from your Airbnb; large free parking lot
Excellent for groups; covered beer garden handles large parties easily
Hours: Mon–Wed noon–7pm, Thu–Sat noon–8pm, Sun noon–7pm
733 Seashore Rd, Cold Spring
New Jersey's first nonprofit brewery, housed in a beautifully restored 1804 English-style barn; all beers brewed using spring water from the property using 1800s-inspired recipes; proceeds support Historic Cold Spring Village next door; dog friendly
⭐ 4.5/5 (TripAdvisor)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free on-site parking
Good for groups; pair with a visit to Historic Cold Spring Village
Hours: Verify current summer hours at coldspringbrewery.org
513 Seashore Rd, Cape May
Small, creative craft brewery known for rotating seasonal taps and a casual local vibe; outside food welcome; merchandise available; great spot to mix with locals
⭐ 4.3/5 (Google)
10 min drive; free on-site parking
Better for a smaller sub-group
Hours: Verify current hours at behrbrewing.com
bars
205 Beach Ave, Cape May
The iconic Cape May surfer bar since the 1970s; outdoor seating spills onto the sand with fire pits and frequent live music; laid-back beach-culture energy with a full food menu; happy hour weekdays 11am–4pm
⭐ 4.1/5 (Yelp)
18 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Beach Ave
Good for groups; large outdoor area; walk-in
Hours: Daily 8am–10pm (peak season)
426 Washington St Mall, Cape May
A Cape May institution with mugs hanging from the ceiling belonging to members of the legendary Mug Club; casual, unpretentious pub energy; the only Cape May bar with a hot dog on the menu; colossal crab cocktail is a standout; frequent live music
⭐ 4.1/5 (TripAdvisor)
12 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Washington St
Good for groups; walk-in
Hours: Daily lunch through late night; verify peak season hours
The Boiler Room (Underground Music Bar)
200 Congress Place, inside Congress Hall
Underground bar and pizzeria beneath the iconic Congress Hall hotel; exposed brick walls, neon signage, brick-oven pizza, craft beer, and a regular live music lineup; the late-night spot in Cape May
⭐ 4.3/5 (Yelp)
18 min walk from your Airbnb; Congress Hall valet or street parking
Good for groups; walk-in; no reservation needed
Hours: Daily 5pm–10pm; Thu–Sat until 1am
The Brown Room (Cocktail Lounge)
200 Congress Place, inside Congress Hall
Sophisticated Prohibition-era-inspired cocktail lounge occupying the same spot as Congress Hall's first legal post-Prohibition bar; intimate atmosphere, creative cocktail menu, and regular live music; the upscale nightcap option in Cape May
⭐ 4.4/5 (Google)
18 min walk from your Airbnb
Better for a smaller sub-group; intimate setting
Hours: Evenings; verify current hours at caperesorts.com
The Bee's Knees Kitchen & Speakeasy Bar (Cocktail Bar)
501 Beach Ave, Marquis de Lafayette Hotel
A 1920s speakeasy-inspired bar hiding inside the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel; Prohibition-era cocktail menu with drinks like the Giggle Water; seasonal food menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; live music and events calendar
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Beach Ave
Good for groups; fun theme; walk-in or check their events calendar
Hours: Seasonal; verify at beeskneescapemay.com
Harpoons on the Bay (Sunset Bar)
91 Beach Drive, North Cape May
Waterfront bar on the Delaware Bay with some of the best sunset views in Cape May; affordable drinks, fresh seafood, and a relaxed tropical vibe; a local favorite for golden hour
⭐ 4.2/5 (Google)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking on-site
Good for groups; walk-in; best visited at sunset
Hours: Seasonal lunch and dinner; verify current hours
Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille (Rooftop Bar)
1 Beach Ave, Montreal Beach Resort
Cape May's only oceanfront rooftop bar; creative cocktails, fresh oysters, and locally harvested clams; the single best spot for July 4th fireworks viewing
⭐ 4.3/5 (Google)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; hotel lot or street parking
Good for groups with a reservation; book the rooftop NOW for July 4th
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; seasonal rooftop hours vary
distilleries
916 Shunpike Rd, Cape May
The only distillery in the Cape May area; a true farm-to-bottle operation on a 60-acre preserved coastal farm between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay; handcrafts vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and bourbon from ingredients grown on-site; cocktails made daily with fresh farm ingredients; guided distillery tours available showing the full grain-to-glass process; bottle shop on-site; live music and events regularly; ranked in TripAdvisor's top 10% of things to do worldwide
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
12 min drive from your Airbnb; free on-site parking
Walk-in for tasting room; tours available, book ahead at nautispirits.com
Hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–8pm, Thu 2pm–10pm, Fri–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–8pm
Good for groups; outdoor farm setting is spacious; note tastings are paid (~$12 each) with no free samples, which is worth knowing in advance
BREAKFAST & DINERS
301 Beach Ave, Cape May
A Cape May institution since 1968; featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; Greek-inspired diner known for tiramisu waffles, limoncello French toast, Greek omelets, and generous portions; beachfront location; also serves dinner Fri–Sat; BYOB; cash only, ATM nearby
⭐ 4.4/5 (TripAdvisor)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; very limited street parking on Beach Ave, walk if you can
No reservations; walk-in only; expect a wait after 9am
Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–2pm, Fri–Sat 8am–2pm and 5pm–8:30pm, Sun 8am–2pm
261 Beach Ave, Cape May
A Jersey Shore institution celebrating its 46th year; the go-to for a classic pancake house experience with specialties like French pancakes, Iowa corn pancakes, peach pancakes, and hearty potato pancakes; every breakfast platter imaginable
⭐ 4.0/5 (Yelp)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking limited, walk recommended
No reservations; walk-in only; expect a 30–45 min wait on summer weekends; arrive by 7:30am to beat the rush
Hours: Daily 6:30am–2pm
Good for groups; large space but waits are real in peak season
The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar
19 Jackson St, Carroll Villa Hotel
Open since 1976 and considered the granddaddy of Cape May restaurants; Victorian front porch dining is the signature experience; creative breakfast menu including oatmeal pancakes, orange-and-almond French toast, crab benedict, and fresh-squeezed OJ; live music nightly in season, never a cover; happy hour daily 4–6pm
⭐ 4.2/5 (TripAdvisor)
17 min walk from your Airbnb; limited street parking nearby
Call ahead for groups; not on OpenTable so call directly at (609) 884-5970
Hours: Daily 8am–8:30pm (Fri–Sat until 9pm)
Good for groups with advance notice; garden terrace seats up to 70
Blue Pig Tavern (Congress Hall)
200 Congress Place, Congress Hall Hotel
Named for an 1800s gambling parlor; light-filled rustic dining room with patio seating inside the iconic Congress Hall hotel; farm-fresh ingredients sourced from Beach Plum Farm three miles away; weekend brunch is a Cape May tradition
⭐ 4.2/5 (Yelp)
18 min walk from your Airbnb; Congress Hall valet or street parking
Reservations recommended, especially for brunch; book via OpenTable
Hours: Daily 7:30am–3pm and 5pm–10pm
406 N Broadway, West Cape May
Laid-back, garden-style cafe with beloved outdoor patio seating; known for sweet potato waffles, Texas French toast, and fresh fruit bowls; strong vegan and gluten-free options; BYOB; also does dinner Fri–Sat with an inventive globally-inspired menu
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; free street parking
Walk-in; no reservation system; arrive early on weekends
Hours: Daily 8am–2:30pm; Fri–Sat also 4:30pm–8:30pm
Better for a smaller sub-group; intimate garden setting
Beach Plum Farm, West Cape May (confirm current address/booking)
The farm-to-table experience in Cape May; ever-changing menu based on what was harvested from the fields that morning; rustic Amish barn kitchen; summer tomatoes, fresh fruit, and seasonal produce at their absolute peak; dinner series and special events also available
⭐ 4.8/5 (Google)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free on-site parking
Reservations required; book well in advance as this is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Cape May
Hours: Seasonal; verify current schedule at caperesorts.com
lunch
906 Schellengers Landing Rd, Fisherman's Wharf
A four-generation Cape May institution and NJ Monthly's Best Seafood in South Jersey; dockside dining overlooking Cape May Harbor with their own commercial fishing fleet supplying the kitchen; five dining rooms plus an outdoor Raw Bar and the iconic 130-ft Schooner American cocktail lounge moored alongside; clam chowder in a bread bowl and the lobster melt are lunch standouts; also excellent for dinner
⭐ 4.3/5 (Yelp)
5 min drive from your Airbnb (also walkable in about 10–12 min along the harbor); free parking lot on-site
No reservation for lunch; walk-in; dinner reservations recommended
Hours: Lunch daily 11:30am–3pm; dinner daily 4:30pm–9pm
Good for groups; large space with multiple dining rooms and outdoor options
104 Jackson St, Cape May
One of Cape May's most beloved small restaurants, open since 1980; one of the original farm-to-table spots in the area, long before it was trendy; menu limited to mostly fresh local seafood and seasonal produce from Beach Plum Farm; simple, expertly seasoned dishes with generous portions; BYO; dinner only
⭐ 4.5/5 (Yelp)
17 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Jackson St
Reservations recommended via OpenTable; book in advance
Hours: Mon–Sat 5pm–9pm; closed Sunday
Note: dinner only, not lunch — but too good to leave out; included here as a must-do dinner
142 Decatur St, Cape May
Vibrant modern bar and grill with a striking blue design and outdoor dining; strong seafood and cocktail focus; live music on weekends and locals' appreciation night every Thursday with bar specials; grilled tuna, Mahi tacos, and the chicken taco starter are crowd favorites
⭐ 4.2/5 (Google)
14 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Decatur St
Walk-in; reservations available for larger groups
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; verify current hours on their site
Good for groups; lively outdoor seating
West Cape May (confirm current address on Google)
A hidden gem; counter-service cafe with a seasonal Italian-inspired menu made entirely from locally sourced organic ingredients; known for homemade breads, pasta, soups, and salads; strong vegan and gluten-free options; BYOB; the aroma alone reportedly stops people in their tracks
⭐ 4.7/5 (Google)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; street parking
Walk-in; no reservation needed
Hours: Seasonal; verify current hours on Google
Better for a smaller sub-group; counter-service and intimate
Cape May (confirm address on Google; Washington St area)
Cape May's standout taco spot; craft tacos, artisanal tequila, and handcrafted margaritas; crispy fish tacos, carne asada, quesabirillas, and street corn are all highly praised; one of the top-rated cocktail experiences in town; more creative and elevated than a typical taco bar
⭐ 4.5/5 (Yelp)
~14 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking
Walk-in; can get busy at peak lunch and dinner hours
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; verify current hours
Good for groups; fun, casual energy
1200 Route 109, Cape May
Already listed under pizza, but worth highlighting for lunch specifically; the full menu of brick-oven pizzas, creamless clam chowder, crispy Buffalo wings, burgers, seafood, and steaks makes it one of the most versatile and group-friendly spots in Cape May; full bar; open year-round
⭐ 4.3/5 (Google)
5 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking lot
Reservations recommended for groups; call ahead
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; verify current hours
Good for groups; 150-seat space
319 Beach Ave (rear, at Jackson & Beach), Cape May
A Cape May institution and genuine local obsession; a tiny walk-up window steps from the beach serving certified gluten-free Berks Brand hot dogs with wildly creative toppings; standouts include the Mac Crunch dog, the Nor'Easter (slaw and fries on the dog), and the Bad Dog Chicago; vegan dogs and carrot dogs also available; the owner Bruce is known for personally greeting every customer; call ahead for pickup orders
⭐ 4.5/5 (Yelp)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Beach Ave is very limited, walk if you can
Walk-up only; no reservation; lines can get long but move fast
Hours: Daily 10am–4pm (Mon–Thu), 10am–6pm (Fri–Sun)
Dinner
416 S Broadway, West Cape May
One of the most-loved dinner spots in Cape May among locals and repeat visitors; fine Italian dining in a charming Victorian house with an intimate, cozy feel; known for branzino with capers and artichokes, risotto, pappardelle bolognese, and house-made cannoli; BYOB with a liquor store nearby; reserve two weeks in advance for prime dinner hours
⭐ 4.4/5 (TripAdvisor)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; free street parking
Reservations required via OpenTable; book now
Hours: Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri 3pm–10pm, Sat–Sun 3pm–11pm; closed Mon–Wed
Better for a smaller sub-group; intimate setting
311 Mansion St, Cape May
Intimate upscale-casual BYOB specializing in coastal Italian cuisine and fresh seafood; menu focused on locally sourced fish and Mediterranean ingredients; dress code is casual but no flip-flops or beachwear; one of the highest-rated newer restaurants in town; walk-ins welcome but reservations are guaranteed during peak times
⭐ 4.9/5 (TripAdvisor)
13 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Mansion St
Reservations via OpenTable; strongly recommended
Hours: Dinner nightly; weekend lunch also available; verify full schedule at ilricciocapemay.com
Better for a smaller sub-group; intimate space
Sunset Blvd, Cape May Point (adjacent to Sunset Beach)
A newer local favorite with one of the most stunning settings in Cape May; casual seafood dining with the sun sinking into Delaware Bay right in front of you; local fish tacos, fresh-shucked oysters, crab cake sandwiches, and cold cocktails; stay for the evening flag ceremony after dinner
⭐ 4.4/5 (Google)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking at Sunset Beach lot
Walk-in; no reservation needed
Hours: Seasonal; verify current hours
Good for groups; casual and spacious
513 Lafayette St, Cape May (adjacent to Washington Street Mall)
A Cape May original combining a boutique hotel, two bars, a full restaurant, and a boutique shop all in one lively space; known as a locals' favorite for its outdoor patio and wrap-around porch strung with lights; live music every night in season spanning oldies, rock, country, acoustic, blues, and pop; full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; signature frozen Jack & Coke and Mi Campo Frozen Margarita are exclusive drinks you can only get here; also hosts dinner theater shows Tue, Wed, Thu, and Sat nights for a different kind of evening out; dog-friendly outdoors; tips in cash preferred
⭐ 4.1/5 (TripAdvisor)
3 min walk from your Airbnb (Lafayette St is right around the corner)
Walk-in welcome; parties of 20+ accepted without reservations, making it one of the few spots in Cape May that can handle your whole group on the spot
Hours: Mon–Wed, Sun 8am–10pm; Thu–Sat 8am–11pm
Excellent for groups; check elainescapemay.com/live-music-and-events for the current music and dinner theater schedule before you go
bagels/sandwiches
3845 Bayshore Rd, Cape May
Five generations of NY-style bagel baking; hand-made, boiled then baked on burlap with organic ingredients, many from the owner's own garden; consistently called the best bagel in Cape May
⭐ 4.8/5 (Google)
12 min drive from your Airbnb; street parking
Walk-in only; arrive early, they sell out
Hours: Thu–Sun 7:30am–3pm; closed Mon–Wed
Note: closed the first two days of your trip (June 30 and July 1)
517 Broadway, West Cape May
A Cape May institution since 1902; butcher shop, deli, sandwich counter, and grille all in one; legendary for cheesesteaks, Italian hoagies, the Jersey Girl Wrap, and breakfast sandwiches; also does full catering trays which could be great for a house breakfast
⭐ 4.4/5 (TripAdvisor)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; limited street parking
Walk-in; online ordering available at westsidemarketwestcapemay.com
Hours: Mon, Thu–Sun 8am–5pm; closed Tue–Wed
Good for groups; order catering trays in advance for a house meal
727 Beach Ave, Cape May (inside Hotel Macomber)
Beachfront bagel cafe with homemade bagels, creative cream cheese spreads, beach bowls, and fresh-squeezed OJ; right across from the ocean and great for grabbing food before hitting the sand
⭐ 4.0/5 (TripAdvisor)
12 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Beach Ave
Walk-in; call ahead for large group orders; note reviews mention they sometimes close before posted hours, so arrive early
Hours: Daily 7am–2pm before you go
pizza
Mario's Pizza and Italian Eatery ⭐ #1 RATED PIZZA IN CAPE MAY
315 Ocean St, Unit 7, Cape May (Washington Commons Mall, in the ACME parking lot — free parking)
Cape May's true, authentic Italian-owned pizzeria; consistently voted #1 pizza in Cape May; thin crust, generous toppings, full Italian menu including pasta, salads, and sandwiches; online ordering and free delivery in season
⭐ 4.5/5 (Yelp)
14 min walk from your Airbnb; free parking in ACME lot
Walk-in or order online at ordermariosofcapemay.com; DoorDash available
Hours: Daily 11:30am–9pm
126 Sunset Blvd, West Cape May
Over 10 years in business; dough and sauce made fresh daily; handcrafted gourmet pizza cut into large sixths; also serves hoagies, burgers, cheesesteaks, pasta, and wings; free delivery to Cape May, West Cape May, Cape May Point, and area motels and B&Bs
⭐ 4.2/5 (TripAdvisor)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; street parking on Sunset Blvd
Walk-in, call ahead, or order online at pizzacapemay.com; free delivery makes this great for a house night in
Hours: Daily 11am–10pm
1200 Route 109, Cape May
Brick-oven thin crust pizza made from unbleached flour and sea salt; standout pies include clam, Margherita, and Italian Stallion; everything including sauces and desserts made from scratch; also a full bar and seafood menu; no delivery but great dine-in
⭐ 4.3/5 (Google)
5 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking lot
Reservations recommended for groups; walk-in for smaller parties
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner; verify current hours at luckybones.com
dessert
Ice Cream
Fine Fellows Creamery ⭐ TOP PICK
313 Beach Ave, Cape May
Gay-owned beachfront creamery serving Bassett's ice cream (oldest creamery in America) with inventive creative flavors, milkshakes, Liege waffles, and sundaes; strong vegan and gluten-free options; the Depeche a la Mode Liege waffle topped with praline ice cream and potato chips is legendary
⭐ 4.6/5 (Google)
15 min walk from your Airbnb; street parking on Beach Ave (walk if possible)
Walk-in; expect a line on holiday weekends
Hours: Mon–Thu 1pm–10pm, Fri–Sat 1pm–11pm, Sun 1pm–10pm
102 Sunset Blvd, Cape May Point (Sunset Plaza)
Charming local ice cream parlor serving Richman's Philadelphia-style ice cream with unique flavors like Boston cream pie, espresso caramel brownie, and salted caramel pretzel; also does Philadelphia water ice; homemade pup cups for dogs; outdoor seating perfect for sunsets
⭐ 4.3/5 (TripAdvisor)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking at Sunset Beach lot
Walk-in; pair with the sunset flag ceremony next door
Hours: Thu 4pm–9pm, Fri–Sun 2pm–9pm; closed Mon–Wed (note: closed the first three days of your trip)
North Cape May area (confirm current address on Google)
A longtime local institution with a devoted following for homemade ice cream; a beloved neighborhood staple that locals swear by year after year
⭐ 4.3/5 (Google)
Short drive from your Airbnb; verify current address and hours before going
Walk-in
3848 Bayshore Rd, North Cape May
A hidden gem praised for generous portions, creative sundaes (Peanut Butter and Campfire sundaes are standouts), affordable prices, pet-friendly outdoor seating, and genuinely warm staff; consistently called the best-kept secret in the Cape May area
⭐ 4.5/5 (Google)
10 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking on-site
Walk-in
Hours: Thu–Sun 5pm–9pm; closed Mon–Wed (closed first three days of your trip)
Bakeries & Sweet Shops
Chez Michel ⭐ MOST UNIQUE
600 Park Blvd, West Cape May
A proper French patisserie run by classically trained Parisian chef Michel Gras with 35 years of experience; hand-made croissants, almond tarts, macarons, danishes, eclairs, quiche by the slice, and custom cakes; the almond croissant is the standout; arrive before 9am on weekends or sell-outs happen
⭐ 4.6/5 (TripAdvisor)
8 min drive from your Airbnb; ample free parking on-site
Walk-in; arrive early
Hours: Mon, Fri–Sun 7am–2pm; closed Tue–Thu
Britton's Gourmet Bakery ⭐ LEGENDARY APPLE FRITTERS
5600 Pacific Ave, Wildwood Crest (note: not in Cape May City, but worth the drive)
A Jersey Shore institution since 1965 using the same cherished scratch recipes for 60+ years; famous for apple fritters, donuts, sticky buns, and cinnamon rolls; cash only with ATM on-site; lines form before the 6:30am opening
⭐ 4.5/5 (TripAdvisor)
20 min drive from your Airbnb; street parking
Walk-in; arrive early or sell out; cash only
Hours: Daily 6:30am–1pm; closed Tuesdays
Note: sells by the half-dozen minimum for some items like sticky buns
2709 Dune Dr, Avalon (note: 25 min drive north, but worth it)
Scratch-made seashore bakery in Avalon; beloved for chocolate cream donuts, sticky buns, crumb buns, quiche, scones, and freshly baked bread; locally sourced ingredients; one of the top-rated bakeries in all of Cape May County
⭐ 4.8/5 (Yelp)
25 min drive from your Airbnb; street parking on Dune Dr
Walk-in; arrive early, items sell out
Hours: Mon–Tue 8am–2pm (Tue closes at noon), Wed closed, Thu 8am–2pm, Fri–Sat 8am–4pm, Sun 8am–2pm
709 Route 9 S, Cape May Court House
Custom cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, cannoli, muffins, and chocolate-covered strawberries; great for ordering a birthday or celebration cake for the group in advance
⭐ 4.4/5 (Yelp)
20 min drive from your Airbnb; free parking
Call ahead for custom orders; walk-in for daily items
Hours: Tue–Sat 8am–3pm; closed Sun–Mon
Inside West End Garage, West Cape May
Already listed under coffee, but equally strong as a dessert and baked goods stop; farm-fresh pastries, seasonal tarts, and sweets made daily from what's growing on the 62-acre property; La Colombe draft latte pairs perfectly
⭐ 4.7/5 (Google)
8 min drive; free parking at West End Garage
Walk-in; no reservation needed
Hours: Daily in summer; verify at caperesorts.com