Our unique Cape May town is best known for summer-time fun, but fall is truly a wonderful time to visit. The weather has cooled to a perfectly comfortable temperature, the crowds have dwindled, and there are still loads of things to do. We have curated our favorite 6 things to do in the fall in Cape May, just to show you the range of choices. Take out your calendar, and pick a weekend or take advantage of our exclusive mid-week fall special.
1. Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum
The Harriet Tubman Museum is the newest Cape May museum, opening in 2021. It is located in a former pastor’s home in an area of Cape May that was home to many famed abolitionists. Harriet Tubman lived and worked in Cape May, using monies earned to help fund her efforts to help enslaved people escape and establish the Underground Railroad. Come and learn about her time in Cape May and her contribution to the abolitionist movement. The museum is open daily but advanced tickets are required.
2. Go Hiking on the Beach
Although the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable, you may not want to go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the weather is perfect for a walk (or hike) along the beach. We have put together a list of our favorite hikes, most of them on or near the beach. And since our terrain is generally flat, it’s a fun and easy way to see the sights and get some fresh air. And it gives you an excuse for another pumpkin spice latte and apple cider doughnut.
3. Go Whale Watching
Common wisdom says that the best times for viewing migrating whales are the summer months, but, like everything in life, each year and season is different. It is well worth your while to book a whale watching tour on a gorgeous sunny fall day. You may see more than whales (like dolphins or seals) and get the advantage of seeing the changing fall colors. Some tour operators even give you a marine mammal siting guarantee. Here is our complete guide to whale watching in Cape May.
4. Go Birding
Cape May is well known as a premier destination for birding. There are many workshops available at the Cape May Bird Observatory, or, if you are an experienced birder, twitcher, or lister, you probably know the best sites. Here are details about scheduled bird walks and locations where sightings are probable. What species might you see? Peregrine falcons, sharp-shinned hawks, and northern harriers are some of the raptors in our area in the fall.
5. Visit the Wineries
Wineries might not be the first thing you consider when considering a visit to Cape May, but we are home to seven wineries. Fall is harvest season, so it’s enjoyable to take a day and drive around to several wineries, check out the harvest, and sample the wines. Some of the wineries have light tapas, lunch, or even live music in the evening.
6. Celebrate Spooky Season
We love the Halloween season, and there are many different ways to celebrate in Cape May. From September 9 – October 31, 2022, there are various spooky-themed events, like ghost walks, theatrical performances, and Scarecrow Alley, where you can vote for your favorite scarecrow. There is a parade (in costume, of course) on October 23, beginning at 3 pm. Historic Cold Spring Village celebrates Halloween in style with a pumpkin festival and a family-friendly haunted walk-through.
Who misses summer when there are at least 6 fun things to do in the fall in Cape May? Our Victorian mansions, with their front porches, were made for pumpkins and cornstalks. Book your stay now, and bring a sweater for an evening stroll on the beach.