# Cape May Historic District

> Cape May claims to be America's first seaside resort, and as early as the 19th century guests arrived by steamboat from Philadelphia.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/cape-may-historic-district/

A seaside town of colorful Victorian houses with deep porches, set a short walk from the beach and the pedestrian Washington Street Mall. Walk the side streets in the morning, and book ahead for summer weekends.

Cape May claims to be America's first seaside resort, and as early as the 19th century guests arrived by steamboat from Philadelphia. After the great fire of 1878, which destroyed about half the town, much of it was rebuilt in the late Victorian style. The Historic District covers about 380 acres (roughly 154 ha) with more than 600 buildings and has been a National Historic Landmark District since 1976. According to the National Park Service, it is one of the largest surviving collections of late 19th-century frame buildings in the United States, many with ornate gingerbread trim.

The best way to explore the district is on foot: one to two hours is enough for the side streets and their porches, and you will need more time if you add the beach and the Washington Street Mall. Mornings are quieter, while summer weekends are crowded. For road-trippers, the advice is to park once and walk.

- **Nearest town:** Cape May, NJ
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 38.9351, -74.9060

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Cape May Historic District – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_May_Historic_District)

## Nearby

- [Cape May Lighthouse](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-cape-may-lighthouse/) – 3 mi
- [Cape Henlopen State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-cape-henlopen/) – 14 mi
- [Lewes Historic Area](https://camping-spirit.com/places/lewes-historic-area/) – 17 mi
- [Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk](https://camping-spirit.com/places/rehoboth-beach-boardwalk/) – 18 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Cape May Historic District?

Cape May Historic District is in Cape May, NJ, at GPS 38.9351, -74.9060. It is about 6 mi from Wildwood.

### Can you camp near Cape May Historic District?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Main Office, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Cape May Historic District?

Places worth a stop nearby: Cape May Lighthouse (3 mi), Cape Henlopen State Park (14 mi), Lewes Historic Area (17 mi) and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk (18 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Cape May Historic District?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)