The Cape May area is sprawling, much befitting an area that shares a name with a County. While most tourists will flock to the town called just Cape May, there are a lot of opportunity to go off the beaten path and explore why the whole area is so beloved.
North Cape May
This small town sits on the West Side of Cape May County, with a vibrant resident community that gets amplified when tourism season hits. It's a great destination for those who want a slower pace than other parts of Cape May, especially tourists who enjoy fermented beverages.
Gusto Brewing is a family-run taproom. Beer drinkers descend to sit a stool and have one of the multiple beers on draft or to take a four pack on the road (the taproom is the only place to purchase cans).
Turdo Vineyards, the only winery in Cape May County, sits nearby, offering wine tastings, wine by the glass, and purchases for a dinner at home.
And, finally, nestled between North Cape May and Cape May is Nauti Spirits, where you can sample a variety of distilled spirits or take a tour while sampling food from any of the food trucks that happen to set up operations on premise.
For food, Gusto Brewery co-owner Zachary Pashley swears by El Pueblo Taqueria, (locations in both North Cape May and Cape May) which he says serves some of the best Mexican food he's had and has a family-run approach like his brewery.
Those looking to get out on the ocean can take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which is a 85-minute ride from Cape May to the nearby beaches in Delaware.
Cape May
Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the tale end of New Jersey, Cape May is a proper destination for food, drinks, beach, and activities.
The beaches in Cape May run for about 2.5 miles, with many access points named after the avenue you enter from.
If you're arriving via the airport, you can immediately enjoy a beer at the Cape May Brewery Tap Room.
For food, locals recommend The Cricket Club, Peter Shields, and The Ebbet Room at the Virginia Hotel for fancier options. If you want something more low-key, Lucky Bones and Ugly Mug.
Pashley also recommends The Mad Batter - which is the only other place to get Gusto Brewery beers on draft - for its beer selection and excellent food. It's teeming during the off-season which means it's even more packed when the tourists arrive.
Cape May is golf country as well. For those who want a fun and lighthearded game, Cape May Par 3 in Lower Township hits the spot. For more serious golfers, Pashley recommends Cape May National - if you can get a tee time.
Other Cape May Breweries include:
Cold Spring Brewery (New Jersey's first nonprofit brewery)
Behr Brewing
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