Cape May Historic District
One of the best places in America to see a concentration of Victorian architecture, with rows of colorful “gingerbread” houses. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark.
After a fire in 1878, Cape May was rebuilt, and it still preserves about 600 Victorian-era buildings. Carved eaves, wraparound porches, and candy-colored facades create the gingerbread-house streetscape. In 1976, the whole town was designated a National Historic Landmark. You can walk along Columbia Ave, Hughes St, and Ocean St, or join a horse-drawn carriage, trolley, or walking tour run by MAC (about $15–30). In winter, there are candlelit Christmas tours of historic houses. Most of the old houses are now bed and breakfasts, so you can stay in one.
Opening hours
All day (guided tours run by session)
Nearby sights
- Emlen Physick Estate
- Cape May Whale Watch
- Washington Street Mall
- Cape May Beach & Promenade
- Congress Hall
- South Cape May Meadows
- Willow Creek Winery
- Historic Cold Spring Village