Travel Guide Cape May

Cape May is a small town at the tip of the New Jersey Peninsula where the Delaware River meets the Atlantic Ocean. With its wide beaches, Victorian houses, quiet streets, its near wild nature (forests, dunes, marshes), it is a popular seaside resort of the inhabitants of Philadelphia and, also, a famous place to observe birds.The first inhabitants are the Tuckines Indians (a branch of the Lenapes), they live in the bay until 1735, maintaining peaceful relations with the first settlers installed in 1685. It was in the early 1800 s that Cape May became popular as a resort destination. Frequent exchanges of goods between the rural Cape May and the urban Philadelphia have gradually led to the development of tourism. It must be said that, in the summer, in large cities, with overwhelming heat and poor hygiene, epidemics are common and the marine air is sought, especially for asthmatics. Very quickly, residents offer meals and accommodation for visitors to the ocean. The B & B tradition was born. Philadelphia newspapers advertise for this new place combining leisure and clean air. As early as the 1850 s, 20 hotels opened their doors. Cape May experienced some difficult times (large fires destroyed much of the infrastructure in 1878, a storm almost reduced the city to nil in 1962…) but remains a privileged destination for the residents of Philadelphia or New York, far from the extravagances of Atlantic City. More authentic, closer to nature than the city of the game, Cape May clings to its historic heritage and is proud of its preserved Victorian houses. In summer, the population is going from about 3,600 to 40,000 visitors, so don't hesitate to take advantage of the late spring or early autumn to enjoy a little calm.