Summer is finally here, and if you’re looking for an endless summer experience, staying for a weekend or week at one of the Cape May hotels in New Jersey will make you feel like you’re officially living on island time. With gorgeous beaches, non-stop family fun, and dreamy gingerbread Victorian architecture, a Cape May vacay is a classic family shore escape. The good news is you can choose how you want to do Cape May with budget-friendly to luxe options—stay at a condo-hotel with plenty of space and amenities, a grand-style resort with a sweeping porch looking out towards the ocean, or a white-washed beachfront hotel with nautical-themed rooms. Ready to get on the GSP and head to exit 0? Scroll down to find out more about some of the best kid-friendly Cape May hotels in New Jersey, and don’t miss out on the Cape May restaurants while you are there. (featured photo credit: Congress Hall)
8 Cape May hotels in New Jersey for families
With a prime beach location and condo-style rooms, Sandpiper Beach Club is an excellent choice for families. Photo Credit: Sandpiper Beach Club
Sandpiper Beach Club
Looking for the comfort and convenience of a condominium but don’t want to forgo the amenities of a high-end resort? Sandpiper will fit the bill with its one or two-bedroom suites with modern furnishings, luxurious bedding, and private balconies with an ocean view. Complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels will be waiting for you when the kids are ready to hit the nearby beach, and twice-daily housekeeping means you can relax when you return to your home away from home.
Prices start at $400
11 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
(800) 732-7816
Congress Hall
Otherwise known as “The Summer White House,” this majestic hotel opened in 1816 as a humble boarding house that served as one of America’s first seaside resorts. Congress Hall’s lovingly restored resort in the heart of Cape May’s historic district pairs classic style with lots of kid-friendly touches, including beach amenities, a family pool, and on-site bikes. Stay busy from sunrise to sundown with family activities like dive-in movies at the pool and hunting for Cape May diamonds (clear quartz pebbles). And if mama needs a break, indulge in a spa treatment with locally sourced ingredients.
Prices start at $300
200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
(888) 944-1816
The Grand Hotel
Your kids will love the interactive magic shows and family game room, but they’ll be really excited about the Olympic-size indoor and outdoor heated pools (great for those rainy and chilly days). Depending on the size of your crew, this beachfront hotel offers accommodations ranging from standard and ADA-accessible rooms to efficiency units and two-story townhouse suites. On-site dining at Hemingway’s Restaurant has a variety of kid-friendly fare and parent-friendly specialty cocktails.
Prices start at $274
1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5611
These cottages have that classic Victorian style Cape May is famous for. Photo Credit: The Virginia Cottages
The Virginia Cottages
Book one of these Victorian beauties if you want a beach home vacay with all the comforts of a hotel. With spacious, swoon-worthy interiors, a chef-style kitchen, beach service, and access to Congress Hall pools and spa, this feels like you’re a guest at a friend’s swanky beach house, but better. The four historic cottages are only half a block from the ocean and available for weekly rentals when you want to settle in for a while.
Prices start at $300
25 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
(800) 732-4236
The Star
Whether you’re taking a turn on the porch swing or sitting in a rocking chair as you sip a cool drink, this boutique inn and motel will evoke all sorts of nostalgia while you create brand-new memories for the whole family. Stay in a colorful Star Suite, complete with a backyard, or opt for a two-bedroom Carriage House suite if a private beach house vibe is more your style.
Prices start at $322
29 Perry Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
(800) 297-3779
Your kids won’t want to leave the heated saltwater pool at Lokal Hotel. Photo Credit: @stay_lokal
Lokal Hotel
This cozy micro-resort houses only eight apartment-style rooms—half of which are child-friendly suites with private decks. Head to the outdoor cooking area to grill and chill or splash in a heated saltwater pool. The hotel’s mobile beach kit (with Yeti coolers and mugs, towels, beach bags, and sand toys) will make your trek to the ocean hassle-free.
Prices start at $660
5 Stockton Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 536-9157
Beach Plum Farm Cottages
Take a step into the countryside with a getaway on this 62-acre working farm a few miles away from the beach. Six historic cottages, including one dating back to the 1700s with a special kids’ loft, will give you a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A quick drive or bike ride will bring you into town, and when you’re ready to come back to nature, try a farm-to-table meal featuring fresh ingredients cultivated right on the grounds.
Prices start at $570
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 459-0121
The Beach Shack is one of our fave Cape May hotels in New Jersey and is so close to the ocean. Photo Credit: Beach Shack
Beach Shack
This laidback beach lover’s retreat is just steps from the ocean and a quick walk to Cape May’s historic downtown. The spacious and stylish digs are comfortable and welcoming for kids, and some rooms can also accommodate the family dog. Once you’re done soaking up the sun, head over to the iconic Rusty Nail, where children’s meals are served on a souvenir Frisbee, and you can sit by the fire pit or take in some live entertainment.
Prices start at $230
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
(877) SHACK-07
Tell us about your favorite Cape May hotels and any fun memories you have!
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