Overview A coastal park of ponds, dunes, and birding trails at the southern tip of New Jersey. In winter, it’s quiet except for seabirds and the sound of waves rolling over the flats.
Why It’s Worth a Stop It’s a haven for nature lovers and photographers — peaceful, open, and filled with migratory birds even in the cold months.
What to Know Before You Go
Free entry; parking on site.
Bird observation platforms near the lighthouse.
Visitor center open limited winter hours.
Fun Fact The park is a major stopover on the Atlantic Flyway, drawing thousands of birds each year.
Overview Built in 1859 and still shining, the Cape May Lighthouse stands at the tip of New Jersey’s southern cape. Visitors climb 199 steps for sweeping views of the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
Why It’s Worth a Stop The view from the top is especially beautiful in winter, when the light catches the ocean’s silver edge and the beaches are empty.
What to Know Before You Go
Open year-round weather permitting.
Admission charged; tickets at the Oil House museum.
Adjacent nature trails at Cape May Point State Park.
Fun Fact It’s the third lighthouse built at this site — the original two were lost to erosion.
Why It’s Worth a Stop It’s one of those rare stores that feels like a memory in motion — warm, nostalgic, and faintly scented with cinnamon. Every ornament tells a story, and there’s always soft caroling music in the background.
What to Know Before You Go
Open daily with extended hours in November and December.
Multiple sister stores along the Jersey Shore.
Cashiers wrap fragile ornaments by hand in tissue and ribbon.
Congress Hall’s iconic yellow exterior overlooking the beach in Cape May. 📸 Congress Hall
Congress Hall • Address: 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204 • State: New Jersey • Website:congresshall.com
Overview Known as America’s first seaside resort, Congress Hall has been welcoming guests since 1816. The sprawling yellow hotel sits just off the beach, glowing with holiday lights and history. Inside, the Blue Pig Tavern serves comfort food and coastal classics under wood beams and warm light.
Why It’s Worth a Stop Congress Hall turns into Cape May’s centerpiece during the holidays, hosting its annual Winter Wonderland with a giant tree, festive markets, and carriage rides. The Blue Pig Tavern is the place for a hearty bowl of chowder or roast chicken by the fire.
What to Know Before You Go
Open almost year-round; Winter Wonderland typically runs late November through December. Hotel closes for a brief refresh after the holidays.
On-site parking is available for hotel guests.
The Blue Pig Tavern accepts reservations.
Family-friendly and walkable to Washington Street Mall.
Fun Fact Four U.S. Presidents have vacationed at Congress Hall — Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant, and Benjamin Harrison.
The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council gallery in Newton showcases rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists. 📸 Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council
Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council • Address: 133 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860 • State: New Jersey • Website:https://www.scahc.org/
Overview The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council (SCAHC) is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the cultural life of northwestern New Jersey. From its Newton gallery, the council supports local artists with exhibitions, workshops, and sales opportunities, while also distributing state arts and history grants to more than 20 organizations across the county. Its programs make art and heritage accessible to all, fostering creativity through concerts, theater, historical programming, and family-friendly events.
Why It’s Worth a Stop Visitors can enjoy a rotating schedule of gallery shows that highlight local and regional artists, often featuring works for sale. Stopping by also means supporting an organization that fuels the broader arts scene—from youth programs to symphonies—throughout Sussex County.
What to Know Before You Go
Located in downtown Newton, close to shops and restaurants.
Donations and memberships support local programming.
Workshops, classes, and exhibitions change frequently—check the calendar before you visit.
Fun Fact Through the Families First Discovery Pass Program, the council provides discounted admission to arts events across the region for families enrolled in state assistance programs.
