We firmly believe there’s no better place for a winter retreat than our very own Cape May community, and the beautiful Carroll Villa Hotel is the perfect coastal respite and home base for all your Cape May winter adventures. Yes, you’ll need a jacket and the usual cold-weather gear, but you can save the fur-lined trapper hat, windproof Parka, and arctic mittens for your next trip to the North Pole. You won’t need them here.

“I think that Jersey Shore is awesome.
I’ve gone to Cape May every summer of my life.”
— Anne Hathaway.

Hathaway was right; the Jersey Shore is pretty awesome during summer, but it’s also an underappreciated winter destination! Winter in Cape May is spectacular, especially around the holidays, including New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Celebrations: Keep the Festivities Going

More festivities? You bet! There’s wine to toast and beer and spirits to imbibe. Besides that, you’ll want to check out the great dining options for your New Year’s Eve fest. The Mad Batter and The Cricket Club offer phenomenal fare, a great bar, and plenty of live music to keep you satisfied and groovin’ to the beats.

While Cape May may not have a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, you can enjoy fireworks in one of three nearby cities — each is about a 30-minute drive, give or take:

So, get ready to “ooh and ahh” repeatedly.

Experience Coastal Beauty with Scenic Winter Walks

Our Cape May winters are bursting with coastal charm and serenity. Whether looking for a seaside stroll along the beach or a quiet nature trail to embrace your inner Aldo Leopold or Dr. Jane Goodall, you’ll find the perfect place for a scenic winter walk.

Stroll along the coastline while the waves lap against the shore — miles, and miles of deep blue stretch across the horizon, like a watery sapphire sparkling under the Jersey sky. The coastline offers a panoramic view and a picturesque backdrop — perfect for an Insta-worthy moment that’ll have all your friends back home envious of your winter vacay.

Of course, you can opt for a more immersive experience and head to the trails at Cape May Point State Park. Here, coastal vistas greet the woodlands. No, you won’t find Paul Bunyon stomping through the woods, but you might spot a rare winter bird such as the Western Tanager, Western Grebe, or the Crested Caracara, so bring your binoculars!

Thinking about a beach trail with sand dunes that rival…well, “Dune” to traverse through? Then head over to Higbee Beach, where you’ll find a 2.5-mile trail loop through woods and towering dunes and around a swamp. But bundle up! Winter gets chilly, especially along the shore.

Embrace the Chill with Winter Sports

Our city isn’t just about beaches and sunbathing. There are plenty of things to do in Cape May, including a few winter sports for adrenaline and thrill-seekers. If you have an adventurous spirit, bundle up and get ready to explore and have fun!

Winter hiking is one of the easiest and most tranquil ways to embrace your inner Marco Polo and explore the Cape May area. However, it’s far from the only one. We have indoor rinks for ice skating but wear plenty of padding if you’re accident-prone or this is your first go on skates.

Finally, for those looking for more of an adrenaline rush, try a Polar Bear plunge in the frigid Atlantic — it’s for a good cause, too. And if you’ve missed the Cape May Plunge, check out our neighboring cities, such as Ocean City Plunge, Wildwood, and Stone Harbor.

Explore Cape May’s Rich Arts and History Culture

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the Cape May Historic District. One of the main attractions here is the “Painted Ladies” — Victorian-style houses and shops in an array of vibrant colors — three or more per building — awaiting your viewing pleasure. But you must see them to fully appreciate their beauty, architectural flare, and historical significance.

There are also plenty of museums and art galleries to explore, including the Harriet Tubman Museum on Lafayette Street or The Sperlak Gallery and Sculpture Gardens in Goshen — about a 30-minute drive from our hotel, depending on weather and traffic.

Alternatively, perhaps you prefer the music arts, so check out our live music venues — Cape May is a boon for Jazz and other local talent. A few places to visit are:

For those who love live performances, Cape May’s vibrant music scene is impressive and brimming with local talent. And there’s something for everyone, whether you like Jazz, acoustic vibes, or other lively music. Of course, our sister venues, The Mad Batter and The Cricket Club, are always our top picks, whether dining or looking for a spot with some great tunes.

Warm Up with Fun, Cozy Indoor Activities

Sometimes, a winter retreat calls for some cozy indoor activities in Cape May, which is especially helpful during colder temps or adverse weather.

The area has several great wineries and vineyards — perfect for a sip-and-savor adventure. A few of our favorites include Willow Creek Winery & Farm, Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, and Natali Vineyards.

However, if you prefer flights of beer to wine, then one of our local breweries might be your perfect ticket.

“This, my friend, is a pint.”
— Merry, Lord of the Rings

Like the wineries, several breweries with craft beers offer everything from stouts to IPAs and more — and all are waiting for your hop-loving taste buds to do the happy dance.

Finally, there are plenty of other ways to spend the day inside, from art galleries and museums to shopping, theater, or even a day spa experience.

Make Your Winter Experience Truly Special

A Cape May winter retreat is the ultimate blend of coastal charm, relaxation, and outdoor — or indoor — adventure. So, whether you’re strolling the coastline, checking out the Painted Ladies, savoring local cuisine or sips, or indulging in a cozy, relaxing evening, this seaside destination promises charming memories to last a lifetime.

We invite you to embrace the magic of the season and create a winter retreat that’s uniquely yours and uniquely bragworthy. Start planning your Cape May experience today. Book your room to reserve your stay.

Must-Have Winter Retreat Experiences in Cape May, NJ