A Cape May day trip from Wildwood can pair a walk through the historic district with a museum, trolley tour or time at the county zoo. NJ TRANSIT Route 313 provides daily bus service between Cape May and Wildwood, so you can plan the outing without relying on a car.
- Route: NJ TRANSIT Route 313 serves Cape May and Wildwood daily.
- Historic sites: Cape May MAC operates four historic sites and offers trolley tours and events around Cape May County.
- Free attraction: Cape May County Park & Zoo has free admission and car parking.
- Seasonal detail: The Colonial House has regular public hours from June 15 through September 15.
Choose a route from Wildwood
NJ TRANSIT Route 313 is the daily bus connection between Cape May and Wildwood. It runs as part of the Camden–Cape May route, making it a practical starting point for a day trip by public transit. For local connections before departure, getting around Wildwood without relying on a car can help you plan the Wildwood end of the trip.
Check NJ TRANSIT’s app or trip planner for stops and schedules before setting out. If you are driving, Cape May has metered parking around the Washington Street Mall and at the City Welcome Center on Lafayette Street; free parking is available at the Emlen Physick Estate.
From Calypso Boutique, Wildwood city centre is about a five-minute walk. You can also plan a separate day around one day in Wildwood before or after your Cape May outing.
Walk Cape May's historic district
Cape May’s historic district brings several historic sites and visitor stops into a walkable town setting. Cape May MAC describes the town as a “museum without walls” and operates four historic sites, trolley tours and events throughout Cape May County.
Start around Washington Street Mall, where Cape May MAC’s Information Booth sits at the junction of Washington and Ocean Streets. The organization sells tickets there, and trolley tours usually depart from the stop across the street unless otherwise noted.
For a smaller historic stop, visit the Colonial House at 653 1/2 Washington Street, next to City Hall. The circa-1730 house is open to the public free of charge from June 15 through September 15, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Winter tours are available by appointment with at least 24 hours’ notice; there is no admission fee, and donations are accepted.
The Colonial House has a slate sidewalk leading to a porch with two low, wide steps. Its adjacent public city parking lot has handicapped parking.
Add waterfront time or a local attraction
Choose one main attraction after your historic-district walk, then leave time for the waterfront. Cape May MAC’s three named museums are the Cape May Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate and World War II Lookout Tower.
The Emlen Physick Estate is also a useful place to orient your visit: Cape May MAC’s Hill House office is there at 1048 Washington Street, and free parking is available on the estate grounds. The office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in winter, it is open on Saturdays only.
For an outing outside the historic core, Cape May County Park & Zoo charges no admission and offers free car parking. The zoo is open every day except Christmas, with listed hours of 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Pets are not allowed on the grounds.
By car, directions to the zoo from the south are Garden State Parkway Exit 11, then left on Crest Haven Road. From the north, take Exit 11 and turn right on Crest Haven Road. Full-size buses are charged $80 and short school buses $40.
Check seasonal transport and opening times
Bus schedules, attraction hours and seasonal services can affect how much you fit into a Cape May day trip. Cape May MAC offers tours and events throughout the year; check its calendar for availability on your visit date.
Its visitor centers include the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, the City Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street and the Carriage House Visitor Center at the Emlen Physick Estate.
Cape May MAC also offers a free passport with a suggested $5 donation. You can pick one up at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May Lighthouse, World War II Lookout Tower or Washington Street Mall Information Booth.
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is another seasonal transport option, but its sailing schedules vary by season and are finalized shortly before the season begins. For current schedules, stops, opening hours and ticket details, check the official site before you go, including the relevant operator’s site.
FAQs
Can you take a bus from Wildwood to Cape May?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT Route 313 provides daily bus service between Cape May and Wildwood as part of its Camden–Cape May route. Check the agency’s trip planner or app for stops and schedules.
What can you see in Cape May’s historic district?
Cape May MAC operates historic sites, including the Cape May Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate and World War II Lookout Tower. The Colonial House is another historic stop, with seasonal public hours and winter tours by appointment.
Is Cape May County Park & Zoo free?
Admission and car parking are free. The zoo is open daily except Christmas, and pets are not allowed on the grounds.