February at the shore is a lot different than the peak season months, but many of the area’s accommodations remain open, and the dining options are nearly as abundant as they are in July or August. The pace is a little easier as the long lines are nonexistent and many of the large family outings with children are on hold until summer.

In 2025, President’s Day Weekend begins on Friday Feb. 14 or Valentine’s Day and Monday, Feb. 17, is a day off for most visitors, making the weekend perfect for a getaway with your special someone. Having that extra day means squeezing in another dinner at one of the area’s fine restaurants, spending another day at a nearby winery, or booking that couples stay at the spa that there just isn’t time for during a regular weekend.

One of the best spots for your getaway is Victorian Cape May, which has a plethora of fine dining options, nearby wineries, a beach, and plenty of other open spaces. The organization that coordinates tours and events in America’s first seaside resort, Cape May MAC, is planning a Cape May WIne Trail Tour on Sunday, Feb. 16. Board the trolley and travel to the Bellevue Tavern in Cape May Court House for lunch. Then it’s back on the trolley for an afternoon of touring and sampling wine selections by vintners at Jessie Creek Winery, and Briganti by the Bay Vineyards. Visit Cape May MAC for more information.

In addition to Jessie Creek and Natali, other popular wineries in the region include Cape May Winery on Townbank Road in North Cape May, Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery in Rio Grande, and Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May. All these facilities have indoor and outdoor options, with heated outdoor seating and cozy fire pits to help keep patrons warm.

A visit to the spa is another popular activity for visitors, and spas can be found nearby in Congress Hall, Cape May, Cape May Day Spa, and the Salt Spa at the Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor.

While few people are taking their beach chairs to the beach, all the area’s beaches are accessible, and perfect for a bundled-up stroll along the strand. If you are interested in touring Cape May’s sites, in addition to the MAC tours, Cape May Carriage operates during the weekends to take patrons on romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through the resort.

If the weather permits and the great outdoors beckon, the area’s many hiking trails in state parks, wildlife management areas, and beaches are open and lack the crowds one might encounter in season.

When the sun goes down, the area’s vibrant nightlife comes alive. The Jersey Cape is well-known for culinary excellence, and visitors will be surprised to find many of their favorite restaurants are open and better than ever. Afterward, pay a visit to some of the taverns, bars, and nightclubs that shore vacations are known for. There are many spots with live music, so maybe a little dancing can cap off a romantic evening out on the town. After all, romance never goes out of style!

Whether you are looking to book a couples’ getaway or even a girls’ weekend, look no further than the Jersey Cape. It’s nearby, it’s open, and the local businesses are waiting to help you escape the everyday and pursue your passion. www.escapetothejerseycape.com

With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, many people may be considering a winter escape, and New Jersey’s Southern Shore region is an excellent choice just a few hours’ drive away.

While beach time may be limited to a bundled-up stroll or a quick “polar plunge” into the frigid Atlantic, there are still plenty of outdoor recreational and entertainment options, as well as numerous indoor activities. In fact, many prefer visiting the Jersey Cape in the winter for its serene atmosphere, free from the summer’s bustling crowds.

Hotel rooms are readily available—and usually significantly discounted compared to “in-season” prices—in most of the area’s resorts, and parking meters are off, as local innkeepers and shop owners welcome those who venture to the area during the shoulder season.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long stay, there’s much to see and do in the region. Outdoor spots like the area’s fine wineries offer seating under outdoor heaters or around cozy fire pits, providing a pleasant surprise for visitors.

If relaxation is your goal, nothing beats a massage and spa day at a local spa, such as Cape May Day Spa, the Sea Spa in Congress Hall, or the Salt Spa at the Reeds at Shelter Haven in Avalon.

Fresh air and physical activity are invaluable, so if the weather permits, bicycle rides on the area’s promenades, boardwalks, and bike paths are perfect ways to enjoy unobstructed seaside views. The area’s hiking trails are also less traveled in the winter, showcasing a different landscape as the seasons change. A notable trail is Higbee Beach in Lower Township, near Cape May, where lucky hikers might see 100-year-old train tracks visible at low tide.

Many of the top-rated restaurants and pubs in Cape May County remain open through the winter, albeit on a shortened schedule. Be sure to call ahead to check operating hours or make reservations.

As the Jersey Shore wraps herself in a winter shawl, indoor pursuits are abundant. Enjoy breweries, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and historical museums. One of the area’s newest venues, Cape Square Entertainment Center in Rio Grande, features eight movie theaters, 16 bowling lanes, an arcade, three bars, two restaurants, and a golf simulator. The owners also operate movie theaters at Harbor Square in Stone Harbor and Moorlyn Square Theater in Ocean City.

Finally, there’s shopping. The region’s niche shops, offering one-of-a-kind and hard-to-find items, remain open, minus the summer crowds.

So, if you’re seeking a fun, relaxing winter getaway, book a trip to New Jersey’s Southern Shore and prepare for exhilarating walks along (nearly) empty beaches, warming cocktails around a cozy outdoor fire pit, soothing massages, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s not too early to plan your holiday getaway to the Jersey Cape! The spirit of Christmas comes early to your favorite beach towns beginning in the nation’s oldest seaside resort of Cape May and ending in Ocean City with a First Night celebration. Santa plans a quick getaway to the Jersey Cape to enjoy holiday season activities in Cape May, The Wildwoods, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, and Ocean City, beginning Nov. 15. Check out the holiday activities below and mark your calendars for a holiday getaway to the Jersey Cape.


CAPE MAY’S HOLIDAY SEASON: Nov.15 - Jan. 1, 2025
Christmas In Cape May: For six weeks, the holidays always come early to this seaside town famous for gingerbread, gaslights and Victorian hospitality. Sip wassail, hop aboard a holiday themed trolley tour, take tea with Mrs. Claus or stop by the Physick Estate, lavishly decorated in true Victorian style. Learn more about the holiday traditions of the Victorian era of the 1890s, experience a Dickens Christmas extravaganza, a Lamplighter Christmas Tours, Santa Trolley Rides, Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides or the annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours (Dec. 7, 14, 21) Enjoy food and wine events, craft fairs and so much more for the merriest of holiday seasons. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.org

OCEAN CITY’S HOLIDAY SEASON: NOV. 23 – JAN. 1, 2025
Earlier Than The Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza: Nov. 23: Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials. 8am to Noon. www.oceancityvacation.com

Free Horse And Carriage Rides Through Downtown: Nov. 23, 29-30, Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: The Asbury shopping district in Ocean City becomes a “Miracle on Asbury Avenue” celebrating the holiday with beautifully decorated shops and special holiday offers, free horse and carriage rides throughout the downtown, photos with Santa Claus and much more. For more information call 800-BEACH-NJ. www.oceancityvacation.com

Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot: Nov. 28. It takes place on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. For more information call 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or www.hsocnj.org

Photos with Santa: Nov.30, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. www.oceancityvacation.com

Christmas in Ocean City’s Downtown: “Our Miracle on Asbury Ave.” Nov. 29. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. www.oceancityvacation.com

Ocean City Christmas Parade: Dec. 6. 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street. Registration information at www.ocnj.us/christmas-parade

Train Show: Dec. 7-8 at the Ocean City Music Pier. 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission free. www.oceancityvacation.com

Santa in Downtown Ocean City: Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. 9:00am to 11am at Soifer Park. www.oceancityvacation.com

Festive Fridays Along Downtown Asbury Avenue: Dec. 13 and 20. Join Downtown Ocean City Merchants as they celebrate the holiday season with shopping specials. Enjoy Horse and Carriage Rides from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. departing at 6th & Asbury through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and shopping for some for the best gifts this holiday season! www.oceancityvacation.com

First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration in Ocean City: Dec. 31. A complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight. More details at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com

First Day Shopping Extravaganza: Jan. 1, 2025. Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 14th Street. www.oceancityvacation.com

First Day 5k Boardwalk Run: Jan. 1, 2025. Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events or race day 11:00am - 12:30 pm at the Ocean City Music Pier. Race begins at 1pm. www.oceancityvacation.com

First Day at The Beach: Jan. 1, 2025. 2pm at the Music Pier. Join us for Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. www.oceancityvacation.com

STONE HARBOR, AVALON AND SEA ISLE CITY
Island Holiday Weekend & Christmas Parade: Nov. 29-30: Stone Harbor. Holiday Market & Carousel, Water Tower Lot 11 am – 5 pm. On Friday – Pet Parade, 200 block 96th Street, 1 pm. Tree Lighting, 200 block 96th Street, 6 pm. Hospitality Night, business district, 6 pm – 9 pm. On Saturday – Downtown Dash, 96th Street 10am and Christmas Parade, 6:30pm. www.SHNJ.org or www.StoneHarborChamber.com

Festive Friday: Nov. 29: Avalon. Thanksgiving is over, now it’s time to get festive! Stroll Dune Drive while shopping in the many stores and boutiques and enjoy live music and children’s performances throughout the day. www.visitavalonnj.com

Snowfest Saturday: Nov. 30: Avalon. Throughout the shopping district in Avalon. Make plans to return to Avalon through Saturday for great shopping specials and more live music, performances, and children’s activities throughout town. www.visitavalonnj.com

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s Arrival: Nov. 29: Sea Isle City. Santa Claus is coming to town! Kick-off the holiday season with the tree lighting ceremony and holiday festivities and Santa’s arrival at Excursion Park at 41st St. in Sea Isle City beginning at 6:30 p.m. Holiday events in December in Sea Isle City include Santa’s Calling, a House Lighting Contest and New Year’s Eve fireworks. www.visitsicnj.com

Winter Village At Excursion Park: Nov. 29-30. Sea Isle City. Let’s celebrate the season as we transform Excursion Park into a Winter Wonderland. Shop local and find unique gift ideas at the charming shopping village. Sample food prepared by fantastic local restaurants and Boy Scout Troop 76.  Enjoy holiday music and performances that will have you dancing and singing along. Holiday Quizzo with Angelo. Holiday-themed crafts, bounce houses, a visit by Santa and more! Fri. 2pm – 9pm and Sat. 11am – 6pm. Sponsored by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization. www.seaislechamber.com


THE WILDWOODS HOLIDAY SEASON: Nov. 29 -Dec. 16
Family Holiday Celebration: Nov. 29 - Dec. 16. Enjoy five weekends of family fun in the Wildwoods. Friends, family, and holiday cheer, make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate in the Wildwoods this winter season and experience the magic of the holidays. There is plenty of entertainment and activities to help create family memories including a Shopping Village, a bonfire, parades, light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and so much more. www.Wildwoodholiday.com

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village: Nov. 30: Wildwood. 10:30am - 3:30pm. A completely outdoor shopping experience. Join the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce on Small Business Saturday at Byrne Plaza at 3400 Pacific Ave. as downtown Wildwood is transformed into a holiday shopping village with homemade craft and food vendors, a beer garden and more. With over 80 local small business vendors on hand, you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift. Start a new tradition and bring the family to this unique outdoor shopping event. 609-729-4000. www.gwcoc.org

It is always the spooky season in Cape May with ghosts and spirits claiming their place along the backstreets and byways of this historic seaside town. Victorian Cape May, the nation’s oldest seashore resort, surrounded on three sides by water at the southernmost point of New Jersey, holds echoes of seaside spirits who make their voices heard here. Ghost seances, ghost walking tours and ghost and spirits trolley tours are all available as the weather cools and the evenings arrive earlier during October, and many are also available year-round.
 
The Emlen Physick Estate considered Cape May's original “haunted house” is where Halloween happens from Oct. 1 to 31, all month long, in the nation’s oldest seaside resort. The 1879 Estate located at 1048 Washington St. will host the Annual Scarecrow Alley during October, a community display of creative, scary, and funny scarecrows built by local businesses, families, schools, community groups and Individuals. Every year is something new! Admission is free.
 
Explore Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate on Oct. 26, as part of the Halloween Outdoor Crafts & Collectibles Show. An open-air show featuring wares of local vendors and crafters will take place on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feel free to come in costume.
 
Trick or Treat at the Emlen Physick Estate will take place on Halloween, Monday, October 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Some spooky characters await within for good little ghosts and goblins, pirates, and princesses to come in for their Halloween treats. 
 
Ghost and spirits tours with such names as Phantoms of the Physick Estate, Voices from Beyond House Tour and Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour are available if you dare to experience. Visit www.capemaymac.org for more information about these events and the ghost and spirits tours.
 
The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Park, in Cape May Court House. Sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, this event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship, and more.
 
A Costume Contest will start at 11 a.m., registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. The Cape May Dancers will perform at Noon with a live animal presentation in the boneyard throughout the day. Master DJ & Sound will be rocking the event with some special Halloween tunes. For more information, visit www.capemaycountynj.gov/1008/PARK-ZOO
 
Ocean City’s Halloween plans have literally gone to the dogs as the HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” parade on Oct. 26. For owners who like to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes, it’s the Dog Day event that will celebrate your favorite furry canine. Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, parade your pup on the Boardwalk from 6 to 14 Streets beginning at 3:00 p.m. 609-399-6111. www.oceancityvacation.com
 
Before the pups and pooches take center stage, a good-old-fashioned Halloween parade will make its way down Asbury Ave. from 6 to 11 Streets in Ocean City on Oct. 24 beginning at 7:15 p.m. For more information call 1-800-813-5580 or visit www.ochp.blogspot.com/
 
Other Jersey Cape Halloween events include: 
Oct. 18: HALLOWEEN PARADE & DANCE PARTY IN SEA ISLE CITY: Parade begins at 7:00 pm. and travels along Landis Ave. Dance party to follow parade at Excursion Park. 609-263-0050
 
Oct. 26: GREATER WILDWOOD ELKS HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE: Trick-or-treaters walk through a “haunted house” and receive treats at the Elks Lodge, located at 1st Ave and New Jersey Aves. in North Wildwood from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Free! 609-729-2170. www.Elks1896.com
 
Oct. 26: NORTH WILDWOOD TRUNK-OR-TREAT HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY: Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated. Children will come in costume and visit each car where families will provide treats from the trunks of their cars. Music, Magic, Balloon Twisting and more!  Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated vehicles. Children’s’ costumes will not be judged. The event will take place along Olde NJ Ave. in North Wildwood from 5:30 – 7 p.m. 609-522-2955. www.NorthWildwood.com
 
Oct. 26-27: BOO FEST - MAKERS MARKET: Visit over 40 of the best vendors at the Wildwoods Convention Center. It's a spooky event, with face painting, kids activities, and plenty of vendors. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE Admission. For more information 609-412-3897. events.malloryeats@gmail.com
 
Oct. 31: STONE HARBOR BUSINESS DISTRICT TRICK-OR-TREAT: Put on your costumes and hit the streets of Stone Harbor for a fun trick-or-treat event through the borough’s stores and businesses. The event takes place in Stone Harbor’s 96 St. Business District. www.stoneharborchamber.com

Fall and winter in Cape May County offer a different kind of charm. The pace slows down, the landscapes change, and there’s a sense of tranquility. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite spot – the one you’ll eagerly return to each year when the leaves turn golden, and the air becomes crisp. Don’t let the cooler weather deter you; embrace the coziness, explore, and make memories. Who knows? These months might just become your favorite time of year in this beautiful corner of New Jersey.

As the temperatures drop, there’s something magical about bundling up and enjoying the crisp air. Picture this: you’re at your favorite spot along the Jersey Cape, perhaps with a warm scarf wrapped around your neck, and the sound of waves crashing nearby. Even though it’s not summer, the beach still beckons. With fewer crowds, you can take leisurely walks on the sand, collecting seashells or simply enjoying the solitude. And those businesses with fireplaces or firepits? They’re like cozy havens where you can warm up after your beach adventures. Imagine sipping hot cocoa by the fire, watching the flames dance – it’s pure bliss.

First off, you’re absolutely right about the advantages of planning a Jersey Cape getaway during the fall and winter. Those lower rates are like a warm hug for your wallet! If there’s a particular hotel you’ve been eyeing, now’s the time to snag a deal. Booking engines like Hotels.com often list destination properties at significantly discounted rates – sometimes up to 50 percent off their peak prices. So, whether it’s a charming B&B or a historic inn, you can enjoy a delightful stay without breaking the bank.

Now, let’s talk about food. Fresh seafood is a year-round treat in Cape May County. Whether it’s a classic crabcake sandwich, a steaming bowl of clam chowder, or a plate of perfectly grilled fish, the flavors are unbeatable. So, even if the sun isn’t scorching overhead, you can still indulge in a seafood dinner at your favorite summer hotspot. Plus, local restaurants often have seasonal menus that highlight fall and winter ingredients – think hearty stews, roasted root vegetables, and warm apple pies. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed!

Feeling adventurous? Gather your friends and head to one of the local wineries. The vineyards might not be as lush as during summer, but the wine is just as delightful. Sip on a glass of red or white while taking in the serene vineyard views. And if relaxation is your goal, treat yourself to a spa day. Imagine soaking in a hot tub, getting a massage, and forgetting all about the stresses of life. It’s self-care at its finest.

Ah, the enchanting City of Cape May during the cooler months – it’s like stepping into a romantic novel! Let’s dive into the cozy details and explore why this time of year is perfect for a getaway. Cobblestone streets, gas lamps casting a soft glow, and gingerbread-laced B&Bs – Cape May knows how to set the stage for romance. No wonder it’s been hailed as one of the most romantic destinations in the mid-Atlantic region! The Victorian architecture adds to the allure, and those intimate restaurants? They’re practically whispering sweet nothings to each other. But wait, there’s more! Imagine taking a horse-drawn carriage ride with your loved one, visiting a nearby winery (because wine and romance go hand in hand), and climbing to the top of the iconic lighthouse together. And the pièce de résistance? A couples massage at a local spa, followed by sipping cocktails by the fireplace at the Brown Room in Congress Hall. It’s like a love potion brewed just for you two.

As November arrives, so does the holiday season, and Cape May transforms into a winter wonderland. Each community in the region hosts a variety of Christmas activities, including holiday parades, downtown shopping bazaars, tree lighting ceremonies, ugly sweater 5Ks, wassail tours, winter wonderland displays, and Small Business Saturday events. It’s holiday magic: Jersey Cape style – the region’s identity, usually associated with sun-soaked summers, takes on a new dimension. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, wreaths, and festive decorations. Stroll hand in hand, marveling at the creativity of the holiday displays. It’s like stepping into a snow globe.

The Historic Landmark City of Cape May embraces its Victorian heritage even more during the holidays. Picture carolers in period costumes, chestnuts roasting, and perhaps a glimpse of Scrooge himself. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Sip wassail (spiced cider) as you explore the festive streets. And yes, you can do it all while bundled up in your favorite sweater and winter coat. The chilly air just adds to the magic.

Need the perfect holiday gift? Forget the mall! From handmade crafts to artisanal treats, you’ll discover treasures that’ll make your loved ones’ eyes sparkle, Cape May County offers charming boutiques and shops where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts and celebrate the season, in the beachside boutiques of Cape May, Ocean City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor.
At the Jersey Cape, the holiday festivities continue throughout December, culminating in grand celebrations as 2024 ends and 2025 begins. The restaurants and nightclubs go all out with traditional New Year’s Eve events. In the City of Ocean City, their New Year’s Eve celebration is a must-attend event. First Night in Ocean City features a packed schedule of events starting at 3:45 p.m. on December 31 and running through midnight, ending with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach.

As you plan your escape, keep in mind that the Jersey Cape offers more than just a summer getaway. #EscapetheEveryday www.escapetothejerseycape.com