Cape May, NJ, is a beautiful town at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. The seaside city is home to fewer than 2,000 residents. Visitors know the area for its Victorian architecture, beaches, and Cape May Point State Park.
Top attractions include the Cape May Lighthouse, the Washington Street Mall, and the Cape May Zoo. The Atlantic Coast city has an atmosphere all its own, and those who visit often return, and its residents are happy never to leave.
The picturesque beachfront town’s primary industry is tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. However, Cape May, NJ, offers year-round fun, with festivals and events happening all year long.
Vacation rentals vary from $149 per night to $2,900, depending on the season, location, and accommodations.
If you’re looking for a small town with a big personality, then Cape May is your place. Check out the list below for similar coastal cities that will charm you with their unique atmosphere and offerings.
1. Lewes, Delaware
Lewes is a small town with a population of just over 3,500. In Sussex County, Delaware, the city is on the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. It offers visitors beautiful beaches, a historic district, and the Cape Henlopen State Park.
For culture, stop by the Zwaanendael Museum, which is dedicated to the history of Lewes. Another popular attraction is the Lightship Overfalls, a decommissioned ship that is now open to the public.
Tourism is Lewes’ primary way of life, with many visitors coming for the beaches, fishing, and bird watching. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices ranging from $124 per night to $2,400.
These costs will depend on the season, neighborhood, and amenities. For a town that has the feel of Cape May, NJ, where the water’s a little warmer and the sand a little finer, Lewes, DE, is an excellent choice.
2. St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels is a small community in Maryland’s Talbot County, located near the Chesapeake Bay. It has a population of just over 2,000 and sits on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The town is a popular tourist destination for its history, maritime culture, and scenic harbor.
It is a popular tourist destination for its quaint shops, restaurants, and inns. The town is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
St. Michaels has a variety of activities for visitors, including sailing, fishing, kayaking, and golfing. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the WineFest and the Oyster Fest.
Many vacation rentals are available in St. Michaels, with prices starting at $157 per night. The cost of rentals will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
If you’re looking for a town with Cape May’s character but with a little more to do, St. Michaels is perfect.
3. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a small city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The city has a population of just over 21,000 and is located on the Piscataqua River. Portsmouth is known for its historic downtown, vibrant music scene, and award-winning restaurants.
The Strawbery Banke Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Portsmouth. The museum is a 10-acre living history museum that tells the story of the city’s people and culture. Other popular attractions include the USS Albacore Museum and the Music Hall.
Portsmouth is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming for the restaurants, museums, and historic sites. The city has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $135 per night.
The cost of rentals will depend on the season, location, and amenities. For a charming city with the historical allure of Cape May but with more to see and do, Portsmouth is an outstanding option.
4. Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol is a city in the State of Rhode Island. Bristol is known for its colonial history, charming downtown, and various shops and restaurants. Narragansett Bay is at the town’s doorstep, and it has a population of just under 22,000 people.
The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration is one of the most popular events. The celebration includes a parade, live music, and fireworks. Other popular attractions include the Mount Hope Farm and the Blithewold Mansion.
Bristol is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming for the beaches, restaurants, and historic sites. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $139 per night.
These costs will depend on the season, location, and amenities. Bristol is a fantastic option for people looking for a small-town feel with colonial charm and a larger town’s comforts.
5. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a town in New London County, Connecticut. The city has a population of just over 4,000 and is on the Mystic River. Mystic is famous for its maritime history, picturesque downtown, and various boutiques and restaurants.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Mystic. The museum is dedicated to the history of the maritime industry and features a variety of exhibits and demonstrations. Other popular attractions include the Mystic Aquarium and the Olde Mistick Village.
Mystic is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming for the seafood, museums, and historic sites. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $145 per night.
The expenses depend on the season, location, and amenities. If you’re looking for a town with maritime history and charm, Mystic is an excellent option.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, FL, is the perfect place to enjoy sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and incredible history. This city, located in St. Johns County, is the oldest continuously-inhabited European-established settlement within the borders of the United States. It has a population of about 15,000 people.
Because of its age and location, there is no shortage of things to do in St. Augustine. The Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see, as is the nearby Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Other popular attractions include the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral and governor Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The city is home to several historic sites, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Fort Matanzas National Monument.
St. Augustine is also a popular tourist destination. Tourists flock to the beaches, including St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park. Other fun activities include the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
The city has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $129 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities. St. Augustine is an excellent choice for a historic city with beautiful beaches.
7. New Bern, North Carolina
New Bern is a town in Craven County, North Carolina. The population is about 30,000 people, and the city is located on the Trent and Neuse rivers. New Bern is known for its colonial history, charming downtown, and variety of shops and restaurants.
The Tryon Palace is one of the most popular attractions in New Bern. The palace was the home of Royal Governor Sir Walter Raleigh and featured several exhibits on colonial life. Other popular attractions include the Fireman’s Museum of New Bern and the New Bern Civic Theatre.
New Bern is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming for the beaches, museums, and historic sites. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $114 per night. Choose New Berne, NC, for a destination with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do.
8. Pass Christian, Mississippi
Some locations scream “quintessential Southern town,” and Pass Christian, MS, is definitely one of those places. This city, located in Harrison County, has about 6,900 people.
Pass Christian is known for its beautiful beaches, antebellum architecture, and seafood. The downtown area is filled with quaint shops and restaurants. Popular attractions include the War Memorial Park, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the Pass Christian harbor.
For a classic Southern town with a cozy feel like Cape May, NJ, Pass Christian is a great choice. The city has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $225 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
9. Jamestown, Rhode Island
Come for the history. Stay for the ocean view in Jamestown, RI. This town, located in Newport County, has about 5,400 people.
The city of Jamestown is recognized for its colonial history, picturesque beaches, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The commercial center of the city is full of charming boutiques and eateries. Popular attractions include the Jamestown Windmill, the Fort Wetherill State Park, and the Beavertail Lighthouse.
Jamestown is an excellent choice for a historic town with beautiful beaches like Cape May, NJ. The city has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $129 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
10. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a town on Nantucket Island in Nantucket County. The city’s population is approximately 7,800 people. The quaint area is known for its pristine beaches, quaint shops and restaurants, and whaling history. The town is also home to several historic sites, including the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum and the Whaling Museum.
Nantucket is an excellent choice for a beautiful island community with a significant heritage like Cape May. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $395 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
11. Chincoteague Island, Virginia
The town on Chincoteague Island in Accomack County, Virginia, has about 4,000 people. The island is known for its natural beauty, quaint shops and restaurants, and variety of outdoor activities. Popular attractions include the Assateague Lighthouse, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and Pony Penning Day.
Chincoteague Island is an excellent choice for a beautiful island community with plenty of things to see and do, like Cape May, NJ. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $225 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
12. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
Ogunquit Beach is a town located in York County, Maine. The city’s population is about 1,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint shops and restaurants, and variety of outdoor activities. Popular attractions include the Ogunquit Playhouse, the Marginal Way, and Perkins Cove.
Ogunquit Beach is an excellent choice for a beautiful beach community like Cape May, NJ, with plenty of things to see and do. The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $250 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
13. Newport Beach, California
The city of Newport Beach in Orange County, California, has about 82,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and resorts, and various shops and restaurants. Popular attractions include the Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and Fashion Island.
Newport Beach is an excellent choice for a beach community with plenty of things to see and do, like Cape May, NJ. The city has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $250 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
14. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
The village of Bald Head Island is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The population of 230. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and various shops and restaurants. Popular attractions include the Old Baldy Lighthouse, the Maritime Museum, and the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
Bald Head Island is an excellent choice for a beach community with plenty of things to see and do, like Cape May, NJ. The village has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $275 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities.
15. Bethany Beach, Delaware
The town of Bethany Beach is located in Sussex County, Delaware. The city’s population is about 850 people. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and variety of shops and restaurants. Popular attractions include the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, and the Delaware Seashore State Park.
The town has a variety of vacation rentals available, with prices starting at $325 per night. The cost of your rental will depend on the season, location, and amenities. Bethany Beach is an excellent choice for a beach community with plenty of things to see and do, like Cape May, NJ.
