Cape May in March?

January 29, 2010 8:35 PM

I am looking to visit Cape May, NJ, with my longtime girlfriend. I am going to be proposing to her and I want to know if it is advisable to plan a visit during March (The only time that works for us). We're not necessarily looking to go swimming, but I'd like to be sure that there are still nice, romantic things we can see and do. Any advice about the weather and the sights in the area would be appreciated. I'm also open to suggestions about alternate destinations in the Philadelphia area. Thanks!
posted by Aanidaani to travel & transportation around Cape May, NJ (14 answers total)

It's not going to be warm enough to swim.

Seems like nice enough walking around weather, though.
posted by cooker girl at 8:44 PM on January 29, 2010

Two of our favorites that we always hit when down there are Cape May Lighthouse & Sunset Beach.

The "Cape May Diamonds" are a little kitschy but still cool to see the Sunset at the beach in NJ.
posted by stew560 at 10:50 PM on January 29, 2010

I went to Cape May for my birthday (March 1) about 7 years ago. Most everything was closed and the weather was gray and crummy. It was still fun but totally deserted. Walking on the boardwalk by yourselves could be really romantic.
posted by rachums at 11:20 PM on January 29, 2010

Take a walk around Lucy the Elephant even if you can't go inside.
posted by knile at 11:24 PM on January 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

Although Cape May will have more folks milling around than most S. Jersey shore towns in March, it will still be pretty quiet and not everything will be open.

That being said, my wife and I love going down there in the off-season. Have you considered staying at Congress Hall or The Virginia Hotel?

The beach should be all yours!
posted by mmangano at 3:40 AM on January 30, 2010

The WWII gun emplacements on the beach are pretty cool. Lighthouse is fun, and even a walk through the bird sanctuary is great. You could take the ferry across to Lewes, DE if you like boat rides. It's a little pricey, but a lot of fun. If you are interested in beer Dogfish Head is in Rehoboth Beach in DE, close to the ferry landing.
posted by fixedgear at 4:46 AM on January 30, 2010

Check out the Woolverton Inn in Stockton. Not the beach, but romantic as can be. You'd have great restaurants nearby, walks &/or cycling along the Delaware, and a fireplace to curl up by if the weather is bad. For dinner, we are especially fond of Zoubi (sorry, annoying website!) and Hamilton's Grill Room for dinner. Zoubi serves inspired martinis and great appetizers and the atmosphere is far more romantic than their website suggests. One of the best wine shops anywhere is Phillips in Stockton if you need a bottle of bubbly. Enjoy!
posted by pocket_of_droplets at 6:48 AM on January 30, 2010

Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA are right across the Deleware river from each other. Both towns are extremely quaint and feature many good restaurants, art galleries, shops, and Bed & Breakfasts. These towns are cute enough to make you not care about crummy March weather. Also, there is a bridge over the Deleware to walk in between the two towns, and the views from the bridge down the river are really great. It would be a nice place to propose.
posted by sickinthehead at 6:55 AM on January 30, 2010

Seconding Lucy. It's a bit of a ride from Cape May, (it's just to the south of Atlantic City) but it's really neat, especially if you get to go inside.
posted by spaltavian at 7:33 AM on January 30, 2010

I go to Cape May in the spring and fall all the time. It is great and not crowded. There are music and film festivals so you might want to time your visit with one of those.
posted by caddis at 7:53 AM on January 30, 2010

Cape May is okay... but as said above, lots of stuff won't be open. Stay in Point Pleasant, instead.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:08 AM on January 30, 2010

I would second the suggestions made by pocket_of_droplets and sickinthehead of the Lambertville, New Hope, Stockton, Lumberville, Upper Black Eddy, etc. areas of PA and NJ. There is more to do in the winter and tons of small inns and bed & breakfast places. I love Cape May but I think in March you would be better off going elsewhere.
posted by gudrun at 11:04 AM on January 30, 2010

Cape May is far more romantic than Point Pleasant and lots of stuff will be open.
posted by caddis at 11:17 AM on January 30, 2010

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll definitely check out some of these other places before making a decision.
posted by Aanidaani at 12:17 PM on January 30, 2010