Cape May, New Jersey, is renowned for its Victorian architecture and pristine beaches and water activities, but the city’s rich collection of museums offers visitors an equally compelling reason to explore this historic coastal destination. From lighthouses in Cape May to aviation history and abolitionist heritage, the area’s museums provide fascinating glimpses into the past. Whether you’re searching for the best museum in Cape May or simply want to discover history in Cape May, this guide covers the essential museums you won’t want to miss.
Harriet Tubman Museum
The Harriet Tubman Museum shares the inspiring story of one of America’s greatest heroes and celebrates the enduring legacy of the African American community in Cape May County. Located at 632 Lafayette Street, this museum opened in 2020 and has quickly become one of the most important Cape May museums.
The museum features exhibits on Harriet Tubman’s life, abolitionist activism, and the Underground Railroad’s connection to Cape May.
Hours: Summer hours (Juneteenth through mid-September): Wednesday-Saturday 11am-3pm, Sunday 2pm-3pm; Off-season (September through Juneteenth, closed January): Friday-Saturday 11am-3pm, Sunday 2pm-3pm
Admission: Adults $15, Children 10 and under $10 (timed entry by reservation strongly recommended)
Cape May Lighthouse
No visit to Cape May is complete without climbing the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Cape May. Built in 1859, this 157-foot tower has been guiding mariners for over 165 years and remains an active aid to navigation today.
Visitors can climb 199 steps up the original cast iron spiral staircase to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and surrounding areas. The Oil House at the base contains an accessible visitor center and museum shop. The lighthouse is part of Cape May Point State Park and offers special events including Full Moon Climbs and evening tours during summer months.
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm April through June; 9am-5pm July through October; limited winter hours
Admission: Adults $12, Veterans and Children ages 3-12 $8, Active-duty military free
Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate stands as Cape May’s only Victorian house museum and represents one of the finest examples of Stick Style architecture in America. Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness in 1879, this 18-room mansion tells the story of the Physick family and Victorian life in Cape May.
Guided tours explore the home’s elaborate architecture, period furnishings, and decorative arts. Cape May MAC offers various themed tours throughout the year, including ghost tours and murder mystery events, making this one of the best museums in Cape May for diverse experiences.
Hours: Hours vary by season; check website for tour times
Admission: Tour prices vary by experience (standard house tours generally around $15-20)
Historic Cold Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village transports visitors back to the 1800s through this living history museum featuring 27 restored historic buildings on 30 acres. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, basket weaving, and other period crafts, bringing early American life to vivid reality.
The village includes working heritage farms, a country store, bakery, Cold Spring Brewery, and the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. This hands-on museum offers exceptional educational programming and special events throughout the season.
Hours: Open seasonally June-September
Admission: Adults $16, Children ages 3-12 $12, Children under 3 free, Active-duty military free
Museum of Cape May County
Founded in 1927, the Museum of Cape May County serves as the county’s premier repository of local history. The museum complex includes the 1704 Cresse House, an 1830 addition, a historic barn, and carriage house.
Guided tours showcase rooms dedicated to different historical periods and themes, including a colonial kitchen, Victorian parlors, a doctor’s office with period instruments, and a children’s playroom filled with antique toys.
Hours: Summer (June 15-August 31): Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm; Winter (September 1-June 14): Wednesday and Friday 10am-2pm; Tours available at 10am, 11am, and 12pm
Admission: Access to the gallery is free, guided tours cost $5-$15
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Located inside the historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum honors the 42 naval aviators who died during World War II training operations. The museum’s 92,000-square-foot space houses over 25 aircraft displays, including a TBM Avenger and a F6F-3 Hellcat.
Interactive exhibits explore aviation, military, and New Jersey history through hands-on experiences perfect for families.
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm, closed on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February
Admission: Adults $16, Children ages 3-12 $12, Children under 3 free, Active-duty military free, Veterans receive $2 discount
Cape May Fireman’s Museum
This charming one-room museum, located in Cape May’s historic fire station, showcases the history of firefighting in the resort community. The centerpiece is a beautifully preserved 1928 American La France fire engine, maintained in pristine condition by the Cape May Fire Department.
Hours: Variable (call Cape May Fire Department at 609-884-9512 to confirm hours)
Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
The Colonial House
The Colonial House (also known as the Memucan Hughes House) dates to approximately 1730 and stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in Cape May County. This former tavern and home of Revolutionary War patriot Memucan Hughes serves as headquarters for the Greater Cape May Historical Society.
The intimate museum features a restored tavern room, common room, and exhibit room.
Hours: June 15-September 15: Wednesday-Saturday 1pm-4pm; Off-season by appointment
Admission: Free during summer season; $20 minimum fee for off-season appointments
World War II Lookout Tower
Fire Control Tower No. 23, New Jersey’s last remaining freestanding World War II lookout tower, played a crucial role in coastal defense as part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware system (Fort Miles). Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 that served as observation posts.
Visitors can climb to the sixth-floor observation gallery where interpreters explain the equipment and the tower’s wartime function. Exhibits throughout the tower tell stories of Cape May’s World War II history, and the Wall of Honor displays photographs of over 160 local veterans who served.
Hours: Daily 11am-3pm (weekends may have extended hours)
Admission: Adults $8, Children ages 3-12 $5, Active military and veterans free
Plan Your Museum Adventure
The museums in Cape May offer something for every interest, from maritime history and Victorian elegance to military heritage and African American culture. History in Cape May comes alive through these carefully curated institutions, each contributing unique perspectives on the region’s rich past. Whether you’re seeking educational experiences, family-friendly activities, or simply the best museum in Cape May for your particular interests, this diverse collection ensures memorable discoveries await at every turn.
