Washington Street Mall Tours

Washington Street Mall showing street scenes and a small town or village
Cape May
Washington Street Mall featuring a small town or village and flowers as well as a couple
Washington Street Mall featuring a small town or village
Washington Street Mall showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral


In the center of Cape May, stroll around an expansive outdoor mall filled with charming independent shops and stylish restaurants.

The Washington Street Mall sprawls across three blocks in the center of Cape May. Browse an array of family-run stores and independent restaurants. A day at the mall here could include purchasing handcrafted soaps, shopping for delicacies at high-end grocers and finishing with a meal in one of the popular restaurants. 

Walk around a revitalized town center, nicknamed the Heart of Cape May, the result of preservation work conducted in the 1960s. In 1976, the whole town was designated a national historic landmark. The restored outdoor mall is one of its highlights.

Bring your camera for photos of the picturesque shopping streets that make up the Washington Street Mall. Colorful timber buildings and lantern-lit, pedestrianized walkways create a pleasant, old-world atmosphere in the town center. 

Prepare to spend hours shopping in the boutiques and stores that make up the mall. Literature and craft stores entice art-loving shoppers, while fashion fans can browse the numerous clothing outlets. Commemorate your time in Cape May with souvenirs from one of the jewelry and gift sellers scattered throughout the mall.

Pause for a break in one of the coffee shops or spend your evening here at your choice of restaurants. Seafood is a particular specialty of many of the restaurants, with freshly caught fish served straight from the nearby ocean.

The mall also runs several events throughout the year, including open-air movie screenings on the beach. Head to the park bandstand to hear live concerts in the summer evenings. Enjoy fall’s Halloween parade along the streets. Come in winter to see the mall burst into color with festive holiday lighting. 

The Washington Street Mall’s location lives up to its billing as the Heart of Cape May, as it is located in the center of Downtown. Walk here in less than 5 minutes from Cape May Beach or the Cape May Welcome Center. Parking is available in the surrounding streets for shoppers who arrive by car.

Reviews of Washington Street Mall

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
217
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
110
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Ralph

Street parking has meters. It was 7.5 minutes for every Quarter. (so $2 is 1 hour). Cape May and this mall is awesome

5/5 - Excellent

Deborah

Another must do on our trips to Cape May.  Picked up some treats at the Fudge Kitchen,  a sweatshirt and warm delicious donuts for breakfast at RSK donuts.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Washington Street Mall

La Mer Beachfront Resort

La Mer Beachfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
La Mer Beachfront Resort
Congress Hall

Congress Hall

4 out of 5
200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ
Congress Hall
The Beach Club on Madison Avenue

The Beach Club on Madison Avenue

2 out of 5
605 Madison Avenue, Cape May, NJ
The Beach Club on Madison Avenue
Grand Hotel of Cape May

Grand Hotel of Cape May

2.5 out of 5
1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
Grand Hotel of Cape May
Marquis de Lafayette Hotel

Marquis de Lafayette Hotel

3.5 out of 5
501 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
Marquis de Lafayette Hotel
The Beach Shack

The Beach Shack

3.5 out of 5
205 W Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
The Beach Shack
Virginia Hotel

Virginia Hotel

4 out of 5
25 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ
Virginia Hotel
Chalfonte Hotel

Chalfonte Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Howard St, Cape May, NJ
Chalfonte Hotel
Avondale by the Sea Motel

Avondale by the Sea Motel

2.5 out of 5
609 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
Avondale by the Sea Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Washington Street Mall

At Washington Street Mall in Cape May, New Jersey, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as birdwatching, leisurely walks, and breathtaking sunsets. Don't miss the chance to explore the local beach club and browse unique finds at the vintage market, making for a delightful shopping and dining experience in this charming seaside town.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Cape May Market, just 483m from Washington Street Mall, offering unique gifts and local products. Also, visit Beach Ave, a vibrant shopping area 1.6km away with a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Tanger Outlets, located 29.0km away, features a variety of brand-name stores.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Cape May National Golf Club, set in a scenic outdoor environment perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy family fun at Milky Way Mini Golf & Ice Cream, where adventure meets leisure. For relaxation, visit Albert I Allen Memorial Park, a serene spot for wellness activities.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water slides and wave pools at Raging Waters Water Park, located 11.3km from Washington Street Mall, perfect for family fun. For outdoor sports, Aqua Trails offers exciting water activities just 1.6km away, while Splash Zone Water Park, also 11.3km away, promises more water adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Cape May Stage for a night of romance and culture, only 161m from Washington Street Mall. For family fun, venture to Bobby Dee's Arcade or The Great White, both 11.3km away, offering thrilling adventures and lively entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Washington Street Mall

Washington Street Mall in Cape May, New Jersey, offers a delightful blend of attractions, including the scenic Cape May Beach, historic sites, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the vibrant Washington Street Mall, delve into the rich history of the Cape May Historic District, and enjoy leisurely strolls through local reserves and preserves. This charming area caters to travelers seeking culture and relaxation by the beach.

  • Cape May Beach: Just a short stroll of 1.4km from Washington Street Mall, Cape May Beach offers a quintessential beach experience with its soft sands and refreshing ocean waves. Perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and leisurely walks along the shore, it embodies the relaxed beach vibes that Cape May is known for.
  • Wildwoods Convention Center: Located 11.3km away, the Wildwoods Convention Center is a bustling hub for events and conferences. This modern facility exudes business vibes and hosts various gatherings, making it a vibrant spot for networking and community events.
  • Historic Cold Spring Village: Situated 4.8km from the mall, Historic Cold Spring Village is a living history museum that immerses visitors in the culture and heritage of the 19th century. Stroll through charming restored buildings and engage with costumed interpreters for a unique cultural experience.

Best time to go to Washington Street Mall

The best time to visit Washington Street Mall is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
April52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
July76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
September70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Washington Street Mall

To save money during your visit to Washington Street Mall, consider traveling between January and March for the lowest hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance can yield better deals, and check Expedia for last-minute offers. Aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best prices, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Utilize Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for added savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to maximize your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Washington Street Mall is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Washington Street Mall are January to March, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Washington Street Mall about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Washington Street Mall is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Washington Street Mall is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Washington Street Mall with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.