Cape May: Victorian Charm Meets Beach Accessibility

Author: Victor Block
Published: 2025/10/28
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Travel America - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article explores Cape May, New Jersey as an accessible and historically rich destination that offers valuable experiences for all visitors, including seniors and people with disabilities. The piece highlights the town's wheelchair-accessible beach infrastructure, featuring ramps at 17 locations and complimentary surf chairs delivered by Beach Patrol, making coastal recreation genuinely available to those with mobility limitations. Beyond beach access, the article documents Cape May's distinction as America's only entire town designated as a National Historic District, showcasing over 600 preserved Victorian buildings alongside meaningful cultural sites like the Harriet Tubman Museum, which chronicles her time working in Cape May while funding rescue missions for enslaved people. The practical information about accessible facilities combined with rich historical context makes this particularly useful for older travelers and those planning inclusive family trips who want both physical accessibility and substantive cultural experiences - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

After strolling along a lovely stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach that fronts Cape May, New Jersey, I decided to check out some of the town's other attractions.

Main Content

I dropped by the towering lighthouse, which has beamed warnings to ships since 1859. I visited a World War II lookout tower that was built to help aim coastal artillery at German submarines which ventured too close to shore. This was followed by a stroll through Cape May Point State Park, an inviting mix of dunes, marsh and forest which is a resting place for sea and shore birds during their annual migration.

For those with a handicap who wish to reach a beach, ramps from the promenade are located at 17 streets. Surf chairs, which are available on a first come-first served basis, are available at a number of places, and are delivered on request by the Beach Patrol.

Along with its inviting stretches of sand, Cape May has another attractive appeal that brings many visitors to the area. That is its renowned collection of Victorian architecture which draws many people to this tiny community (population about 2,800).

Native Americans were there when English explorer Henry Hudson showed up in 1609. He was followed by Cornelis Mey, a Dutch adventurer, captain and fur trader who, during 1611-1614, charted the region and for whom the town is named. By 1630, the Dutch West India Company purchased land from the Native Americans and established a fishing and whaling settlement.

Fast-forward about two centuries and Cape May began to adopt its role as a popular summer resort, due to convenient water transportation by sloops and steamboats from nearby cities. Private wooden cottages and hotels were constructed. When a massive fire destroyed about half of them in 1878, the town was rebuilt as the architectural treasure it is today.

Because the ornate Victorian style was in vogue at the time, many structures exhibit that vernacular, with intricate detailing, gable roofs, round towers and other wild, and at times whimsical, adornments. Deep bold colors add the finishing touch.

As a result of this concentration of Victorian architecture, more than 600 beautifully preserved buildings, Cape May is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It's the only town in the country to be entirely recognized as a National Historic District.

I spent much time meandering through this eclectic collection of fun and fanciful homes, shops and B&Bs. I ooohed aaahed at the so-called Painted Ladies, which even among the colorful setting stand out because of their elaborate, playful nature.

Along with my introduction to the major reason why many people visit Cape May, I took time to explore others.

The historic Emlen Physick Home, a magnificent 18-room mansion that was built in 1879, contains original furnishings and is Cape May's only Victorian house museum. The family kept cows on the property and when I asked to visit a gentleman's rest room, I was directed to what originally served as a milking shed.

A personal favorite was the modest but very moving Harriet Tubman Museum, which shares stories of slavery in New Jersey, abolitionist activism and of Tubman herself. She lived for some time in Cape May, working in hotels and as a family cook to help fund her missions to guide enslaved people to freedom further north.

Exhibits include an 1824 map that pinpoints African-American families and Black-owned businesses in Cape May, photos of Tubman and hand-written notes by William Still.

He was an African-American abolitionist who assisted hundreds of slaves to freedom and kept meticulous records about many of their escapes. I found even more moving heavy metal shackles of the kind that were used to bound enslaved people.

Those with a diversity of other interests also have much to explore and enjoy. That includes flocks of migrating birds which show up each spring and fall, and testing palates at wineries, breweries and distilleries.

A stroll down the Washington Street Mall provides an introduction to a line-up of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and eateries. "Della's 5¢, 10¢, $1 and up" store offers merchandise reminiscent of the 1940s, along with an old-fashioned soda fountain.

That's but one of numerous sites in Cape May which transport visitors back in time.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background and expertise.