Hotel at a Glance: Sandpiper Beach Club

Staying at the Sandpiper Beach Club is like having your very own beach house. The one- and two-bedroom suites have all the comforts of home, including a kitchen that’s perfect for whipping up a quick breakfast or mixing an evening cocktail. Most importantly, there’s a picturesque stretch of Cape May Beach just across the road, so it’s simple to pop over and enjoy the sunrise or watch for dolphins.

• Beach-chic decor: Guest suites have a beachy vibe, thanks to an airy color palette and beach-themed accents.
• Rent a classic striped beach tent at Congress Hall Beach Service, just a short walk from the hotel.
• Enjoy the ocean breeze from your private balcony, a luxe feature in each guest suite.
• Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
• Explore the other Cape Resorts properties nearby—dine at the Blue Pig Tavern or listen to live music at The Rusty Nail.
• Wheel around Cape May on a rented tandem bike or surrey from Congress Hall Bike Shop, just steps from the hotel.

Cape May, New Jersey: Seaside Resort Town with Victorian Architecture

Long billed as America’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May sits at New Jersey’s southernmost tip. The setting is so idyllic that Travel Channel named the town’s coastline 1 of the top 10 beaches in the country. Aside from beachcombing, popular pastimes here include fishing, whale watching, and bird watching. In fact, the New York Times called Cape May “one of North America’s hottest birding spots.” You might see bald eagles, herons, and woodcocks. In the spring, keep your eyes peeled for the latter’s intricate mating dance.

After a fire ravaged most of Cape May in 1878, residents rebuilt in the contemporary style of the time, and dozens of their stately Victorian homes remain standing today. Consequently, the Cape May Historic District has earned the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. Horses and carriages tour the colorful, cottage-lined streets, which have been deemed off-limits to chain stores in order to preserve the classic small-town atmosphere. Along Delaware Bay stands the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Those who climb the tower’s 199 stairs are rewarded at the top with an unbeatable view of the Atlantic Ocean.