DC Getaway: Escape to Cape May, New Jersey’s Seaside Charm at La Mer Beachfront Resort

In the DC Getaway WTOP contributor Briana Thomas shares tips for trips a hop and a skip away from D C The story below is based on a press trip sponsored by La Mer Beachfront Resort and reflects Briana s independent editorial research The sponsor has no editorial involvement and did not sponsor Briana s transportation or initiatives beyond the resort Tucked away at the southern tip of New Jersey is one of America s oldest seaside resorts Cape May The charming small town is known for its elegant Victorian architecture fine dining beachfront promenade and historic attractions such as the mid- th-century Cape May Lighthouse Related stories DC Getaway Stay and play at New York City s Tempo by Hilton Times Square DC Getaway Punta Cana s Lopesan Costa B varo is paradise for couples DC Getaway unforgettable nature and wildlife adventures in the Ozarks Missouri From the D C area summer vacationers can take a four-hour drive directly to the quaint county or a scenic one-hour and -minute sail across the Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to reach the serene destination For couples families and friend groups wanting to be close to the best spots in town a midweek retreat to La Mer Beachfront Resort a family-owned property dating back to the s is a cozy option Located along Beach Avenue the hotel is a tranquil bicycle ride or walk away from the Jersey Shore overlooking the Atlantic Ocean The balcony-view rooms are designed for peak relaxation featuring breezy coastal decor and sand-toned furniture that makes guests feel like they are sunbathing on the beach even from inside their hotel room Beyond the sundecked rooms resort visitors can catch a wave at the crowd-free beach and take advantage of complimentary towels chairs and umbrellas for lounging To upgrade your beach day cabanas and beach boxes are available to rent seasonally There s additional outdoor summertime exercises too like morning yoga on the beach afternoon kite flying and nightly live music performances on the lawn weather permitting Once you ve soaked up all the sun on the sand guests can cool down at the pool or keep up with their gym routine at the -hour fitness center Where to eat There are a number of delicious food options in Cape May one of which is on-site at La Mer The hotel s Pier House Restaurant and Wine Bar is open for breakfast lunch and dinner When you walk into the waterfront eatery you ll be greeted by large windows and a spacious dining room exuding nautical elegance The menu serves a variety of seasonal cuisine build-your-own omelets for breakfast jumbo hotdogs and crab cake sandwiches for lunch and generous portions of chicken milanese and grilled boneless pork rib-eye for dinner Plus there s cocktails during happy hour For more surf and turf bites off property a Cape May tradition is The Ebbitt Room Located inside the vintage Virginia Cottage a luxury boutique hotel a part of the sophisticated Cape Resorts collective The Ebbitt Room is an elevated farm-to-table dining experience Diners can savor tastes of lamb halibut deviled eggs sourced from the properties nearby Beach Plum Farm and sweet ricotta doughnuts inside the antique dining room or outdoors on the front porch On Friday and Saturday evenings the intimate ambience is filled with the sounds of a live pianist so you can sip a specialty cocktail and snap your fingers along to chosen of your favorite songs Foodies can keep the seaside vibes going in downtown Cape May just moves away from the ocean at Taco Caballito Tequileria The restaurant is casual and upbeat cooking up craft tacos street fries and jalape o margaritas Things to Do Nearby Travelers looking for a bit of leisure sightseeing and shopping can head to the popular cobblestoned Washington Street Mall The open-air marketplace that is mostly closed off to traffic is a great place to shop desserts coffee clothes handmade accessories books wine and more Here explorers can hop on a guided trolley tour to learn about the city s rich history and lifestyle something that s worth doing since the entire city is a national historic landmark Plus there s fishing kayaking and boating at the beach Plan Your Cape May Trip How to get there Driving to Cape May from Washington D C takes approximately four hours and is the fastest course It s a three-hour car ride from Washington D C to Cape May-Lewes Ferry pickup location and then a one-hour and -minute sail to Cape May The train trip from Washington Union Station to Atlantic City Terminal via NJ Transit requires a bus transfer to get to Cape May and takes a total journey time of six to seven hours How to get around The area is very walkable and there are golf cart and bicycle rental options available Pricing Rooms at La Mer Beachfront Resort start around per night Briana Thomas is a Washington D C -based journalist and tour guide with a passion for passage She is the owner of local history and way of life tour company Black Broadway Tour and the Arts and Civilization writer for Washingtonian Magazine To read more of Briana s cultural explorations sign-up for her Guide Custom newsletter Source