Cape May, New Jersey, a charming Victorian seaside resort, boasts a meticulously planned street grid that’s easily navigable with a good map. Understanding the layout can significantly enhance your experience exploring this historic town. A typical map of Cape May reveals a largely rectangular grid system, particularly in the heart of the city. The main artery, Washington Street, runs perpendicular to the ocean and acts as the central spine. This pedestrian mall, filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, is easy to find and a perfect starting point for exploration. North-south streets are generally numbered, running sequentially from east to west. For instance, Beach Avenue is located right along the oceanfront, followed by Jackson Street, then Hughes Street, and so on. These numbered streets generally extend north from the beach, sometimes changing names as they move further inland. Keeping the numerical order in mind is helpful when orienting yourself. East-west streets, those that intersect the numbered avenues, are predominantly named. These street names often reflect prominent figures, locations, or historical aspects of Cape May. For example, Madison Avenue, Lafayette Street, and Perry Street all run east-west, intersecting with the numbered streets. Finding specific addresses is usually straightforward due to the grid system. House numbers typically increase as you move away from the ocean (south to north) on the numbered streets and increase numerically along the named east-west streets. However, Cape May’s street layout isn’t perfectly uniform. As you move further from the central downtown area, particularly towards the west and north, the grid pattern becomes less rigid. Streets may curve, intersect at odd angles, or become cul-de-sacs. Maps become even more crucial in these areas. Specific areas to note when consulting a map include the areas surrounding the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, the Coast Guard Training Center, and the residential neighborhoods north of the central business district. These areas often feature more complex street configurations. Also, maps will highlight points of interest like the Emlen Physick Estate, the Cape May Lighthouse, and various beaches, parks, and wildlife refuges. Beyond the standard street layout, maps are essential for identifying parking areas. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so knowing the location of public lots and on-street parking zones is crucial. Many maps indicate handicap parking spaces, loading zones, and areas with parking restrictions. Modern mapping technology, such as GPS apps on smartphones, are invaluable tools for navigating Cape May. However, having a physical map as a backup is always a good idea, especially considering potential cell service limitations. Tourist information centers and many businesses throughout Cape May offer printed maps.
