Driving from Atlantic City to Cape May, NJ: 45 Miles, ~1 Hour

The drive from Atlantic City to Cape May at New Jersey's southern tip is a scenic 45-mile coastal journey taking ~1 hour via Route 9 and Ocean Drive.

Route Overview

1. Start: Atlantic City Convention Hall area
2. East on Atlantic Ave → Left on New Jersey Ave (1.5 mi)
3. Right on Route 9 South — 30 miles through Somers Point, Ocean City (bridge), Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor
4. Left on Ocean Drive (CR-619) — 13 miles spectacular coastal road: wetlands, dunes, Wildwoods skyline
5. Right on Lafayette St (1 mi) → Left on Beach Ave (1 mi)
6. Arrive: Cape May (Washington St Mall, Victorian district, lighthouse, beaches)

Highlights Along the Way

• Ocean City: Boardwalk, "America's Greatest Family Resort" (dry town)
• Wildwoods: Doo-wop architecture, massive free beach, boardwalk amusements
• Cape May Point State Park: Lighthouse (1859), WWII bunker, hawk migration (fall)
• Victorian Cape May: 600+ preserved Victorian buildings (National Historic Landmark)

Alternatives

• Garden State Parkway → Exit 0: Faster (50 min), less scenic
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry (from Lewes, DE): 85 min, $50+ car — if coming from Delmarva

Tips

• Summer weekends: Add 30-60 min (beach traffic)
• Parking: Cape May meters/app; Wildwoods free beach parking
• Bike the Ocean Drive section (flat, scenic, 13 mi)

A classic Jersey Shore road trip—do it at sunset for the full effect.