Washington Street Mall — Local services in Cape May

If you’re searching for the heart and soul of Cape May, look no further than the Washington Street Mall. After several delightful visits over the years, I can truly say this is a gem that perfectly captures everything charming about America’s oldest seaside resort town. From the moment you set foot on its brick-paved walkways, you’re greeted with a festive, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook. The pedestrian-only layout is a breath of fresh air, especially if you’re looking to escape busy roads and noisy traffic. Lined with trees, flowers, and well-kept benches, the mall offers space to stroll, linger, and people-watch. On my most recent visit, even on a busy summer weekend, it never felt overwhelmingly crowded. The ambiance is both relaxed and vibrant, with families, couples, groups of friends, and locals all mingling around. One of the standout features of Washington Street Mall is its incredible variety of shops and boutiques. Whether you’re hunting for unique Cape May souvenirs, upscale clothing, hand-crafted jewelry, gourmet treats, or playful trinkets for kids, there are endless options. My personal favorites include the Cape May Peanut Butter Co., with delicious samples and creative flavors, and Whale’s Tale, a spacious gift shop packed with everything from beach-inspired décor to gorgeous local artwork. Every shop has its own character, with friendly and helpful staff who show genuine pride in their town. Beyond shopping, the dining options are top-notch and cover every taste and budget. From morning coffee at one of the bakeries to a gourmet dinner at a cozy bistro, you’re never more than a few steps away from your next memorable meal. For a quick treat, Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy is an absolute staple—the sweet aroma alone draws you in! If you’re in the mood for something savory, grab a sandwich and a homemade lemonade at one of the outdoor cafés and enjoy some prime people-watching. Don’t miss the seafood restaurants, which serve some of the freshest catches straight from the nearby docks. Entertainment and events are another big plus. The mall regularly hosts live music, art fairs, and holiday-themed events. During the summer months, evenings buzz with local musicians and artists, while the winter holidays turn the entire area into a sparkling wonderland with lights and festive decorations. Kids love the ice cream and fudge shops, and the central fountain is a popular meeting spot for families and friends. Accessibility is excellent. Parking is available in adjacent lots and along side streets, and there are clean public restrooms nearby—essential for family outings. The mall is bike and stroller friendly, and there are plenty of shaded areas to escape the midday sun. Perhaps what makes Washington Street Mall so special is the genuine Cape May spirit—it’s a place where independent businesses thrive, and you can sense the pride the community takes in welcoming each visitor. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a longtime Cape May enthusiast, you’ll want to return again and again. In summary: five shining stars for the Washington Street Mall. It’s a must-visit destination that effortlessly blends historic charm, coastal flair, vibrant shopping, and delicious dining. No trip to Cape May is complete without a stroll here—you’ll leave smiling, arms laden with treasures and your heart full of...

Came here after the season had ended in October, and saw the place in a different light. Figuratively and literally, (it was night, too, and many of the shops had closed.)

Looking for soft-serve iced cream and fudge, I took my daughter in hand and proceeded to quickly scout for open businesses, preferably serving one of those, of course. The Fudge Kitchen was still open for 5 minutes when we walked up to the "OPEN" flag outside being retired for the night. However, they let my daughter and I in to purchase some of the most sought-after fudge along the NJ shoreline.

Afterwards, we managed to spot a frozen custard shop, which if you ask me, (u may as well have if you are still reading this,) Frozen Custard and some soft serve could be given to me in a blind taste-test and I probably would not be able to tell the difference. (if there even is a difference, not sure.) We left them, having the desires of our sweet tooth met, and proceeded to make our way home.

All in all, a little expensive, but that should not be a surprise if you have any experience in Cape May, NJ. However, the quality and atmosphere is what one pays for at the southernmost point of the Garden State, which I recently learned/realized is even farther south than...

So silly of me, I've been here before, and been writing reviews during that time , but alas, the time is now. This is a must stop during any vacation to cape may/wildwood. It has tons of souvenir shops, ice cream, restaurants, a toy store, a bookstore, and so much more! prices vary by location. Streets are also closed to allow pedestrians to walk right through. Parking can be expensive, and be prepared to walk! This outdoor mall also has benches, so one can sit and eat ice cream or just sit and wait. Went here with my parents as part of our cape may/wildwood trip on Sunday August 4th 2024. We actually parked in the church parking lot, which was close to the bookstore, and next to the cape may park. It was a bit cheaper there, plus the main parking lot we usually park at was crowded. We entered the alley just before the bookstore, and went the other way. We found the old five and dime store that they redid and made it as both a older type store with the counter, and newer items like clothes. We also stopped in various stores. Our last stop was the toy store, and the cape may county book company, which is a great stop for books! Will come again on...