SIX18 TRAVEL

Known as America's original seaside resort, Cape May has been a premier summertime getaway for generations. Part of the Jersey Cape's stretch of beaches and boardwalks, this tiny town is located about 45 miles south of Atlantic City, New Jersey, fewer than 95 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 160 miles south of New York City. It is home to less than 3,000 residents, but welcomes up to 50,000 vacationers on a typical summer weekend.

In addition to its pristine beaches, Cape May's roughly 600 preserved Victorian buildings and collection of quaint bed-and-breakfasts transport visitors to a bygone era. Its military presence also cannot go unnoticed; Cape May played a major role in defending the country during World War II. The local Coast Guard Training Center, birthplace of the enlisted corps, is affectionately known as the Coast Guard's Hometown.

Whether you choose to spend your days bird-watching (Cape May offers some of the best birding spots in the world), visiting wineries or touring historical sites, you're bound to quickly recognize the appeal of this coastal escape.