You can make Philadelphia to Cape May in about 1.75 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 95 miles on Atlantic City Expressway and Garden State Parkway, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the flyway.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Philadelphia
Aim to clear Philadelphia before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 36 miles to Hammonton.
The headline stop on this route is Cape May Point hawkwatch. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Hammonton, the last stretch
Hammonton sits about 36 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Higbee Beach songbirds is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Rolling into Cape May
The final 59 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Victorian inns of Cape May; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Cape May Point hawkwatch, Higbee Beach songbirds and Victorian inns of Cape May, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Cape May, NJ is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along Atlantic City Expressway and Garden State Parkway before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
