NYC and Philadelphia: Experience this amazing day trip adventure right in your own backyard

As the travel industry begins to reopen after COVID-19 closures, TPG recommends consulting your doctor, adhering to health officials' advice, and checking local travel restrictions before planning your next getaway. We are here to assist you in preparing, whether your trip is next month or next year.

I had intended to spend the latter part of June discovering Iceland, but — like many Americans may have encountered — that journey was canceled. Instead of booking a domestic flight, I opted to remain at home and began considering day trip alternatives as COVID-19 cases surged in various states across the U.S.

I decided on Cape May, New Jersey, which is about a 90-minute drive from my current location in Philadelphia, or roughly 2.5 hours from New York City.

Situated at the southernmost point of New Jersey, Cape May has always been one of my top picks in the state. Although it was mentioned briefly in Gene Sloan's article on 7 easy Philadelphia escapes, it truly is a unique destination.

I enjoy strolling past the Victorian houses, dining at the local restaurants, and relaxing on the beach — which is usually much less crowded than other Jersey Shore locations, as it requires a bit more driving to get to Cape May.

I strongly suggest discovering the area by bicycle, and I took my folding bike with me. While driving is possible, finding open parking can be a challenge, particularly on weekends.

After some exploration, my first destination was Beach Plum Farm — a wonderful tip from TPG contributor Adam Erace.

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The 62-acre farm supplies fresh produce to restaurants, locals, and visitors in Cape May. It features an indoor market and a café in the back. Although it was a busy place, the ample distanced seating throughout the grounds made it easy for me to find a quiet spot to relax.

For just $15, I savored one of the finest ham and cheese sandwiches I’ve ever tasted, all set in a truly idyllic environment.

After my lunch, I pedaled my bike to the rear of the farm, where I discovered plenty of animals, including pigs and some of the happiest free-range chickens I’ve ever laid eyes on.

I even stumbled upon an adorable little piglet! If you have the opportunity to visit the farm, make sure to bike or walk to the fields at the back.

Although I didn’t stop to eat or drink, I passed by Willow Creek Farm & Winery, right next door — it felt as if I’d been instantly transported to Napa, if only for a brief moment.

I’ve had enjoyable visits to The Lobster House, which is offering outdoor seating this summer. Everyone was wearing masks when not seated at their tables — thanks to strict enforcement — but the line was a bit too long during my recent visit.

After spending the morning on the outskirts of town, I biked over to the main shopping area on Washington Street. Uncle Charley’s ice cream had no line, so I stopped in for a scoop and appreciated the mask requirement, hand sanitizer, and social distancing markers everywhere.

Most shops are open as well, with strict mask enforcement — including at West End Garage, shown here. I didn’t feel quite comfortable going indoors unless absolutely necessary, so I took a picture through the window instead.

If you’re not deterred by the coronavirus when it comes to hotels, there are many options for overnight stays — Congress Hall is one of the most sought-after choices, but with weekend rates soaring over $500 per night, it might be wiser to book a bed and breakfast or rent a home with friends.

I also suggest biking over to the Wildwood boardwalk, which is about seven miles (40 minutes) from downtown Cape May. The ride was lengthy and warm, but the views were incredible, and I had no issues cycling along the roadside.

During my visit on Wednesday, much of the town was quite serene, although the boardwalk was bustling enough that I chose not to linger for long.

There are a wealth of intriguing lodging options available, including the Jolly Roger motel, which has been welcoming guests since the 1960s.

After cycling a couple of miles, you'll reach the boardwalk, but remember that biking is only permitted before noon from April 15 to October 15.

In contrast to Cape May, where many folks wore masks outdoors, I noticed that wasn’t the case in Wildwood, so keep that in mind if you're planning a trip.

Although the boardwalk was less crowded than usual, many attractions remained open, including a variety of games and some rides.

I felt significantly more at ease in Cape May, where the crowds were lighter and the use of face masks was much more prevalent. After a fantastic day of biking and exploring both towns, I returned to my starting point near Cape May Point, easily maintaining my distance from others, with plenty of space to myself.

Don't miss our 7 easy escapes from Philadelphia that you can reach in 3 hours or less for more fantastic East Coast getaways, and check out my Instagram story highlight (@zachhonig) for additional day-trip adventures from Cape May.