Cape May.

Cape May stands out as America’s oldest seaside resort, a distinction that pairs its wide Atlantic beaches with one of the country's largest collections of 19th-century Victorian architecture. The entire city is a National Historic Landmark, where streets are lined with beautifully preserved gingerbread-style cottages and wraparound porches. Visitors can climb the historic Cape May Lighthouse for views over the Delaware Bay, tour the grand Emlen Physick Estate, or hunt for ghost stories on a local evening walking tour. Away from the historic core, the pedestrian-only Washington Street Mall serves as the town's social hub, packed with local boutiques and restaurants. It is a rare coastal destination where the striking architecture and deep-rooted history are just as much of a draw as the pristine, family-friendly shoreline.