A Kid-Free Weekend Itinerary to Wildwood & Cape May

If you're a parent, you know how rare it is to steal away a weekend just the two of you. After years of beach days with boogie boards, stroller naps, and packing enough snacks for a small army, my husband and I finally took our first kid-free weekend to the shore. And let me tell you… we didn’t realize how much we needed it until we were there.

September and October are our favorite times to be at the beach. The summer rush is over, everything is a little quieter, and the weather? Just about perfect. You still get the warm days and those golden sunsets, but without the lines, traffic, and crowds.

So if you're dreaming of some uninterrupted time with your partner — whether you're parents needing a break or just craving a peaceful escape, here's a peek at how we spent our fall couples’ weekend here at The Crest Beach House in Wildwood Crest, NJ!

Drinking Dole Whips at Willow Creek Winery in Cape May, New Jersey

Morning Vibes, slow starts + beautiful sunrises

We kicked off each morning with something we never get at home...a slow start. I’d wake up early, slide open the balcony door, and sit with my tea watching the sun rise over the ocean. Sometimes I’d take a solo walk on the beach while my husband slept in.Just me, the waves, and the sunrise. That quiet time to breathe, pray, and reflect before the day began felt sacred.

We even watched the dolphins swim by from our bed, which felt like something straight out of a movie.

Breakfast in bed? Yes, please. We ordered through DoorDash and had it delivered straight to our condo, hot coffee, breakfast sandwiches, with no dishes to clean up!

Daytime Adventures: Beach Walks, Boutique Shopping + Bike Rides

We spent late mornings just walking the beach while holding hands, talking about everything and nothing, and soaking up that quiet that you don’t realize you’ve been missing. One afternoon, we went to check out the Cape May Lighthouse for a little bird watching. In Cape May, we wandered through the Washington Street Mall, popping in and out of shops. One of my go to places is West End Garage and it's filled with unique finds from local artists and businesses. And of course, no visit to Cape May is complete without making a wish at the fountain, admiring all the colorful Victorian homes, and grabbing dessert at Peace Pie (coffee toffe- my personal favorite).

Relaxation + Romance: Drinks, Dinners, and Dreamy Views

In the afternoon, we headed to Willow Creek Winery for wine, cheese board, and our new favorite wine infused Dole Whip. We found a cozy spot in the garden, sipped slowly, and just enjoyed the stillness together. It was the perfect balance of casual and romantic. Then we made our way over to Elaine’s, one of our favorite spots for live music and a cozy atmosphere. I had the most delicious espresso martini and we split the ahi tuna tartare, which I still think about. Whether you sit at the bar, a candlelit table, or stretch out on the outdoor couches, Elaine’s has this laid-back charm that makes you want to stay awhile. Another night, we ended up at Congress Hall, lounging on the lawn with drinks in hand, talking about everything from business dreams to family goals. Sometimes we forget how good it feels to just sit and talk. Dinner? A few favorites: Mud Hen Brewing Company is fun and chill, great beer, and the brisket beer chip nachos are non-negotiable. Delaney’s has the best lobster roll, and they even offer a gluten-free bun! Iccara Italian Bistro is one of our new favorite date night spots. If you love seafood, you have to try the Cioppino stew. Bonus: almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free! We wrapped up our nights watching the sunset over the bay in Wildwood Crest or sitting on the balcony with drinks and a board game, just the two of us, no interruptions.

Ready for Your Own Kid-Free Escape... We've Planned Your Weekend Itinerary to Wildwood + Cape May

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, we need a weekend like this,” I’m here to say: You do. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, need to hit reset, or just want to enjoy each other without a single “Mom, watch this!” fall is the perfect time to do it.

The beach is peaceful, the weather is dreamy, and everything just feels slower in the best way.

We stayed at our own oceanfront condo The Crest Beach House right in Wildwood Crest. It’s the kind of place where you can wake up to ocean views, sip coffee on the balcony, and watch dolphins from bed (yes, really). If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to stay, We’d love to host you.

And because I’m a planner, and because I know how rare these weekends are, I’ve already mapped everything out for you.

Grab your copy of our Weekend Itinerary to Wildwood & Cape May (with links to all our favorite spots, date-night dinners, and sunset views) — so you can spend more time enjoying, and less time googling.

Here’s to more slow mornings, beach walks, and time with the one who means the most!