USA's 250th: Celebrating at the Heart of America's Original Seaside Resort

In 2026, America celebrates a monumental milestone—its 250th anniversary. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve built, and the places that continue to bring people together. Few places embody that spirit quite like Cape May, and at the center of it all sits the Washington Street Mall.

As the heart of America’s original seaside resort, the Washington Street Mall has long been a gathering place for generations of visitors and locals alike. While the nation was finding its footing in the centuries following independence, Cape May emerged as one of the country’s earliest vacation destinations—welcoming travelers seeking fresh ocean air, coastal beauty, and a sense of escape. The Mall grew alongside that history, becoming a vibrant hub of commerce, connection, and community.

Today, the Washington Street Mall remains a place where the past and present meet. Brick pathways echo with stories of summers gone by, family traditions, first vacations, and return trips that span decades. Locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses continue the tradition of entrepreneurship that has always been at the core of America’s story—small businesses built on passion, creativity, and hard work.

As we celebrate America’s 250th, the Mall stands as a reminder that history isn’t only found in textbooks or monuments—it lives in places that bring people together. It’s in the strolls after dinner, the laughter over ice cream cones, the discovery of something unexpected in a shop window, and the shared experience of being somewhere special.

This anniversary is more than a look back. It’s a celebration of what continues to thrive. The Washington Street Mall isn’t just part of Cape May’s history—it’s part of its future. A place that evolves while honoring its roots. A place where memories are still being made every single day.

As the USA marks 250 years, we invite you to celebrate right here—at the heart of the America's original seaside resort, where tradition, community, and coastal charm come together.

We'll see you on the Mall!