Start by calling the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts for a calendar of events (800-275-4278) or visit its Web site, www.capemaymac.org. This year the center is sponsoring a Spring Festival complete with house and garden tours, April 28-29 and May 4-6; a World War II History Cruise (exploring nearby bunkers, gun emplacements, and submarine lookout towers), June 6; and Cape May’s celebrated Victorian Week, October 5-14. The Web site also has links to historic inns and hotels. The Welcome Center on Lafayette Street has maps and brochures for nearby attractions like Historic Cold Spring Village, an outdoor museum open from Memorial Day to mid-September.

For information about bird watching, call the Cape May Bird Observatory (609-884-2736) or visit its Web site, www.njaudubon.org.

Emil R. Salvini’s The Summer City by the Sea is a compact illustrated history; Robert Santelli’s Guide to the Jersey Shore contains helpful information about hotels and restaurants.