Cape May Beach
Cape May Beach
4.5
About
Nestled in New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape May is one of America’s oldest seaside resorts and a popular summer getaway. Its beach, running parallel to Beach Avenue, draws travelers for its unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views, lined with ornate Victorian mansions, and bustling shops and eateries. During peak season from Memorial Day through summer, you will need a beach tag to enter, which can be purchased at the beach entrance or City Hall. You can get a daily tag or a seasonal tag, and they serve as great souvenirs for your visit, too. Explore the rest of Cape May on a guided trolley tour and learn more about the backstories of this historic area. – Tripadvisor
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
124 within 5 kms
Attractions
75 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- annette l4 contributionsQuaint family vacationThis review is for Cape May City, not Cape May Beach (which are different locations). So many beautiful beaches along the “promenade” (ie. Boardwalk). Fun restaurants, shops, arcades and bars. You will love the little quaint town with a walking mall and nearby attractions. Great family vacationing spot!!!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
- Eugene GCharlotte, North Carolina9 contributionsWhat a surprise!My wife and I live in North Carolina and frequent the South Carolina beaches often. We were in NJ for family wedding and went to Cape May following the wedding. We loved the beach at Cape May. It is so much nicer and larger than the beaches in South Carolina. They are much wider and cleaner. Plus, even though it was July 4th we never felt crowded. We hope to return next year, if at all possible.Visited July 2023Written 7 July 2023
- Renee S1 contributionBeautiful celebration for the Fourth of July!We travel her every Fourth of July for the fireworks! What’s better than ice cream at the Jersey shore and fireworks while sitting on the beach? Families, couples and young adults make this yearly pilgrimage to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing day in Cape May.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 July 2023
- maw5391Huntington, New York18 contributionsNice vacation spotCape May is beautiful, clean, not roudy. There are beautiful Victorian style b&b, wonderful clean hotels, great restaurants. The beach is beautiful. This is our 2nd time there we will definitely be back. We went in July both times, and will return.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 September 2023
- Bev P1 contributionSOOO GOOD!We have been going to Cape May, NJ for over 30 years or more. We love the Victorian Motel which is just at the end of the Victorian Mall (across from Congress Hall). It is close to the beautiful homes which we take walks to see. The Mall has some nice shops and prices are good after Labor Day (Sept). Also the restaurants (especially) Uncle Bill's pancake house and others located in the Mall. We will being going back again with our family in Sept of 2024. Our family (older children) has also grown fond of Cape May and look forward to being there this year. ENJOY!Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 27 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,261 reviews
Excellent
1,689
Very good
437
Average
95
Poor
26
Terrible
14
Kathy D
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Cape May Beach is like a coastal dream come true. The sandy shores are perfect for a lazy day, and the old-school Victorian vibe adds a charming touch. It's got that classic beach feel with friendly waves and a laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for anyone craving a chill day by the sea.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bev P
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
We have been going to Cape May, NJ for over 30 years or more. We love the Victorian Motel which is just at the end of the Victorian Mall (across from Congress Hall). It is close to the beautiful homes which we take walks to see. The Mall has some nice shops and prices are good after Labor Day (Sept). Also the restaurants (especially) Uncle Bill's pancake house and others located in the Mall. We will being going back again with our family in Sept of 2024. Our family (older children) has also grown fond of Cape May and look forward to being there this year. ENJOY!
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valentina B
3 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
The vibe here is the perfect blend of relaxation and seaside charm. It's the kind of beach that leaves you with that deep sense of 'I'll be back.' Highly recommend for anyone in need of a coastal escape!
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelGirlAK87
257 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Cape May beaches are some of my favorite in the state. I absolutely love their beaches. They are big, clean, and not overly crowded. Their beauty is unmatched.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maw5391
Huntington, NY18 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Cape May is beautiful, clean, not roudy. There are beautiful Victorian style b&b, wonderful clean hotels, great restaurants.
The beach is beautiful. This is our 2nd time there we will definitely be back. We went in July both times, and will return.
The beach is beautiful. This is our 2nd time there we will definitely be back. We went in July both times, and will return.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oliver63
Berkshire, UK151 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Huge beach with rentable chair and sun umbrellas. Life guards there most day and was great fun wave jumping when we were there. Soft sand, great weather.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pankaj S
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It’s really nice beach. It’s really beautiful natural beach. We like the environment of this beach. We’re enjoying the beach.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelAddiction
Pittsburgh, PA245 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Very clean beach with just the right amount of crowd. It was also a fairly quiet beach and we saw dolphins multiple times swimming just offshore.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dexter B
York, PA1,147 contributions
Aug 2023
The sand is clean and very few shells. The beach is well-maintained and we loved it! Lots of places to set up your chairs and umbrellas.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack
Old Bethpage, NY846 contributions
Aug 2022
I went here in June of 2018, so the beach may have changed since my visit. The beach is great! Cape May has a huge, clean beach. Although crowded, there are many parts to escape the big crowd. The ocean is great and there are many hotels, restaurants, and attractions near the beach. Overall I highly recommend coming here.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can I rent an adult size body board in the area? Trying to decide if renting is even worth it.
Typical-60plus
Calgary, Canada109 contributions
I’m sorry that I’m not familiar with that information. There are some good websites that have tourist information.
jdfan
Lansdale, PA39 contributions
We are staying at The Ocean Club Hotel In June. Where do they have bike rentals in that location? Are there any trollies that take you to Washington Street Shops or do you have to drive?
Henry D
Jersey City, NJ
Will the beach be open for this July 4th weekend? Are there any planned activities?
Josh V
Williamsport, PA621 contributions
RV parking for a few hours? I have been to Cape May several times and very familiar with the are however, I have never been there with my 25 foot Motorhome. Any beaches (higbee, north capemay, cape may point etc...) that you know of that I can park for a few hours?
Desiree A
Long Island, NY808 contributions
Oooops sorry, I read your question way too fast. You’re looking for a beach in Cape May where you can park your RV.
I couldn’t find a beach where I could park my little VW New Beetle Convertible, with the top down no less!
I mean, I went to the Beach Area in Cape May... but couldn’t even stand there long enough to get out of the car and take a picture.
If you want RV parks, there’s Cape May KOA, and two in Rio Grande, Beachcombers and Sea Pines.
What are the charges for chair,umbrella renting?
Sassypants37
Cape May, NJ26 contributions
If you stay with any of the beachfront hotels, they typically supply the chairs and umbrellas for free- certain hotels have free cabanas as well- the hotel staff will even cart the chairs and umbrellas over for you! Day rate from Steigers for a really sturdy umbrella is $13 for the entire day, $30 for three days or 65 for an entire week. Welll worth it instead of the hassle of setting your own up!
First time to cape may-which beach is the best for kids?
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,734 contributions
They are all good. I usually go to the ones outside the Congress Hotel and the one down the block from the Chalfonte Hotel. These are the hotels I stay out and the beach by the hotels are very nice.
mariaEConnecticut
Connecticut15 contributions
How much does it cost to rent beach chairs and umbrellas? Do they set up the umbrella for you?
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,734 contributions
I stayed at the Chalfonte so things were provided by the hotel. I just brought a blanket down with me.
job117125
Staten Island, NY37 contributions
What hotels are good near the beach?
Leslie
Annville, PA13 contributions
We stayed at the Montreal Beach Hotel. I love it because it's away from all foot traffic of the shops, however, Harry's Bar and Grill is part of the hotel. They have live entertainment ( solo or 2 and 3 piece bands) every night. We had a room overlooking the deck at Harry's and I really did enjoy people watching. We could open our sliding door and hear the music. There is quiet time from 10:00PM to 7:00AM which is great also. They had a guest restroom on the first floor which was handy if you are at the pool or coming from the beach. Rooms were very clean! Would definitely go back!
job117125
Staten Island, NY37 contributions
Which beach is popular for a couple? ( I am pregnant) so a beach where there are restrooms and restaurants. TIA.
LouRod17
Philadelphia, PA239 contributions
There are a few restrooms along the promenade. I would think you could select a section of the beach close to one of the restrooms.
There are no restaurants on the beach that I am aware of. We stayed at a Congress Hall property (Star) and they do offer food service on the beach.
I hope this helps.
What if we get to the beach before 10am, do we have to pay?
Bevi1083
Tinton Falls, NJ124 contributions
No, you dont have to pay, but checkers do walk around and you may then be asked to purchase a daily badge
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Claim your listingCAPE MAY BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape May Beach
- Hotels near Cape May Beach:
- (0.01 km) 931 Beach Guest House
- (0.01 km) BRAND NEW OCEANFRONT 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2nd floor villa (Napali)
- (0.01 km) BRAND NEW OCEANFRONT 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2nd floor villa (Hanalei)
- (0.01 km) BRAND NEW OCEANFRONT 3 Bedroom 2 bath 1st floor villa (Aloha)
- (0.01 km) BRAND NEW OCEANFRONT 3 Bedroom 2 bath 1st floor villa (Honu)
- Restaurants near Cape May Beach:
- (0.19 km) Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille
- (0.29 km) Union Park Dining Room
- (0.29 km) SeaSalt Restaurant
- (0.34 km) McGlade's on the Pier
- (0.30 km) Bagel Time Cafe