Cape May Beach stretches for roughly two miles along the southernmost tip of New Jersey, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay. The sand is fine-grained and golden-pale, and the beach is wide and open, sloping gently into calm, clear-green surf ideal for swimming. The shoreline faces south rather than east, meaning direct afternoon sun hits it longer than most Jersey Shore beaches and the prevailing wind comes in at an angle that keeps conditions comfortable on most summer days. The beach is backed by the Victorian-era promenade and Beach Avenue, lined with bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and ice-cream shops that define Cape May's character. Lifeguards patrol from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and a daily beach badge ($10 for adults) is required for visitors over 12. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available at multiple access points along Beach Avenue. A dedicated wheelchair access ramp makes the beach reachable for visitors with mobility needs. Cape May sits 230 km south of New York City and 155 km from Philadelphia, connected by NJ Transit bus 315 from Philadelphia and the Cape May–Lewes Ferry from Delaware. The town itself rewards exploration beyond the beach: Washington Street Mall, the Cape May Winery, and whale-watching cruises depart from the marina. The beach's broad, flat profile, calm surf, and wealth of nearby amenities make it a consistent choice for families, couples, and those seeking a more refined shore experience than the northern boardwalk resorts. Water quality consistently earns high marks from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Victorian streetscape behind the promenade elevates the setting well beyond the typical Jersey Shore resort.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- beach badge required ($10/day)
- restrooms
- outdoor showers
- promenade
- nearby restaurants and shops
- wheelchair access ramp
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, swimmers, sunbathers, beachcombers
Location
Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
38.9312, -74.9196 View on map
Highlights
- Wide, gently sloping sand with calm, clear surf ideal for safe swimming across all age groups
- Victorian promenade backdrop with restaurants, cafes, and B&Bs steps from the waterline
- Wheelchair-accessible ramp and well-maintained facilities at multiple Beach Avenue access points
- Cape May–Lewes Ferry connection allows a scenic day-trip loop from Delaware
- Rated among New Jersey's top family beaches for consistently clean water and lifeguard coverage
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00 to secure parking on Beach Avenue; municipal lots fill quickly by mid-morning in July and August
- Enter at Gurney St or Broadway for shorter walks from parking areas and less-crowded stretches of sand
- Beach badges ($10/day) can be purchased at booths along Beach Avenue; retirees and children under 12 are exempt
- The water is calmer toward the western (Delaware Bay) end of the beach near Sunset Beach — ideal for toddlers
- Moon jellyfish appear in late August; lifeguards post warning flags when concentrations are high
When to visit
Late June through late August offers the warmest water (68–75°F) and full lifeguard service. September sees thinner crowds and comfortable air temperatures while the water remains warm enough for swimming.
Accessibility
A dedicated wheelchair access ramp is located on Beach Avenue near Madison Avenue. The promenade itself is paved and flat, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Limited beach wheelchair loans may be available through the Cape May Beach Patrol — inquire at the lifeguard headquarters.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to use Cape May Beach?
Yes. A beach badge is required for visitors aged 13 and over. Day badges cost $10 and are purchased at booths along Beach Avenue. Children under 12 and seniors over 70 enter free.
When are lifeguards on duty at Cape May Beach?
Lifeguards are posted from late June through Labor Day (first Monday in September), typically 10:00–17:30. Swimming outside these hours is at visitors' own risk.
Can visitors bring dogs to Cape May Beach?
Dogs are permitted on Cape May Beach only before 09:00 and after 17:00 during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
How do visitors get to Cape May from New York City without a car?
NJ Transit bus 315 runs from Philadelphia, which can be reached from NYC via Amtrak or NJ Transit rail. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects Delaware to Cape May, allowing travel via the Delmarva Peninsula.
What is the water quality like at Cape May Beach?
Cape May Beach consistently earns clean-water ratings. The ocean is monitored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and advisories are rare.