Cape
May Beaches
Cape May has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From Higbee Beach to Poverty Beach, Cape May is a beach-lovers’ paradise. Whether you’re interested in seeing friends, returning to a traditional spot, convenient food and beverage, solitude, or nearby shopping, there’s beach that’s just right for you in Cape May.
Beach Tags
2010 Beach Tag Rates
| Daily | $5.00 |
| 3-Day | $10.00 |
| Weekly (Sat - Sat) | $13.00 |
| Seasonal | $15 until March 31 $25.00 after April 1 |
When are tags required? In season, you must have a beach tag to use Cape May's beaches.
Tags are required between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m., from Memorial Day in May through Labor Day in September. Beach
tags are required for all beachgoers over age 12 and will not be supplied by
your accommodations.
Where can I buy beach tags? Beach tags can be purchased at any beach entrance from beach patrol crews, and at City Hall. (A maximum of five (5) seasonal tags, per individual, can be purchased. For information on ordering beach tags by mail, call (609)-884-9525.)
Please note: The City of Cape May prohibits the transferring of seasonal beach tags. This means that no one is allowed to give you a tag to use on a temporary basis, be it an individual or a commercial establishment. It is also illegal to "rent" or pay a deposit fee for the use of a seasonal tag. In the event you are offered, and use a seasonal tag, that you do not own, you could be subject to the confiscation of the tag and a fine.
Beach Information
Important: Don’t tread on the dune grass. It’s a central reason why Cape May has been saved from a great deal more beach erosion and flooding.
Which beach should I choose?
All of Cape May City's beaches are family friendly and clean, and close to restrooms and food. Read "Which beach is THE beach?" to learn more about the different beaches in Cape May or explore them with the map below.
What is the location of the beach?
A lot of people ask for the address of the beach, so they can punch it into their GPS systems. The beach doesn't have an address, so we'd recommend simply looking at a map or zoom out on your GPS until the water is visible on screen, then drive toward it. The beach runs parallel to Beach Avenue.
If you must use your GPS, punch in 251 Beach Avenue. That is Congress Hall's address, which will put you beachfront, right in the center of town.
Parking near the beach
Metered parking is available along the beachfront. Free parking is located several blocks in on smaller side streets. See Parking in Cape May
Beach Rentals
Need beach chair, boogie boards, umbrellas, and other beach amenities?
 |
Geared Up Rentals888-473-6964 |
| Steger's Beach Service - 609-884-3058 |
Lifeguards
Lifeguards protect swimmers and surfers until 5:30 PM daily during the summertime.
Food and Drinks
You can bring coolers and food onto the beaches. However, alcohol is not permitted on Cape May city's beaches.
There are a variety of food and drink vendors located across Beach Avenue, all along the beachfront, serving up your favorites from pizza to hot dogs to funnel cakes.
Restrooms
Comfort stations are located along the promenade.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on Cape May City beaches. They are allowed along the Delaware Bay and on Higbee Beach during certain parts of the year. More about pets in Cape May
Surf Chairs
The beach patrol provides surf chairs free of charge to persons with mobility impairments. Surf chairs are to be signed out prior to 4:00 pm on the day of the request and are to be returned the same day. Chairs cannot be reserved in advance. Use of the surf chair is restricted to the promenade and beach front. Please contact the City of Cape May at 609-884-9525.
Beach FAQs
Are there public locker rooms or showers?
There aren't any public lockers or showers in Cape May. If you don't want to carry something with you, we'd recommend leaving it in your car. There are showers along the beachfront for washing off sand, but they are not enclosed. Still, they should let you get enough sand off that you would be comfortable for the ride home! There are public restrooms along the promenade also.
Is there a public swimming pool in Cape May?
We get this question a lot! There are no public swimming pools in Cape May. Many hotels and motels offer this amenity, so consider this accommodation choice if a pool is on your must-have list. If you need an indoor pool, the Grand Hotel and the Wilbraham Mansion B&B offer this option. In fact, the Wilbraham Mansion is the only B&B in Cape May with a swimming pool.