One of the first questions we hear from guests planning their Cape May vacation is deceptively simple: “Which beach should we go to?”
The answer, like so many good things in Cape May, depends on what you’re looking for. Unlike some shore destinations where the beach is just… the beach, Cape May offers distinct shoreline experiences within walking distance of each other. The quiet cove where toddlers can splash safely. The sunset strip where you’ll find polished quartz “diamonds.” The locals’ favorite where you can spread out and breathe.
As a family who’s spent countless mornings and evenings on these shores—sometimes with our dogs in tow, sometimes with just a coffee and the sunrise—we’ve come to appreciate what makes each beach unique. Let us be your guide.
Understanding Cape May’s Beach Geography
Cape May sits at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay. This unique geography means the beaches along Cape May’s coast actually face different directions and offer different experiences.
The Atlantic-facing beaches (including most of downtown Cape May’s strands) offer the classic ocean experience—waves, salt spray, and that vast horizon.
The bay-facing beaches (like Sunset Beach) provide calmer waters and those legendary sunsets as the sun dips over the Delaware Bay.
This geography also affects water temperature, wave intensity, and even the sand composition. Keep it in mind as you plan your beach days.
The Main Beaches of Cape May
Cove Beach — Best for Families with Young Children
Location: Beach Avenue near Grant Street (by Convention Hall)
Character: Protected, calm, family-focused
Cove Beach is exactly what its name suggests—a protected cove that shields swimmers from the stronger Atlantic currents. The jetties that form the cove create a natural barrier, making the water notably calmer than the open beaches.
Why families love it:
- Gentler waves ideal for little ones
- Lifeguards stationed throughout the summer
- Shallower water near shore
- Restrooms and changing facilities at Convention Hall
- Close to downtown for snacks and ice cream runs
The trade-offs:
- Can get crowded on peak summer days
- Less dramatic surf for wave lovers
- Limited space during high season
Our tip: Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends to claim a good spot. The morning light is beautiful, the crowds are manageable, and you can retreat for lunch when the beach gets busy.
Beach Avenue Beaches — The Classic Cape May Experience
Location: Along Beach Avenue from Convention Hall to Broadway
Character: Traditional, lively, quintessential Jersey Shore
This is the beach most people picture when they think of Cape May—the wide strand stretching along Beach Avenue, backed by Victorian bed-and-breakfasts and the Promenade. It’s where Cape May comes to play.
What to expect:
- The full beach experience—waves, boogie boarding, sunbathing
- Lifeguards in designated areas during summer
- The Promenade for evening strolls
- Proximity to restaurants and shops
- Beach wheelchair availability at some entrances
Best for:
- Families who want the classic beach day
- Those staying in the historic district
- Guests who enjoy people-watching
- Anyone who wants to walk to dinner from the sand
The stretch varies: The beaches closer to Convention Hall tend to be busier. Walk south toward Broadway and you’ll find more breathing room. Most Cape del Mar properties put you within a 5-10 minute walk of these beaches—no car needed.
Poverty Beach — The Locals’ Favorite
Location: South end of Beach Avenue, past the hotels
Character: Quieter, less developed, relaxed
The name is a bit unfortunate—legend has it the “Poverty” moniker comes from an era when this less-developed stretch was considered less desirable. Today, it’s anything but. Locals and in-the-know visitors treasure Poverty Beach for its more relaxed atmosphere.
Why we love it:
- Fewer crowds, even in peak season
- A bit more space to spread out
- Still has lifeguard coverage in summer
- Less commercial feel
- Often has better parking nearby
Ideal for:
- Those seeking a quieter beach day
- Visitors who prefer less crowded shores
- Families who want space for kids to run
- Readers, resters, and those who prefer peace
Getting there: Walk south along Beach Avenue past the main tourist clusters. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the crowd thins and the vibe shifts. It’s maybe 15-20 minutes on foot from Washington Street Mall—a pleasant walk along the shore.
Sunset Beach — A Different Experience Entirely
Location: Cape May Point (about 2 miles from downtown)
Character: Scenic, historic, family-friendly, famous sunsets
Sunset Beach isn’t really a “beach day” beach—it’s a destination unto itself. Located at the tip of Cape May Point, this small beach faces the Delaware Bay and offers something the Atlantic beaches can’t: those legendary Cape May sunsets.
What makes it special:
- The Sunset Ceremony: Every evening in summer, Sunset Beach hosts a sunset flag ceremony with patriotic music. It’s surprisingly moving, drawing crowds who applaud as the sun slips below the horizon.
- Cape May Diamonds: The shore here is covered with quartz pebbles polished by the bay’s waves. These “Cape May diamonds” can be collected and even polished to a gem-like shine. Kids love hunting for them.
- The SS Atlantus: Just offshore, you can see the remains of a concrete ship—yes, concrete—that ran aground in 1926. It’s a fascinating piece of maritime history slowly disappearing into the bay.
Practical notes:
- Water is calmer than ocean beaches (Delaware Bay)
- Swimming is allowed but there’s no lifeguard
- The beach is pebbly, not sandy
- There’s a gift shop, snack bar, and flag museum
- Parking is available but fills up before sunset
Our recommendation: Plan a late afternoon trip to Sunset Beach. Hunt for diamonds, explore the gift shop, grab something from the snack bar, and stay for the sunset ceremony. It’s a Cape May experience you shouldn’t miss.
Higbee Beach — For Nature Lovers
Location: Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area (north of Cape May Point)
Character: Wild, natural, off-the-beaten-path
Higbee Beach is Cape May’s wild side—a state-managed wildlife area with minimal development and maximum nature. This isn’t your umbrella-and-cooler beach; it’s where you go to experience the shore as it once was.
What to know:
- No lifeguards, no facilities, no concessions
- Part of a wildlife management area (respect the ecosystem)
- Famous among birders during fall migration
- Beach access via trails through coastal forest
- Dogs allowed (but check seasonal restrictions)
- Swimming at your own risk
Best for:
- Nature enthusiasts and birders
- Those seeking solitude and natural beauty
- Adventurous families with older kids
- Off-season visits when other beaches feel too quiet
Note: In fall, Higbee Beach becomes a world-renowned birding hotspot as thousands of migrating songbirds rest here before crossing the Delaware Bay. Even if you’re not a birder, it’s a remarkable natural spectacle.
Cape May Point State Park Beach
Location: Adjacent to Cape May Lighthouse
Character: Natural, scenic, connected to hiking trails
The beach at Cape May Point State Park offers a different experience—beautiful sand backed by dunes and nature trails, with the historic lighthouse visible in the distance.
Highlights:
- Combine beach time with lighthouse visit
- Miles of nature trails nearby
- Excellent birding (especially migration season)
- Less crowded than downtown beaches
- Restroom facilities available
Considerations:
- Further from downtown Cape May (drive or long walk)
- No lifeguards
- State park rules apply
Beach Tags: Everything You Need to Know
Here’s something that surprises first-time visitors to Cape May: you need a beach tag to access the beaches during summer season.
The Basics:
- Beach tags are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
- Anyone 12 years and older needs a tag
- Tags must be worn visibly (attached to bathing suit, etc.)
- Revenue supports beach cleaning, lifeguards, and maintenance
Tag Options:
- Daily tags: Available at beach entrances
- Weekly tags: Better value for vacation stays
- Seasonal tags: For frequent visitors and locals
The Cape del Mar Advantage:
When you stay with us, you don’t need to worry about beach tags. We provide complimentary tags for our guests—two per unit at most properties, and four at Cape Belvedere and Cape Wave. It’s one less thing to think about, and it saves you money too.
If You Need More:
Tags can be purchased at beach entrances (cash preferred), the Beach Tag Office at the Rotary Park Pavilion, or various locations around town. Check current prices before your trip, as rates may change annually.
What We Provide at Cape del Mar
Beyond beach tags, we want your beach days to be as effortless as possible. Depending on which property you book, you may have access to:
- Complimentary beach tags (included at all Cape May properties)
- Beach chairs
- Beach umbrellas
- Cooler (at select locations)
- Beach towels are not provided (bring your own for the beach—we provide bath towels)
- Beach-friendly location (most properties are 5-10 minutes’ walk from sand)
We recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe is best for the ocean)
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Plenty of water
- A cooler for snacks
- A beach umbrella (or rent one)
Planning Your Beach Days
Morning Strategy
The beach is magical in the morning—quieter, cooler, and bathed in soft light. We often recommend an early beach session followed by a late breakfast at one of Cape May’s excellent cafés. By the time the midday crowds arrive, you’re refreshed and ready to explore the town.
Afternoon Alternative
If you’d rather sleep in (vacation, after all), consider heading to the beach around 3-4 PM. The afternoon sun is less intense, the crowds begin to thin, and you can transition seamlessly from beach to sunset drinks.
Evening Ritual
Even if you don’t spend the day on the sand, an evening beach walk is one of Cape May’s simple pleasures. Watch the sunset from Sunset Beach, stroll the Promenade, or hunt for Cape May diamonds as the light fades.
Weather Wisdom
Cape May’s coastal position means weather can shift quickly. A few things we’ve learned:
- Morning fog often burns off by mid-morning—don’t abandon plans too early
- Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in during summer—watch the sky and have a backup plan
- Bay breezes keep the beaches comfortable even on hot days
- Off-season beach walks can be glorious—bundle up and enjoy the solitude
The beach is beautiful in every season. Some of our favorite beach moments have been blustery October walks and quiet February mornings.
Our Favorite Beach Days
If we had to design the perfect Cape May beach day, it might look like this:
Morning: Early walk on Poverty Beach with coffee (and maybe the dog). Watch the sunrise. Return home for a real breakfast.
Midday: Chill at the rental—read, nap, avoid the hottest sun.
Afternoon: Head to Cove Beach or Beach Avenue. Swim, read, people-watch. Get ice cream from the Promenade.
Evening: Drive (or bike) to Sunset Beach. Hunt for Cape May diamonds. Stay for the sunset ceremony. Dinner at a BYOB restaurant downtown.
Your Perfect Beach Awaits
The beauty of Cape May is that there’s no wrong choice. Each beach offers something special, and with our walkable locations, you can try them all during your stay.
Ready to plan your Cape May beach vacation? Browse our vacation rentals—each one puts you within easy reach of the shore. Book directly with Cape del Mar for the best rates, complimentary beach tags, and local tips from a family who genuinely loves this place.
View Our Cape May Properties →
Questions about beaches or planning your trip? Reach out at vacation@capedelmar.com—we’re always happy to help.
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Cape May: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay
- Pet-Friendly Vacation in Cape May: Everything You Need to Know
- Spring in Cape May: Why Off-Season is the Best-Kept Secret (Coming Soon)
