Looking for the best beaches in New Jersey? Stop by Cape May, and you may quickly discover why it’s a top spot for beach-goers of all ages.
To make the most of your visit to the best beach in New Jersey, book a stay at Mahalo Cape May. At Mahalo Cape May, we help you find your Mahalo Moment.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons why Cape May is the premier beach destination in the Garden State.
1. You Can Visit a Picture-Perfect Beach.
If you dream of visiting a beautiful beach with soft sand and serene water, Cape May is the choice for you.
Here, you can relax and enjoy the amazing Atlantic Ocean views and sounds with family and friends.
2. You Can Enjoy a Variety of Beach Activities.
There’s no shortage of things you can do to stay active at Cape May’s beaches.
In or on the water, you can swim, skimboard, fish, surf, sail, kayak, and more.
If you prefer to stay on the beach itself, you can play volleyball, make sand sculptures, enjoy a picnic, and much more.
3. You Can Explore Historic Victorian Homes.
Cape May is a National Historic Landmark with the second-largest collection of Victorian houses in the United States.
There are many awe-inspiring Victorian homes in Cape May, including:
- Christopher Gallagher House: Located on Jackson Street, this house was built in 1882 and originally belonged to whiskey distiller Christopher Gallagher.
- Emlen Physick Estate: A Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street is an 18-room mansion dating back to 1879.
- The Pink House: Constructed in 1892, The Pink House has exquisite trim, arched windows, and a stunning pink exterior.
Some of Cape May’s Victorian homes have also been converted into restaurants.
For example, Sapore Italiano on South Broadway in Cape May was once a Victorian home. It now serves delicious Italian cuisine made from local ingredients.
4. Your Safety Is a Top Priority.
Between July 1 and Labor Day, the Cape May Beach Patrol is on duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at local beaches.
In the peak season, the patrol consists of nearly 60 lifeguards at 25 stands across these beaches.
These lifeguards watch over thousands of beach-goers, responding to hundreds of water and medical emergencies annually.
5. You Can Easily Access Restrooms and Outdoor Showers.
Cape May’s beaches are close to free public restrooms, located every half-mile along the promenade in summer.
If you want to wash off sand from the beach, outdoor showers are also along the promenade.
When you book a stay at Mahalo Cape May, you’re just steps from the beach, so you can walk from the beach to your room for a full shower and change.
6. You Can Dine Near the Beach.
Many Cape May restaurants are within walking distance of the beach, including everything from hot dog stands to fine-dining establishments.
Some of the most popular restaurants in Cape May include:
- Ocean7: For a contemporary twist on traditional American cuisine, visit Ocean7 on Ocean Street, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes made with seasonally sourced ingredients.
- Tisha’s: Located at the Washington Street Mall, Tisha’s offers new American cuisine and al fresco indoor and outdoor dining.
- 5 West Pub: For terrific food and cocktails in a casual pub environment, stop by 5 West Pub on Bayshore Drive in North Cape May.
In addition to these restaurants and many others, Cape May hosts a Restaurant Week and Weekend every year.
During the week and weekend, diners can enjoy an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a fixed price from one of Cape May’s top restaurants.
7. You’re Just Minutes Away from the Center of Town.
When you’re at the beach or anywhere else in Cape May, you’re only about a 20-minute walk or less away from the center of town.
Additionally, Mahalo Cape May offers a shuttle service for guests.
Our shuttles let you travel downtown and many other areas of Cape May.
8. You Can Participate in a Sunset Beach Tradition.
To celebrate what it means to be an American, Sunset Beach hosts an evening flag ceremony from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
A Cape May tradition for more than 40 years, the ceremony gives you the opportunity to fly a veteran’s casket flag at the beach.
The ceremony takes place Saturdays at 7 p.m. starting Memorial Day weekend through June and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m. in July and August, with the final ceremony held the Saturday of Labor Day weekend at 7 p.m.
9. You Can Watch Movies for Free at the Beach.
Bring snacks, drinks, and, of course, a beach chair or blanket to watch a free movie at a Cape May beach.
The City of Cape May and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May co-sponsor free movie nights on Thursdays and Fridays at Stockton Beach next to Cape May Convention Hall.
The festivities begin at 8 p.m. with children’s activities, and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
If it rains, the festivities are held indoors at Cape May Convention Hall.
10. Beach Tags are Collectable and Free for Veterans or Military Members.
Cape May beach tags feature artwork that changes every year, making them the perfect souvenirs.
Save your beach tag each time you visit Cape May, and you’ll be able to collect unique souvenirs to remind you of your beach experiences.
If you’re a veteran or active member of the military, you won’t necessarily have to pay anything for a beach tag in Cape May.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, free beach tags are available to veterans and active military of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and New Jersey National Guard.
To get a free tag, visit the Beach Tag Headquarters at 704 Beach Ave. or promenade kiosks at Broadway, Gurney, Howard, and Madison Avenue.
When you book accommodations at Mahalo Cape May, we include beach tags with your stay.
Exploring Cape May Resorts Near the Best Beaches in New Jersey?
Check out Mahalo Cape May in New Jersey, which combines premium beachfront accommodations with natural-island-inspired rooms and amenities.
If you’re ready to visit the best beach town in New Jersey, we’re happy to help you!
Book your next Cape May vacation at Mahalo Cape May.
