Located at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay, Cape May is recognized as America's oldest seaside resort. Accessible via local roads, regional transit, or the Cape May–Lewes Ferry crossing the Delaware Bay, this low-lying coastal destination sits as the southernmost point in New Jersey. In the summer months, its quiet resident population expands with 40,000 to 50,000 seasonal visitors looking to experience its coast.
The city features picturesque beaches along the Atlantic oceanfront, including Cove Beach at its southernmost tip and Poverty Beach. Visitors to Cove Beach enjoy daily sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and hiking during the summer season. Strolling the shoreline offers the unique chance to search for Cape May diamonds—clear quartz pebbles that wash down 200 miles along the Delaware River to settle on local beaches, which are frequently collected or sold in local tourist shops.
Beyond the sand, Cape May is designated as the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark boasting a famously well-maintained collection of Victorian gingerbread homes built primarily after an 1878 fire. The town's atmosphere blends historic architecture with vibrant commercial spots like the Washington Street Mall and the Cape May boardwalk. It suits a diverse array of travellers, from families and beachgoers to surfers, history lovers, and ecotourists.
Ecotourism thrives here year-round, making the area ideally suited for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Over 400 species of migrating birds pass through, particularly during the autumn migration. Marine mammal watching is also majorly popular; whale and dolphin watching cruises operate year-round to view species swimming in the nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, often within 10 miles of the coast.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ferry | Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects North Cape May, New Jersey, across Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | June to August | Features hot, humid weather with afternoon sea breezes. Population expands significantly with beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers. |
| Autumn | September to November | World-famous season for observing migrating birds passing through the region. |
| Winter | December to February | Cool winters with potential extreme cold and snow, averaging 15 inches of snowfall seasonally with peak nor'easter activity in February. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Cape May experiences hot, humid summers but usually gets a cooling afternoon sea breeze.
- Beachgoers can collect natural Cape May diamonds (polished quartz pebbles) directly off local beaches.
- Whale and dolphin watching tours operate year-round due to nutrient-rich waters within 10 miles of shore.
