May 23, 2016
To say that Cape May stands out amongst the sprinkle of shore towns spread along the New Jersey coastline would be an understatement.
The seaside resort, situated at New Jersey's southernmost tip, has been named as one of the best beaches in the world by travelers on Trip Advisor – and it's for reasons beyond its sand and sea.
For a visual of what you'll experience in Cape May, imagine streets lined with charming, Victorian-style and multicolored pastel-painted houses and B&Bs passed though by horse-drawn carriages and trolleys, and sandwiched amongst your traditional Jersey Shore staples, like saltwater taffy-and-souvenir shops, a famous pancake house, several beach shacks and bars, mini-golf courses, and of course, a beautiful beach.
To add just a few more cherry-on-top attractions Cape May offers, there's the historic Cape May Point Lighthouse, several wine-producing vineyards and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which will carry you across the state line to Delaware, which has its own beaches and attractions, like the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
There is a fee to lounge on Cape May's beaches with beach tags required for individuals over the age of 12. Free vouchers are available for veterans and active military members.
According to the city's website, the current cost is $28 for the season, $18 for the week, $12 for three days and $6 for the day. Check the city's website for pricing updates.
The city's beaches are guarded from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer season.
Swimming is only allowed at guarded beaches.
Dogs are permitted on the beaches from November through March, however, the city itself is very pet-friendly with restaurants, hotels and dog parks happy to accommodate its four-legged visitors.
Fishing is permitted along the beaches, groins and jetties east of Baltimore Avenue; and within an area 100 feet east and west of the Queen Street jetty and on the Queen Street jetty.
A schedule of Cape May events, including festivals, tours and more, can be found here.
