Cape May Beaches
Badge prices, the three main beaches, free Sunset Beach, and water quality — everything for a Cape May beach day.
- Daily badge$10
- Season badge$40
- Under 11 & militaryFree
Cape May's Beaches, Compared
| Beach | Best for | Amenities | Badge needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May City Beach | Families, swimming, full amenities | Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, beach wheelchairs, concessions | Yes (summer) |
| Poverty Beach | Escaping crowds, quieter swimming | Lifeguards, parking nearby | Yes (summer) |
| Sunset Beach (Cape May Point) | Sunsets, Cape May diamonds, SS Atlantus wreck | Gift shop, restaurant, free parking | No — free |
Full beach descriptions are on the Cape May town beach page.
Beach Badge Prices 2026
| Badge type | Price |
|---|---|
| Daily | $10 |
| 3-day | $20 |
| Weekly | $25 |
| Season | $40 |
| Under 11 | Free |
| Military & veterans | Free |
Early-bird season badges are discounted to $30 when purchased before April 30. Compare prices shore-wide on our beach badge guide.
Cape May Beach Water Quality
NJDEP's Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program samples 10 stations along Cape May's beaches weekly in season. Current ratings, based on five years of Enterococcus bacteria data:
Plan Your Cape May Beach Day
Cape May pairs its beaches with the country's best-preserved Victorian district — see our full guides for where to stay, eat, and what to do beyond the sand. For wider, busier beaches with amusement piers, Wildwood is 15 minutes north.
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Cape May
Cape May summer accommodations in high demand
Book now for best selection
Powered by Booking.com
Cape May Beach FAQs
How much are Cape May beach badges in 2026?
Cape May beach badges cost $10 daily, $20 for three days, $25 weekly, and $40 for the season. Children under 11 are free, and active military and veterans get free badges. Badges are required on ocean beaches in summer, generally Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Is the beach free in Cape May?
The ocean beaches in Cape May require a paid beach badge in summer, but Sunset Beach on the bay side (at Cape May Point, about 10 minutes from downtown) is free — it's the spot for Cape May diamond hunting, the SS Atlantus shipwreck, and the nightly flag ceremony. Nearby Cape May Point State Park beach access is also free (no swimming at the state park beach).
Which is the best beach in Cape May?
Cape May City Beach along Beach Avenue is the best all-around choice: full amenities (lifeguards, restrooms, showers, beach wheelchairs) with the Victorian district right behind it. Poverty Beach at the east end is best for escaping crowds, and Sunset Beach is best for sunsets — one of the few East Coast spots where the sun sets over water.
What are Cape May diamonds?
Cape May diamonds are clear quartz crystals, polished smooth by the Delaware River, that wash up on Sunset Beach at Cape May Point. They can be collected free and are often cut and polished into jewelry by local shops.
Is the water clean at Cape May beaches?
Yes. NJDEP's Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program tracks 10 sampling stations along Cape May's beaches, and 6 of them currently rate "excellent" based on five years of bacteria (Enterococcus) data, with the rest rated "good." See our beach water quality tracker for station-by-station detail.
When is the best time to visit Cape May beaches?
September is the local favorite: the ocean is still warm (~75°F), the beaches thin out after Labor Day, badge requirements end, and hotel rates drop 30–40%. July and August bring the warmest water (72–76°F) and the biggest crowds.