Cape May on a Budget
Money-saving tips & cheap activities
What a day in Cape May costs, built from its published beach badge and parking rates, with the budget places to stay in our directory and free things to do.
Beach Badge: $10/day
Cape May beach badges cost $10 per day or $40 for the season; children under 11 are free.
Badge prices
- Daily
- $10
- Weekly
- $25
- Season
- $40
- Under 11
- Free
3-day pass $20. Season $30 before April 30. Under 11 FREE. Military/Veterans FREE.
Money-Saving Tips for Cape May
Daily or season badge
At $10 a day, a season badge ($40) pays for itself by your 4th beach day.
Parking
Lafayette Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (100 spaces, 3 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $4/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate. Paid parking runs Apr 1 – Oct 31 — it does not stop when beach badges do.
Save $0-20/dayPack a cooler
Bring food and drinks for the beach instead of buying on the boardwalk.
Compare weeknights
Hotel rates often differ between weeknights and weekends; price both before you pick dates.
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Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
Montreal Beach Resort
Book an oceanfront room for the best views. Ask about the kids activities program.
The Chalfonte Hotel
Book dinner at the restaurant - the menu includes fried chicken and Southern sides. Embrace the no-TV experience.
Beach Shack
Use your Cape Resorts access to visit Congress Hall for a different vibe.
Blue Fish Inn
More relaxed than typical Cape May B&Bs. Beach gear is included - just grab it and go!
Choose your stay
Check Cape May staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Free Things to Do in Cape May
Victorian Architecture
Self-guided walking tour of 600+ Victorian buildings
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Sample Daily Budget
What a budget day in Cape May really costs:
Parking in Cape May
Typical Cost: $15-20/day
Lafayette Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (100 spaces, 3 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $4/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate. Paid parking runs Apr 1 – Oct 31 — it does not stop when beach badges do.
Paid parking season: Apr 1 – Oct 31 — meters keep running after Labor Day, when beach badges stop. Source: capemaycity.com parking meter information + ecode360
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Cape May Budget Travel FAQ
Do I need a beach badge in Cape May?
Cape May beach badges cost $10 per day or $40 for the season; children under 11 are free.
How much does a day at Cape May cost?
Our estimate is $83-155/person. The parking ($8-10) and beach badge ($10) figures come from Cape May's published rates; lodging, food and activities are our general estimates.
Are there free things to do in Cape May?
Self-guided walking tour of 600+ Victorian buildings
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Cape May, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more