The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to
Cape May County NJ Beaches: 2025 Edition

Cape May County Beaches with
Large Commercial Boardwalks

Ocean City - Its 50 feet iwide, 2 1/2 miles long, has many eateries, taffy and fudge shops, and a large amusement pier, Gillian's Wonderland Pier, with a 140 foot Ferris wheel, kiddie cars, roller coasters, a miniature golf course and a water park. In the early morning, the boardwalk is frequented by joggers and bikers, and as afternoon approaches, they begin to attract many teenagers, and by evening, the families dominate

Wildwood- Its Two miles and 38 blocks of one of the best family boardwalks in NJ, made with wooden boards with a concrete pathway in the middle to accomodate the tram car. Here you can find the famous Morey's Piers with three amusement park with more than 100 rides and attractions including a roller coaster, extreme thrill rides, kids rides, a water park, and lots of tacky T-shirt shops, pizza joints, ice cream stands, a convention center, and more.

Cape May County Beaches with
Small, Less Commercial Boardwalks

Avalon - This 10 block boardwalk is a plaasant nature walk with dunes on one side and thick shrubs on the other. The only concession stand are a pizza shop and ice cream stand,

Cape May - Its a two-mile asphalt promanade past the beautiful Cape May Beach on the east and many Victorian homes, B & B's and and grand hotels on the west. There a a small number of concessions, restaurants and small shops.

North Wildwood - A low key alternative to the nearby Wildwood Boardwalk, It runs from 16th Avenue south to 26th Avenue where it connects with the Wildwood boardwalk. Attractions include newly opened Sea Port Pier, a multi-purpose venue with resort-style amenities including entertainment, restaurants, and activities for visitors of all ages, and Ed's Funcade, a classic boardwalk arcade.

Sea Isle City - Its a wide, asphalt - promenade that runs from 29th Street to 57th Street. It's low key, no amusement park, with a number of small concessions, and an attractive outdoor amphitheater at 40th Street for summer concerts.

Cape May County Beaches

Avalon
Avalon is often referred to as the "Treasure of the Jersey Coast," and it continues to attract visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant community life, and its stunning beach with activities like bathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The town also has extensive dune systems that are unique to the East Coast.

Avalon and Stone Harbor have a reciprocal agreement with the use of beach tags.
Beach tags are not required for children under the age of 12.

Pre-season rates until May 31st, 2025: Seasonal Tags $35.
After June 1st: Seasonal Tags $40.
Weekly tags $17
Daily tags $8

Active duty military members and their immediately families also may enjoy the beaches without a beach tag.
The beach tags are available either by stopping by the Avalon Tax Collector's Office at Avalon Borough Hall until April 26th. From April 27th through the remainder of the summer, the Beach Tag Booth adjacent to Community Hall at 30th Street, will be open daily.
Or on-line at https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/avalon-2025-seasonal-beach-tag and have the beach tags delivered to their homes.

Public rest rooms available at 30th Ave. and 1st Ave.
Free parking lots available at most beaches.
Surfing Beaches at 30th St & between 10th & 11th Streets.
Bicycles are permitted on the boardwalk between 5am and 10am.
Tennis courts are located on 8th Street and 39th Street.
There are Bay front fishing piers at 8th, 23rd, 24th, 33rd, 37th 53rd & 57th Streets.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach, boardwalk, or dunes anytime between March 1st and September 30th.

Picnicking on the beach is permitted.
Prohibited activities include smoking, fires/open flames, alcoholic beverages, bottles, glass, sharp objects, loud noise, indecent language/actions.
Kayaks, Stand up Paddle­boards (including inflatable and non-inflatable) and Body­boards and/or Belly­boards with skegs are prohibited on any beaches in the Borough during the hours of 10:00am through 5:00pm

Cape May
Cape May is a charming seaside town known for its pristine beaches, Victorian architecture, and laid-back coastal vibe. The beaches in Cape May are some of the best on the East Coast, offering soft golden sand, gentle waves, and stunning sunsets over the Atlantic. The beaches are regularly cleaned, and the water quality is excellent, making it a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

2025 Pre-season discount Seasonal Tags: $30.00 until April 30, 2025
Seasonal Tags can be purchased on-line with https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/cape-may-2025-seasonal-beach-tag

2025 Prices for all beach tags will be available after May 1st, 2025.

2024 Beach Tag Fees:
Seasonal beach tag $40
Weekly beach tags. Saturday to Saturday, 8-days $25
3-day beach tag for any three consecutive days $20
Daily beach $10
Active Military & Veterans are free.

Beach tags are required for entrance to Cape May City beaches from 10am until 5pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. for age 12 and older. Children 11 & under are free. Tags are available weekdays at City Hall Tax Office (643 Washington Street) and any beach entrance during the summer.

Cape May has four public restrooms along Beach Ave. and four in the mall area. There aren't any public lockers or showers in Cape May. There is the only NJ handicap walkway on the beach. running parallet to the promanade.
Metered parking available along streets. There is free parking along the street north of the Peter Shields Inn.
Bicycles are permitted on the Boardwalk between 4am and 10am.
The beach north of The Peter Shields Inn is less crowded.
By city ordinance, fires are not permitted on Cape May City Beaches, nor may any portable device be used for cooking. By state law, fires are not permitted on Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area.
Restrictions in place against being on any beach or waters between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 am. daily.
Beach tents, umbrellas, and canopies are welcome.
Accessories, such as chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, sundries, and snacks/non-alcoholic beverages are available from licensed vendors stationed on most beaches.

Cape May Point
Cape May Point is a charming, quiet seaside town located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. It's known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful natural scenery, and historical significance. The town is home to the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Unlike the busier beaches of Cape May proper, Cape May Point Beach is more secluded and tranquil, with a focus on preservation.

Cape May Point Beach Tags are not accepted on other area beaches. The Municipal Boundaries for Cape May Point Beaches are from the State Park (Lighthouse Avenue) up to and including the Alexander Avenue Jetty.

2025 Beach access fees:
Pre-Season Discounted Seasonal Tags (available through May 31st, 2025): $40
Seasonal tags can be purchased on-line from https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/capemaypoint/products/cape-may-point-2025-seasonal-beach-tag
Seasonal Tags $50
Weekly (Saturday to Saturday) $25
Daily $10
Beach tags are free veterans and active service members and their immediate families.
Children 11 and under free.

Beach Tag Office:
215 Lighthouse Avenue
Cape May Point, NJ
Daily, Weekly and Seasonal tags are also sold by the Beach Taggers at each entrance.

Non-metered street parking is available.
Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches after 5pm.
Smoking on the beach is not permitted. Fines for breaking the ban during the day range from $100 to $2,000.
The borough's two beaches, Cape May Point Borough Beach and Sunset Beach, are usually uncrowded.

Ocean City
Oean City, NJ, is a special beach destination enjoying eight miles of oceanfront beach with its unique combination of family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and vibrant boardwalk culture.
Ocean City is known as "America's Greatest Family Resort" because it's a dry town (no alcohol sales) and offers a wholesome environment perfect for families. The beach and boardwalk are clean, safe, and welcoming to visitors of all ages.

Beach Tags are required for all beachgoers, ages 12 and older,

Starting June 7, 2025, Ocean City will require beach tags for visitors aged 12 and older.
Season tags are available online for $30, purchased at https://store.ocnj.us/
Weekly $20, Daily $10 Weekly and daily tags will be available for purchase during the season.
Free tags are offered to veterans (the veteran only) and to active military members (including spouse and dependent children over the age of 12).

Purchase in person at the following locations:
City Hall (861 Asbury Ave.): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Rt. 52 Welcome Center: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Henry Knight Building (12th Street and Haven Ave.): 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Aquatic & Fitness Center (17th Street and Simpson Ave.): 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
46th Street Welcome Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday

Ocean City has restrooms at 13th & Boardwalk
There are free parking lots at 5th and Asbury Ave. and 9th and New Haven Ave. All other parking is metered lots or pay as you enter.
Surf Fishing is permitted anytime on unguarded beaches and on guarded beaches before and after lifeguards are on duty. Surf Fishing is also permitted anytime in Corson's Inlet State Park on the island's southern tip.
Bicycles are permitted on the Boardwalk between 6am and Noon.
There is a public boat ramp at Tennessee Avenue.
There are public tennis courts at 6th Street
Surfing is permitted at the Seventh Street Beach.
Fishing Piers are located between 14th and 15th Street.

Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City's beaches are known for their soft, golden sand and well-kept shorelines. The town takes pride in keeping the beaches clean and family-friendly, making them ideal for sunbathing, beach games, and long walks by the water. Unlike some bustling Jersey Shore destinations, Sea Isle City offers a relaxed, family-oriented vibe. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the summer season, and the town organizes kid-friendly events, making it a great destination for families.Unlike larger boardwalks, Sea Isle City's promenade is a quieter, more scenic spot to stroll or bike along the beach. It's lined with shops, eateries, and an old-school ice cream parlor, adding charm to the beachside experience.

Beach Tags are required for all beaches from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, 9am to 5pm. for everyone 12 years and older.

2025 Beach access fees:
2025 Seasonal Beach Tags are now on sale until May 14, 2025 at the pre-season rate of $27.05, purchased on-line at https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/sea-isle-city-2025-seasonal-beach-tag

Seasonal tags $30
Daily - $10
Weekly (Sat.-Sat.) - $15

Beach Tags can be purchased fro From April 1st to Labor Day at:
The Tax Office at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Beach Tag Vending Machine in the Lobby of City Hall, available 24/7.
The Welcome Center (300 JFK Blvd) Saturdays 10am-3pm. After April 1st the Welcome Center is open everyday during business hours.

Rest rooms and showers at: 32nd, 40th, 44th, & 85th Kayaking Beaches with rentals: 30th, 35th, 56th, 79th.
Surfing Beaches: 26th, 37th, 42nd, 48th, 53rd, 63rd, 74th, & 82nd Beach Concessions: 38th, 42nd, & 56th.
Beach chair rentals at 44th St Beach Patrol Headquarters.

Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor, NJ, is a charming seaside town on the southern New Jersey coast, part of the Seven Mile Island shared with Avalon. It’s known for its upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly vibe. Compared to busier Jersey Shore towns, Stone Harbor offers a more peaceful and exclusive beach experience. The town places a strong emphasis on environmental preservation, with scenic dunes providing a picturesque backdrop.

All persons 12 and over must display tags the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Monday of Labor Day weekend,

Avalon and Stone Harbor have a reciprocal agreement with the use of beach tags.

2025 Beach access fees:
$35 pre-season, $40 after May 31, 2025. Can be purchased on-line @ https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/stoneharbor
$17 weekly, $8 daily

Seasonal, weekly and daily tags may be purchased from inspectors on the beach or from the Beach Tag Office during the summer season.

Parking at 97th St lot is free, Metered parking and free parking along side streets. 97th where lifeguard tower is.
Surfing Beaches are located at 81st Street & 110th Street.
Surf Fishing is at discretion of lifeguard captain - daily basis.
Tennis courts are located at 97th Street and 82nd Street.
Fishing Piers are located at 83rd and Bay.
There is a public boat ramp at the 80th Street Marina.

Stone Harbor prohibits: Picnics, Alcoholic Beverages, Fires, Glass Bottles, Sleeping from sunset to sunrise.
Sailcrafts must be licensed and beached at designated areas only. Vehicles are permitted on the beach by permit only from October 1 through March 31st.
For information regarding permits, call 368-5102. Permits are issued the day after Labor Day until March the following year.

Strathmere
Strathmere, a small, quiet beach town in Upper Township, New Jersey, is a hidden gem along the Jersey Shore. It offers a serene and less commercialized beach experience compared to its bustling neighbors like Ocean City and Sea Isle City. Strathmere’s coastline is relatively uncrowded, even in peak summer months. There are no boardwalks, amusement parks, or high-rise hotels, making it a haven for those seeking a tranquil and natural beach experience.
Strathmere offers a unique, quiet beach experience that feels like a step back in time. It’s ideal for those looking to enjoy the shore without the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy destinations.

No Beach Tags Required – Unlike most NJ shore towns, Strathmere does not require beach tags, making it one of the few free public beaches in the area.

Parking is available at Beesley's Point and free parking on the street is available in Strathmere.
Public Restrooms (Port-o-pots) are located at Williams Rd, Putnam Rd, and 1400 Commonwealth. There is a restroom at Beesley's Point.
On-street free parking on most streets
Surfing is permitted in designated areas (check with lifeguard on duty)
Kayaking and Windsurfing are permitted in designated areas (check with lifeguard on duty)
Handicap Access is provided at Williams Avenue
No dogs are permitted on any of Upper Township's beaches from May through September. Surfing is permitted south of Tecumseh and north of Sherman.
Fishing is permitted south of Prescott and north of Seacliff. Lifeguards may allow fishing between other protected beaches pending the conditions of the given day.
Beach Parties, Fires, Motor Vehicles, Alcoholic Beverages, and changing of clothes are not permitted on Upper Township beaches.

Wildwoods (includes North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest)

The beaches of the New Jersey Wildwoods—comprising Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest—are unique for several reasons:
1. Free and Spacious Unlike many other Jersey Shore beaches, Wildwood beaches are completely free, meaning no beach tags are required. Stretching four miles along the southern end of the Jersey Shore, they are among the widest beaches on the East Coast, offering plenty of room for visitors to spread out, play games, and relax.
2. Soft Sand and Gentle Waves. The sand is soft and powdery, making it comfortable for walking and lounging. The beaches gradually slope into the ocean, making them great for families and swimmers.
3. Famous Boardwalk, Wildwood's iconic boardwalk, stretching over 2 miles, is just steps from the beach. It features amusement parks, water parks, arcades, and classic boardwalk food like funnel cakes and cheesesteaks.

Wildwood is also famous for its Doo Wop themed buildings and its Wildwood boardwalk with huge amusement piers hosting a large variety of games and rides

Metered street parking. and fee lots are available. Parking at 116 East Poplar Avenue, Wildwood Nomad Parking, 4320 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Public Bath Houses for changing and showers are available at: 116 East Poplar Ave. and 4320 Boardwalk There are no showers or changing rooms in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.
Bicycles and Roller Blades are permitted on the Boardwalk between dawn and 11am.
Surfing is at the discretion of the Beach Patrol.
Surf Fishing is permitted on all beaches from October through May. Check with the Beach Patrol during the summer months. Tennis courts are located at Fox Park, ظآظآ 4500 Atlantic Avenue.
Food is permitted on each of the Wildwoods beaches. Glass containers, barbecues, and alcohol are prohibited. North Wildwood Beach is regarded as being one of the best sports beaches in the Northeast with two volley ball nets at 18th & 7th streets.
At many locations there are stands renting beach chairs and beach umbrellas as well surfboards and boogie boards.