The Jersey Cape is one of the best beach destinations in the Northeast, perfect for a warm-weather getaway. But all of the area’s beaches are different, so it’s important to find out which one is right for you. Here is your guide on the best beaches in Cape May County, New Jersey.

 

Free Beaches

The Wildwoods is a five-mile beach community that is known for being one of the most popular free hangouts. After swimming and lounging in the sun, guests can take advantage of the beach’s 2.5-mile boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops for fresh seafood dinners or souvenirs.

 

To avoid the overcrowded beach, Strathmere Beach is a little-known haven for beachgoers to have more privacy. With no admission or parking fees, locals like to keep Strathmere their best-kept secret. Bay Beaches is a designated area for water athletes. Stretching from Delaware Bay to Cumberland County, athletes can engage in various sports like jet-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing (with rentals directly on the beach).

 

Beaches with Nearby Attractions

For a serene beach with Victorian buildings blocks away, Cape May is full of charms and history. After dipping in the water, beachgoers can stroll along the historic district to get some old-fashioned ice cream floats, play at arcades and dine at one of the many seafood restaurants. Cape May Point is the place to go if you want a picturesque view of a lighthouse built in 1859 overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beachgoers can go for a challenging climb at the lighthouse.

 

Free on Wednesdays, Sea Isle City is a beautiful beach promenade that includes an amusement park, arcades, shops and restaurants. This beach is open to the public daily. Stone Harbor and Avalon is a seven-mile beach with white sand and attentive lifeguards. Stone Harbor is less crowded than most of the beaches nearby so guests will feel like they have most of the place to themselves.

 

Ocean City is known for its bustling boardwalk and lively beach community. An amusement park packed with miniature golf, go-karts and other rides is an extra perk of Ocean City Beach. A family-oriented beach, this area is designed to entertain both children and adults.