Beach by Beach
A local’s look at Cape May’s unique shoreline
Cape May’s beaches are more than a stretch of sand—they’re full of community, legacies, and lifestyles, shaped by generations of locals who’ve grown up alongside the tides that balance hard work with a love of the beach. With 2.2 miles of coastline and 29 numbered beaches, each spot offers something distinct—whether you’re chasing waves, searching for tranquility, or setting up a cabana for the day.
But knowing where to plant your beach chair depends on what kind of beachgoer you are. Are you traveling with little kids? Looking to surf? Want quick access to food and shopping? Cape May has a beach for all of it—and then some.
The Layout: One Coast, Many Characters
Most Cape May beaches are named for the intersecting street along Beach Avenue, which lines the entire Cape May coast with a few exceptions: the far east end (Poverty Beach, Beach #1), the far west end (The Cove, Beach #29), and Lifeguard Headquarters. From The Cove through Howard Street, beaches are in walking proximity to restaurants, snack shacks, hotels, and shops—perfect for visitors who want convenience. Head further east, and you’ll find more residential surroundings and quieter stretches of sand.
Cape May’s beaches are not only scenic and safe, but they’re also thoughtfully equipped for comfort and function. Along the promenade, free public restrooms known as “comfort stations” are spaced approximately every half mile during the summer season. Outdoor showers are also available at various beach entrances, perfect for rinsing off sand before heading into town. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, beachgoers are required to have beach tags, which can be purchased at the Beach Tag Headquarters next to Convention Hall, or at kiosks conveniently located along the promenade at Howard, Gurney, Madison, and Broadway.
Surf, Swim, or Sunbathe?
The type of day you want can help you pick the perfect beach. Surfing is permitted at select locations: Poverty Beach (Wilmington Avenue), The Cove, Gurney Street (also called “Surfing Beach”), and Queen Street. These are popular among more experienced surfers due to the nature of Cape May’s shore break—steep beach slopes that cause waves to crash quickly and powerfully close to shore.
According to Steve Steger Jr., President of Steger Beach Service, conditions vary more than people realize: “Gurney Street Beach is good for surfing but maybe not the best for families with little kids. Queen Street is another surfing beach, a really popular local spot—probably best for intermediate to advanced surfers.”
On the flip side, calmer waters at The Cove make it a favorite for families and locals alike. “The Cove Beach is really good for younger families with little kids,” Steve said. “The water’s calmer, there’s less shore break, and there’s more parking if you get there early enough.”
Beach Replenishment: Why the Sand Keeps Shifting
Many of Cape May’s beach conditions have changed over the years due to beach replenishment efforts that began in the 1990s, a practice of pumping sand onto beaches to fight erosion and protect shorelines. Though some speculate that this was done for aesthetics or tourism, Steve clarifies:
“It was for stabilizing the shore front. There’s a mix of debate, but the purpose is protection—resilience against erosion, storms, hurricanes, and to create dunes, which are our first line of natural defense.”
An example of how this shift has impacted the beach’s landscape is displayed at Convention Hall, between Gurney Street and Stockton Place, where ocean water used to come right up to Convention Hall during high tide. It’s famously remembered by surfers who used to jump right into the water from the deck of the former Convention Hall building. This busy beach area is now a more expansive stretch of sand than most.
Poverty Beach is often the site of replenishment efforts, where hundreds of cubic yards of sand are added at a time, then allowed to migrate westward down the coast. The shore break phenomenon that resulted from beach replenishment efforts has increased the need for awareness in our waters. The deSatnick Foundation was established to inform the public about the possible dangers of dramatically steep slopes in the water.
A Legacy in the Sand: Steger Beach Service
Established in 1933, Steger Beach Service is one of Cape May’s oldest family-run businesses. Renting everything from umbrellas and cabanas to surfboards and beach boxes, Steger’s team also serves as the unofficial eyes and ears of the beach.
“Our business is like farming,” says Steve. “It’s seasonal, there’s preparation, maintenance—it takes months of labor. But that’s what makes it special.” Now in its 92nd season, Steger’s long-standing partnership with the City of Cape May and Cape May Beach Patrol represents one of the town’s oldest and most enduring collaborations.
Steve notes how recent improvements, like accessible walkways and clearly numbered beach entrances, have made the shore more inviting and easier to navigate than ever. “Cape May gets an A-plus for accessibility. I haven’t seen any other New Jersey beach with the accommodations we have now.”
Guardians of the Shore: Cape May Beach Patrol
Safety is another pillar of Cape May’s beach appeal, led by 5th year Captain Mario “Marty” Franco, who has served as a lifeguard for nearly 50 years. Marty oversees about 100 lifeguards during peak season, with 26 stands and two guards on each stand spread across the beach, including three-person stands in high-activity zones like The Cove, Poverty, and Hughes (at Pittsburgh and Beach).
The centerfold beach for Cape May Beach Patrol is Headquarters Beach; “We start every day at HQ,” says Marty. “Before 9:30 roll call, a lot of the guards are already here working out—running, rowing, paddling. This is our base.”
“We sit up 56 people on the stands when fully staffed,” he says. “Almost half the roster are [is female] now. And our team is highly trained—AED, CPR, backboards, even EMT-certified lifeguards.”
A major part of Cape May’s appeal is not only how pristine we keep our coast, but our reputation for beach safety. Marty recognizes this from the perspective of a parent: “I would want my kids here, because I know how well these guards are trained. But what really gets me is how much they care.”
Marty reveres former captain Harry “Buzz” Mogck for contributing to the advancement of beach patrol practices. “A thing that shifted since I started in 1976 is the sophistication of our lifeguards, and a lot of that has to do with Buzz Mogck. He was very involved with the [United States Lifesaving Association USLA]. Almost every beach follows their standards now.”
He emphasizes how rewarding it is as a captain to receive such positive feedback from people who have been helped by his team. Beachgoers have gushed about not only being saved in emergency situations, but the genuine concern our lifeguards convey for any individual in need of assistance.
“That makes me really well up with pride, not just because everybody’s well trained, but these guys show how much they care above and beyond standard training. It’s a huge responsibility, but I know we have a quality team that is highly skilled. And not only that, but they also go that extra mile to help people.”
Beach Dedications
Cape May’s lifeguard community makes a point to remember and honor its heroes. Several beaches are dedicated to notable figures:
- Cannone Beach # 21 (Lifeguard HQ): Named for Captain Clete Cannone, who led the patrol from 1948–1980
- Mogck Beach #23 (West of HQ): in honor of Harry “Buzz” Mogck, former captain from 1981-2017
- Inferrera Beach #6 (Reading): Dedicated to Norman Inferrera, a young guard who died after an offshore injury in 2021
Cape May’s Coastal Keepers
With trusted stewards like Steve Steger Jr. and Captain Marty Franco leading the charge, Cape May’s beaches are more than just postcard-perfect—they’re a living, breathing ecosystem of history and care.
From replenished dunes and numbered paths to watchful lifeguards and multi-generational beach services, Cape May has mastered the balance of preservation and progress.
Beaches Beyond Cape May City
Cape May Point Beaches
For those seeking a slower pace and natural charm, the beaches of Cape May Point offer a peaceful alternative to the city’s main shoreline. Known for their serene atmosphere, these beaches—like Higbee Beach and the stretch near Cape May Point State Park—are often less crowded and surrounded by undeveloped landscape, with the Cape May Lighthouse providing a picture-perfect backdrop.
Facilities are more limited here, with fewer restrooms and lifeguards compared to city beaches. There is a total lack of commercial enterprises near or on these beaches. Beach tags are required for access during the summer season and can be purchased at the beach entrances. Cape May Point does require beach tags for the main summer months, and it has its own Beach Patrol. A popular event that takes place here is the annual Cape May Point Women’s Lifeguard Challenge.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, located at the end of Sunset Avenue in Lower Township, doesn’t require a beach tag. Its sand is pebbly rather than soft, which makes it a great spot to beachcomb and search for Cape May Diamonds, but perhaps not barefoot. Due to underwater hazards swimming is not recommended, plus there are no lifeguards or beach tags required. The beach offers free parking, gift shops, food and snack options, mini golf, and a unique attraction—the wreck of the SS Atlantus, a visible concrete ship just offshore.
Higbee Beach
Tucked away on the western edge of the Cape May peninsula, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area offers a raw, natural experience. Spanning roughly 1,100 acres, this preserved area is managed primarily to support endangered, threatened, and migratory species. Its most popular feature is that it is a dog-friendly beach in the off-season. There are no beach tags required, no lifeguards on patrol, and it lacks amenities and accommodations.
However, with its unbeatable sunset views on Delaware Bay and rich, raw landscape, it is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, dog lovers, and those craving a quiet, undeveloped stretch of shoreline. Two viewing platforms and nearly two miles of nature trails offer educational signage and scenic outlooks, while the dune trail leads through forested dunes with sweeping views of Delaware Bay.
A Beach for Every Vibe
Whether you’re catching a wave at Gurney Street, lounging under a rented cabana at Steger Beach, or strolling during sunset at Higbee, Cape May’s shoreline offers a beach for every mood and moment. It’s more than just a destination, it’s a reflection of the people who protect it, preserve it, and pass down its traditions. With a deep-rooted commitment to safety, service, and accessibility, Cape May continues to be a place where memories are made, generation after generation, one beach day at a time.
