Cape May Beach

Cape May's oceanfront is one continuous stretch of sand from The Cove to Poverty Beach, about 2.5 miles, guarded by a beach patrol that dates to 1911. The patrol suggests staying within chest-deep water, so check in at the nearest stand before any distance swim. You need a beach tag from 10 to 5 in summer, and one tag works at every entrance.

Directions

Photo: Dough4872 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 68/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 19°C, wind 32 km/h, waves 2.1 m, UV 1. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: Beach tags required for ages 12 and up, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 2026 rates: $40 seasonal, $25 weekly (Saturday to Saturday), $10 daily; children 11 and under free. Sold at 704 Beach Avenue, beach entrances and booths at Broadway, Gurney, Howard and Madison (cash or check).
Lifeguards: Cape May Beach Patrol guards all designated bathing beaches in the city for the 2026 season, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with about 60 guards on 25 stands at peak season and an emergency response team until dusk.
Water quality: Cape May County Health Department and NJDEP sample 61 ocean stations weekly for enterococcus during the bathing season (standard: under 104 per 100 mL). Elevated readings in southern New Jersey often follow heavy rain, when storm drains wash pollution into the ocean.
Season: Guarded summer season; tags required Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day.
Who swims here: The Cape May Beach Patrol hosts lifeguard competitions and has previously hosted the USLA Lifeguard Nationals.
Watch for: Ocean conditions can change quickly; the Beach Patrol recommends not swimming past chest-deep water
Surfing areas at Poverty Beach, The Cove, Gurney Street and Queen Street
Facilities: Beach tag office next to Convention Hall · ADA-accessible beach mats (tag required)