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Cape May County,
New Jersey
The
Undeniable Allure of the Beach at the Jersey
Cape
The undeniable allure of the
beach, more than anything else, has enticed
visitors to Cape May County for literally
centuries. Even with the myriad of attractions
and activities that complement the beaches, it’s
always the gentle thunder of crashing waves, the
unique smell of salt air, the feel of fine sand,
the sight of children splashing at the water’s
edge, and the cool ocean breezes to temper the
brilliant sunshine that draw millions to Cape
May County’s beaches year after year.
From Ocean City south to
Sunset Beach in Lower Township, Cape May County
is flanked on the east by some of the world’s
best beaches. And, perhaps the greatest
thing about the area’s beaches is that their
purposes are as varied as the people who enjoy
them.
For some, a vacation means
doing nothing more than laying in the sun and
splashing in the ocean to cool off every now and
then. For others, it’s constructing an
elaborate sandcastle or taking a long walk at
the water’s edge. Still others enjoy
sitting in a chair where the water meets the
sand and delving into the latest bestseller.
And then there are those who spend all their
time in the water - surfing, boogie boarding,
swimming and body surfing.
Ocean City’s beach stretches
for about eight miles, providing ample room for
recreation and relaxing. Surfing beaches
are designated at Seventh Street and Waverly
Beach in the north end. Beach tags are
required for all Ocean City beaches.
Just south of Ocean City is
Strathmere, part of Upper Township.
Protected by a beach patrol, this stretch of
sand has long been viewed as being off the
beaten path, sandwiched between Ocean City and
Sea Isle City. Strathmere’s beaches are
free.
Sea Isle City may be just 2.2
square miles in area, but it packs in scores of
great beaches with a variety of activities -
from surfing to volleyball - along the strand.
Beach tags are required on all protected
beaches.
Avalon and Stone Harbor share
the barrier island beachfront known as Seven
Mile Beach with small sailboats dotting the
tranquil and picturesque setting. The two
communities share beach tags, so traipsing from
one to the others easy. Catamarans can be
launched from the beach between 44th and 48th
streets in Avalon, and surfing and rafting are
permitted at various beaches along the island.
The beaches in the Wildwoods
begin at Hereford Inlet, home to North Wildwood,
and stretch for more than five miles through
Wildwood and Wildwood Crest to Diamond Beach.
North Wildwood’s beach is
fronted by bayberry-laden dunes in some spots,
but time and tide have eroded most of the city’s
magnificent dunes. The beach widens as it
nears Wildwood where motels and the world-famous
Boardwalk provide the backdrop for some of the
best and biggest beaches on the East Coast.
Continuing into Wildwood Crest, the expansive
beach offers an array of activities for
beach-goers of all ages. The Wildwoods beaches
are free - no beach tags needed - but Diamond
Beach at the southern end of the island is
private and there is a fee for entry.
Historic and style set the
tone in Historic Cape May with the resort’s
charming Victorian inns and residences lining
the beach front. The beaches here are fun and
carefree for families who enjoy lolling in the
sunshine, erecting sandcastles or surfing.
Beach tags are required at all Cape May beaches.
Cape May Point, a tiny
community at the tip of the Cape peninsula
between Cape May and Lower Township, is home to
quiet beaches, the historic Cape May Lighthouse,
Cape May Point State Park and the surrounding
environmental areas. Beach tags are required in
Cape May Point.
Nearby is Sunset Beach where
the remains of a World War I era concrete ship,
the USS Atlantus, are still somewhat visible
just offshore. Also known for an abundance of
Cape May Diamonds, Sunset Beach is not protected
by lifeguards and is not a swimming area.
Beaches on the Delaware Bay
side are pristine and worth a visit to admire
the landscape, the ecology or just to relax,
especially late in the day to enjoy spectacular
sunsets. Swimming is not recommended since
the beaches are not protected; however bay
beaches are less restrictive, allowing kayaking,
Hobie cat sailing, fishing and other activities.
The beaches bordering the
Atlantic Ocean are what make Cape May County one
of the nation’s premier beach resort
destinations.
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