Experience the Sea of this Seaside Resort

Named for Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, a Dutch sea captain that explored and charted the area during the early 1600s, Cape May is located at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula, the southernmost point of the state of New Jersey. Situated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, it’s perfectly poised to offer some of the best seaside and on-sea fun in North America.

Cape May’s beaches consistently rank as some of the top in the country. From swimming to surfing to fishing to kayaking to volleyball playing to sand castle building to skimboarding (it’s like surfing with lots of fancy maneuvers to catch air) to just lolling about and reading a good book, there’s much to do on Cape May’s beaches, most of which are super sandy and clean.

Before you go, make a pit stop at Cape May Beach & Kite Shop where you’ll discover a Crayola-colored selection of umbrellas, beach chairs, kites and all kinds of toys for beach enthusiasts of all ages.

Out on the west side of Cape May, you’ll find Sunset Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches around, and as the name indicates, their sunsets rank supreme. You can also grab a savory bite to eat here and shop for lots of seaside-inspired souvenirs. For something truly native to the region, pick up a piece of jewelry made from “Cape May Diamonds,” pure quartz crystals found in a variety of shapes, sizes and hues along many of the beaches in the area. Be sure to keep your eyes out for them as you stroll along the sand; maybe you can create your own piece of jewelry or objet d’art once back home.

Active types will love paddling about in kayaks or on stand-up paddle boards. Cape May Kayaks SUP and Cape May Kayaks can set you up just fine with these candy-colored aquatic toys and other kinds of fun boat-y boats, too.

Big adventure enthusiasts may want to book a trip with Miss Chris Boats for the fishing trip of a lifetime. You set out to sea in search of blues, weakfish, king fish and croakers and regardless of what you catch, the trips are always filled with lots of thrills and fun.

If you’re a less hands-on kind of person, sign up for a whale and dolphin watching excursion with Cape May Whale Watcher. The boat trip itself entertains, however, you’ll hear lots of whoops and hollers when the sighting of these beautiful marine mammals begins.

If you have your own boat, you might want to dock it at Utsch’s Marina, a highly reputable marina that provides all kinds of services for mariners and landlubbers alike. Stop in here to set yourself up with bait and tackle, too.

As much as Cape May is so beautiful you won’t want to leave, do–if you have some extra time on your hands. But go only if you’re on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, a wonderful excursion that will deliver you to the Delaware beaches across the bay. The crossing itself is exciting, especially as you sail in and out of Cape May Harbor.