THE BEACHES

 

Poverty Beach

Poverty Beach begins at the very top North/East of the Cape May City map and is closest to the Coast Guard Training Center. It is a favorite of many for its quiet, relaxing vibe. Kayaks can be launched from this beach and surfing is allowed. Legend has it, it got the name because it was the only beach that the servants were allowed to use back in the day.  

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Baltimore and Brooklyn

These are the next two beaches as you make your way down the coast. This is still a very quiet part of town with no businesses, just gorgeous private homes. It is a long walk, or short bike/car ride to most of the activities in Cape May from this beach area.

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Pittsburgh and Trenton

Now you are starting to get to a little closer to a more active part of Cape May. The La Mer Beachfront Resort, The Pier House and Peter Shields Inn occupy the block across from these beaches. Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast is tucked in behind Peter Shields on Trenton Ave. This is also the section where more streets run parallel to Beach Avenue with lots of homes. These streets are mostly named for states, such as Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and so on. This also means it is a bit busier part of the beach.

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Inferrera Memorial Beach (formerly Reading), Philadelphia, and Madison

There are quite a few hotels along this section with a sprinkling of homes. Rhythm of the Sea, Icona Cape May, Grand Hotel, Periwinkle Inn, Ocean Club, Icona Mahalo and The Montreal line the street across from the beach.  Harry’s Roof Top bar is a fabulous place to grab and drink and a bite in the summer. The promenade starts right across the street from the Periwinkle Inn between Philadelphia and Madison beach. Reading beach was renamed Inferrerra Memorial Beach in 2022 in honor of Norman (Champ) Inferrera, a teenage lifeguard who lost his life in a boating accident while on duty in 2021.

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Queen and Jefferson

The section of beach has some of the loveliest homes in Cape May including the distinctive Sea Mist, likely the most photographed house if Cape May. Many of these homes were built in the late 1800’s as Summer homes. Most feature lovely second story covered porches or balconies to maximize the view of the magnificent ocean.

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Howard, Stockton Place and Gurney

This section transitions from residential to businesses with Stockton Mini Golf, Union Park Restaurant and the Hotel Macomber, and a section that is  under future development. There are also many businesses on the beach side in this area, the largest of which is Cape May Convention Hall. A few of the restaurants on the beach side overlook the ocean, which is unique in Cape May. Gurney beach is where the movies on the beach are held.

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Ocean, Decatur, Jackson and Perry

Once again, the beach side of Beach Avenue is free of buildings except for Primal restaurant and a small arcade.  Along this stretch is mostly hotels/motels, restaurants, and little shops. There are several places to grab a bite to eat or a cold beer or cocktail in this neck of the beach. This section is also the closest to Washington Mall. Don’t miss the old school mini golf Ocean Putt where you can golf into an alligator’s mouth and watch it come out the other end. Big fun for kids!

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Congress Place, Windsor and Grant

Two iconic businesses are located in this bit of the beach. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and Congress Hall. Congress Hall is set back a bit to house the gorgeous lawns and pool area, but many rooms still offer a wonderful view of the ocean. The Cape May Beach Patrol Headquarter is also here – located at the end of Grant Street.

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Patterson, Broadway, First and Second

This is almost at the bottom of the Cape May city map. There are several motels/hotels such as Beach Shack and the Sea Crest Inn. The Rusty Nail is a super fun spot for food and drink.  There is also The Snack Shack right on the beach for light food and cold drinks.

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