About Cape May
The City of Cape May, “The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” is located at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula in New Jersey. The city is designated the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian buildings. In fact, it has the second-largest collection of Victorian houses, behind San Francisco. Cape May boasts highly rated beaches, fine dining, lodging and shopping, and is even a top worldwide destination for birdwatching!
The city was named for Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored and chartered the area from 1611 to 1614. Cape May began hosting vacationers from the Philadelphia area in the mid-18thcentury and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19thcentury.
Located at the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May Harbor allows fishing vessels to enter from the Atlantic Ocean, making it the second-largest fishing port on the East Coast. Tourism is a dominant industry for the city, with the economy focusing on shops, restaurants, lodging and tourist attractions including the Washington Street Mall and the beachfront promenade. Ecotourism is also prominent, featuring more than 400 recorded bird species, marine mammal watching trips, fishing trips and more.
The town is host to a variety of arts and culture opportunities including Cape May MAC-Museum, Arts & Culture, the Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival, the Cape May Music Festival, Cape May Stage, East Lynne Theater Co. and much more. In addition, Cape May is home to the “Cape May Diamonds,” clear quartz pebbles that wash down from the Delaware River. Collecting these gems is a popular pastime, and handcrafted jewelry often features the stones.
Cape May County is designated as a Coast Guard Community, granted by Congress and the United States Coast Guard. The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation was formed in 2015 and hosted the first, and now annual, Coast Guard Community Festival, partnering with the county, the City of Cape May, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the county’s Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the City of Cape May, access the Official Cape May Visitors Guide featuring information on diversified programs and activities, a comprehensive schedule of events, and details on beach and recreational experiences. Click here to access the guide.
FAQs
City Manager Paul Dietrich has been involved with public service for over 24 years. He has served as Upper Township's Municipal Engineer since 1999 and performed numerous additional duties including IT Director, Superintendent of Public Works, Municipal Housing Liaison and Planning & Zoning Board Engineer.
Is Cape May, NJ a good place to live? ›
Cape May is a with a population of 2,815. Cape May is in Cape May County and is one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Living in Cape May offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cape May there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Do you have to pay to go on the beach in Cape May? ›
In season, you must have a beach tag to use Cape May's beaches. Tags are required between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., from Memorial Day Weekend in May through Labor Day in September. Beach tags are required for all beachgoers 12 and over and will not be supplied by your accommodations.
Why is it called Cape May NJ? ›
The recorded history of Cape May stretches back to 1620, when Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey surveyed and named the area for himself. It later grew from a small settlement to the large beach resort it has been since the 19th century.
Who is the mayor of Cape May, NJ? ›
Born and raised in Cape May. Attended Cape May Elementary, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wildwood Catholic.
What is Cape May known for? ›
Cape May County, “The Jersey Cape,” is a destination famous for its beaches and boardwalks, but the Cape offers visitors of all ages much more to explore than surf, sand and amusem*nts. Historic sites and points of interest can be found throughout the county and add to the visitors experience.
What is the nicest part of Cape May? ›
Cape May Point brings a peaceful approach to living in Cape May. Quiet beaches, rustic trees, historical homes and seashore's best surround this little community by the sea. Vacation rentals, quiet getaways, and opportunities for owning your own beach home in Cape May Point.
What movie was filmed in Cape May NJ? ›
"A Complete Unknown," a biopic about Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning has taken over the town the week of May 12, and many residents and visitors posted photos and videos of the scene as filming commenced.
Is Cape May NJ wealthy? ›
The cost of living in Cape May is 22% higher than the New Jersey average, 48% higher than the national average and housing is 138% higher than the national average. The average household income is $97,231 in Cape May with a poverty rate of 5.85%.
Can you drink tap water in Cape May? ›
For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Fires and bonfires are not permitted on the beach. You can bring prepared food, but no portable device may be used for cooking on the beach. Our beaches are cleaned at night, so you can't camp overnight or create permanent structures on the sand.
Can you get around Cape May without a car? ›
From restaurants and shops to biking trails, sandy beaches, boardwalks and so much more, there's plenty to do and see on both sides of the Delaware Bay. And with the Cape May-Lewes Ferry's shuttle options, you can access it all without the stress of having to get behind the wheel of your vehicle!
What food is Cape May known for? ›
For those who love seafood, Cape May has some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the region. Restaurants like the Lobster House and the Oyster Bay offer a wide range of seafood options, from raw oysters to grilled fish and everything in between.
What is the crime rate in Cape May New Jersey? ›
With a crime rate of 41 per one thousand residents, Cape May has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 24.
Why do people like Cape May? ›
One of the biggest appeals of Cape May is that it's a drive-to destination for people on the northeast corridor. No need to worry about flights or layovers, just hop in the car and go. Plus, the drive down the New Jersey coast is quite lovely - you'll pass through quaint towns and scenic routes.
Who are the city of Cape Town managers? ›
City Manager: Lungelo Mbandazayo, Mr
- 021 400 1330.
- 021 400 5745.
Maggie Le - City of Fountain Valley | LinkedIn.
Who runs the city of Cape Town? ›
City of Cape Town
| City of Cape Town Stad Kaapstad (Afrikaans) IsiXeko saseKapa (Xhosa) |
|---|
| • Type | Municipal council |
| • Mayor | Geordin Hill-Lewis (DA) |
| • Deputy Mayor | Eddie Andrews (DA) |
| Area |
25 more rowsSarah Medary
Medary began her career with the City of Eugene in 1996 as a maintenance employee with Parks and Open Space. Over the last 15 years, she has held multiple positions on the City's Executive Team including Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director and Planning and Development Director.
The City of Cape May, “The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” is located at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula in New Jersey. The city is designated the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian buildings. In fact, it has the second-largest collection of Victorian houses, behind San Francisco. Cape May boasts highly rated beaches, fine dining, lodging and shopping, and is even a top worldwide destination for birdwatching!