Category Archives: Cape May Beaches

The Cape May Vacation Rental Market is Booming!

Have you started looking for your vacation getaway for this summer yet?  According to a number of agencies up and down the Jersey coast, the rental market has been very active this year (see Philly.com article).  If you haven’t begun your search, now is the perfect time! View Jersey Cape Realty’s large inventory of vacation rentals online here.

We took a minute to talk with the rental team at Jersey Cape Realty. The agents indicated that many tenants reserved for 2017 as they were leaving in 2016.  This has become a popular trend as families grow accustomed to their favorite rental-team-2015-beach-with-glassesaccommodations and want to be sure to have first dibs for the following year.  For larger beach homes or those with pools, re-upping at check-out is almost the norm anymore, making it difficult for new tenants to get on the booking calendar.  In fact, savvy planners start looking in September for the following season to get the most selection.  This is especially important if a tenant is locked into a specific week, has a special request, or is trying to accommodate a large number of guests.  Cancellations do happen but are rare so you can’t count on getting in that way.

The Jersey Cape Realty agents said that call volume has been very strong, along with daily walk-in visitors wanting to view properties in person prior to booking.  Guests can preview numerous vacation choices on Jersey Cape Realty’s rental site.   small-scmThe agents are also happy to show guests through the homes for those that can make the trip.  It’s always best to call ahead so the agents may make arrangements with owners for showings.  Owners use the off-season to keep their homes in good repair so often there are maintenance projects going on.

For a sampling of what you might find in Cape May, during the 4th of July week, there are currently some one bedroom beach block condos (some have a pool), sleeping 4, starting baronetat $1400; a three bedroom, two bath, pet-friendly home, sleeping 7, for $2500; some 2 bedroom apartments, sleeping 6, within a short walk of the beach or mall starting at $1200; along with some 5 bedroom homes, accommodating from 8 to 16 and ranging in price from $2950 to $8000.  As you can see, there are still many nice options – and surely one that is just perfect for you!

Contact the friendly, full time rental staff at Jersey Cape Realty for help finding your perfect vacation home.  The agents welcome your questions and are not only rental experts, but are Cape May experts, offering lots of information about things to do, where to shop, places to eat, and even some local folklore.  Call now, 609-884-5800, or stop by Jersey Cape Realty at 739 Washington Street in Cape May, open 7 days a week.jcr-logo-copy-small

Why You Need to See These Great Attractions in Cape May, NJ

View of the Cape May lighthouse, one of the most popular attractions in Cape May, NJ

While many people know Cape May, New Jersey, as a popular summer destination, this unique peninsula offers fun things to do all year long. During warmer months, visitors can pack their days with exciting recreational activities on a beach or farm, and winter provides indoor opportunities like museums visits, shopping, dining, and more. Whether you’re an area local or are just passing through, these attractions in Cape May, NJ, will leave you with unforgettable memories! Here are a few of our favorites.

Top 10 Attractions in Cape May, NJ

  1. Cape May Lighthouse: This historic landmark was built in 1859 and is the third documented lighthouse in South Jersey. Drawing over 80,000 visitors per year, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the sea and bay, a museum shop, and free summertime programs.

  2. Cape May Point State Park: Cape May Point State Park is a 153-acre natural area that surrounds the lighthouse. With a variety of habitats including beach, dunes, and freshwater wetlands, it’s a well-known location for wildlife viewing. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, interpretive programs, fishing, picnicking, birding, and hiking.

  3. Cape May County Park & Zoo: With more than 550 animals and 250 species, the Cape May Zoo is an ideal destination for animal lovers of all ages. Walk through the zoo and view incredible wildlife like snow leopards, giraffes, camels, and more, or take a guided tour and have a close-up encounter with birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians.

  4. Restaurants: From world-class eateries to family-friendly beach shacks, dining options are almost endless in Cape May. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of cuisine including Italian, American, Asian, and more – but fresh-caught seafood is the ultimate culinary delight!

  5. Cape May Brewery: Beer lovers, rejoice! Cape May Brewing Company offers over 100 varieties of fresh, local beer and has the largest taproom in the state. This microbrewery is open daily and offers tours and tastings from 12 to 8 p.m.

  6. Willow Creek Winery: If beer isn’t your thing, Willow Creek Winery produces some of the finest hand-crafted wines in the country. Their premium grapes are grown and bottled on a 50-acre farm in Cape May, and the winery is open daily for tours, tastings, and private events.

  7. Jersey Shore Alpacas: For a great day out with the kids, head to this small farm where you can mingle with some furry friends! Each Saturday from March through December, guests can meet and feed the alpacas and visit the farm shop for luxurious alpaca products like sweaters, scarves, gloves, and more.

  8. Washington Street Mall: Are you in need of a little retail therapy? Visit the Washington Street Mall. This three-block outdoor mall is located between Ocean and Perry Streets and is one of the city’s most notable features. Spend the day shopping at a variety of boutiques and stores, or dine at one of the mall’s many restaurants.

  9. Cape May Bird Observatory: Cape May is world famous for bird study. Thousands of migrating birds pass through this beautiful seaside town in the spring and fall. The Cape May Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conservation of these species and offers a variety of recreational birding activities for guests of all ages.

  10. Cape May Beaches: With soft sand, clean water, and endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, our beaches are by far the most popular attractions in Cape May, NJ. Locals and visitors alike enjoy hunting for shells, playing beach volleyball, surfing, fishing, and taking in the view. What’s better than that?

Explore Cape May with Jersey Cape Realty!

With so much to do and see in Cape May, it can be difficult to squeeze everything into just one trip. Jersey Cape Realty is here to help! Our real estate experts will find your ideal vacation home or permanent residence. That way, you can explore our wonderful town whenever your heart desires! View our featured listings to see what’s available and give us a call to schedule a showing. We can’t wait to see you at the shore!

Photo Credit: Aneese | Thinkstock

4 Reasons You Need to Visit Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ

View of the sunset from Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJLocated along the Delaware Bay, Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ, attracts tourists and locals alike to its immaculate beaches, fun attractions, and breathtaking sunsets. As the sky fills with hues of deep orange and fiery red, people flock to this unique beach to enjoy kite flying, fishing, photography and more. The next time you visit the Jersey Shore, grab the kids or your special someone and take a trip to Sunset Beach! Here are some of our favorite things to do and see.

Visit Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ

1. Watch the Flag Ceremony

Held each evening May through September, the Sunset Beach flag raising ceremony has been a Cape May tradition for over 40 years. As the sun sets over the Delaware Bay, locals hang the casket flags of veterans and play TAPS to honor those who served our country. It’s an emotional and moving event, and all are invited to attend. You can even request a date to be reserved for one of your loved ones.

2. Look for Cape May Diamonds

True to their name, Cape May diamonds are fascinating and beautiful gems that can be found all along Sunset Beach. The Kechemeche Indians were the first to find the stones and believed that they possessed a supernatural power to bring success and good fortune. Today, we know that the stones are pure quartz crystals that come from the upper reaches of the Delaware River. Pieces of quartz crystal are eroded and broken off by the running waters of streams and travel 200 miles to Sunset Beach, where they wash ashore in abundance. When polished, the gems have the actual appearance of real diamonds!

3. Admire the Sunken Ship

The SS Atlantus, known by locals as the “concrete ship,” has been sitting in the waters off of Sunset Beach for over 50 years. In 1926, the ship was towed to Cape May to be used for a ferry service from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware. In the process, the Atlantus broke loose of her moorings during a storm and capsized on June 8, 1926. Since then, thousands of visitors have come to view the cracked, weather-beaten ship that continues to sink day by day.

4. Stop by the Sunset Beach Gift Shop

With three gift stores, a mini-golf course, and a restaurant, a trip to the Sunset Beach Gift Shop is a must when you’re in the area. The shops offer everything from home goods and clothing to jewelry and shells, and the well-designed miniature golf course features 18 holes and spectacular views of the sparkling Delaware Bay. After a game, head over to the Sunset Beach Grille where you’ll find rustic outdoor seating and fresh, delicious fare. Guests can choose from a variety of menu options including breakfast sandwiches, homemade crab cakes, veggie burgers, salads, ice cream, and much more. Yum!

Explore Cape May with Jersey Cape Realty!

Now that you know the best things to do and see at Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ, it’s time to make our beautiful beach town your home! If you’re thinking about relocating to the shore, Jersey Cape Realty is here to help. Our real estate experts will help find your ideal vacation home or permanent residence and will make the process quick, easy, and stress-free! For more information on our featured listings and the best things to do in Cape May, NJ, visit our website or give us a call. We can’t wait to see you at Sunset Beach!

Photo Credit: Maryna Patzen | Thinkstock

Where Is Cape May? 4 Cool Facts You Need to Know

Map of New JerseyFilled with breathtaking natural beauty and rich history, Cape May, New Jersey, is the perfect place to live or visit. This quaint beach town is known for its many distinct qualities, including gorgeous weather, historic homes, and, of course, spectacular shoreline. If you’ve ever wondered “Where is Cape May?” and “What is there to do in Cape May?”, Jersey Cape Realty is here to answer all of your questions! Here are just a few of the things that make our town so special.

Everything You Need to Know About Cape May

1. Where is Cape May?

Cape May is a city at the tip of Cape May Peninsula, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Situated in the southernmost part of New Jersey, the town is often referred to as “exit zero”, due to its location off the Garden State Parkway, and is easily accessible by car or ferry. The town features white sand beaches and glorious sunsets that attract nearly 50,000 visitors each summer, with a year-round population of about 4,000. The entire city of Cape May is also designated a National Historic Landmark due to its high concentration of preserved Victorian homes and buildings.

2. What’s the Weather Like?

Unlike many of the coastal beach towns south of the Mason-Dixon, visitors and residents can enjoy four distinct Cape May seasons. The area’s beautiful spring months bring a sweet fragrance of blooming hyacinths, and summertime on the peninsula is cooler than most places due to refreshing breezes coming off the ocean and bay. Cape May also has a spectacular autumn filled with sunsets, and gently falling snow in the winter sets the tone for the holidays. Plus, Cape May offers a variety of fun, seasonal events all year long that bring visitors to the area and keep local families entertained.

3. What are Some Fun Things to Do?

Whether you’re a foodie, beach bum, history buff, or outdoor enthusiasts, there are tons of wonderful Cape May attractions to enjoy. Cape May has been dubbed the Culinary Capital of New Jersey and has a fantastic assortment of fine dining establishments and casual eateries. It’s also one of the best places for bird watching in the entire state and features a variety of state parks, preserves, and wildlife refuge areas. Art galleries, museums, and boutiques can be found all over town, and the boardwalk is the perfect place to walk, bike, and play arcade games with the kids.

4. What Makes Cape May Different?

As America’s oldest seaside resort, historic Cape May began drawing families from Philadelphia and other areas as early as the mid 18th century. Vacationers from all over the place flocked to this sunny town to get a healthy dose of warm sand and refreshing sea air. Today, Cape May is a peaceful community where tree-lined streets, horse-drawn carriages, and grand old homes showcase the area’s unique charm and remind us of days gone by.

Become a Local with Jersey Cape Realty

Now that you know all about our gorgeous town, it’s time to make the Jersey Shore your home! Our experienced Cape May real estate experts will help you find your ideal vacation home or permanent residence so that you can experience the beauty of Cape May all year long. For more information on our featured listings, visit our website or give us a call today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Photo Credit: gemenacom | Thinkstock

Your Guide to the Best Cape May Fishing

Couple on a boat enjoying Cape May fishingWith a close proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, Cape May, NJ offers excellent fishing along the Jersey shore. Since the area experiences different seasons and weather conditions, anglers have the chance to catch a wide variety of species all year long, including tuna, winter flounder, cod, and more. Whether you choose to hop aboard a party boat or charter a private yacht, Cape May fishing provides a day of fun and excitement for fisherman of all ages. Here are some of our favorite places to cast a line.

Where to Go for Great Cape May Fishing

Sea Star Fleet

Each day at 9 AM, the 65-foot Sea Star III sets sail for a 6-hour deep sea fishing excursion in Cape May. Once on board, guests will have access to free bait, free fishing instructions, rods, and reels, and can catch everything from Blackfish and Drumfish to striped bass in the spring. The boat offers fishing trips as well as private sunset cruises and cocktail cruises from April through December.

Porgy IV Deep Sea Fishing

Known as the largest party boat in Cape May, the 77-foot Porgy IV offers 8-hour deep-sea or Delaware Bay fishing trips lead by Captain Paul Thompson. With the latest fish-finding equipment and a friendly and knowledgeable crew, you’re guaranteed to have a fun and relaxing day. Be sure to pack a brown bag lunch and enjoy a scenic meal in the boat’s spacious deckhouse.

Cape Queen Charters

With a 20-foot fishing deck, heated cabin, and LCD TV’s, Cape Queen ensures a comfortable and memorable sportfishing experience. They offer a wide variety of year-round trips including inshore fishing, night fishing, and shark fishing, as well as diving trips, sunset cruises, dolphin watches, and private parties. The boat is also available for fishing tournaments, so you can compete for the chance to become one of Cape May’s winning anglers.

Miss Chris Boats

Since 1973, the Miss Chris fishing boat has been providing half day and full day fishing excursions for Cape May locals and visitors alike. This luxurious 75-foot yacht is perfect for a family outing and features an air-conditioned cabin, snack bar, and a huge upper deck for ultimate comfort and style. Guests can enjoy fishing for flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and more, or take an offshore excursion in search of giant sea bass, tilefish, and even tuna.

Surf Fishing

If you’d rather stay on land, Poverty Beach and the jetties around Cape May Point are popular spots for surf fishing. The best times to head out are at dawn and dusk, as most of the beaches around the peninsula are restricted for fishing midday because of swimmers.

Catch a Big One with Jersey Cape Realty

Whether you’re an avid angler or just enjoy spending time on the water, be sure to check out the website of Jersey Cape Realty! Our expert agents know the ins and outs of the area and can help find your perfect summer home or permanent residence, so you can enjoy fantastic Cape May fishing all year long. We can’t wait to see you at the shore!

Photo Credit: Steve Mason | Thinkstock

How to Discover the Best Beaches in Cape May, NJ

Sunrise at one of the beaches in Cape May, NJFeaturing soft sand, clean water, and endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, the beautiful beaches in Cape May, NJ, are some of the very best in the country. Home to renowned restaurants, various shops and boutiques, and fascinating historic sites, it’s truly the salty air and crashing waves that make this region a wonderful place to reside. So grab your umbrella, chairs, and sunscreen, and don’t forget your beach tags! Here are some of our favorite sandy spots in Cape May.

3 Great Beaches in Cape May, NJ

1. The Cove

The Cove is one of the area’s most unique and ever-changing stretches of sand, where you’ll find a giant tide pool one year and an exposed jetty the next. Although the beach can get fairly crowded with families during the day, most locals enjoy heading to the sand after 5 PM to enjoy the evening breeze and refreshing sea mist. In the summertime, this beach is a popular spot for surfers, kayakers, and swimmers, and the cooler months attract anglers and beachcombers searching for treasure. Wondering what the weather is like at The Cove right now? Check out their live beach cam!

2. Higbee Beach

Located at the tip of Cape May, Higbee Beach is a wildlife management area owned by the state of New Jersey and is the perfect place to relax away from the crowds. Along this peaceful 1.5 mile stretch of sand, visitors can enjoy bird watching, picnicking, sunbathing, and fishing, or simply sit back and admire the Cape May-Lewes Ferry as it comes into port. The beach is surrounded by hundreds of acres of dense woodland as well as a freshwater marsh, two ponds, a swamp, and old farm fields, all of which are home to a variety of migratory songbirds, raptors, and butterflies. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, a trip to this special beach is a must when you’re in Cape May.

3. Sunset Beach

Adjacent to Higbee and true to its name, Sunset Beach is famous for its spectacular evening sunsets. Each night, people flock to the beach to watch as the sky bursts with color as well as fly kites, take pictures, and enjoy delicious beach fare at the Sunset Grille. There is also a family-owned gift shop nearby where you can peruse a wide variety of arts, crafts, souvenirs, and much more. Before you leave the beach, be sure to watch the nightly flag raising and lowering ceremony, a moving ritual that has been area tradition for over 40 years.

Life’s a Beach at Jersey Cape Realty!

With so many wonderful beaches in Cape May, NJ, it can be difficult to decide which one is the perfect home for you. Don’t worry – Jersey Cape Realty is here to help! Our experts will work tirelessly to help you find your ideal vacation home, commercial lot, or summer rental and will have your feet in the sand in no time. For information on our featured listings in Cape May, visit our website or give us a call. We can’t wait to see you at the shore!

Photo Credit: valeriebarry | Thinkstock