Cape May Beaches and Attractions: What’s Open?

Are Cape May beaches open? What are the restrictions? What about the boardwalk, restaurants, bars, shopping, parking, rest rooms, rentals? Updates here.

Cape May, New Jersey is one of the most popular vacation getaway destinations for Bergen County residents. This peaceful, quaint, historic seashore resort attracts families in search of a more relaxed vibe than what might be found at other New Jersey beach communities. Of course, with the excitement of Wildwood close by, visitors to Cape May can always enjoy the fun and energy of one of the region’s biggest and best beachfront amusement parks and party towns. But that’s Wildwood. Victorian Cape May is different and many Bergen County vacationers are willing to make the long drive to experience this unique and lovely resort town.

As Jersey Shore beaches and resorts begin to open amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, mybergen.com will provide updates on the reopening status, safety regulations and social distancing recommendations for Cape May and other popular towns along the New Jersey shore.

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Delaware Beaches Open With Aligned Social Distancing Policies

On May 14, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Delaware Governor John Carney announced a multi-state agreement to reopen public and private beaches with certain restrictions in place effective, Friday, May 22. This approach will better align the states’ policies ahead of the summer months.

“A trip to the beach is a treasured pastime for New Jerseyans on Memorial Day weekend just as it is for residents in our neighboring states,” said Governor Murphy. “By aligning our social distancing policies for beaches, we can bring some semblance of a ‘new normal’ to our region ahead of the first weekend of the summer season.”

City of Cape May Latest Beach Reopening and Other Updates

Safety First

  • First and foremost, adhere to the Center for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines at all times.
  • Wear a face covering when near others.
  • Consider your own safety and the safety of others.

The City of Cape May Beach Access

  • City of Cape May beaches are open for walking, jogging, fishing, sitting or sunbathing.
  • Absolutely no swimming
  • No dogs
  • Beach tags are not required for Memorial Day weekend.

The City of Cape May Promenade Access

  • The City of Cape May Promenade is open for walking and jogging.
  • No biking, skateboarding, or dogs
  • Limited public restrooms are available on Beach Avenue at Broadway and Gurney Streets from 8:00 am-5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The City of Cape May Restaurants

  • No dining in
  • No outdoor dining
  • Take out and delivery
  • Face masks required for pickups

The City of Cape May Shopping

  • Grocery stores and pharmacies only, and face masks required for entry.
  • Retail stores (online/curbside only)

The City of Cape May Rentals

  • Options vary
  • Long-term rentals of 30 days or more (starting May 11)
  • Short-term rentals (starting May 30)
  • Hotels, motels, B&B, and any other rentals (starting June 1 at 60% capacity; 100% as of June 22)
Are Cape May beaches open? What are the restrictions? What about the boardwalk, restaurants, bars, shopping, parking, rest rooms, rentals? Updates here.
Please be smart and stay safe on the beach this summer. Adhere to the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 social distancing guidelines at all times and wear a face covering when near others.

For more information about places to go and things to do in Cape May, New Jersey, visit the Cape May County Tourism website.

Find things to do this weekend on mybergen.com!

Bergen County public golf course openings (Updated May 21, 2020)