Sunset Beach, Cape May, New Jersey at new-jersey-leisure-guide.com

Every trip to Cape May must include a visit to Sunset Beach ---- There is something for everyone. Well known for it's spectacular over the water sunsets, a rarity on the east coast, it is also the location of the S. S. Atlantus, a World War l concrete ship embedded in a sandbar 150 feet off the beach, and the World War ll "Concrete Tower" that has recently undergone refurbishment and is now open to the public.

For visitors who prefer to come after Labor Day when the crowds subside and the weather is still warm, you can see the Autumn Clematis vines with white flowers in bloom along Sunset Boulevard on the way to Sunset Beach.

Sunset Beachm Cape May, New Jersey

Sunset On The Beach
Come early, bring the kids and spread out a blanket on the beach as you prepare for a spectacular over the water sunset and the Evening Flag Ceremony, held every night at sunset between Memorial Day and Labor Day. As selected children's groups lower the flag, folding military-style keep in time with the music of Kate Smith singing “God Bless America” blast along the beach.

The parking lot near the flag ceremony has two handicap accessible spots. Get their at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure one of the spots.

The Cape May "Diamonds" Sunset Beach, NJ Diamonds

While taking a leisurely stroll stroll along the beach, beachcombers can also seek out the Cape May “diamond,” small pieces of quartz crystal found in the the sand that can be polished and cut with a similar look to the real diamond.

The Concrete Ship
The SS Atlantus was built and launched 1918, just after World War I had ended, as a trans-Atlantic steamer to return troops from Europe to home. After being decommissioned in 1926, she was purchased, along with two other ships to create a ferry dock for ferries from Cape May to Delaware. The plans were later shelved as she ran aground in a storm along Sunset Beach and could not be freed.

The "Concrete Tower"
Recently refurbished and opened in the Spring of 2009, it is now open to the public. Climb to the top and see the same view that the patrol guards had as they looked for enemy ships during World War II with guns aimed to fire on them.

Built in 1942, the "Concrete Tower" was one of 15 towers that were components of the east coast artillery, from North Wildwood to Bethany Beach, Delaware. The Tower was part of the widespread Delaware Harbor Defense system known as Fort Miles.

The "Concrete Tower"officially known as Fire Control Tower No. 23 is the only remaining intact tower in New Jersey and is located on Sunset Blvd on land owned by the Cape May Point State Park.

The tower is listed on both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register.

Photos of area veterans are also on display.

The tower is maintained by MAC, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. The main purpose of the tower's renovation was to acknowledge the role Cape Island played in WWII and to provide an educational resource for school groups.

The tower is open daily, with admission at $6 for adults and $2.50 for children (ages 3-12).

For information about tower visiting times and group tours, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278,

Fishing
Surf casters off Sunset Beach can find calm waves and a good spot to catch bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, flounder, and tautog.

Cape May Restaurants - Cape May is a destination with a large variety of casual family and fine dining restaurants. Discover these restaurants complete with ratings and reviews.

Cape May is not the type of resort that you visit just once. There is a charm and special warmth about the town that pulls you back again an again. Cape May is not just a summer resort, the fall season is very popular with many theme weekends and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach.