Sunset Beach - Cape May, New Jersey

Every trip to Cape May must include a visit to Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach (@ 502 Sunset Blvd) is known for it's spectacular over the water sunsets --- a rarity on the east coast.

It's one of Cape May's most visited spots at Sunset during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 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.

Things to See and Do at Sunset Beach

Photo courtesy Sunset Gift Gift Shop
Experience Sunset On The Beach - Flag Lowering Ceremony
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.
The lowering of the American flag at sunset is a 40 + year tradition . All of the flags that are flown at the flag ceremony are veterans' casket flags that families bring with them from their loved one's funeral. The ceremony includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the "Star Spangled Banner" and a recording of Kate Smith's "God Bless America."
For information about being a participant in the ceremony, contact @ 1-800-757-6468

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 "Concrete Tower"
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 (first child free with adult) additional children and $3 for children (ages 3-12).$3 for active & retired military (with valid ID). For information about tower visiting times and group tours, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278

The Cape May "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 SS Atlantus 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.

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