Dogs are permitted on Cape May City Beaches only during November, December, January, February, and March. Dogs must be leashed, and owners must clean up after their pets. Dogs are not allowed on any beach at any time of day between May 1 and Sept. 30.

Higbee Beach is on the bayside just south of the ferry terminal. It’s a dog-friendly beach!

All smoking and vaping is prohibited on all Cape May City Beaches in an effort to keep them clean and safe.

Smoking is permitted on the Promenade, off of the Cape May Beaches, but you should still be courteous of others.

They are referred to as “Jetties,” they are there to ensure the quality and longevity of the Cape May Beaches by maintaining the sand bar so it is not pulled out to sea. Without them, the Cape May Beaches would be much smaller.

Still, these rocks are extremely dangerous. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid them at all times. That means there is no climbing or swimming permitted near the rocks.

They are there it ensure that the guards have sufficient operating space for their vehicles and equipment, meaning no one is allowed to set up within the area created by the cones around the stands.

The starting of a fire on the beach, including any form of barbecue at any time during the entire year, is strictly prohibited.

Surfing is permitted at each end of these beaches, Poverty Beach (Wilmington Avenue), The Cove, Surfing Beach (Gurney Street), and South Queen (Queen Street).

Cape May's "Comfort Stations" may be found on the Washington St. Mall and Washington Commons, and they can be found on the promenade off of Trenton Beach, Ramp #6, Philadelphia Beach, Ramp #7, Surfing Beach, Ramp #14, Mogck Beach, Ramp #23, Broadway Beach, Ramp #25, and 2nd Avenue, Beach Ramp #27.

Beach tags are required for entrance to Cape May City beaches from 10 am to 3:30 pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day if you are 12 and older.

Seasonal Beach Tags ($30.00) cover from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Weekly Beach Tags ($20.00) cover from Saturday to Saturday, 8-days.

3-Day Beach Tag ($15.00) cover any three consecutive days.

Daily Beach Tags ($8.00) cover one day.

Tags are available at any beach entrance during the summer.

Tents and canopies no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet are permitted on all beaches. They may not block public or emergency vehicle access. As a courtesy, when the beaches are crowded, the city asks that they be set up closer to the dunes.

Cape May beaches are patrolled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The list of protected beaches is available on our Lifeguard Stand Locations page.