Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Nestled on the Cape May Peninsula, this underrated beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets. Beachcombers love sieving through the sand to seek out Cape May “diamonds”—tiny pieces of quartz crystals that wash up on the shore. You'll also see the World War I SS Atlantus ship that ran aground almost a hundred years ago. Plus, there are 2 gift shops and a beautiful mini golf course.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Best nearby
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70 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
606 reviews
Excellent
413
Very good
152
Average
32
Poor
6
Terrible
3
katiel0703
Bloomsburg, PA40 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Loved Sunset beach! It was a perfect spot to see the sunset over the water. We sat on the left hand side of the beach to watch it right in front of the grilled cafe and it was beautiful. Not too many people by us because the sun was setting over the USS Atlantis from where we were sitting but because there weren’t too many people on that side, there were no “surprises” in our pictures. Highly recommend if there are clouds to get there earlier than just 10/15 minutes before sunset because it will set behind the clouds faster than the predicted sunset time.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ7,017 contributions
Dec 2021
I have to say that this is one of the most specular beaches on earth with the most amazing sunsets that rival anywhere on earth. I love coming here to see the sunset at night and judging by the crowds that evening everyone had the same idea I had.
On the Sunday night of Christmas Weekend, I came to Sunset Beach to see the sunset as the days got longer and the weather was surprisingly warm. It was almost like a late Fall or early Spring evening with the weather being 51 degrees.
The sunset was so spectacular that people were actually applauding it. Mother Nature can really surprise us with such beauty.
Don't miss this beach at Sunset when in Cape May.
On the Sunday night of Christmas Weekend, I came to Sunset Beach to see the sunset as the days got longer and the weather was surprisingly warm. It was almost like a late Fall or early Spring evening with the weather being 51 degrees.
The sunset was so spectacular that people were actually applauding it. Mother Nature can really surprise us with such beauty.
Don't miss this beach at Sunset when in Cape May.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyn B
Pequannock, NJ155 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Our family really enjoyed our visit to Sunset Beach. Gift shop is fun to peruse and the kids searched for Cape May diamonds and played tag with the waves. The line was long at the cafe so we didn't get dinner. Too bad because there was an available picnic table right on the beach. We stayed for the veteran flag lowering (very moving, family of the deceased veteran lowered and folded the flag) but left just before sunset. By then people who were coming to view the sunset had to park along the road. Get there early to snag a spot in the parking lot.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P F B
Edison, NJ1,625 contributions
Aug 2022
This has always been a great scenic beach to visit. Whether it's to catch a sunset or relaxing on the beach, it's always peaceful. And now it is a great place to visit to view the pelicans, as well as cormorants hanging out on the remains of the concrete ship. The drive down to see them did not disappoint, not only were they on the ship, but a flock of about 10-15 flew in while there. Made the trip worth it!
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Archie
Glenmoore, PA7,930 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Its a gorgeous place to visit after the city beaches. There are pebbles all over the beach with the famous Cape may diamond. You can see the wreck of SS Atlantus. We were grateful to be there for honoring of a veteran and singing of the national anthem. There is beach shack for icecream and basic food. The gift shop across the street is lot of fun to stroll through. The sunset is amazing with the skies lit up.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela D
Annapolis, MD68 contributions
May 2021
We love Sunset Beach! It's a small beach where people gather every evening to watch the sunset. If you're hungry, eat at the nearby restaurant before sunset. Shop in the store while waiting. A little bit for everyone. Mostly, though, it's peaceful.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
285jareda
16 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Sunset beach is a very family-friendly and quiet beach in Cape May. This shore is pebbles (no sand) so not the most comfortable for walking. There are several nice little gift shops located at this beach (and a couple restaurants). Parking is available in a small lot and right on the road (free of charge), and was easy.
Our family’s favorite part of this beach is searching for Cape May diamonds, which are nearly clear round pebbles, which can be found by sifting through the pebbles on this beach (they also sell them as beautiful jewelry in the gift shops). Although this is not your beach if you’re looking for a big crowd, a boardwalk, surfing, or sunbathing, it is perfect for a family visit for a couple hours.
Our family’s favorite part of this beach is searching for Cape May diamonds, which are nearly clear round pebbles, which can be found by sifting through the pebbles on this beach (they also sell them as beautiful jewelry in the gift shops). Although this is not your beach if you’re looking for a big crowd, a boardwalk, surfing, or sunbathing, it is perfect for a family visit for a couple hours.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard G
Cape May County, NJ32 contributions
Aug 2022
Sunset Beach at Cape May point is probably one of the best places to spend the day! Their gift shops are filled with lots of goodies, even Wine and great presents like Cape May diamond jewelry! Mini Golf is a lot of fun there as well! No tags for the beach and plenty of parking. They have a Flag Ceremony during the summer for deceased Vets, very moving. Also Voted one of the top places to visit in the Us of A! #24 out of 25.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
outandaboutinberks
Boyertown, PA100 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Given the name, we came prepared to watch the sunset. Kids really enjoyed beachcombing and they found some nice shells. This is not really a great beach for swimming as it is so pebbly and a windy point as well, but there were some nice little shops and a food stand. Worth a visit for an hour, but not the day.
Written January 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,611 contributions
Aug 2020
Sunset Beach at the end of Sunset Boulevard offers beautiful views, a nice beach and a glimpse of whatever is left of the Concrete Ship Atlantus. Photo ops abound. The souvenir shops offer local mementos, as well as, snacks and drinks if you need them. Ample parking available.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, gift shops and grille have ramps.
Written March 8, 2021
It's not a guarded beach and there are underwater hazards from old piers/jetties. G
Written June 8, 2018
Dogs are allowed at Sunset Beach Area always and on the beach September 15-March 30... and if you went right towards Higbees you'd be ok as that is not state park anytime.
Written May 27, 2018
Can we bring our dog May 12th? We're hoping to get some rocks near Sunset Beach. Is the beach monitored?
Written May 11, 2018
Dogs are allowed at Sunset Beach Area always and on the beach September 15-March 30... and if you went right towards Higbees you'd be ok as that is not state park anytime.
Written May 27, 2018
Yes weekends through September
Written September 4, 2017
Yes there is a bathroom in the gift shop... and usually one outside during summer months too.
Written August 24, 2017
How is this beach for kids under 5? Are there life guards present? We stayed in wildwood last year and while it was fun, it was over crowded . I get the sense from reading the reviews that staying in cape may is a lot more quiet
Written January 22, 2017
The beach is great to play on and find Cape May Diamonds, seashells and sea glass but not so much for swimming. No Lifeguards here. There are lifeguards at designated beaches in Cape May and Cape May Point beaches.
Written January 22, 2017
Hello, can you sun bath all day at SunSet beach, and is there any fees like cape may beach. Thank you
Written June 26, 2016
Yes you can sun bathe there all day for free... no beach tags!
Written June 27, 2016
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