Poverty Beach
Poverty Beach
4.5
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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
94 reviews
Excellent
60
Very good
24
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
1
toreyspin
Cape May, NJ10 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
Went to Poverty Beach expecting run-down buildings and homeless transients, instead was unpleasantly surprised to find a very well-developed neighborhood full of McMansions instead of the gritty slum that I was expecting. Very disappointed, wouldn't go back.
Written July 6, 2015
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.
STARRYFERRARI
Pennsylvania Dutch Country, PA185 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Poverty beach is in fact a beautiful beach, and just slightly away from the hustle and bustle of other CM beaches. Though some people have said they cant figure out why it is called Poverty beach... It was in fact at one time in the 1950's and even the 1960's a local garbage dump. And the only beach that the servants and the poor people of CM were allowed to bathe on.... So my how times change? Now of course its beautiful! With all the fancy mansions nearby. Rumor has it even Oprah Winfrey has a home on Poverty Beach in Cape May!
Written May 23, 2014
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.
D N
Miami, FL547 contributions
May 2014 • Family
From Pittsburgh Avenue to Wilmington Avenue there are no parking meters, so beach parking is free. The beach entrance on Wilmington faces an extensive protected nesting area for the piping plover. The name of this beach, Poverty Beach, is said to have originated with the poorer classes who could use only this beach in times past. The distance of Poverty Beach from popular contemporary Cape May tourist attractions and accommodations usually assures fewer people and more peace.
Written May 12, 2014
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.
RealPegster
Philadelphia, PA293 contributions
Sep 2012 • Friends
Poverty Beach is a great place to plunk down your chair, drink your coffee and witness the miracle of the ocean! If you're looking to swim and have the kiddies in the water, then please, for everyone's safety, go to the regular beach in the center of town. Poverty Beach is way rougher and drops off unexpectedly in certain places, plus expect lots and lots of pebbles.....For adults who know what they're doing, or who just want to bask in the majesty of the scenery - this is for you! The one particular day we were there, there was a wind that was kicked up by a tropical storm miles and miles away - the sand was literally stinging as it hit us! Obviously, Poverty Beach is better in certain weather conditions - so be aware. At any rate, there is free parking (get it early during the season) and there are cleaner than clean restrooms on site for emergencies. All in all, a beautiful place that shouldn't be missed!
Written September 14, 2012
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.
Bonnie P
Bradenton, FL49 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
We visited 4 beaches during our 3 day stay..and all of them were clean, sparking with whilte sand and crystal stones. It was early in the season, so we did not pay for the public beaches, and I would say that all of the 'free' beaches were as accomodating and fun to visit as the paid beaches were! Sunset beach had the best tourist buys with great and inexpensive souvenirs. We collected great shells and stones everywhere, but they were also the best at Sunset. Try all of the beaches even if you are not a sun lover or swimmer..they are beautiful just to explore and hike with easy accessibility to all of them..It's pure and simple...ENJOY!
Written June 23, 2013
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.
Shumno
Philadelphia, PA47 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
I must confess I put average to keep people away. This is what our friends call the secret beach and for good reason. It is simply beautiful and rarely visited by the summer crowds. I'm not sure why as the beaches are close to the street and there is a bathhouse. We love this beach and hope you won't visit. Just kidding of course.
Written April 25, 2016
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.
washalee
New Paltz, NY49 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I cannot understand why this beach is called Poverty Beach. It must have something to do with a history I don't know about. The houses near here are immense.
I entered the beach at the very end of Beach Avenue, where Wilmington Avenue turns inland. I was there early in the morning on a windy day - I was alone except for the shorebirds. It was lovely. Then I turned left, walking away from town, and immediately ran up against No Trespassing Signs placed there by the Coast Guard, who occupies the area where Cape May Inlet begins. I considered walking anyhow, but the "Danger - Live Firing Range" sign convinced me that I should turn back. I really doubt that they would be firing at people so close to 'civilization.' But it was a very unfriendly - and effective - sign.
I entered the beach at the very end of Beach Avenue, where Wilmington Avenue turns inland. I was there early in the morning on a windy day - I was alone except for the shorebirds. It was lovely. Then I turned left, walking away from town, and immediately ran up against No Trespassing Signs placed there by the Coast Guard, who occupies the area where Cape May Inlet begins. I considered walking anyhow, but the "Danger - Live Firing Range" sign convinced me that I should turn back. I really doubt that they would be firing at people so close to 'civilization.' But it was a very unfriendly - and effective - sign.
Written May 28, 2013
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.
MrMobile50
Nanticoke, PA29 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
This is considered on of Cape May's most desired beaches. It is much more desolate and pristine than many of the other public beaches and very pretty!
Written April 19, 2013
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.
Smitty53
Middletown,NJ USA15 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
It is at the northern most part of Cape May beaches and is not cleaned as much as the other beaches. Not filthy but too many reeds and shells on the beach. Very quiet and not very crowded gives it a good rating. Has toilet facilities there and a short walk up the hill of the beach. Background are beautiful homes and expensive condos. Good for kids and well supervised by the guards. .
Written August 13, 2015
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.
niksk001
Philadelphia, PA770 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Poverty Beach may need to be renamed to become a "Tranquility Place". Getting there requires some effort, but it is definitely worth it. Beach is quiet, peaceful, and calm, which allows an opportunity to relax in just a few mins away from a very touristy and busy Cap May. Please walk there, if you get a chance, I think it would make you feel better.
Written January 7, 2018
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.
dianeylee57
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
I have a 12 lb. Malti-poo. Would Bentley be welcome at Poverty Beach.
Written July 31, 2017
Where do you park to go to Poverty Beach? Is parking free?
Written July 24, 2017
starting at Trenton street, street parking(right next to beach entrance) is free/Not metered headed north towards coast guard center.
Written September 25, 2017
How much are the beach tags for poverty beach
Written July 15, 2017
Where exactly is Poverty beach located in Cape May?
Written May 7, 2017
Do you need to bring own chairs / umbrella or is there service like on other beaches in area?
Written July 20, 2015
HI! You really need to bring your ow beach equipment at this end of the island.
Written September 11, 2016
In Cape May City, which is where Poverty Beach is located:
Dogs are permitted only during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs shall be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker. The owner or caretaker shall carry a dog waste disposal device. Any owner or caretaker of a dog who permits such dog to leave animal waste on the Boardwalk, Promenade, beach without disposing of same shall be subject to penalties.
Your best bet is to check the rules and regulations which determine which beaches and at what time of the year dogs are allowed on the beach. There is specific information that can be obtained at the official Cape May NJ site regarding additional pet-friendly questions.
Written July 13, 2015
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