August is here, and Cape May, NJ is calling your name. This charming seaside destination has earned its spot among the Top 17 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast by Condé Nast Traveler — and one visit will show you exactly why. With one of the largest concentrations of Victorian structures in the United States, second only to San Francisco, Cape May sets a picturesque stage for a summer getaway unlike any other. The stunning beaches and historic architecture are just the beginning. National Geographic even names Cape May a World’s Best Destination for Birdwatching, making it a dream stop for nature lovers too. Whether you’re looking forward to beach days, historic tours, great dining, or fun evening entertainment, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your Cape May August escape.
Best Beach and Water Activities in Cape May This August
Cape May’s 2.5 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches are at their absolute best in August. The Cape May Beach Patrol keeps a watchful eye from 10am to 5:30pm daily, with nearly 60 lifeguards spread across 25 stands from The Cove to Poverty Beach. Swim in chest-deep water for the safest experience, and always keep an eye on changing ocean conditions.
Surfers have four great spots to choose from — Poverty Beach at Wilmington Avenue, The Cove (open for surfing all day), Surfing Beach at Gurney Street, and South Queen at Queen Street. Families with little ones will love Broadway Beach, where wide sands stay accessible even at high tide. For something a little quieter, Steger Beach offers Victorian-style cabanas and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Kayak launches are available east of Poverty Beach and west of The Cove stand, with guided tours weaving through peaceful marsh ecosystems. Stand-up paddleboard rentals let you explore Cape Island Creek and Cape May Harbor at your own pace.
Whale and dolphin watching tours run throughout August, with the best sightings happening less than 10 miles from shore. Fishing charters are another great option, targeting Black Drum, Striped Bass, and Tuna on half-day trips that kick off at dawn or wrap up around sunset.
End your beach day with something truly special. Head to Sunset Beach in Lower Township for the evening flag ceremony, held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7pm through August — a moving tribute honoring veterans with casket flags. While you’re there, keep an eye on the shoreline for Cape May diamonds, those beautiful quartz crystals naturally polished smooth by the waves.
Top August Attractions and Historic Sites to Visit
Cape May’s Victorian charm is something you truly have to see to believe. This is America’s first seaside resort, and its historic streets tell a story that stretches back centuries. August is the perfect time to step back in time and explore it all.
Start with the Emlen Physick Estate, the town’s only Victorian house museum. Built in 1879 by architect Frank Furness, this stunning 18-room manor is a window into another era. The current tour, “The World on Display: The Centennial and Everyday Life,” takes a fascinating look at how the 1876 Centennial Exposition shaped Victorian culture — an event that drew more than ten million visitors over just six months. Tickets are USD 20.00 for adults and USD 15.00 for children ages 3 to 12.
The Cape May Lighthouse is a must. Climb all 199 steps for sweeping views, or make your visit extra special with one of August’s unique events. The Stairway to the Stars Climb on August 12 takes advantage of the new moon for spectacular stargazing, while the Full Moon Climb on August 28 runs from 8-10pm under a glowing night sky. National Lighthouse Day on August 7 brings a Crafts & Collectibles Show from 9am to 2pm — a wonderful bonus. More than 2.5 million people have made the climb since the lighthouse opened to the public in 1988, and it’s easy to see why.
Want to see even more of Cape May’s storied past? Cape May MAC’s trolley tours offer 45-minute guided rides departing from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. History buffs will also love the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, where 26+ aircraft displays fill a massive 92,000 square foot WWII hangar — adult admission is USD 16.00.
Dining and Entertainment Options for Your August Visit
Cape May’s evenings are just as exciting as its days. After soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring the town’s historic gems, the dining and entertainment scene here picks up beautifully where the day leaves off.
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille at Montreal Beach Resort is the place to be. Cape May’s only oceanfront rooftop bar, Harry’s earned a well-deserved spot on USA Today’s Top 10 Beach Bars in The US — and one look at that panoramic ocean patio tells you exactly why. Fresh local seafood, signature sandwiches, and the famous orange crushes make every meal worth savoring. Catch live entertainment from local artists, pull up a seat at Cape May’s largest indoor/outdoor bar, and let the ocean views do the rest. Harry’s is open from February to December, with weekend breakfasts and lunch and dinner served throughout the week.
Thursday nights come alive with Movies on the Beach — free screenings right at Cape May Convention Hall Beach. The August lineup is a crowd-pleaser: Field of Dreams (August 6), JAWS (August 13), Top Gun (August 20), and Wonder Woman (August 27). No beach tags needed, so bring the whole family.
Love live theater? Cape May Stage has been delivering professional Equity productions at the intimate Robert Shackleton Playhouse since 1988. Specially priced tickets at USD 35.00 are available through participating restaurant partnerships, making it a wonderful way to round out a dinner evening.
Wine lovers, Cape May has you covered too. Head to Cape May Winery for their Sunday brunch paired with live music from 10:30AM-2PM, or spend an afternoon at Willow Creek Winery’s stunning 300-seat tasting room nestled on a 50+ acre estate. And don’t miss the Summer Craft Show on August 15th and 16th from 10AM-5PM on the promenade outside Convention Hall — a perfect way to find a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your Cape May trip.
Conclusion
Cape May truly has it all — Victorian elegance, beautiful beaches, rich history, and an August calendar packed with things to see and do. Whether you spend your days riding waves, exploring historic landmarks, or sipping orange crushes at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille at Montreal Beach Resort, every moment here feels like a memory worth making. There’s no better time to experience this East Coast gem than right now. Start planning your August Cape May escape today — this charming seaside town is ready to welcome you.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best things to do in Cape May during August? August in Cape May offers a variety of activities including swimming at 2.5 miles of pristine beaches with lifeguard protection, whale and dolphin watching tours, kayaking and paddleboarding, visiting the historic Cape May Lighthouse, exploring the Emlen Physick Estate Victorian house museum, enjoying oceanfront dining, and attending free Movies on the Beach every Thursday evening.
Q2. Is Cape May crowded during August? Yes, August is peak beach season in Cape May when the town is vibrant, lively, and full of energy. The warm ocean water and full beach access make it the most popular time to visit, so expect larger crowds at beaches and attractions during this summer month.
Q3. What are the must-see historic attractions in Cape May? The top historic sites include the Cape May Lighthouse with its 199 steps and special evening climbs, the 18-room Emlen Physick Estate (the town’s only Victorian house museum built in 1879), Victorian Painted Ladies architecture throughout town, and the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum featuring 26+ aircraft displays in a WWII hangar.
Q4. Where can I find the best dining with ocean views in Cape May? Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille at Montreal Beach Resort offers Cape May’s only oceanfront rooftop bar experience with panoramic ocean views. Named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Beach Bars in the US, it serves fresh local seafood, signature sandwiches, and famous orange crushes with live entertainment from local artists.
Q5. What water activities are available in Cape May during August? Cape May offers excellent water activities including swimming at lifeguard-protected beaches, surfing at four designated locations (Poverty Beach, The Cove, Surfing Beach, and South Queen), kayaking through calm marsh ecosystems, stand-up paddleboarding in Cape May Harbor, fishing charters for species like Black Drum and Striped Bass, and whale and dolphin watching tours operating less than 10 miles from shore.