A summer day in Cape May should begin with ocean views—not confusion at the beach entrance. Fortunately, Cape May beach tags are simple once you know when they are required, which option fits your trip, and where to buy them.
When Are Cape May Beach Tags Required?
For 2026, beach tags are required for visitors ages 12 and older from Saturday, May 23 through Labor Day, September 7, during guarded beach hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children 11 and younger do not need a tag.
Before heading out, check the City of Cape May’s official beach tag information for the latest details.
Choose the Tag That Fits Your Stay
Cape May offers several options for 2026:
- Daily tag: $10
- Three-day tag: $20
- Weekly tag: $25, valid Saturday through Saturday
- Seasonal tag: $40 from May 1 through Labor Day
A daily tag works well for a quick beach visit, while the three-day option is convenient for a long weekend. Vacationing for a full week? The weekly tag usually makes the most sense.
Where Can You Buy Beach Tags?
During the summer season, purchasing tags is easy. Visit the Beach Tag Office at 704 Beach Avenue, next to Convention Hall, or buy from beach taggers stationed at beach entrances. Booths are also available at Broadway, Gurney, Howard, and Madison Avenues.
City Hall at 643 Washington Street also sells tags during designated weekday hours. In-person city sales accept cash or personal checks, so come prepared.
A Few Tips Before You Hit the Sand
Buy your tag before settling into your beach chair, and keep it with you if you leave for lunch or take a walk along the promenade. All beach tag sales are final, including days when beaches close because of bad weather.
Veterans and qualifying active-duty military personnel may receive free seasonal tags with proper identification; review the city’s military beach tag information before visiting.
Once your Cape May beach tags are handled, the hard part is over. Grab the sunscreen, choose your favorite beach entrance, and enjoy a classic day beside the Atlantic.
A Stay at Southern Mansion
Our historic mansion, built circa 1860, is set on one-and-a-half acres of award-winning landscapes in Cape May’s historic district. Our 40,000-sq.ft. Italianate villa-style mansion stands out as an antique home, fitting in perfectly with the other colorful houses of Cape May!
Stay with us and book a cozy room and enjoy decadent furnishings, plush linens, towels, and antique finishings that set the Southern Mansion apart from any other bed and breakfast in the area. Book your stay with us today.
