Sunset Beach: Diamonds, History, and Stunning Sunsets

Sunset Beach, nestled on the Cape May Peninsula in Lower Township, New Jersey, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Situated along the Delaware Bay, near Cape May Point, this beach is more than just a scenic spot; it's an experience. Sunset Beach is renowned for several unique attractions. First and foremost are the 'Cape May Diamonds' – smooth, clear quartz crystals that wash ashore, polished by the Delaware River. Beachcombers can spend hours searching for these sparkling gems, remnants of a journey from the mountains of Pennsylvania. The skeletal remains of the SS Atlantus, an experimental concrete ship from World War I, rest just offshore. Launched in 1918, the Atlantus was intended for military use but later repurposed as a ferry dock. A storm in 1926 broke the ship free, grounding it off Sunset Beach, where it has remained ever since, a visible piece of maritime history. Adding to the beach's allure is the daily flag-lowering ceremony, a tradition since 1973, held from Memorial Day through August, and on Saturdays in September. As the sun dips below the horizon, a veteran's casket flag is lowered while Taps is played, creating a moving tribute. Sunset Beach's history extends back to the 1800s when it served as a landing spot for steamboats. Visitors would disembark and travel to Cape May via horse-drawn taxis. The beach also saw industrial activity with the Harbison-Walker Magnesite Plant, now part of the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area. Today, Sunset Beach provides a range of activities. Visitors can explore the WWII Lookout Tower, search for Cape May diamonds, visit the gift shop, or simply relax and enjoy the sunset. The beach is open year-round, with shops and a grille operating seasonally.