Wreck of the SS Atlantus
The Mysterious Wreck of the SS Atlantus: A Maritime Legend
Sunset Beach: Diamonds, History, and Stunning Sunsets
Discover Cape May's gem: Sunset Beach, where history meets stunning sunsets and sparkling 'Cape May Diamonds' await your discovery.
Sunset Beach, located on the Delaware Bay near Cape May Point, NJ, is famous for its 'Cape May Diamonds,' the wreck of the concrete ship SS Atlantus, and its poignant sunset flag-lowering ceremonies honoring veterans. It's a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and patriotic tradition.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Sunset Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
New Jersey, US
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Getting There
Driving
From Cape May City, head west on Sunset Boulevard towards Cape May Point. Continue on Sunset Boulevard until you reach Sunset Beach. Parking is available on-site, but the lot can fill up quickly during the summer months. Consider arriving early, especially for the sunset ceremony. Parking is free.
Public Transport
During the summer, Cape May offers a free jitney service with stops throughout the city. Check the Cape May City website or the Jitney Surfer App for the current route and schedule. From the closest jitney stop, you may need to walk or use a ride-sharing service to reach Sunset Beach. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Cape May, but pick-up times can vary. Bus routes from New Jersey Transit also go to Cape May from Philadelphia, New York, and other locations within New Jersey. From the Cape May Welcome Center, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Sunset Beach.
Walking
From Cape May Point State Park, exit the park and turn left onto Lighthouse Avenue. After 0.6 miles, turn left onto Sunset Boulevard. Follow Sunset Boulevard to the end, where you'll find Sunset Beach. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes.
Local tips
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Arrive early for the sunset flag-lowering ceremony, especially during peak season, to secure parking and a good viewing spot.
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Search for 'Cape May Diamonds' at low tide for the best chance of finding these unique quartz crystals.
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Bring a beach blanket or chairs for comfortable sunset viewing.
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Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Cape May Lighthouse or WWII Lookout Tower.
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Check the sunset time in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
Discover more about Sunset Beach
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.
A brief summary to Sunset Beach
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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