When is the best time to visit Cape May, NJ?

Cape May is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Cape May chosen?

Each property in Cape May is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Cape May different from other beach towns?

Victorian porches, a working lighthouse, and the only beach in New Jersey where the sun sets over the water.. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Cape May

Victorian porches, a working lighthouse, and the only beach in New Jersey where the sun sets over the water.

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6620 waterfront rentals·19 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-10-25

Cape May sits at the very tip of New Jersey, a whole town of painted Victorian houses two blocks from a wide, gently sloping beach. The promenade runs the length of the oceanfront, Cape May Point and its lighthouse are a bike ride away, and the county's barrier islands stretch thirty miles north toward Ocean City. Rentals are mostly cottages and restored houses rather than towers, and the town is walkable end to end.

StateNJ

Peak seasonJune to August

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured3 rentals

The curated list · 3 rentals

Where we would stay in Cape May.

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No. 01

‘The Kraken’ Wildwood Townhome: 1/2 Mi to Beach!

Entire townhouse

3 bedroom sleeps 7

Make lasting memories with your loved ones at this Wildwood vacation rental! Located in within walking distance of the beach and Wildwood Boardwalk, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome provides a perfect coastal escape. Devote your time to swimming and sunbathing, or enjoy fun-filled activities at Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. Afterward, head back to your home away from home to rinse off in the outdoor shower, enjoy a meal out on the decks, and relax in the private yard. The space 2 Decks. Outdoor Shower. Charcoal Grill. Walk to Restaurants & Breweries Bedroom 1: King Bed. Bedroom 2: King Bed. Bedroom 3: Full Bed w/ Twin Trundle.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Beachfront Home, 7 Mi to Cape May!

Entire home

4 bedroom sleeps 16 private pool

Beach Chairs & Towels. Dine Al Fresco w/ Ocean Views. Multiple Living Spaces Jersey Shore living is made easy at this Villas vacation rental. The 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is steps from the beach and 7 miles from the excitement of Washington Street Mall in Cape May. Although, you may be having too much fun with the on-site amenities to explore!

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

Modern 5 Bedroom Townhome in Wildwood Crest

Townhouse

5 bedroom sleeps 11

Discover Your Perfect Beachfront Getaway at 7011 Pacific Ave! Location: Wildwood Crest, NJ Sleeps up to 11 People. 5 Bedrooms. 4 Full Bathrooms Discover the perfect beachfront getaway at 7011 Pacific Ave in Wildwood Crest, NJ. This spacious townhome is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering a welcoming ambiance accented by beach-inspired decor and modern amenities.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.

Discover Skylark → See exclusive deals

Get new waterfront rentals as we add them.

Hand-picked for genuine waterfront. New finds and off-season picks, sent when there is something worth sending. No spam.

Cape May

Where we would stay in Cape May.

‘The Kraken’ Wildwood Townhome: 1/2 Mi to Beach!

Beachfront Home, 7 Mi to Cape May!

Modern 5 Bedroom Townhome in Wildwood Crest

Search every stay in Cape May on Booking.com

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

Get new waterfront rentals as we add them.