A tiny residential shore borough at the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, Cape May Point is defined by beaches, bird migration, Lake Lily, the Cape May Lighthouse and the natural landscape surrounding Cape May Point State Park.
Community CharacterQuiet Shore Borough
Signature DestinationCape May Lighthouse
Outdoor FocusBirding & Beaches
Town Hall215 Lighthouse Ave.
Welcome to Cape May Point
Cape May Point sits at the southern end of the Jersey Cape. Cape May County describes the borough as a peaceful resort community known for serene beaches, historic sites and major spring and fall bird migration. Its scale and protected surroundings make it fundamentally different from the more commercial resort towns nearby.
BeachesOcean and Delaware Bay shoreline shape daily life and summer recreation.
Lake LilyA distinctive freshwater lake and scenic focal point in the center of the borough.
Bird MigrationThe peninsula is a nationally significant migration corridor for hawks, shorebirds, songbirds, dragonflies and monarch butterflies.
Small-Town ScaleThere is very little conventional commercial development inside the borough, so many errands, restaurants and services are found in Cape May City, West Cape May and Lower Township.
The community was founded in the 1870s as a seaside resort associated with the name Sea Grove. Cape May Point was incorporated from Lower Township in 1878, later returned to Lower Township in 1896, and was reestablished as an independent borough in 1908.
Early Resort CommunityThe community developed around the appeal of the coast, quiet residential streets and a religious-resort tradition.
Cape May LighthouseThe current lighthouse was built in 1859 and remains an active aid to navigation.
World War II HistoryCape May Point State Park preserves Battery 223 and other remains connected to coastal defense.
Parks, Beaches & Natural Areas
Cape May Point State ParkAbout 244 acres of freshwater meadows, ponds, forest, dunes and beach, with trails, birding, fishing and nature programs.
303 County Highway 629
Cape May LighthouseThe 157-foot 1859 lighthouse has 199 steps to the top and panoramic views of the peninsula.
Lake LilyA central scenic and ecological feature surrounded by borough streets and walking opportunities.
Bird & Butterfly MigrationFall hawk migration, shorebird movement and monarch migration make the Point a major destination for nature observers.
Cape May Point operates a sending school district rather than its own school buildings. New Jersey Department of Education financial reporting states that students are sent on a tuition basis to Cape May City Elementary School for PreK–6 and to the Lower Cape May Regional School District for grades 7–12.
Cape May City Elementary School921 Lafayette Street, Cape May · PreK–6.
Richard M. Teitelman Middle SchoolLower Cape May Regional campus · grades 7–8.
Lower Cape May Regional High School687 Route 9, Cape May · grades 9–12.
Food & Drink
Cape May Point does not have a conventional restaurant district. Current visitor guidance describes food options inside the borough as very limited, so visitors commonly eat in Cape May City or West Cape May, bring picnic food, or plan meals before arriving at the Point.
NJTGO GF / DF feature GF means a current menu or allergen source specifically supports a gluten-free or gluten-friendly option. DF means current information specifically supports a dairy-free option or a clearly vegan choice. No in-borough Cape May Point restaurant receives a GF or DF badge in this review because there is not enough current published menu/allergen evidence to assign one responsibly.
Food allergy & cross-contact caution: A GF or DF label elsewhere on NJTGO never means a dedicated allergen-free kitchen or guaranteed celiac/allergy safety. Shared equipment, fryers, surfaces and ingredients can cause cross-contact. Confirm directly with the restaurant before ordering for a medical dietary restriction.
Nearby Cape May CityHas the county's deepest restaurant inventory, including current NJTGO-verified GF and DF options.
Nearby West Cape MayIndependent cafés and restaurants include current verified gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free choices.
Picnic PlanningState-park and beach rules vary by facility. Bring food only where permitted and pack out all trash.
Business & Local Services
Cape May Point is overwhelmingly residential and recreational rather than commercial. The borough's limited in-town commercial footprint is part of its character. Cape May City, West Cape May and Lower Township provide the nearest broad selection of grocery, pharmacy, healthcare, automotive and professional services.
NJTGO listing policy: Standard free business references do not include direct commercial website links. Enhanced website links and promotional placement are paid features.
Places of Worship
Saint Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church102 Lake Drive · Cape May Point, NJ 08212 · 609-898-4318.
The seasonal chapel's 2026 schedule runs from May into October, with Sunday worship at 9:00 a.m.
Additional year-round churches and faith communities are available in nearby Cape May City and Lower Township.
Cape May Point's compact borough resources do not identify a municipal or public cemetery inside the borough in the current sources reviewed for this guide. Families researching burials, genealogy or funeral arrangements generally use cemeteries and funeral resources in Cape May, Lower Township and elsewhere in Cape May County.
Before visiting: Verify the exact cemetery, ownership, access rules and office hours before traveling for genealogy or gravesite research.
Real Estate & Living
Cape May Point is a small, mostly residential shore market where individual properties can be influenced by coastal exposure, flood-risk mapping, dunes, environmental regulations, seasonal use and proximity to protected land.
Coastal Due DiligenceReview flood zones, elevation, insurance, dune and coastal permitting requirements for the exact parcel.
Seasonal UseMany homes are used seasonally, so buyers should review rental, occupancy and property-maintenance rules.
Small InventoryTownwide medians can swing sharply because relatively few homes may be listed or sold in any given period.
Borough RulesConfirm zoning, construction, rental and beach-related requirements directly with the Borough before acting on a property plan.
Visiting Cape May Point
Cape May Point works best as a nature-and-history day trip or a quiet shore stay rather than a conventional commercial resort. A typical visit combines the lighthouse, state-park trails, birding, Lake Lily and beach time.
Lighthouse & State ParkPlan enough time for trails, exhibits and the lighthouse climb if open.
BirdingSpring and fall migration periods can be exceptional; bring binoculars and respect habitat closures.
Beach RulesCheck current beach-tag, lifeguard, parking and seasonal regulations before your visit.
LodgingThere is limited conventional lodging inside the borough; Cape May City and nearby areas provide the broadest overnight options.
Getting Around
Cape May Point is compact and well suited to walking and bicycling, but most visitors arrive by car. The borough has no rail station. Driving connections lead through Cape May, West Cape May and Lower Township toward the Garden State Parkway and regional routes.
Seasonal traffic: Summer weekends and major migration/event periods can increase traffic and parking demand. Follow posted borough and state-park parking rules.
Jobs & Employment
The borough's small commercial footprint means most employment opportunities are found through municipal government, seasonal public services, nearby tourism businesses, Cape May City, Lower Township, schools and regional employers.
Borough OpportunitiesCheck the official Borough website for municipal notices and public-service openings.
Seasonal Shore WorkBeach, recreation, hospitality and visitor-service employment is concentrated in surrounding resort communities.
Schools & Public SectorCape May City schools, Lower Cape May Regional and Cape May County public agencies expand the nearby search.
Classifieds & Community Notices
For Sale / WantedLegal household goods, furniture, tools, recreation gear and other personal-property notices.
Local ServicesCommunity service notices should include enough detail to understand the offer without publishing sensitive personal information.
Lost & FoundUse safe contact methods for lost property and pets.
Community EventsCurrent Borough and Cape May County calendars are the best source for official public events.
NJTGO does not accept unlawful or regulated listings such as firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs, prescription medication, stolen goods or fraudulent schemes.
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