West Cape May
West Cape May is a small borough on Cape Island, just inland of Cape May City.
Cape May County·South Shore·141 Miles verified June 8, 2026·Official site ↗
West Cape May is a small borough on Cape Island, just inland of Cape May City.
Cape May County·South Shore·141 Miles verified June 8, 2026·Official site ↗
How West Cape May ranks across the 141 Miles editorial indexes.
84°
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Weekly paper of record for the Cape May peninsula — covers Cape May, West Cape May, Cape May Point and Lower Township.
Outbound links. 141 Miles does not control content on third-party sites for West Cape May.
No direct transit; 1 mi from Cape May bus stop
Walk or bike from Cape May
Today
84°
Mostly Sunny
Tonight
70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Monday
77°
Mostly Sunny
Monday Night
66°
Partly Cloudy
Tuesday
76°
Mostly Sunny
Tuesday Night
68°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
West Cape May is a small borough on Cape Island, just inland of Cape May City. It is quieter and more residential than its famous neighbor, with farms, fields, and tree-lined streets rather than a beachfront. The borough is known for its farming roots, small shops, and seasonal festivals, the lima bean celebration most of all. It has no beach, so the draw is its rural feel and easy access to Cape May next door.
History West Cape May incorporated as a borough in the 1880s. While Cape May City grew into a Victorian seaside resort, West Cape May stayed agricultural. Dairy farms gave way to crops in the early 1900s, and the land became known for produce, especially lima beans grown here for decades. Large-scale lima farming faded by the late 1900s as canners moved south, but the crop still defines the town's identity.
What makes it unique West Cape May is the rural counterpart to a famous resort. It sits a short walk from Cape May's beaches but keeps working farms, farm stands, and fields, which is rare this close to the ocean. It leans into that identity with a run of harvest festivals, including one built around the lima bean, a crop it once claimed. The surrounding peninsula is also a stopover for migrating birds and butterflies.
Interesting facts
Summary West Cape May suits people who want quiet, farm stands, and small-town festivals within reach of Cape May's beaches, not beachfront lodging or nightlife. Stay in Cape May for the ocean; come here for the slower side of the cape.
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Check locally for dog policy
Smoking banned on all NJ public beaches (state law since 2019). Fines $250–$1,000
Glass containers prohibited on beach
Alcohol prohibited on beach (local ordinance)
No upcoming events.
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