Cape May County Tourism Booms with Over $8 Billion in Visitor Spending

Issue #541

December 10, 2025

In partnership with

Become An AI Expert In Just 5 Minutes

If you’re a decision maker at your company, you need to be on the bleeding edge of, well, everything. But before you go signing up for seminars, conferences, lunch ‘n learns, and all that jazz, just know there’s a far better (and simpler) way: Subscribing to The Deep View.

This daily newsletter condenses everything you need to know about the latest and greatest AI developments into a 5-minute read. Squeeze it into your morning coffee break and before you know it, you’ll be an expert too.

Subscribe right here. It’s totally free, wildly informative, and trusted by 600,000+ readers at Google, Meta, Microsoft, and beyond.

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎄 Cape May County Tourism Booms with Over $8 Billion in Visitor Spending

🎄A Growing Holiday Tradition: Dozens of Christmas Trees Decorate Ocean City Beaches

🎄 Winter Wonderland Returns to Wildwood with Lights, Santa, and Treats

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 December 10

Have an Upcoming Event?

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Cape May County Tourism Booms with Over $8 Billion in Visitor Spending

Cape May County has officially stepped onto the national stage as one of the country’s top up-and-coming travel destinations. A recent feature in Travel Trade Today, a leading international tourism publication, named the southern New Jersey county among just five U.S. regions gaining national attention for their growing appeal.

Praised for its pristine beaches, historic charm, and vibrant arts scene, Cape May County is being celebrated as a destination that blends relaxation with cultural enrichment. The publication described the area as a haven for visitors seeking more than just a beach day—highlighting opportunities for adventure, learning, and meaningful travel experiences.

In 2024, Cape May County welcomed over 12 million visitors, generating a remarkable $8.1 billion in direct tourism spending. That influx contributed $23 million in occupancy taxes and more than $668 million in state and local tax revenue—figures that underline the area's rising prominence in the national travel market.

Officials credit the county’s unique blend of Victorian architecture, coastal beauty, and year-round attractions for its growing popularity. From summer festivals and arts events to tranquil nature reserves and preserved farmlands, the region offers an experience that resonates with today’s travelers, who increasingly seek authenticity and local flavor.

Placed alongside celebrated travel hotspots like the Florida Keys and the Great Smoky Mountains, Cape May County is aiming to set a new benchmark in coastal tourism. As 2026 approaches, the region plans to build on this momentum, offering a refined vision of coastal living, innovation, and sustainable growth

A Growing Holiday Tradition: Dozens of Christmas Trees Decorate Ocean City Beaches

What began as a simple holiday photo op has blossomed into a cherished community tradition in Ocean City, New Jersey, as dozens of Christmas trees now dot the beaches from one end of the island to the other.

The tradition took root in 2019 when a few local moms placed a single decorated tree on the beach near North Street to brighten the season and snap holiday photos. What followed was an outpouring of community spirit — more trees appeared, shells were left with names of loved ones, and a tradition was born.

Each November, local resident Sue McElwee picks out a wind-resistant tree from a nearby farm and enlists the help of her children and neighbors to set it up before Thanksgiving. Over time, the trees have grown from one to a dozen, with each carrying a unique theme or tribute — from honoring military service to promoting food drives or commemorating lost loved ones.

The trees, maintained by local volunteers, remain on the beach through the New Year. Visitors are encouraged to leave hand-decorated shells, a gesture that has become central to the display's emotional impact. One tree alone saw over 7,000 shells in a single season. After the holiday season ends, the trees are donated to the Funny Farm Rescue, where the animals are said to enjoy the salty evergreen branches.

Various community groups have embraced the idea and helped expand it. From the original North Street tree to installations at 10th, 34th, 50th, and 59th Streets, each tree carries a story and a purpose. Some raise awareness for causes, others offer space for reflection or celebration. Many serve as drop-off points for food donations, which are collected and given to local charities.

Accessibility is a priority, with most displays placed near beach entrances or visible from the boardwalk. Visitors are reminded to respect the displays, leash pets, avoid dune grass, and leave the area as they found it.

The Historical Society is accepting donations and encouraging people to shop from their online store, with all proceeds helping to fund the restoration. Ultimately, Henry and her team hope that tram car No. 8 will serve as a nostalgic attraction inside the museum, giving visitors a chance to relive the golden days of the Wildwood boardwalk — and ensure that this iconic piece of local heritage doesn’t disappear into history.

 

Winter Wonderland Returns to Wildwood with Lights, Santa, and Treats

This December, Holly Beach Park in Wildwood will be transformed into a sparkling Winter Wonderland, offering a festive retreat filled with dazzling lights, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun. The seasonal celebration kicks off Friday, December 12, at the park’s location on East Andrews Avenue, promising two weekends of magical experiences for locals and visitors alike.

The centerpiece of the event is a vibrant light show, set to run every 30 minutes between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the main event nights: December 12–13 and December 19–20. Families are invited to sip complimentary hot chocolate, snack on popcorn, and take in the joyful atmosphere as Holly Beach Park glows with holiday decorations. Young visitors will especially enjoy the chance to write letters to Santa and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus in person.

Presented by the Wildwood Parks and Recreation Department with support from the Wildwood Fire Department, Winter Wonderland brings the community together with seasonal sights and sounds in a warm, welcoming setting.

Which Cape May location is famous for its World War II-era watchtower, known as Fire Control Tower No. 23, used to spot enemy ships?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Answer to the December 9th Trivia Question

CWhat is the name of the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center located in Cape May, which serves as the only enlisted recruit training facility for the U.S. Coast Guard?

A) Fort Mott
B) Naval Air Station Wildwood
C) Training Center Cape May
D) Fort Hancock

Answer: C) Training Center Cape May.

Training Center Cape May (TRACEN) is the U.S. Coast Guard's only training center for enlisted personnel. Every recruit for the Coast Guard passes through this facility, making it a significant location in Cape May​.

How Did We Do In This Issue?

Cape May Local Scoop Wants To Know Your Thoughts About Our Newsletter...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.