From Point Pleasant to Cape May: The Rising Cost of a Jersey Shore Getaway

Issue #626

March 15, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🍀 From Point Pleasant to Cape May: The Rising Cost of a Jersey Shore Getaway

🏃Washington Street Mall in Cape May Stands Out as a Premier Shopping Destination

 🔥𓇋Lower Cape May Star Chase Hansen Becomes Winningest Wrestler in NJ History

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

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

 March 15

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From Point Pleasant to Cape May: The Rising Cost of a Jersey Shore Getaway

Planning a summer trip to the Jersey Shore is a familiar tradition for many New Jersey families. Each year, as vacation season approaches, people start browsing rental listings and quickly notice the same trend — prices for a week at the beach keep climbing. In 2026, the cost of a Shore vacation may surprise even longtime visitors. The largest expense for most families is the rental property. Weekly rates for a typical family-sized home in popular Shore towns such as Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Park, and Wildwood generally fall between $2,000 and $4,000 during peak summer weeks. Larger homes with extra bedrooms, pools, or upgraded amenities can jump dramatically in price, often ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 per week. Cape May, one of New Jersey’s most historic and sought-after beach destinations, often sits on the higher end of the Shore rental market. Weekly rentals for many Victorian-style homes and larger vacation properties commonly range from about $3,500 to $6,000 in the summer, while luxury homes close to the beach can reach $10,000 or more during peak weeks. Booking through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can increase costs even further. These sites typically add service fees ranging from about 9% to 20%, and vacation rentals in New Jersey are also subject to the state’s 11.625% occupancy tax. Many travelers try to book directly through property owners or local rental agencies to avoid some of those added charges. Another cost families need to factor in is beach access. Many Jersey Shore towns require beach tags. Ocean City’s seasonal badge costs about $35 this year, while Seaside Heights charges $75 for a seasonal pass. Sea Isle City’s seasonal tags range from $25 to $30 depending on when they are purchased. In Cape May, seasonal beach tags cost about $40, $30 if purchased before April 1st, while weekly tags are typically around $25. For families staying a week, beach access alone can add another $40 to $100 depending on the town. Food, activities, and travel also add to the overall cost. Groceries for a family of four for a week usually fall between $200 and $300 if most meals are cooked at the rental home. Dining on the boardwalk, grabbing ice cream, playing mini golf, and other typical Shore activities can easily add another $300 to $500. Gas and tolls to travel across New Jersey can cost an additional $75 to $100 depending on where the trip begins. When everything is added together — rental, beach tags, food, entertainment, and travel — a realistic estimate for a weeklong Jersey Shore vacation for a family of four in 2026 runs about $3,000 to $5,000 at minimum. Families renting larger homes or choosing premium properties in places like Cape May could see that total climb significantly higher. Despite rising prices, demand for Shore vacations remains strong. Rental calendars fill up months in advance as families continue returning to the same beach towns year after year. For many New Jersey residents, the Shore isn’t just a vacation destination — it’s a tradition that spans generations.

Washington Street Mall in Cape May Stands Out as a Premier Shopping Destination

 Cape May’s Washington Street Mall has been recognized as one of the most admired shopping districts in the United States, according to a nationwide poll conducted by financial media company MarketBeat. The survey asked more than 3,000 people which shopping areas across the country they most admire for their retail atmosphere and overall experience. The popular Cape May destination earned a spot among the nation’s top shopping locations, highlighting its continued appeal to visitors and shoppers. Located in the heart of the historic shore town, Washington Street Mall is a pedestrian-only shopping district that stretches across three blocks and features brick walkways surrounded by charming Victorian-era buildings. The outdoor mall is home to nearly 100 independently owned stores, offering a wide variety of items including beach gear, clothing, gifts, artwork, and books. Its walkable design, unique local businesses, and relaxed coastal setting make it especially popular during the summer tourist season. One notable stop within the district is Cape Atlantic Book Company, a well-known independent bookstore that has become a favorite gathering spot for residents and visitors looking for their next beach read. Overall, the recognition in the national poll reflects the mall’s strong reputation as one of the most successful pedestrian shopping districts in the country and a key attraction for the Cape May community.

USA TODAY Names Five Jersey Shore Boardwalks Among Nation’s Best

 Five well-known Jersey Shore boardwalks have been named among the top 20 finalists in USA TODAY’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Boardwalk. The New Jersey locations included on the national list are Atlantic City, Ocean City, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Wildwood, giving the state one of the strongest showings in the competition. ️ The finalists were chosen after a panel of experts nominated standout boardwalks across the United States, with editors narrowing the field to 20 destinations known for their scenic waterfront views, entertainment options, food stands, shopping, and classic beachside atmosphere. Boardwalks from several other states—including California, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, Maine, Delaware, New York, and Virginia—also made the list. The final rankings will be decided through public voting, which remains open until April 6. The top 10 boardwalks in the country will be announced on April 15.

 Answer to the March 14th Trivia Question

Which building in Cape May was designed by architect Stephen Decatur Button and became one of his most well-known works in the city?

A) The Mount Vernon Hotel
B) The Emlen Physick Estate
C) The Windsor Hotel
D) The Columbia Hotel

Answer: C) The Windsor Hotel

Stephen Decatur Button designed the Windsor Hotel along with several other notable buildings in Cape May, contributing significantly to the city's architectural heritage.​.​

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