Welcome to Sea Isle
Where every street leads to the beach.
Whether you’re a year-round resident who loves the bustle of summer but craves the peace and quiet of the winter months or a summer family who yearns all year long for your glorious summers on Cape May, the island of Sea Isle is a dream. One of the early owners of this island in Historic Cape May County, Charles Kline Landis, strove to create an atmosphere similar to his beloved Italy. There are canals and waterways installed throughout the island, sculptures imported from Europe, and an enticing Mediterranean ambiance. Today’s welcoming community is family-friendly, blending small-town charm with modern attractions and creature comforts. Sea Isle City offers plenty of dining and low-key nightlife if you want it, but it’s easy enough to retreat to your seaside home for rest and relaxation.
A small, close-knit beach resort community, Sea Isle has just one main residential area, but within that block of streets, every one of them leads to the beaches of the South Jersey Shore. Within the oceanfront neighborhood, you’ll find multi-family buildings divided into condos and apartments, three- and four-story homes along the shoreline, and a number of historic homes.
The Upper Township area the northernmost township of Cape May County was settled back in the late 17th century by whales, fishermen, and sailors and today still offer a rural, peaceful setting. For nature lovers, this is the place to be, for hiking, kayaking through wetlands and inland waterways, and exploring the birdlife-rich Great Cedar Swamp.
In the Middle Township, the County Seat of Cape May, feel the sense of history as you drive along quaint Main Street and fish in the same salt and freshwater bodies of water that colonial anglers enjoyed.
What to Love
- 5 miles of beaches
- Relaxing, leisurely seaside appeal
- Family-friendly
- Locally owned restaurants
- Watersports
Local Lifestyle
Sea Isle residents love their beach life — waking to the sounds of the surf and sipping coffee watching the waves roll in. When they’re not relaxing on their wide porches, taking a nature walk in Upper Township, or birdwatching in Townsend Inlet Waterfront Park, they can be found on the promenade in Sea Isle City, window shopping, riding the amusement rides with their kids, or picking out a perfect spot for a day on the beach. Sea Isle is known for its five miles of picturesque sandy beaches and some of the highest-rated in the Garden State. Outdoor enthusiasts are treated to fishing, surfing, sailing, paddling, and more in the ocean and the back bays.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Even for those seeking the peace and quiet of an Atlantic Ocean retreat, there comes a time when an evening of rollicking nightlife might appeal. When that time comes, The Ocean Drive, or The OD, fits the bill. Locals and summer visitors mingle at this Jersey Shore tradition, with nightly entertainment, drink specials, Saturday No Shower Happy Hours, and dining at the casual Sandbar and Grill.
The Point is another local institution that draws beach dwellers out after a day on the water. Their live music, fresh food, and creative drinks complemented by staggeringly beautiful ocean views make for the perfect end to a fantastic summer’s day.
Host a family gathering or spend the night at the Deauville Inn, between Sea Isle City and Ocean City, boasting some of the most amazing sunsets on the east coast. Or, just pop in for a happy hour and the Inn’s broiled lobsters, chorizo quesadillas, or salmon rillettes, washed down with local drafts and wine.
For finer dining, look to La Fontana Coast, a block from the beach. Diners are whisked away to the Mediterranean thanks to the Southern Italian seaside villa decor. Sitting indoors or out and catered to with attentive, friendly service, you can savor classic Italian food and homemade desserts.
Things to Do
Thanks to the island’s small size, residents zip around on local shuttle services, drive, bike, or simply walk to restaurants, lively nightlife venues, the Sea Isle Promenade, shops, arcades, and more.
Mingle with your neighbors along the Promenade, then stick around for an outdoor concert or movie at the Excursion Park Band Shell. The city also keeps a busy calendar of farmers' markets, parades, guided beach tours, fireworks displays, and festivals, including the Skimmer Festival. This annual event includes a seaside craft market along the Promenade, food truck fare, live music, and amusement rides.
Even if you’re a steadfast summer resident, you’ll want to return for the beloved Polar Beach Plunge in February, one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. There’s a parade, a walk and run, a block party, and of course, a chilly dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Get a dose of island history at Ludlam’s Beach Lighthouse, now a private residence, but available for drive-bys to see the historic building and lighthouse lantern. Or, stop by the Sea Isle City Historical Museum in the historic downtown area to learn about the island’s early settlement, homes, and daily lifestyle.
Schools
Students in Sea Isle, New Jersey, attend Ocean City, New Jersey, public schools. Ocean City is home to several good schools. Educational opportunities include:
- Ocean City Primary School, K-3, public elementary school
- Ocean City Intermediate School, 4-8, public elementary and middle school
- Ocean City High School, 9-12, well-rated public high school
