Sunset Beach Gifts Shop and Grille in Cape May, NJ Since 1973 Sunset Beach has been owned and operated by the same family, who have worked hard to make this a destination spot for all who visit Cape May. Many people over the years have helped to make the Sunset Beach experience an unforgettable one. All visitors passing through our doors can expect the family members and trusted employees to treat them with personalized service and a smile. All of us here at Sunset Beach take pride in making everyone feel right at home when visiting this lovely area.
Miniature Golf Mini golf is fun no matter where you play, but what sets Sunset Beach Mini Golf apart from the rest is the view! The sparkling Delaware Bay is visible from all 18 holes, and the first nine holes are wheelchair accessible so that everyone can play.
Concrete Ship... the Atlantus For over 50 years just off Sunset Beach, lies the concrete ship Atlantus. Due to a critical shortage of steel, during World War I, the federal government turned to experimental design concrete ships. The Atlantus was the second prototype, a 3,000 ton 250 foot long freighter, built with a 5 inch thick hull of special concrete aggregate, to correct shattering and brittleness problems found in the first concrete ship. With the end of the war, the more efficient steel ships were again available. The “Concrete Fleet” was de-commissioned, In 1926, the Atlantus was towed to Cape May, New Jersey to start a ferry service from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware. However the Atlantus broke loose of her moorings during a storm June 8th, 1926 and went aground. Several attempts were made to free the Atlantus - but all were futile. Thousands of visitors come annually to view the cracked weather-beaten hull and collect beautiful Cape May Diamonds that lie in abundance on Sunset Beach in Historic Cape May Point, New Jersey.
Cape May Diamonds... the Diamond of Cape May The Kechemeche Indians were the first to find the fascinating and beautiful stones now known as “Cape May Diamonds.” The Indians came to believe that these curious stones possessed supernatural power bringing success and good fortune. Cape May Diamonds are pure quartz crystals and are found in a variety of sizes and colors. The actual source of these amazing gems is in the faraway upper reaches of the Delaware River. Pieces of quartz crystal are eroded and broken off from veins and pockets by the swift running waters of streams. Then begins the some 200 mile journey that takes thousands of years to complete. The strong tidal flow against the hulk of the sunken concrete ship Atlantus is the cause for them to wash ashore here in such great abundance. When polished and faceted, these gems have the actual appearance of real diamonds. Before the advent of modern gem scanning equipment, many a pawn broker was fooled by a Cape May Diamond.
Flag Ceremony... the Evening Flag Ceremony is a 40 year Tradition Held daily in season (May through September). All of the flags that we fly at our mast are veterans’ casket flags that have been donated by the families. There is nothing as thought provoking than to watch the sun set over the Delaware Bay while taps plays and Old Glory is lowered for the evening. If you have not experienced this emotionally moving tradition, we invite you to be a participant in this celebration of being an American.
