205 BEACH AVENUE, CAPE MAY, NJ 08204(877) 742-2507

a retreat for beach lovers

If a perfect beach vacation means never having to put your shoes back on once you arrive and always being steps from the ocean, then the Beach Shack is the place for you. Stylish and relaxed, the Beach Shack is Cape May's fresh and fun alternative for beach lovers who want a retreat the whole family can enjoy together.
It's a one-of-a-kind island vibe all just a stone's throw away from Cape May's historic downtown. Nestled on Beach Avenue close to Cove Beach, the Beach Shack's spacious accommodations make it perfect for groups and families - even four-legged members, too! The Beach Shack is one of Cape May's few dog-friendly resorts and has a selection of dog-friendly rooms available each night.
At the Beach Shack, you’ll always be close to The Rusty Nail, Cape May’s legendary hang-out for lifeguards, surfers and other beachgoers, who flock to the long bar after hours for the shore’s coldest beers and best vibe. You’ll love the casual outdoor ambiance, friendly welcoming staff, live entertainment and our fresh take on all your seaside favorites like clams, oysters and the great fresh fish. Once you’re settled at one of the tables, it’s not hard to see why Travel & Leisure chose The Rusty Nail as one of "America's Top 10 Beach Bars."
So grab your flip-flops and come let the long, sunny days at the beach flow into nights filled with music and laughter. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
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Reopening on March 28, 2025

The Beach Shack is currently closed for a seasonal refresh. We will reopen on March 28, 2025, and invite you to book your getaway in advance!

In the meantime, we encourage you to follow us on Instagram @RustyNailCapeMay, where we'll post throughout the offseason about exciting property updates and improvements.

Book a Future Stay View Cape May Hotels

The History

photo of the beach shack sand pit with white umbrellas taken around 2010 coachman motor inn at sunset people standing on the balcony of the coachman motor inn
The Beach Shack began its life as The Coachman’s Motor Inn in 1966, established by Philadelphia builder Jules Hober. In 1976, construction began on the Rusty Nail bar and restaurant, with a style inspired by the chalets Hober found at the ski resorts he frequented. He saw a table fashioned from a tree in Pico Mountain, Vermont and loved the look of it so much he tracked down the table’s owner. The man agreed to make Jules a bar from the same wood — a bar that’s the longest in Cape May.
The Coachman’s and Rusty Nail remained in the Hober family until 2005, when they sold to Cape Resorts, who relaunched the property as the Beach Shack in 2009. Today, we're proud to honor the original spirit of the Shack while mixing in a few new twists.

Rooms and Suites

at the Beach Shack

From the moment you say 'aloha' to your guest room, you'll instantly fall in love with the Shack's refreshing island vibe and relaxed setting. Our luxuriously furnished one-bedroom, efficiency, and suite-style accommodations have all the comforts needed for a relaxing family getaway by the beach.
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Dog-Friendly Rooms

at the Beach Shack

Want to bring your dog along on your Cape May beach vacation? We have a limited number of dog friendly rooms available each night! You and your furry friend will enjoy special amenities like use of a Beach Shack dog bed, food and water bowls, a Beach Shack frisbee, a special doggie treat and more.
view our dog policies

Amenities

at the Beach Shack

As a guest of the Beach Shack, you'll enjoy:
  • Private bathroom with hairdryer and personal toiletries
  • Beach Plum Farm soap, shampoo and conditioner
  • Individual climate control for air conditioning and heating
  • Television with remote
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Daily Housekeeping service
  • Iron and ironing board
  • 100% Belgian cotton sheets
  • Kuerig coffee machine with complimentary coffee
View Room Types

packages

Paws Up! Dog Package

Available Spring through Fall

Get waggin' to the Beach Shack with your furry friend! Our dog-friendly Paws Up package has everything you and your pup need for your beach vacation.

You don't have to leave your best friend behind this summer! The Beach Shack is proud to be one of Cape May's only dog-friendly resorts.

Our Paws Up! package includes:

  • Deluxe Accommodations
  • Rusty Nail dining credit ($25 per day)*
  • A custom Beach Shack dog leash
  • Beach Shack Doggie Welcome Kit including:
    • Use of Beach a Shack dog bed, and food and water bowls
    • Mark Your Spot - a list of local points of interest for your dog
    • Dog In-Room Door Hanger
    • Beach Shack disposable waste bags - 3 per day
    • Beach Shack Frisbee
    • A Special Doggie Treat


Call to Book: 1877-SHACK-07

Please review our Dog Policies.

We have a limited number of dog friendly rooms available each night and they can only be booked by calling 1877-SHACK-07.This package is not bookable online.

*Meals must be charged to the room for the credit to be applied. No Cash Value.

Rise, Shine & Relax at the Shack

Available Year Round

Whether it's a sunny summer morning or a brisk late sunrise in winter, there is nothing like waking up in picturesque Cape May.

For a limited time, book a Beach Shack escape and enjoy daily breakfast at the Rusty Nail included with your stay.

Rise, Shine and Relax at the Shack

Relax by the pool in the summer, or enjoy shopping along the historic streets when the air starts to cool. Any time of year is the perfect time of year by the beautiful sea in Cape May.

Your package includes:

  • Deluxe Accommodations
  • Breakfast dining credit at The Rusty Nail*
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*Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for full details.

resort life

congress hall bike shop

Congress Hall
Bike Shop

There’s no better way to get around Cape May than by bike. The city is flat as a pancake and very pretty, the perfect ingredients for a lovely bike ride! Our Congress Hall Bike Shop offers singles, doubles, children’s bikes, surreys and helmets.
View Bike Shop Hours.

Beach Service

Our Beach Attendants guarantee the perfect beach day by setting you up with chairs, towels and umbrellas when you arrive. Order a refreshment off of our Beach Menu and settle in to the sounds of the surf. Learn More

Beach Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.

Beach Shack Pool Service

Relax on a lounger at the Beach Shack's Pool. Order a delicious cocktail and bite from the Rusty Nail Pool Menu and soak up the sun as your enjoy this season's bestseller. Learn More

Pool Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.

man and woman walking on beach

Running, Biking, Walking

Being on vacation at the New Jersey shore means being outside as much as you can and there are lots of options to enjoy your workout in the fresh air while staying with us. Ask the Concierge Desk for recommendations for nearby hikes, nature walks and bike paths.

Pool Bar

Soak up the sun and enjoy your favorite poolside cocktail at The Beach Shack's brand new Pool Bar! With outdoor and screened in seating, this is the perfect place for family and friends to relax and enjoy Cape May's beautiful scenery.

Use of the pool bar is available during your stay as a Beach Shack guests.

Sea Spa

The Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a full-service spa that offers unique ocean-inspired treatments in a bright, uplifting atmosphere. You’ll love the fun yellow- and white-striped treatment rooms and the wonderful massages, facials and beauty treatments that feature all-natural products. Learn More.

Sandpiper Fitness Center

Need a more advanced workout? As our guest, you'll have access to the fully-equipped Fitness Center and Sauna at the nearby Sandpiper Beach Club. The Sandpiper Fitness Center was recently enhanced with state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, making it one of the most robust gyms on the island.

Fitness Center access is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.

beach plum farm amish barn

Beach Plum Farm Tour

Set out on a guided or self-guided tour and explore the old and open spaces of Beach Plum Farm, our very own 62-acre working farm in West Cape May.
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Guided Beach Plum Farm Tours are $15 per person. Children 12 & under are free. Tours can be paid for in the Market.

congress hall shuttle bus

Shuttle Service

Travel Cape Island with ease on our new Cape Resorts Shuttle. The Shuttle stops at all Cape Resorts outlets and hotels, including Beach Plum Farm and West End Garage.
View Shuttle Schedule

Shuttle Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.

beach boot camp instructor in front of the ocean

Beach Boot Camp

Feeling inspired to exercise in the beautiful beach-side setting? Our Beach Boot Camp sessions provides structured exercise in beautiful oceanside surroundings.

Beach Boot Camp Sessions are included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.

close up of bird on branch

Bird Watching

Cape May is one of the world’s most famous bird watching destinations and enthusiasts travel here from across the country to experience the wide variety of species that inhabit the area and pass through during migration. Check with Congress Hall's Concierge for tips on the best places to spot rare birds.
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Beach Shack
205 Beach Avenue
Cape May, New Jersey 08204

it’s easy to find us

Cape May is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The hotel is located right across from the beautiful Cape May beach.

Complimentary On-Site Parking is provided for Beach Shack guests. One (1) space is available per occupied room.

From Google Maps:

View Google Map & Enter Your Starting Point

From Specific Points

From The Garden State Parkway | From The Cape May Lewes Ferry | From New York | From Washington/Baltimore | From Philadelphia