There’s no better way to start your day than with salty air, watching as pink skies brighten the world. Something about a South Jersey sunrise hits differently. Maybe it’s the gentle hush of waves meeting the shore or the glowing colors that stretch across the sky as the rest of the world slowly wakes up. Whatever it is, we’re lucky to have some of the best sunrise views right here on our coast, and there’s no better way to start the day.
Whether you’re a morning person or just willing to wake up early for the view, here are seven of the best spots in South Jersey to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Make August the month of sunrises and check them all out!
1. Ocean City Boardwalk
If you want the perfect combination of peacefulness and people-watching, the Ocean City Boardwalk is the place to be. The boardwalk offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of space to find your own perfect sunrise-watching perch.
You’ll spot runners, dog walkers and bikers getting their day started as the sun peeks over the horizon.
2. The beach at Fifth Street, Ocean City
Just a few steps off the boardwalk, the beach at Fifth Street is a quiet favorite among locals and photographers. It’s wide, clean and rarely crowded at dawn. With the pier in the distance and the curve of the beach drawing your eye toward the sunrise, it’s a picture-perfect view and you’ll often catch a few surfers out catching early waves, adding to the serene energy.
3. Margate Beach at Huntington Avenue
For those who want something a little quieter than the boardwalk towns, Margate’s beach at Huntington Avenue is a hidden gem. Just far enough from the busiest parts of town, it’s got everything you want for a peaceful sunrise moment: soft sand, views and a front-row seat to the sky turning pink, orange and gold.
4. Brigantine Jetty
Brigantine’s jetty is where the ocean meets the bay, and it’s a must-visit for sunrise chasers. The sun rises directly over the water here, casting light across the jetty rocks and creating a glow that seems to hang in the air.
It’s also one of the few places where you can feel totally immersed in nature while still being just minutes from the city. Bring your camera, or just your coffee, and soak in the view from the rocks or the sand nearby.
5. Ventnor City Fishing Pier
Ventnor’s fishing pier offers a stunning, less-crowded alternative to some of the more touristy areas. The long stretch of wooden boards takes you right out over the ocean, offering a unique vantage point for sunrise, especially on clear mornings when the horizon is sharp and glowing.
The surrounding beaches are equally inviting, and there’s something about being directly over the water that makes the sun’s arrival feel even more special.
6. Cape May Point State Park
For a slightly more adventurous morning, head down to Cape May Point and watch the sunrise from the beach by the lighthouse. It’s where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and the sunrise views here are unlike anywhere else in the state.
As the sun comes up, it casts light on the historic Cape May Lighthouse and the rolling dunes around it. There are also quiet walking trails nearby if you want to take a sunrise stroll after the show.
7. The Cove, Cape May
The Cove is one of those magical South Jersey spots where the horizon feels endless and the crowd always seems to stay quiet in reverence of the view. Located at the southern tip of Cape May, this stretch of beach offers sunrise views that melt into the morning mist.
Rise and shine, South Jersey
No matter where you go, catching the sunrise in South Jersey is a reminder of just how lucky we are to live, or vacation, here. It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it’s a daily reminder of nature’s beauty, before the emails, errands and crowds. So set that alarm a little earlier, grab your coffee and watch the day begin the best way possible.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
