A Place in the Sunset

It's not just the sunset that makes Sunset Beach a must for all New Jerseyans. It's the tradition surrounding it.

It’s not just the sunset that makes Sunset Beach a must for all New Jerseyans. It’s the tradition surrounding it.
Every summer evening at the southernmost point in the Garden State, a party breaks out with couples and kids and dogs and, right at sunset, a flag-lowering ceremony.

Every flag flown at Sunset Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a U.S. serviceman’s casket flag. Marvin Hume, who owns two gift shops and a golf course on Sunset Beach with his son, Larry, lowers the flag each evening while God Bless America plays. Still, the mood is always one of celebration, as the sunset reminds those gathered that another beautiful Jersey day is just around the corner.

Sunset Beach is also a prime spot to hunt for Cape May diamonds—those sparkling rocks that are polished smooth by the surf and end up on this strand, where the ocean meets the bay. If not quite the real thing, the diamonds are priceless souvenirs of one of New Jersey’s best natural wonders.

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