Steger Beach Service

Where Is It? There are 11 concession stands between the beaches at Second and Trenton Avenues.

Why Should I Go? There are few things as idyllic as a beautiful beach day in Cape May — the sand is powdery, the water is clean and inviting, and the waves are frequented by surfing dolphins. What’s not so lovely? Lugging one’s gear onto the hot sand. Because as relaxing as it is spending a few glorious hours lounging seaside, transporting the necessary gear can be a sweaty, exhausting experience. Enter Steger Beach Service, a fourth-generation family business that takes the work out of your vacation.

Launched in 1933 by a local lifeguard, the Steger family business was originally a bathhouse between Jackson and Perry for changing in and out of one’s suit. (Walking into a hotel in a bathing costume at the time was prohibited). Today, the family operation rents cabanas, which are great if you’d rather not end your vacation looking like a lobster, of if you need a basecamp of operations for the family. They also offer privacy, meaning fellow beachgoers can’t snoop what’s in your cooler. Even sun-worshippers enjoy the touch of ritz a spacious cabana brings to a beach day. Also on the Steger menu? Sturdy umbrellas they’ll set up and take down for you, staking out an ideal spot with a view, as well as chairs (high or low seated). Then there are the watersport rentals — they’ve got you covered whether you prefer your boards of the boogie or surf variety.

Want to bring your own gear? Rent a beach cart to make transport easier. Steger’s also offers wooden beach boxes on the sand for the storage of up to five chairs and other beach supplies. (These are painted in a signature Steger’s Blue, a color mixed specially for the business by the local hardware store, Swain’s.) In other words, the only thing you need to take with you when you leave the beach? Your memories.

You can now book online at stegerbeachservice.com. Check out Steger Standup Paddleboard and Steger Beach Company shop, where they sell their branded and beach-inspired swag.

Website: stegerbeachservice.com

Phone: 609-884-3058

Address: Steger Beach, Cape May