Cape May: Coast, Nature and Living History

Cape May combines the Atlantic coast, Delaware Bay, expansive wetlands and an unusually diverse range of nature and cultural experiences. The Jersey Cape has 30 miles of beaches and thousands of acres of natural wetlands. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the east, Delaware Bay to the west, and Cape May County borders the Tuckahoe River to the north. For planning your trip, this means you can focus on beaches and water, plan nature observation activities or combine the region’s history with family-friendly excursions.

Beaches, Wetlands and Trails Through Nature

The landscape of Cape May is more than a sandy coast. More than 400 bird species have been observed along the Jersey Cape, and the region serves as a natural stopover for migratory birds. In the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, the Two Mile Beach Unit offers observation platforms. The best opportunities for wildlife observation there are in spring and fall. Those choosing their accommodation according to their desired travel theme can consider these seasons especially for a nature-focused trip.

Several parks and protected areas also offer different ideas for day trips. Cape May County Park Central covers more than 200 acres, including wooded areas preserved in their natural state. Walking trails, bicycle paths, fishing ponds, a disc golf course and playgrounds appeal to different interests within a travel group. Park North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary includes deciduous forests, lakes and wetlands. Trails with mulch surfaces and paved paths lead through the landscape.

Fishing Creek Wildlife Preserve encompasses a landscape of more than 1,700 acres, consisting mostly of wetlands, in the Delaware Bay estuary. In Cape May County Park South, you can take a beach walk along more than 700 feet of shoreline on Delaware Bay. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Cape May, it is therefore worth considering which combination of beach, forest, wetlands and wildlife observation should define your stay.

Lighthouse, Animals and Regional History

A notable cultural experience is the Cape May Lighthouse. The current lighthouse was built in 1859; visitors can climb the 199 steps of the 157-foot-high structure and look out over the Cape May Peninsula. The history of Cape May County goes back more than 300 years. At Historic Cold Spring Village, restored buildings on a 30-acre site convey everyday life in southern New Jersey in the mid-19th century. Interpreters in period clothing demonstrate, among other things, blacksmithing, printing, woodworking, basket weaving and bookbinding.

For further insights into the Victorian era, tours of the Emlen Physick Estate explore the architecture, life during that period and the lifestyle of a Victorian family. Cape May MAC operates four historic sites as well as a fleet of trolleys, and organizes tours and events throughout Cape May County.

Families can discover more than 250 animal species and more than 500 animals at the Cape May County Zoo. In the Savannah area, a boardwalk leads past giraffes, zebras and camels. The Wetlands Institute offers an aquarium with more than a dozen exhibits featuring live animals from the marshlands. These include an educational tank with horseshoe crabs and starfish, as well as Terrapin Station, an exhibit about the life history of the diamondback terrapin. In spring and summer, the program also includes naturalist-led trips in the back bays, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, encounters with live animals, and guided beach and dune walks.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When choosing your accommodation, you can base your decision on your preferred daily activities: nature observation, beach walks, animal encounters and historical sightseeing each place different emphasis. Those who enjoy combining different interests will find numerous independent destinations throughout Cape May County for a varied trip. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is also part of the regional orientation: it crosses Delaware Bay between Cape May and Lewes, and the crossing takes 70 minutes.

For further searches, you can also explore Marmora, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, Dennis, Ocean City, Middle Township, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City and Avalon.

Annual Experiences

The World Series of Birding takes place in Cape May every year. For anglers, the annual Cape May County Fishing Contest runs from January 1 through December 31; advance registration and an entry fee are not required. In addition to nature observation opportunities that vary by season, Cape May therefore also offers year-round activities that can be incorporated into an individually planned trip.

For the broader travel overview: New Jersey.