Birding, Nature & Wildlife

Cape May has been a destination point for birds (and birdwatchers) for over two centuries thanks to our tremendous variety of habitats for migrating birds: salt marshes, swamp or wet woods, fresh water marshes and ponds, pine forest, saltwater, grasslands, and open fields. Check migration alerts from BirdCast

If you’re interested in native plants and NJ wildlife habitat, Cape May is also home to several botanical gardens that offer tours and walking trails.

Aqua Trails

Kayak and paddleboard nature tours, rentals, and sales.

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Bayshore Center at Bivalve – The AJ Meerwald

An educational institute, with programs on the schooner, at the Bivalve campus and in the community.

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Birding By Boat on the Osprey

Birding by Boat on the Osprey is a birding and wildlife tour of the coastal salt marsh behind Cape May and the Wildwoods.

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Lifeguard stand on the Cape May beaches
Cape May Beaches

Cape May City’s beaches are family friendly, clean, and close to restrooms and food. They run approximately 2.5 miles parallel to Beach Avenue and are within walking distance from most accommodations.

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Cape May Bird Observatory

Open year round; hours vary seasonally

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Cape May County Park and Zoo

A free county park and zoo located just a few miles up the Garden State Parkway

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Cape May Cycle Cruises

“Cape May Cycle Cruises is the first and only pontoon pedal boat in South Jersey! An active way to experience the beautiful Cape May Harbor from the water with family and friends.”

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Entrance to Cape May Dog Park
Cape May Dog Park

Cape May’s Dog Park offers a fenced recreation area for your canine friends.

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St Mary by the Sea
Cape May Point Science Center

St. Mary by the Sea will officially be preserved and reimagined as The Cape May Point Science Center

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A view of the Cape May lighthouse through the dunes
Cape May Point State Park

An ideal location for birding, picnics, and nature walks

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Cape May Promenade

Cape May’s promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, taking you on a scenic walk or run past Cape May’s beaches.

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Cape May Whale Watch featured image
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center

The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center was the original eco -tour operation in Cape May starting in 1987.

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Cold Spring and Middle Township Bike Paths

Combined, Cold Spring Bike Path (2.7 miles) and Middle Township Bike Path (8.9 miles) will take you from Historic Cold Spring Village all the way to the Cape May County Park and Zoo.

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Garrett Family Preserve
Garrett Family Preserve

A 180-acre preserve offering a tranquil setting for walking, picnics, painting, biking, and observing nature.

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Harbor View Park

A public space free to visit year round, offering photo-worthy views of the harbor.

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A sand path at Higbee Beach
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

State-managed land featuring dunes, forest, scrub-shrub, and fields to help preserve and protect endangered, threatened, and non-game wildlife

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Cape May Kiwanis Park in the fall
Kiwanis Community Park

A city park with a playground, picnic area, and half-court basketball court. Located on Madison Avenue, across from the water tower

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Mike Shouvlin Water Conservation Garden

A showcase of native species capable of surviving only with what Mother Nature provides.

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Nature Center of Cape May

The Nature Center of Cape May was founded in 1992, with the twin goals of creating a responsible stewardship program for open space surrounding Cape May Harbor and providing environmental education for people of all ages.

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The Skimmer
Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer

Back Bay Birding and Wildlife Boat Tours from Cape May / Wildwood & Stone Harbor, NJ

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South Cape May Meadows

A 200-acre preserve that serves as a refuge for native and migratory birds, making it a must-see for serious birders visiting Cape May.

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Aerial view of the Sperlak gallery
The Sperlak Gallery & Sculpture Gardens

Where a Field meets the Forest and Marsh on the Crow Creek!

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Sunset Beach and the SS Atlantus

Miniature golf, shopping, a grille (open in season), and the wrecked SS Atlantus—an experimental concrete ship (yes, concrete!) that ran aground during a storm in 1926.

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Tiny Cruise Line

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the harbor to see our marinas, the US Coast Guard base, waterfront homes, wildlife, and more!

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Tree to Tree Cape May

Escape to the shade and explore the Cape May County Zoo & Park from the treetops. Swing, climb and zipline on a series of progressively challenging adventure courses for adrenaline junkies.

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Wetlands Institute

We provide a fun and interactive educational experience for families, school groups and vacationers of all ages through nature exploration and discovery.

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