Cape May: Coast, Nature and History

Between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, Cape May County brings together coastal landscapes, wetlands and historic attractions. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware Bay to the west and the Tuckahoe River to the north. This creates a variety of themes to consider when planning your trip: woodland and wetland trails, a beach walk along the bay, wildlife watching and cultural history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cape May, you can start by considering which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Woodlands, wetlands and waterfronts

Cape May County Park Central covers more than 200 acres and includes woodland areas preserved in their natural state. Activities there include walking and biking trails, fishing ponds, a disc golf course and playgrounds. The mix makes the park a place for a range of activities, without requiring you to focus on just one.

Fishing Creek Wildlife Preserve has a different landscape character: It covers more than 1,700 acres and consists mostly of wetlands at the mouth of Delaware Bay. The marsh and estuary landscape takes center stage here, while the preserved woodlands are also part of the scenery at Park Central.

At Park North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary, hardwood forests, ponds and wetlands alternate. The trail network includes easy-to-walk mulch trails as well as paved trails. The trail surface can therefore be a practical point of reference when planning a walk.

To experience the Delaware Bay waterfront, you can take a beach walk along more than 700 feet of shoreline at Cape May County Park South. The coast looks different here than along trails through woodlands and wetlands: The beach walk runs directly along the bay.

Wildlife and seasonal observations

The Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge has observation platforms. The best opportunities for wildlife watching are in spring and fall, and sightings vary by season. If wildlife is an important part of your trip, it’s worth considering these seasons when planning.

The World Series of Birding also takes place in Cape May every year. It adds a recurring annual event for visitors interested in birds to the wildlife-watching opportunities.

The annual Cape May County Fishing Contest runs from January 1 through December 31. No advance registration or entry fee is required. Check the program details before taking part, as the information may change from year to year.

Lighthouse and history

The current Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859. Visitors can climb the 199 steps of the 157-foot lighthouse and take in views of the Cape May Peninsula. If you plan to climb, check access and operating details before your visit.

Historic Cold Spring Village is an open-air museum in the Cold Spring section of Lower Township. The 30-acre site features restored buildings where costumed interpreters present everyday life in southern New Jersey in the mid-19th century. Demonstrated crafts include blacksmithing, printing, woodworking, basket weaving and bookbinding. Operating dates for 2026 are seasonal and tied to specific dates; check in advance for a suitable visit date.

Tours of the Emlen Physick Estate cover Victorian architecture, life in that era and the lifestyle of a Victorian family. Tour themes change annually. Cape May MAC operates four historic sites and a fleet of trolleys; the organization offers tours and events throughout Cape May County.

Exhibits and activities at the Wetlands Institute

The Wetlands Institute aquarium features more than a dozen exhibits with live animals from the marshes. These include a dedicated touch tank with horseshoe crabs and sea stars. Terrapin Station is the world’s first exhibit dedicated to the life history of the diamondback terrapin. Exhibit availability may change during the campus transition; check what’s on offer before your visit.

In spring and summer, the Wetlands Institute offers naturalist-led trips in the back bays, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, live animal encounters, and guided beach and dune walks. Programs are seasonal; check dates and campus arrangements before your trip.

More than 250 animal species and over 500 animals live at Cape May County Zoo. In the Savannah area, a boardwalk passes giraffes, zebras and camels. This area offers a different focus from the landscape trails and aquarium: It centers on the named animal species and the route of the boardwalk.

A practical addition to your travel plans

The Cape May–Lewes Ferry crosses Delaware Bay between Cape May and Lewes; the crossing takes 70 minutes. Check the crossing time and reservation details before your trip.

Explore more destinations: Sea Isle City, Avalon, Marmora, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, Dennis, Ocean City, Middle Township, Stone Harbor.

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