Discover the Wild Side of the Jersey Shore
Look beyond the beach and discover another side of Cape May County: migrating birds, coastal wetlands, quiet woodland trails, and places where families can learn about wildlife together. Start your next nature outing from Seapointe Village with these seven destinations.
Hours, programs, and trail access can change with the season. Use the official links below to check current conditions before visiting. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Seven Places to Explore Wildlife & Nature
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Explore animal exhibits, then leave time for the surrounding park, playgrounds, and a picnic. It is an easy way to combine wildlife learning with a relaxed day outside.
Plan ahead: Zoo admission and parking for cars are free; donations support the zoo. Check current hours and visitor guidelines.
Cape May Point State Park
Follow nature trails past ponds and coastal habitat with views of the Cape May Lighthouse. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, or simply enjoy the changing scenery on a short walk.
Plan ahead: Choose a route from the current park map, check trail notices, and stay on marked paths and outside protected dunes.
Nature Center of Cape May
Get to know the wildlife of the shore at NJ Audubon’s harbor-side nature center. Gardens, aquariums, and seasonal educational programs give curious visitors a closer look at the coastal environment.
Plan ahead: Check the current calendar for Harbor Safari and other programs. Advance registration and adult participation may be required.
The Wetlands Institute
Discover the connections between salt marshes, shorebirds, terrapins, and the other wildlife of the Jersey Shore. The Institute’s education and conservation work offers a starting point for learning about this coastal habitat.
Check before you go: The Institute has posted a temporary closure while moving to a transitional location. Confirm its visitor location, reopening details, and available programs before making plans.
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
Explore a quiet pocket of maritime forest, freshwater habitat, and salt marsh. The sanctuary’s paths and overlooks offer places to pause, listen, and watch for birds through the changing seasons.
Plan ahead: Check current trail guidance and visit quietly. Remain on paths and give roosting and nesting birds plenty of space.
South Cape May Meadows
The Nature Conservancy’s preserve brings together freshwater wetlands, trails, and protected coastal habitat. Explore the Boardwalk Trail, watch for birds around the ponds, and take time to notice native plants along the way.
Plan ahead: Review the preserve’s current access information and trail map. Respect nesting areas and beach closures, and observe wildlife from a distance.
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Explore protected habitats across the refuge’s different divisions, including the Two Mile Beach Unit, Delaware Bay Division, and Great Cedar Swamp Division. Trails and observation areas offer opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and a quieter coastal outing.
Plan ahead: Choose your destination before setting out: entrances are spread across several locations. Check current maps, seasonal access restrictions, and pet rules for the specific unit.
Plan Your Nature Day
- Bring the basics: Water, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and binoculars if you have them.
- Choose your pace: Pair a short trail with a picnic, or leave extra time for a program or a morning of birdwatching.
- Give wildlife space: Stay on designated paths, keep noise low, and never feed or approach wild animals.
- Check access first: Review weather, trail conditions, seasonal closures, and site-specific pet and accessibility information.
Photography: Cape May County, NJ State Park Service, NJ Audubon, The Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, The Nature Conservancy, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.