Cape May County borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware Bay to the west and the Tuckahoe River to the north. The natural areas reveal the region’s varied character, with wooded areas, wetlands, trails and shorelines.

Woodlands, Wetlands and Trails

Cape May County Park Central covers more than 200 acres. It includes wooded areas preserved in their natural state. Walking and biking trails, fishing ponds, a disc golf course and playgrounds round out the grounds. The park is not limited to a single activity: you can take a walk or bike ride, or explore the range of amenities.

At more than 1,700 acres, Fishing Creek Wildlife Preserve is considerably larger and consists mostly of wetlands at the mouth of Delaware Bay. Woodlands and marshland offer contrasting natural landscapes. North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary brings together deciduous forests, lakes and wetlands; the area has easy-to-walk mulch trails as well as paved paths.

At Cape May County Park South, you can take a beach walk along more than 700 feet of Delaware Bay shoreline. For nature watching, 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—a useful guide to timing your visit if this is a priority.

Lighthouse, Wildlife and Wetlands

The current Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859. It stands 157 feet tall; visitors can climb its 199 steps and take in views of the Cape May Peninsula. If you plan to climb, check access and operating information before your trip.

Cape May County Zoo is home to more than 500 animals representing over 250 species. In the Savannah area, a boardwalk passes giraffes, zebras and camels. The figures give a sense of the zoo’s diversity, while the boardwalk offers a close-up look at three animal groups.

The Wetlands Institute aquarium features more than a dozen exhibits with live animals from the marshes. A special teaching tank is dedicated to 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, so check what is currently on offer before making plans.

In spring and summer, the Wetlands Institute’s program includes naturalist-led trips in the back bays, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, live animal encounters, and guided beach and dune walks. Activities are seasonal; check the current program and campus rules again before your trip.

History and Events

Cape May County’s history goes back more than 300 years. Historic Cold Spring Village is an open-air museum in the Cold Spring section of Lower Township, bringing to life everyday life in southern New Jersey in the mid-19th century. On its 30-acre grounds, the museum uses restored buildings; costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, printing, woodworking, basket weaving and bookbinding. The operating schedule listed for 2026 is seasonal and tied to specific dates. Plan your visit to the demonstrations around those dates.

Tours of the Emlen Physick Estate cover Victorian architecture, life in that era and the lifestyle of a Victorian family. Tour topics change annually, so it’s worth checking the current offerings. Cape May MAC operates four historic sites and a fleet of trolleys, and hosts tours and events throughout Cape May County.

The events calendar also brings together a variety of interests: the World Series of Birding takes place in Cape May every year. 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. The contest’s long duration contrasts with the Wetlands Institute’s seasonal offerings.

The Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects Cape May with Lewes across Delaware Bay; the crossing takes 70 minutes. Check crossing times and reservation options before your trip.

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