Top Cape May Outdoor Things: Fun Activities & Adventures

Cape May, that little gem at New Jersey’s southern tip, it’s almost more than just beaches and cute Victorian houses, yet you’ll discover a real outdoor playground waiting to be explored. Maybe you like the feeling of soft sand between your toes, spotting incredible birds, or maybe gliding through the water in a kayak – Cape May’s got something for everyone. Come with us, and we’ll uncover the top five outdoor activities that’ll make your trip a blast! So get ready for sunshine, fresh air, and some seriously fun times!

Hit the Beach in Cape May

When folks picture Cape May, that image of the beach very likely pops right up! With miles of coastline, this place isn’t exactly short on amazing spots to stretch out and catch some rays. Now, each beach actually has its own unique vibe, meaning you could easily spend a week checking them all out. As a matter of fact, let’s begin at the very beginning.

First off, there’s the main Cape May Beach, and it’s super family-friendly with calm waters and lifeguards all over during the summer, in that case it could be a good place to set up camp with the kids. Very likely you’ll notice people strolling along the promenade, snacking on some goodies, and generally soaking up the sunshine, which is so classic Cape May, too it’s very pleasant. Read our full review: Cape May Beaches Full Review and Details

Now, if you head towards the southern end, that beach gradually turns into the quieter Cove Beach, or you could say, a more peaceful spot for relaxing, you know? And get this, with its location at the Delaware Bay, the currents aren’t usually strong, actually making it awesome for little ones to splash around in safely, like your own private swimming pool! Plus, it has a crazy gorgeous view of the Cape May Lighthouse. What’s not to love, you know?

Very well, looking for a bit more action? Why not visit Higbee Beach? It is well-known as a haven for birdwatchers, we will get into that a bit later in our writing! So, too it’s popular with nature lovers due to its quieter atmosphere and natural dunes. When you want to escape the crowds and get a dose of nature, this is the place. Basically, it’s great!

Cape May Birding Hotspots

Did you have any idea that Cape May is one of *the* premier birdwatching spots on the whole East Coast, that it’s practically world famous, even? Seems, you see, during the spring and fall migrations, bazillions of birds pass through, turning the area into a real twitcher’s paradise! As I was saying, it has different habitats which is the perfect spot for a wide array of bird life. From coastal birds along the shores to forest dwellers in the wooded areas, it’s all happening here.

You know, one of the must-visit destinations for bird lovers is probably the Cape May Bird Observatory. You know, they offer guided tours and workshops. That, I’d imagine, would make it easier to get the best out of your birding experience, which would be great! And also, as a matter of fact they do offer resources that allow one to identify any different species. Check it out! Very well, you’ve gotta make sure not to forget your binoculars!

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area? Well, we brought it up before but did you realise that during fall migration this spot is particularly noteworthy, in reality attracting many folks hoping to spot migratory songbirds, too? So, there are walking trails around the edge of the fields, so people get great views and opportunities for viewing and photographing birds, that’s obvious, right? Read our full review: Cape May Birding Full Review and Details

Anyway, then there’s also the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, not in Cape May but not too far of a drive away and it’s certainly worth a trip. A lot of people like going to the refuge where it has diverse habitats, which give homes to all kinds of waterbirds, so it’s another great birding location near Cape May. Actually, it’s also cool just to hike and take photos. And stuff!

Kayaking Adventures

Want a really spectacular, wonderful way to see Cape May from a fresh point of view? Then kayaking is for sure the activity that one is looking for! So get your rear into one of the kayaks to experience the calm waters of the bay and coastlines while you also see and hear some different nature.

Ok, you do have a good deal of launch points, and folks offering guided tours, I believe. Now, depending on if you’re looking for a workout or you want to observe some local wildlife, I guess, there’s basically a kayaking tour just perfect for you.

You should go visit the Cape May Harbor, with its peaceful waters, which are awesome for beginners. Also, as a matter of fact there are lots of chances for you to spot marine life. What’s more, very skilled guides can get you up close to all the unique things nature can supply us. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kayaking Adventures)

Alternatively, try exploring the saltwater marshes around Cape May, I’d expect they’re an amazing place for nature lovers, really offering beautiful scenic views and glimpses of different local plants and animals. Anyway, look to observe various types of bird life or even to snap some photos.

Explore on Two Wheels: Biking in Cape May

One more neat way to explore Cape May at your own speed actually? Is getting on a bicycle, I think. What’s more, with all kinds of biking trails and routes, Cape May gives opportunities for relaxed and fun explorations.

As a matter of fact, think about a leisurely ride along the Cape May Promenade, allowing magnificent views of the shoreline. Ok, it is fairly level and gives you simple cruising, if I’m honest, also it’s ideal to ride with your whole family. Of course there are also plenty of spots to stop to admire that great scenery, I reckon.

Anyway, should you wish to explore away from the shore, attempt going to Sunset Boulevard. Then again you’ll pass beautiful areas where you possibly can spot all types of birds and animals and perhaps grab photos, so yeah! Plus the Lighthouse is just great. Read our full review: Cape May Biking Full Review and Details

Should you be seeking something a tad challenging and exciting, that biking trails around Cape May Point State Park might really fit what you are after. Still, not only will one have great views of the ocean from up high. But as well one is able to see the lighthouse, and the attractive beach homes surrounding that lighthouse.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is among the popular ocean excursions provided out of Cape May! In the season when whales are moving through Cape May waters one may experience different species of whales in their natural habitat.

Very likely many operators, they provide trips especially made for watching whales, giving trained professionals to lead the group and helping be sure the group can spot them. That might even feature assurances which you will get a price reduction or go for free to attempt to get on another whale watch when you find absolutely nothing during your first ride. So whale watching season in Cape May, like your trip itself runs from spring up to fall.

So you want to know about these different kinds of species, here’s what you can experience: Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales! All different and each whale type one magnificent display while seeing these in their natural environment. Actually something not to forget in life. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Watching trips)

So these ocean trips, as I was saying, commonly even offer sights into other wildlife located at sea, such as dolphins and sea birds, that may boost the trip enjoyment. Just consider that depending of conditions and what day you are traveling expect your travel time out from the ocean trip usually runs three hours.

Read our full review: Cape May Whale Watching Review and Details