When visiting Cape May Point State Park, there are plenty of things to do, no matter your interests. From the iconic lighthouse to bird watching, here are our favorite things to do when visiting Cape May Point State Park.
About Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park spans 244 acres featuring wetlands, freshwater meadows, forests, ponds, dunes, and beaches. Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to bird watching and fishing at the park. Perhaps its most recognizable feature is the Cape May Lighthouse, which stands as a beacon of Cape May’s maritime history.
Bird watching
Cape May Point State Park is one of the most popular sites for bird watching in the U.S. The park is known as a major migratory route for several species of wildlife because the Cape May Peninsula is the first major peninsula for birds heading south on the East Coast.
Beyond the birds you can spot, at the end of summer, dragonflies and monarch butterflies also make an appearance. In the fall, witness the migration of hawks, eagles, and falcons as they make their way south along the Cape May Peninsula.
Cape May Lighthouse
Still in operation today, the Cape May Lighthouse stands 157 feet tall and is an iconic structure in the town of Cape May. While not the original lighthouse that was built in 1847, it is comprised of the original bricks from the first one built. Visitors are encouraged to take the climb up 199 steps for incredible panoramic views of the Cape May peninsula.
WW II Bunker
Once a military base, Cape May Point State Park features an old WW II bunker that was built as part of the Harbor Defense Project in 1942. The bunker, now highly exposed with the gun turrets visible during low tide, was once surrounded by the ground, almost unrecognizable from a distance. But time has eroded away the shoreline to reveal this piece of history for all to see.
Hiking and biking
There are several somewhat short and moderate trails within the park, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The three main trails are:
- Duck Pond Trail – 0.5-mile boardwalk path to the Lighthouse Pond West and East. This path is perfect for bird watching and enjoying Mother Nature around you.
- Monarch Trail – 1.2-mile loop through the center of the park. Connecting to the Duck Pond trail, this walk leads you through multiple habitats and to the highlight of Al Pond. Here there is a large viewing platform to watch for waterfowl.
- Plover Trail – 1.5-mile loop around ponds and beach dunes. The trail begins at Duck Pond and splits at Al’s Pond.
Stay at Southern Mansion
Located just three miles from Cape May Point State Park, the Southern Mansion is the perfect place to enjoy the best of Cape May. The Southern Mansion is a great jumping off point for all your vacation adventures. Enjoy the charm of our Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens, opulent rooms and suites, plus a fanciful parlor to greet you upon arrival. It’s the perfect complement to any Cape May vacation!
