Fall in Cape May, NJ isn’t just about cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes (though we love those too). It’s also when the skies come alive with fluttering flashes of orange and black—the monarchs are passing through. Every year, these delicate butterflies make an epic journey from Canada to Mexico, and Cape May just happens to be one of their favorite layover spots. Here’s your guide to experiencing the monarch butterflies in Cape May, NJ.
Why Do Monarchs Love Cape May?
Cape May sits perfectly along the monarchs’ migration path, acting like a natural funnel at the southern tip of New Jersey. The peninsula’s unique geography draws thousands of these butterflies, providing them a much-needed break before they continue their journey across the Delaware Bay. It’s like a butterfly paradise, where you can see them fluttering around, soaking up the sun, and resting on wildflowers.
What do Monarchs eat in Cape May?
In Cape May, monarch butterflies feast on a vibrant buffet of nectar-rich wildflowers that bloom throughout the fall. Their favorite sources of fuel include goldenrod, seaside golden asters, and native milkweed—the essential host plant for monarch caterpillars. These flowering plants provide the energy monarchs need to continue their epic journey south.
When to Catch the Action
The monarch migration peaks from late September to mid-October, but you can spot them from early September through early November. This is the best time to visit Cape May if you want to see the butterflies in all their glory, as they dance through the air or perch delicately on flowers.
Best Places to See Monarchs
For the best monarch-watching, head to Cape May Point State Park, the South Cape May Meadows, or the Garrett Family Preserve. Each spot offers a unique experience, from open fields filled with goldenrod to scenic trails winding through lush habitats. Don’t miss the Cape May Bird Observatory, where you can catch monarch tagging demonstrations and learn about their epic journey.
Get Hands-On with Monarch Tagging
Want to get even closer? Check out the monarch tagging at the Cape May Bird Observatory. You’ll get to see these butterflies up close as they’re gently tagged and released, contributing to research that helps scientists track their migration. Plus, the observatory offers guided walks and talks that dive into the fascinating life of monarchs, their struggles, and what we can do to help.
A Stay at Southern Mansion
Our historic mansion, built circa 1860, is set on one-and-a-half acres of award-winning landscapes in Cape May’s historic district. Our 40,000-sq.ft. Italianate villa-style mansion stands out as an antique home, fitting in perfectly with the other colorful houses of Cape May!
Stay with us and book a cozy room and enjoy decadent furnishings, plush linens, towels, and antique finishings that set the Southern Mansion apart from any other bed and breakfast in the area. Book your stay with us today.
