The Cape May Wildlife Refuge is located in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. The Refuge offers free parking and is free to visit. The Refuge has several walking trails along with a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Throughout the year they host various educational activities on-site.
We decided to visit on a cloudy afternoon when the temperatures were cooler. Some of the trails offer a good amount of shade while others do not. You want to apply sunscreen and if you have bug spray…I suggest you use it. Comfortable walking shoes and bring along a bottle of water. We didn’t see any water fountains or places to purchase beverages while we were there.
On this particular visit we walked two different trails. First was the Marsh Trail which is a wooden boardwalk type of trail. This trail leads out to a wood observation blind that is covered. You can sit there in the shade observing the birds out over the marsh. There’s information boards that educate you about the birds that call that area home. It takes only 5 minutes to reach the observation blind, so it’s an easy and quick walk.
The second trail that we walked is the one located at 2 Mile Beach Unit right in front of the Cape May Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center. That trail leads directly to the beach where you can see the Atlantic Ocean. From May through October that beach is closed to the public to allow the birds to nest in peace…undisturbed. On the day we visited…we walked the trail until we reached the blocked off area. We then turned around and headed back.
You’ll want to head over to the Welcome Center where you can obtain a paper map, do a little souvenior shopping or ask for information on their wildlife and conservation programs. In the little gift shop you’ll find books, refrigerator magnets, t-shirts, hoodies, a few toys for the kids and other miscellaneous items. It’s a small gift shop with moderately priced items. I purchased a women’s t-shirt for my wife. All proceeds help to support the refuge.
This post contains a few photographs from our visit. A free and educational activity (that’s family-friendly) to do while visiting the south Jersey Shore.
