If you don't want to pay for beach access, go to the Cape May Point State Park! Not only is it the furthest tip of Cape May but there's a lighthouse, a WWII bunker, trails, beach access, and a visitors center. Explore, relax, or walk along the beach. read more

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Have been stopping in here since before the public could go inside the lighthouse ;) Amenities have improved over the years - there is plenty to do - birdwatching, hiking, beach walking, photography, ..and of course, lighthouse climbing! There are restroom facilities, a small museum/visitor center, and a tiny gift shop on the lighthouse grounds as well. I usually visit in conjunction with Sunset Beach nearby. I recommend planning on an hour or much more if you want to really explore the beach, trails, etc. Highly recommended! read more

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Went for a beach hike w/ mom & my girlfriend. They have a bunker there on the beach you can look at & the beach is quite long so you can do either long or short hikes. There's a museum, classroom for younger ones, lighthouse to climb for admission, bird observation deck & all the other wildlife to see. We were surprised to see a big group of swans with families. Wonderful time and easy to plan a day around this. read more

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I loved my visit to CMPSP! The parking and bathroom situations are great. You won't have to struggle to find a parking spot, and the bathrooms are "real" and clean. I climbed to the top of the lighthouse and spoke with the man up there (an economics graduate from Temple U - shoutout!!). The views were beautiful and it really wasn't a long trip up the steps. There's a beach, so many different lookout points, lots of trails... there's something for everyone here! I would absolutely return in the future. read more

This one of a number of scenic points in Cape May . Wandered around, went into the visitors center and continued on. There is no charge.

This is probably the best area in Cape May if you are not a beach person (like myself). I am more of a wilderness/hiking kind of guy and this is the best place I could find. The hike itself is VERY easy. Literally 80% of it is a boarded pathway and 100% of it is flat. There is a portion that runs parallel to a beach but it is separated by a vegetated dune so there isn't much sand. Most of the park has tall trees so the hike is almost all shaded well. It is close to the lighthouse and there is plenty of parking. Definitely great for ALL ages to come and explore, it is impossible to get lost. read more

More than just the lighthouse, there is a lot going on here at the park. The beach, the birding and the bunkers. The beach extends quite some distance from the dunes to the waterside. Firm sand and little trash or stones, it was pleasant to walk while carrying my shoes. A nice onshore breeze kept it cool despite the 85 degree weather. And yes, I had sprayed myself with sun protection and I was wearing a hat. Bunkers here date back to World War I but those were destroyed (it was the War to End All Wars, after all) but new and improved ones were built for World War II. And since they're still here 60 years later, maybe someone is expecting another? You can't go inside but you can photograph and some people have tagged them. Walking trails wind through the park including one that is wheelchair accessible. There are also public toilets near the parking lot. [Review 18220 overall - 97 in New Jersey - 1742 of 2022.] read more

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I really enjoyed this park and look forward to returning. The fall migration hawk watch was very interesting, there's a lighthouse, a beach, trails, and nature centers. Something for everyone! read more

Whoa! The waves here can definitely get strong and the wet sand tend to suction your feet quick! Not ideal for swimming just to be safe but for lazying around? yes! Bring your blankets and coolers on a nice afternoon and the shore can be one of the most relaxing places to be. This is my second time here so far and everytime we visit the beach was never crowded. Lucky! The view is amazing as well and the breeze so fresh its revitalizing! I havent explored the park much or even visited the lighthouse (can we go in for a climb? Hmm not sure) but the beach and sand on my feet was enough to have me appreciate this lovely place! read more

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Cape May Point State Park is free to the public. Parking is plentiful and no swimming is allowed here. They offer free or low cost nature programs for children. There's a visitor center and museum that close at 5. WiFi is also free. The beach offers soft sand and billowing waves. A gorgeous place for beach lovers. read more

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What a great place to visit to get to the beach and stroll around some wildlife habitat, and it's all in the shadow of the iconic Cape May lighthouse! From the parking lot, you can walk to an elevated bird watching platform that can accommodate upwards of 2 dozen folds comfortably. I saw some swans, probably mute swans, but ran off too impatiently to await others. There were many serious birders throughout the park, as denoted by their binoculars and significant stretches of silently standing still with neck and head craned back to search the deaths of trees before them for some birds. The beach here is free to access but not for swimming. It's nice to get to a beach where you're not carefully stepping around and over people every moment. Beyond the beach, birding platform and lighthouse, there are a few trails that are color coded red, blue and yellow. They are on foot bridges, constructed elevated boardwalk like structures and some of what the earth is made of like sand and pebbles. They're very picturesque but not very long. Each one has at least one side path that just reaches a bird viewing platform in the water. There is a connection to other trails in the western section. However, if you're like me, you'll probably skip it because it is likely best traversed with long socks and pants. Probably nice to have water with you! Sunscreen can't hurt either! Right time of year for monarch butterflies - late summer/ early fall! read more

Lovely area to spend the day. Cape May Point state park offers a variety of fun outdoor activities at no charge. Upon entering the park, it is easy to locate the parking lot. Ample parking is available beside the large, clean public bathrooms. Across the way from the parking lot is a shelter with tables that can be reserved for events. Stop by the park to climb the lighthouse, walk the trails, watch the birds, picnic, tan at the beach, or fish. Note that there is a charge to climb the lighthouse. read more

Cape May Point State Park - Lighthouse - Parks Near Me

Do you like nature walks? Beautiful serene lakes? Majestic swans and other birds? Maybe seeing an own or a snake? Don't miss Cape May Point park. It is best combined with lighthouse and the beach, but park itself has 3 nice walking trails (take the long one - it's peaceful and relaxing and can be done in 1 hr). There are often ranger tours which are great - educational (they talk about preservation, different plants, challenges w weeds and non-native plants, etc) and cool because they can spot animals and birds. Views of the lighthouse are awesome. And there is a nice beach (non-swimming) just across the parking lot. I consider this a must in Cape May. read more

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Here in the off-season, October 2023...grounds look fine, fair number of people even now...gonna be packed in-season. The low rating is horrible toilets...stank horribly, and not just from a person, something else is causing it, and air hand dryer is broke + no paper towels so hope you like wiping wet hands on your pants. read more

The absolute best beach in Cape May! Since the beach is a state park, beach tags aren't required. There also aren't lifeguards. Park rangers periodically drive around to discourage swimming but you can put your feet in. A few yards down the beach are lifeguards but tags are required. Fishing is allowed. There's a large parking lot. Bathrooms (not Port a potties) and water stations to wash the sand off are located in the parking lot.The Cape May Light house is also located here. A Visitors Center has displays and information about the wildlife and plants native to the area. Picnic tables with BBQ grills are located next to the parking lot. There aren't trash cans so visitors need to take out what they bring in. You can sit on a large pavilion overlooking the beach. It's a great alternative for people who can't walk on the sand. A wooden walkway leads from the lot to the beach. From there it's a bit of a walk to the water. The beach here is quiet and mellow. The perfect place to relax! read more

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One of my favorite parts of Cape May is my trips to this park to see the lighthouse. Love all the history. I always feel this is the gathering spot for so many travelers. Situated by the beach. You can take a visit at the lighthouse, stroll by the beach, have a bite to eat at the food truck or travel across the parking lot and engage in some bird watching. This location should definitely be a must visit when you are in the area. read more

Cape May Point State Park - Bird watching from the observation deck. Daddy and Zoe Girl - Parks Near Me

An absolute treat for all and I would add especially for families with young ones. While there is no swimming allowed, there is lots of sand for the kids to run around in. Great views of the ocean of course and you'll see some of the sight seeing boys pass by. If you are lucky, you'll see some dolphins splashing around. While our entrance was free, I'm not quite sure about the lighthouse. You will however get spectacular views of it from the beach. There are also hiking trails that are suitable for all. It's a short drive from town and there is plenty of parking. The one downside might be that it's a longer walk to the water from the parking lot. read more

It was too windy but pretty. I saw many birds, professional photographers, and a wedding photo shooting. So relaxing to walk on the sandy beach. Price: Free. Info nation center: They have cocoons! And a sweet staff. Parking: Free but be careful of zillions birds poops! read more

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This state park is never as busy as I expect! The Cape May Lighthouse is here, and you can pay to walk up to the top. There is a tiny museum and pretty nice public bathrooms. The parking lot is big, and free to park in. The trails off of the parking lot are easy and flat- it is beautiful, though. Lots of wildlife and birds, as well. There are longer trails up the road, and all are great for bird watching. There is also access to a beach (no swimming) with an old fortress. A great place to visit during the off-season as well as the summer! read more

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So this park encapsulates all the chi that nature in Southern NJ has to offer: trails, wildlife, flora, fauna and yes -- sand, surf and even a lighthouse. If you are junked out on glitzy stuff like jersey shore boardwalk amusements, fried food and intoxicants -- don't bother -- or better still -- take a break -- here. Cape May Point is the peninsular middle finger that NJ gives the rest of the world -- so come here and get some of that attitude. Worth a long walk and a long look. read more

Great park; free parking (lots of it); no entry fee; free museum (small, but packed with info and some live animals--snakes, turtles, frogs, hermit crabs). The lighthouse is right there, but costs money to climb. The lighthouse and visitor center have small gift shops. There is no food to speak of on-site, but sometimes there are food trucks in the parking lot. Picnic pavilions are available. There is tons to see outdoors; birding, lovely walking trails, an old WWII bunker, and beach access (no swimming and sometimes restricted for bird nesting). Cape May Point is a big stopover spot for migrating birds and there is lots to see all year long--plus great views of the lighthouse from nearly anywhere in the park. We visit here every time we come to the point and it's one of my favorite spots. read more

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Hiked through Cape May Point State Park on Sunday morning. Worth a visit for a day at the beach or to see the lighthouse, but the flat and boring hikes are not worth the energy. Quality: Decided to take a long walk from downtown Cape May to the Cape May Lighthouse, and wound up using the trails in Cape May Point State Park. I also wandered through the adjacent bird sanctuary South Cape May Meadows. Although there was signage of different birds and wildlife, I didn't see any except the occasional dead rabbit and swarms of bugs. The trails are very simple and just wind in the direction of the lighthouse with an occasional bridge over the ponds. The highlights of the park are the beautiful lighthouse and the underrated beach. Unlike other areas of Cape May, this beach is free to visit and even during the summer remains empty. Quantity: The park is 244 acres, including beach, trails, and the iconic lighthouse. Value: Free to visit the park, though there is a fee if you want to climb the lighthouse. Ambiance: Cape May Point State Park is located at the very bottom tip of New Jersey. While the greener areas of the coastal wetlands are not exciting, the beach is gorgeous. It is also a unique experience to lie in the sand near a WWII bunker. But the main reason to visit is to get a close look at the Cape May Lighthouse. It is an iconic sight and it is fun seeing it from different angles throughout the park. Crowd: A very small morning crowd. Just a few folks near the lighthouse and the beautiful beach was empty. Service: The park was in need of a little more maintenance. I found sporadic garbage and unkempt trails, which for such a small park with few visitors seemed unnecessary. Parking: Large parking lot at the western end of the park. read more

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This tiny state park is good for bird watchers and lighthouse climbers. Cape May Point park is open every day and birdwatching is free! The lighthouse is open 11 AM to 3 PM and a trip to the top is $8. Also a very small museum on the grounds. Large free parking lot, beach access but no swimming allowed. The views from the top of the lighthouse are spectacular! But if you're looking for a place to keep the kids occupied for a couple of hours, this isn't it lol. That lighthouse entrance fee is pretty stiff for a quick visit. read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful. It was very peaceful near the ocean and an awesome view of the lighthouse. There is a visitors center and a small museum. There is also a bird observatory and several paths in the back. There are all kinds of ways to enjoy nature here. I would recommend a visir whenever you are in Cape May. read more

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Of course, the main draw here is the Lighthouse, which is pretty amazing. However, if you are tired of just walking on the beach and want a change of pace, take a walk on the nature trails in the park. There is a .5 mile red trail that is all boardwalk and handicapped accessible. There is a blue trail that is 2 miles long and a yellow trail that is 1.5 miles. All 3 of them loop and share common sections. The trails are not really well blazed, but you can't really get lost. There are several observation decks and opportunities to see wildlife - mainly birds. Not quite as desolate as the Nature Center, but still not a crowded trail - even in July. There is also an opportunity to walk on the beach and see a military bunker that was built when the shoreline was a little different. A nice addition to a Cape May trip - plenty of parking read more

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This park provides a fantastic way to spend a day if you are in Cape May but you're not a beach bum. Hey, it happens. Not everyone enjoys the icy cold, brown-water coziness of the Jersey Shore. Your best bet is to take advantage of the easily accessible parking at Cape May Light, and that's one turn off Sunset, which is one of the main roads in Cape May. You want to walk south along the beach away from the Light, and you will see a bunch of access points from the beach to peak into the marshes. These areas are loaded with wildlife, and much of it is a bird sanctuary. You can spend hours in the walkways photographing birds, butterflies, etc. Of all the surprises I found during a recent trip to Cape May, this was among the top. With Cape May, you always hear about the historic buildings and the old hotels and the famous Exit 0. Hopefully we can use Yelp to bolster all of the little nuances Cape May offers to give people even more for their time! read more

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Cape May Point state park is a tranquil getaway from the crowd of the Jersey Shore. I am glad I checked off Cape May from my Jersey bucket list. I did not clime the lighthouse but I was blown away by the beach trail. The beach trail reminded me of the Outer Banks with the loblolly pines, bayberry and American hollies. If I'm in the area again I will be sure to come back to the park! read more

Beautiful park. My friends and I went on a sunny Saturday morning. We were lucky enough to catch a couple of pods of dolphins playing in the water. Be mindful there's no swimming allowed, but plenty of space for walking or lounging in the sun. read more

Lovely state park where the Cape May Lighthouse 'resides'. It's a large park that borders the beach, with a large parking lot, three pavilions and a huge field in the middle. On the entrance side of the park is the Cape May Lighthouse which you can climb to the top for some spectacular views. Also on that side are the restrooms and a museum with history about the site and lighthouse as well as information about some of the animal life that can be found there. On the ocean side of the park is a large pavilion where you can sit under a roof and just take in the sea air while looking at the beach. There are two entrances to the beach from this side as well. On the beach itself is a WWII bunker and there are signs on one of the entrances describing its history. On the far side of the park (from the entrance) is a bird observation platform which overlooks marshland and the birds that inhabit the protected area. Cape May is a huge migratory stop for many birds at different times of the year. Birders in particular will find this fascinating. There are also hiking paths from this side of the park, and into the protected birding area. And, there's a smaller pavilion for enjoying a picnic. Lastly, on the side to the left of the entrance is yet another pavilion and marshland. Every time we've gone here, there's been a busload (or more) of kids from PA and other areas visiting the park. They're exuberant and enjoying themselves. How nice it would have been if I could have had the same experience when I was a kid! *lol* I see they're also bringing in a food truck (in the parking lot) for lunches and snacks which is good as there is nowhere else nearby to get these things. It's a lovely park with different things to look at and do. Well worth a visit. read more

Cape May State Park has something for everyone, as long as everyone is interested in nature, birds, beaches, or lighthouses. The park centers around the lighthouse, which is essentially the prototype for exactly what a lighthouse should look like. There is also access to the beach here and an old bunker on the shore. Further in is the trail which winds around several ponds and marshes where lots of birds can be found. There is even a platform for birdwatching and boy does it get popular. The trails are nice as well as they are boardwalk which make for easy stroller access. The park is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cape May and the shore. read more

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Easy to drive to, with a short walk to fabulous bird watching with lots of big beautiful swans. Trails go from there, but in the rain we didn't venture far. It was still worth the stop, beautiful and peaceful, especially watching the swans. And, of course, the Cape May Lighthouse. read more

Very nice area to picnic. There are a few different pavilions with picnic tables. There are public restrooms (not port o potties) which is always a plus! The Cape May Lighthouse is here, too, which offers fabulous views of the ocean and of the point. They have a carry in, carry out policy which essentially means there are no trash cans so make sure to bring trash bags if you plan on picnicking. read more

The museum located near the parking lot is one step up from a combo of science fair exhibits and Petsmart. Sort of low rent, but given how little funding public works gets in New Jersey, it's to be expected. The view from the lighthouse is pretty darn awesome. It's worth it for that. The trails are pretty cool, too. The red trail is especially for people who need a flat path - it's like walking on the boardwalk. It's a pretty decent sidetrip if you're visiting Cape May for the week. read more

Cape May Point State Park - Base upward. - Parks Near Me

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Lots of parking and a clean beach. What they don't tell you on the website, though, is that if you're handicapped, they will give you a lift over the sand to the water. We didn't know and struggled just to get to the beach itself. We had a good time, but it would have been way better if the park better explained the services it offered to the handicapped on its website. read more

Great place for bird watching. If your into light houses cape may has one of the best looking lighthouse on the east coast such a romantic place to bring a love one. read more

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Beautiful walking trails. Not much shade though. Check out the birds and butterflies.

Between the lighthouse and the nature walk, it makes a great day trip. And this was no two-bit nature walk! We saw red-winged blackbirds, oystercatchers, cardinals, a giant hawk that kept staring at us, (harmless) snakes, toads, bunnies, swans, and a hundred million varieties of flora. Bring a camera. In fact, bring several cameras. read more

Stop in to see the lighthouse ($8 to climb 199 steps) and then stick around to see the beach and trails of this beautiful state park. Free parking, and a food truck onsite for nibbles. No matter what time of year, this place is scenic and serene. It is always worth the trip! read more

This is a wonderful park, with three easy to navigate and well-marked trails that allow even the novice to spot some of the area birdlife. The walk along the beach was lovely (and I was able to see dolphins from shore!) and the lighthouse is a highlight as well. Parking is free and easily available or you can ride your bicycle from town. read more