I love National Parks…read more Not just because I'm patriotic with an environmentalist sensibility -- but because they are time warps of sorts -- a glimpse back at the way things once were and (hopefully) will be for our descendants -- long downstream. The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is a pleasant respite from the commercialism of Jersey Shore holidays -- its' boardwalk attractions, fast food and fast living. It is well marked and you can bring your binocs along to spot wildlife and unique plants and flora found nowhere else. Better still -- bike in and hop scotch around between dunes and other natural formations -- but avoid crossing into the restricted areas that are clearly marked by Area 51 type warning signs -- lest you want automatic weapon toting humans rousting you. We walked the trails in sand, alongside more poison ivy in one 2 square mile stretch than I have probably seen in my entire life. Bring bug spray, a fishing pole to cast off the jetty -- and maybe even long pants and an epipen if you are especially sensitive to insect stings and poisonous plants. Free bird watching walks are regularly available and -- thankfully -- it is a relatively unpopulated attraction so it is soulful in its solitude.

THIS IS THE TWO MILE LANDING WILDLIFE REFUGE LOCATED IN WILDWOOD CREST. There are 3 ways to get to…read morethis beautiful refuge: first is off Ocean Ave/pacific ave, second turn Down Madison to the end and it is on the right, or access from the beach -only Oct-March. Access from the beach is closed off by ropes and volunteers monitor those trying to walk the refuge from April thru September 31st. Protected area for migrating and nesting birds. There is a great trails to see the wildlife refuge. It runs parallel to the beach. Guided tours are available. We saw some great birds this summer landing on the beach! My first spotting of an American Oyster Cracker. I only wish I was able to get a picture, happened so fast. Don't forget your binoculars! The butterfly migration in October is really something to see, nature at its best. We have spotted white skunks, and have seen one coyote.

We discovered this park while doing the revolution rail cars leaving Cape May…read more Our guide said it is one of the most underutilized parks in the area, and he can't figure out why. Dogs are permitted here November through (I believe) May. This is a wonderful park/walk. The salt marsh is prominently focused, which is a great perspective! The trail is well maintained. Can't wait to see it in the spring!

The Garrett Family Preserve is a hidden gem, tucked away off the "main drag" heading towards…read moredowntown Cape May & the beaches. This preserve, one of several maintained by The Nature Conservancy, offers a variety of well maintained, level walking trails winding through marshes & meadows. This land is home to a variety of resident & migratory birds, butterflies, small mammals and insects. Trail markings are minimal, however it's really impossible to get lost. There is even a braille signed trail with sensory elements for those with visual impairments. The parking lot is mostly gravel, with concrete pads for handicapped spaces. There is a handicapped-accessible porta potty and some benches along paths to rest and enjoy the preserve. I highly recommend bug repellent and a good hat. Birders should bring binoculars as there is quite a bit to see, especially since this preserve is relatively undisturbed. It's one of my new favorite places for peaceful, low stress walking at the shore.

Unspoiled area to walk or bike in Villas,NJ. There is…read moreparking in the back where the trails start. Tons of bird life back here.

NORTH CAPE MAY: The David C. Douglass Sr. Memorial Rotary Park is located right next to the Cape…read moreMay Lewes Ferry and is a quiet beach front with peaceful views of the Cape May Canal and Delaware Bay. It was named after Lower Township Police Officer David C. Douglass, Sr. who was killed in the line of duty and the spot serves as a memorial to his legacy. Dogs are fully allowed on the beach from the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day. They can also go on the beach in-season from 4pm-11am (overnight). It is unclear if dogs have to be leashed, so use caution. Watch the ferry and find some relaxation here.

I almost don't want to tell you much about it .. but it was the perfect low key, not very populated…read morespace to be. The ocean had been too rough for our two small children. We spotted this area while out on a boat the nite prior. A small beach within a short distance from the parking lot, calm water, a jetty for my husband to fish off of, and lots of shells and treasure to be found. There were 2 port-a-potties at the time of our visit and a few picnic tables by the parking lot but no frills beyond that. No lifeguards on duty. We enjoyed watching many boats go by during our peaceful, private visit. Happy to have found our new 'secret spot'

Best beach in New Jersey! Been there more times than I can count. Don't waste your time looking…read morefor something better.

The best beach in America. Bar none. It's clean, free, and growing each year with sand depositing…read morethere.

I considered buying a house here, and it is more beautiful than photos can convey. But the flies…read morefrom the surrounding marsh lands can be overwhelming. IMO, the best time to visit is the off season, and close to sunset. There are houses built right on top of beach, on pilings over water! The homes must have amazing views. They also have small parcels of private beach at almost every home. But there is a larger public section of beach too. The public area is recently restored, and still not as big as Cooks Beach, Kimbles Beach, or Highs Beach, but the small lanes where the homes are gathered like a village amidst the marshes are really adorable.

Reeds Beach is a couple of spots along the Reeds Beach road. Like Pierces Point, it has homes…read moresitting over the beach in some spots, so it can be hard to tell where public property ends and private property begins, but the very end of the road is designated parking for visitors (and by designated I mean along the road, but in a clear public space). At this dead end, there is a small body of beach, some large boulders with hand painted graffiti welcome signs, and a small pine barren park "forest" area. No picnic tables or restrooms or anything. Sunsets here are killer, but you need to face the bay and the northern edge as the dead end of the road here is facing north. Views north are very cool, and there is deep water docking to the right of the road there but it's 17 acres of private property (currently for sale at $1M). I visited all of these Middle Township beaches in one day and this is definitely more busy than the others, especially for its size. It a really cool spot and worth a look if only for a short visit. Like all of the small Middle Township bay beaches, this feels very remote and private. As with its neighbor beaches, you need to drive out through a stretch of marsh to get to it. There are homes on solid ground at the mouth of the road (by 47), and also as you get out at the beach, but the stretch in between is marshland. Marsh makes for great wildlife but also many bugs, so prep for that in warm months.

Looks like a teenaged girl got drunk one night and spray painted sponge Bob flowers and half…read morewritten sayings. Other than that- I'd love to live there - but not much to see. If you are into fishing - that's where I would go. Allot of places to put your line out.

Gorgeous place to see the sunset!! Take photos, photos and…read moremore photos!! You can sit at this park for hours just admiring the view and peaceful waters. It's nice for a bike ride, walk or even paddling in the lake.

Incredible. Incredible. Incredible lakefront/bayfront park where everybody comes to take their…read morepictures of the sunset in the evenings or walk or run during the day. This park was recently redone and boy has it been a beautiful renovation. Many people just sit and stare out over beautiful sunset lake on the 40 or more benches from one end of the park to the other. Kids frolic. Seniors meet w friends. Surrounding and adorning the park are many memorials that you should take the time to view. Monuments to veterans and in a little tiny Grassy area on New Jersey Ave. you'll see a tiny memorial to a local resident who was lost on the 9/11 tragedy at WTC. Over the years this has become a photo op for people who are leaving Wildwood crest after their summer vacations. Memories are made here