Top Things to do in Jersey Shore
Things to do in Jersey Shore, Jersey Shore: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Atlantic coast of New Jersey, with its beaches and boardwalks, stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south. Fresh ocean breezes fan 127 miles of sandy beaches. Drive between cities or catch a NJ Transit bus or Atlantic City jitney bus. Atlantic City packs people in to nightlife venues and casinos. Wildwood's boardwalk is well-trod. Asbury Park is once again popular, particularly with gays and lesbians. Cape May's restaurants and Victorian inns lure tourists to the historic town.
Restaurants in Jersey Shore
1. Cape May Bird Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Founded in 1975 by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Observatory takes visitors on birdwatching trips to view more than 400 species of birds during fall migration.
Reviewed By globetraveler4ever
Always love coming to Cape May for the birds! The nature center has great habitat with short walking paths to view birds in natural habitat. Got some great photos of a Black-throated Blue Warbler! The migrating birds always come to Cape May to feed and rest on their way south (or north in spring) so you are sure to see great birds. It is one of the best places around - and I flew here (pun intended) from Texas this year!
2. South Cape May Meadows
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Considered one of the most important stopovers for migratory birds, this undeveloped oceanfront land contains a bird refuge and freshwater wetlands.
Reviewed By bbbob84 - Staten Island, United States
The rain had ended it was just comfortable enough for a late afternoon hike through South Cape May Meadows. No real elevations so an easy hike. Beautiful swans, rabbits, flowers and water. You can step out to the beach for nice views of the Cape May Coast or take in the WWII bunker. Great photo ops for the Cape May Lighthouse too.
3. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
More than 43,000 acres of protected and managed coastal habitats for migratory birds.
Reviewed By cristiv2020
Spent several hours in this amazing refuge. We were nicely helped by the volunteers selling the passes. We purchased a few gift items. We opted for the drive for bird watching and were not disappointed. We spent several hours as every few feet we were greeted by another species, or huge flock of snow geese. We watched fearless gulls fish for clams and then fly up and drop them to the ground in front of our car the entire drive. Herons, many species of ducks, a family of eagles a falcon and 2 Northern Harrier sightings. Simply amazing. Will def. be back in the spring with a better pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens. Also, will hike the trails. Thrilled to have this in NJ. Hope they can reopen the entire facility soon.
4. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains more than 11000 acres of precious wildlife habitat in New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula.
Reviewed By N6333PUclairel
this is a most amazing spot. In addition to the ocean and lovely town of Cape May, within a few miles you have access to an amazing variety of ecosystems and therefore every bird you could ever imagine seeing. Also, if you come at the right time, as we did, you get the added amazing treat of seeing horseshoe crabs. Also, the cape may professional birders are very generous with their time and secrets. Don't miss out on this
5. Hartshorne Woods Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Anon8815 - Trenton, United States
Trail maps available. Bathrooms (depending on what lot, very nice ones) available. Lots of dogs so it is imperative that you keep your dog on a leash. We saw both a deer and a garter snake so watch your step so you don't accidentally smush any slithering creatures.
6. Garrett Family Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By azbirder41 - Paradise Valley, United States
Just a calm, peaceful place to walk or hike and to watch birds, which is why we went there, Trails are easy and flat.
7. Cloverdale Farm County Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 1948DRACULA
A great place to commune with nature A historic cranberry farm with hiking trails. A great birding spot.many different habitats. A quite place for contemplation.
8. Nature Center of Cape May
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Located on the Harbor in Cape May City, this learning center and exhibit aquaria is dedicated to providing environmental education for people of all ages.
Reviewed By diane184 - Cape May Court House, United States
The view from the top deck is amazing. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and interesting wildlife viewing and great programs for kids and adults.
9. Gateway National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
Site of the oldest lighthouse in America.
Reviewed By richardpE7533VU - Easton, United States
This area, in my opinion, has some of the best beaches in America. Lots of history here too. Great place for bike riding along the miles of bike trails. It's a little more crowded this summer because the New York City beaches are closed so those who usually would stay closer to home are coming to Sandy Hook and other New Jersey beaches. I could tell you the least crowded beach on Sandy Hook, but if I did, it would just get crowded. I'm keeping this beach a secret.
10. The Wetlands Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Nature center featuring an aquarium and other exhibits on local marine life and animals of the salt marsh. Open year round, The Wetlands Institute hosts interactive educational programs for all ages. Learn about the creatures that call the marsh and the coast their home with unparalleled access to the marsh and coastal ecosystems. Observe and get up close and personal with coastal animals and plants from an elevated marsh walkway and dock; by kayak, paddleboard or boat; from an observation tower; or from a lecture hall with panoramic marsh views. Take a naturalist-led walk down a salt marsh trail, the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, or on the dunes of Avalon. Attend special events featuring hands-on, feet-wet activities and get a glimpse of the work done by our research, conservation and education departments. Other offerings include school field trips, scout programs, public outreach, Science Education at Sea, Homeschool programs, summer camps, event rentals, and more.
Reviewed By nancyl401 - Stone Harbor, United States
A wonderful destination for all age groups including young children! It offers an array of exhibits and activities for all! The setting is beautiful and adds to the educational experience, the views from the tower are stunning and the staff is well informed and anxious to please! Be sure to put this on your to-do list! When done at The Wetlands Institute, cross the bridge into Stone Harbor for a bite to eat...lots of options available!
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