Nestled On The Jersey Shore Is A Scenic Nature Preserve With Ocean Views, Trails, And Wildlife Watching

Most travelers heading to the Jersey Shore descend on the beach towns and boardwalks of this 130-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline. However, those seeking underrated spots can experience a distinctly different side of this sun-dappled oceanfront at South Cape May Meadows Preserve, a seaside oasis where crashing waves and birdsong fill the air more than the hubbub of people. 

This scenic stretch of marshy wetlands spans 200 acres, right next to the bustling Cape May, yet it stays off the traveler's radar. This is good news for anyone who wants to leave the crowds behind for a peaceful walk, calm ocean views, and a chance to photograph rare fauna. One visitor wrote that the preserve "feels like a hidden gem right by the coast," while another shares that it's "a nice break in [the] midst of a very commercialized area."

Though the refuge feels untouched today, its coastal wetlands and lush meadows were once part of a town — named South Cape May — which was largely swallowed by the ocean during the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944.  What remained was left as is until The Nature Conservancy saw the potential to turn this area into a migratory bird refuge. The non-profit (which manages the preserve to this day) built weirs (low-lying dams), nesting spaces, and sand dunes to create a safe ecosystem for plenty of wildlife. You can spot them on over 2 miles of trails threading through this haven.

The South Cape May Meadows Preserve is conveniently located a few miles off the Garden State Parkway and is completely free to visit, leaving you with no reason to sleep on it. As of the date of publication, you can visit from sunup to sundown. Dogs aren't allowed at this fragile protected area, so you would have to enjoy these sweeping views without your four-legged friend.

An array of wildlife populates the diverse ecosystems of South Cape May Meadows Preserve, and depending on when you visit, you can spot a completely different set of critters out and about. Warmer months often mean visitors have to dodge frogs, toads, and baby turtles crossing trails, while dolphin-sighting possibilities increase near the oceanside. As you walk near the beach in May and June, spawning horseshoe crabs — which arrive in large numbers from depths of the ocean to the Atlantic Coast — also scuttle along the shoreline. Year-round, you may see adorable river otters and fish swimming in the freshwater wetlands, while white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, and raccoons move through dry land.

South Cape May Meadows Preserve also sits along the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south migratory corridor for a wide range of birds. This brings many migratory winged critters who use the refuge as a rest stop from their long journeys, while there are permanent avian residents as well. In fact, per ebird.org, a whopping 357 bird species have been spotted here — a number that rivals some of the best birdwatching destinations in the U.S. You can even download a checklist to track how many avian friends you spot, which can include sora, lesser yellowlegs, and sandpipers, alongside multiple species of songbirds and raptors.

The best time to go birding is in the morning, and since the trail system is for walkers and runners only, you can enjoy native wildlife without staying alert for bikers' bells. The paths are also well interconnected and start near the welcome shed, where an interactive kiosk has a trail map and information about the area's history and wildlife. A rain garden with a bench, a purple martin house, and restrooms are also nearby.

The East Trail and the Main Trail are the most popular to traverse, and AllTrails has a mile-long loop that combines both. They take you to an observation platform and bird blind for a closer look at these wildlife-filled landscapes. A portion of it also runs along the beachside, where far-reaching vistas include the wide Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque Cape May Lighthouse. You can even walk to the beach — accessible from March to August — but just keep walking, as these sandy bottoms are for coastal birds to nest and rest, and you don't want to disturb them. Instead, check out these 10 underrated Jersey Shore beaches with fewer crowds and scenic ocean views for some quality time on these powdery white sands.

The Boardwalk Trail is another favorite, with the trailhead a few steps into the Main Trail. Surrounded by verdant marshlands, the meandering 0.6-mile path is ideal for wheelchair users and strollers. And depending on the season, you may hear the sweet chirps of prairie warblers or see American wigeons and tundra swans swooping by. A connector trail near the boardwalk leads you into the neighboring Cape May Point State Park, on the 1.8-mile Cape May Point Trail. You can enjoy more coastal wetlands and sand dune views here, with critters roaming around. If you want to explore more of the Jersey Shore, Stone Harbor, with fun activities, small-town charm, and restaurants, is about half an hour from this spot.