A plan for the best day in Cape May, New Jersey, starts with a hike at Cape May Point State Park followed by a stop at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille for its world-famous New England clam chowder. This quaint city, poised where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the oldest vacation resort destinations in the U.S. Unlimited activities are offered here from boating to bicycling, and it is one of the most popular sites for bird watching in the country — with its ponds, forests, meadows, and beaches making the best habitats. We hope you enjoy one of the best hikes, state parks, and clam chowder in New Jersey.
Cape May Point Trail is a 1.8-mile loop. Four van-accessible parking spaces are available in a paved lot off of Light House Avenue. The 4-foot-wide, partially-shaded trail is a wooden boardwalk.
Lauren Butler/AllTrails It is located at Cape May Point State Park. Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
The well-maintained hike is a good mix of dunes, forested areas, marshes, and wetlands, creating a perfect place to sit and enjoy nature.
Jeannie Donahue/AllTrails
And during certain times of the year, you will likely spot some of these. The area’s most common inhabitants include herons, ducks, gulls, red foxes, and rabbits. In addition, it is a critical feeding and resting area for thousands of monarch butterflies and migrating birds.
Jeannie Donahue/AllTrails
This fantastic state park in New Jersey is well-known for the Cape May Lighthouse and a World War II gun battery and fire control tower.
Smallbones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Visitors are allowed to climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the lighthouse built in 1859. The reward is a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
The 244-acre day-use park is open from dawn to dusk. Are you ready for a refreshing swim?
WhisperToMe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bring a journal or your favorite guitar to write the song filling your heart as you gaze upon the ocean’s splendor.
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
After a fun-filled day at the park, head on over to Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille for a special cocktail prepared your way.
Harry’s of Cape May/Facebook This view on the back patio says it all.
Or have a drink with the award-winning, world-famous New England clam chowder, earning its title at the annual Cape May Chili & Chowder Cook-Off.
Harry’s of Cape May/Facebook
The imagination isn’t lacking in this choice of PEI mussels cooked in one of three sauces: sherry saffron cream, marinara, or fra diavolo.
Harry’s of Cape May/Facebook
But there is nothing like a straightforward platter of pesto, mozzarella, and tomato, drizzled with some balsamic.
Harry’s of Cape May/Facebook
Have you packed your bag yet? Come on — you’ve earned an excursion to get away and have some fun. If you are looking for some more adventures, visit other beautiful state parks in New Jersey. Let us know your favorite in the comments below.
Lauren Butler/AllTrails
It is located at Cape May Point State Park.
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
Jeannie Donahue/AllTrails
Smallbones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Visitors are allowed to climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the lighthouse built in 1859. The reward is a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
WhisperToMe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Harry’s of Cape May/Facebook
This view on the back patio says it all.
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