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If you have images of the New Jersey Shore, they most likely include stretches of sandy beaches with boisterous waves. Mini-golf, carousels, and coasters come to mind, and visions of pizza slices dance in your head. You may not imagine, tucked away benches for birding, meadows filled with flowers, ord serene swans, but there is a wealth of nature to explore at the New Jersey Shore.
South Cape May Meadows- Cape May- Cape May Point Area
The New Jersey Shore’s South Cape May Meadows , is an easy, leisurely loop, with extra trails leading to the beach.
There are plants and trees to inspect.
Nice spots for viewing New Jersey Shore birds.
Some of the wildlife we observe are of the creepy-crawly kind.
The trail offers glimpses of the famous Cape May Point Lighthouse,
and one of my favorite shore trail features, paths that lead to the ocean/beach.
The beach area of South Cape May Meadows is delegated as a nature preserve. There is no swimming, sitting, or sunbathing allowed. This makes for an uncrowded beach, where you can take a quiet moment to bask the serenity of the waves.
The majority of South Cape May Meadows is exposed to the sun, so it’s a trail best forged in the morning or after the hottest part of the day.
Beach Plum Farm-Cape May
Being the Garden State, the New Jersey Shore is full of amazing farms. Anyone who follows me on social media, will know that I have a love affair with Beach Plum Farm. Along with a market, café, and fun events, Beach Plum Farm offers walking trails.
When you first arrive, stop in the market to pick up a farm map.
On the farm trail, you meander down a wooded path
that opens up to an area buzzing (literally, there are beehives) with life.
Take time to watch pig hijinks, and chickens scurrying around.
Admire the colors and breath-in the seasonal farm scents.
My favorite spot on the farm trail, is the swing, hanging from a strong, wise, tree. If you’re quiet, he may give you some good advice.
Beach Plum Farm also has a Marsh Trail. Still easy to navigate, it will infuse you with a bit of proper-hike energy.
Your ears will tingle with the sounds of marsh critters, including the occasional mosquito. The envelopment of trees, and calm marsh landscape, whispers tranquility.
*Note that Beach Plum Farm now has a $5 parking fee on weekends.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary-Stone Harbor
The New Jersey Shore is a popular place for bird lovers.
If you want something quick and short, Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is for you. One side of the sanctuary has two short, open, in and out trails. We see smaller birds flitting about, but this is also a great place to see Monarchs during Monarch Butterfly season. There are butterflies everywhere.
If you have the luxury of time, there are multiple benches where you can put the birds at ease by sitting for a spell, making viewing them more enjoyable.
The other side of the Sanctuary features two, wooded, in and out trails. The plants and trees along the way are cool,
but the only wildlife we encounter are the mosquitos that descend upon us with the zeal of a viscous, blood-thirsty army.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge- Galloway-near Atlantic City
Though there are trails to walk/hike at this New Jersey Shore Wildlife Refuge, the main attraction at Edwin B. Forsythe , is a scenic driving loop. It’s a great option for those less mobile, or during the cold, blustery, winter.
You can tell where the wildlife is, by noting the spots where cars are stopped by the side of the road.
We spot birds, and a few turtles while exploring the loop.
There are viewing points with parking, if you want to get out and stretch your legs.
It’s a great place for some quiet, nature, contemplation.
There’s a visitors’ center with informative displays, and if you’re a National Parks stamp collector, don’t forget to get stamped.
We’ve only visited the wildlife refuge in the chillier, off-season, when it’s been empty. I’ve heard that in the summer there can be a serious back-up of cars.
Garrett Family Preserve-Cape May
I’ve visited the New Jersey Shore since childhood and had no idea this lovely place existed. As our feet tread along the paths of Garrett Family Preserve, I feel like Mary Lennox, discovering The Secret Garden.
There are multiple trails to meander. Paths burst with trees and flowers. Bees buzz. Butterflies abound.
We stumble upon a family of artists
who implore us to take a moment to let our eyes feast on a spectacular view.
There are well placed arbors, and magical picnic spots.
If you need a respite from the noise and hustle-bustle of the beach and boardwalk, I highly recommend a visit to Garrett Family Preserve. I can’t wait to return.
The New Jersey Shore is full of fun activities, but if screeching seagulls, roller coaster roars, arcade bells, and the scent boardwalk fries become overwhelming, take some time to escape to friendly chirps, fluttering butterflies, rustling marsh grass, and the relaxing smell of lavender.
