Reach the 244-acre Cape May Point State Park by bike, car, or foot if you don’t mind a hike down the beach. The park is home to iconic landmarks including the Cape May Lighthouse, Fire Control Tower 23, and Battery 223 (aka “the bunker”), the remains of a harbor defense battery from World War II.

The park is free to the public, an ideal location for birding, picnics, painting, photography, and nature walks. Explore ponds, coastal dunes, marshes, and forest habitat on one of the three hiking trails that range from 0.5 to 2 miles in length. Along the trails are occasional benches and birding blinds. Wear sturdy walking shoes if you’re headed down the Yellow or Blue trails, as parts of the trail will take you through wooded areas that may be muddy! The shortest, the Red Trail, is entirely on a raised footpath and wheelchair accessible. Download a detailed trail guide from the state’s website.

There’s no swimming on this beach due to underwater hazards, but surf fishing is permitted. Being a state park, smoking (including vaping) and alcohol are prohibited.

Gather with friends at picnic areas and shelters. Groups of 20 are asked to reserve facilities at least five days in advance. If you have a large group, you can reserve a picnic area with a shelter and restrooms for up to 60 people.

It’s okay to bring your pet along, with some restrictions. Pets must be leashed at all times. Because the beach is home to endangered birds, pets are not permitted on the beach from April 1–September 15. And at no point are pets permitted on the nature trails.

There are no park or entry fees, and the park has a large, paved parking lot available.