The South Cape May Meadows, a 200-acre preserve protected by the Nature Conservancy, serves as a refuge for native and migratory birds, making it a must-see for serious birders visiting Cape May. The preserve is located between the Cove Beach and Cape May Point State Park, in an area that was once the town of South Cape May.

Explore the trail system along this undeveloped beach, which offers short hikes along flat trails that wind past freshwater wetlands and dunes–two miles in total. The Rain Garden features native plants, and the preserve offers amenities including observation platforms, an 80ft floating blind for birders, a bike rack, information kiosk with trail map, a gravel parking lot, and an accessible port-a-potty (April-October), and benches along the trails. Staff is on-site from April through October.

For the protection of wildlife, pets, bicycles, and motor vehicles are prohibited in the Meadows.

A note on accessibility: The Nature Conservancy’s website states that “trail sections on the beach and those behind the dune are through soft sand and may not be accessible by visitors with strollers or wheelchairs.”