Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
A 1,160-acre wildlife haven in Cape May, offering diverse trails, a secluded bay beach, and prime birdwatching.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak birdwatching season
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
Best Time
Peak birdwatching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1,160-acre wildlife haven in Cape May, offering diverse trails, a secluded bay beach, and prime birdwatching.
"A cool experience to walk through the woods, follow the sound of waves crashing, and end up on the beach!"
🐾 Dog-Friendly Season
Dogs are welcome on the beach from Sept 1st to April 30th. Perfect for a walk with your furry friend!
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
Essential for spotting wildlife, especially seals and migratory birds from a distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nature Trails
Throughout the WMA
Explore diverse trails through woods, fields, and along the bay, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Secluded Beach Access
Along Delaware Bay
Enjoy a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path beach experience with no beach tags required. [^Rreview1]
Birdwatching Hotspot
Various lookout points
Witness millions of migratory birds during fall and spring in this vital wildlife corridor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Closures & Project Updates
Wildlife Viewing Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Season
Dogs are welcome on the beach from Sept 1st to April 30th. Perfect for a walk with your furry friend!
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
Essential for spotting wildlife, especially seals and migratory birds from a distance.
🥾 Trail Variety
Paths are a mix of dirt, grass, and sand. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring. [^Rreview1]
🚫 No Facilities
This is a wildlife area, not a park. Bring your own water and snacks; no restrooms available. [^Rreview1]
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Season
Dogs are welcome on the beach from Sept 1st to April 30th. Perfect for a walk with your furry friend!
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
Essential for spotting wildlife, especially seals and migratory birds from a distance.
🥾 Trail Variety
Paths are a mix of dirt, grass, and sand. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring. [^Rreview1]
🚫 No Facilities
This is a wildlife area, not a park. Bring your own water and snacks; no restrooms available. [^Rreview1]
🚗 Off-the-Beaten-Path
Enjoy a more natural, less crowded beach experience away from the main tourist spots. [^Rreview1]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Higbee Beach WMA for its beautiful, natural scenery, secluded beach, and excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching and seal spotting. The lack of crowds and beach tags is a significant draw. However, the absence of facilities like restrooms and the ongoing trail closures due to restoration projects are noted drawbacks.
"A fun, safe hiking area in Cape May.
It's a cool experience to walk through the woods, follow the sound of waves crashing, and end up on the beach! As the trails meander closer to the beach, little snail shells show up in the sand.
Some trails are longer than others. There are bird lookouts that give a nice view of the area and small bodies of water. The paths are a mix of dirt, grass, and sand.
It's a wildlife management area and not a park, so there are no restrooms, water fountains, portapotties, or the like."
Miranda Becica
"Beautiful scenery, wonderful beach, great place to have a long walk along the shoreline and a couple of shops at cape may point, there's also a great hiking trail to spend the time with your pooch."
Rafael Garay
"Many preserved acres along the bay. Great natural area. Terrific for birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers."
B B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Higbee Beach WMA is located in Cape May County, New Jersey. Access is typically via local roads from Cape May. Parking is available, but can fill up during peak seasons.
Yes, there are parking areas available within the WMA. However, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during migration seasons or weekends, as spots can be limited.
Driving on the beach is generally not permitted at Higbee Beach WMA to protect the natural habitat and wildlife. Stick to designated parking areas and trails. [^Rreview1]
Public transport options to Higbee Beach WMA are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are in the Cape May area.
Higbee Beach is near Cape May Point and the main town of Cape May, New Jersey. It's also close to the Cape May Ferry terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is free. There are no admission fees or required passes for general access. [^Rreview1]
Unlike many other beaches in the area, Higbee Beach does not require beach tags, offering a more relaxed and free experience. [^Rreview1]
Higbee Beach WMA is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific areas may have temporary closures for restoration projects or wildlife management activities.
Portions of Higbee Beach WMA are closed until approximately December 2026 for the Pond Creek Restoration Project. Check for current closure notices before visiting.
Yes, Higbee Beach WMA is open year-round, but be aware of potential seasonal closures for projects or wildlife protection.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and seals during winter months.
No, Higbee Beach WMA is a natural area and does not have public restrooms, water fountains, or other facilities. Visitors should come prepared. [^Rreview1]
The trails are a mix of dirt, grass, and sand, winding through woods and fields. Some offer bird lookouts with views of ponds and water. [^Rreview1]
Absolutely! The diverse landscapes, wildlife, and coastal scenery make it a fantastic spot for nature photography, especially during fall foliage.
Swimming is possible at Higbee Beach, but it's a bay beach, so conditions can vary. It's more known for its natural beauty and wildlife viewing than swimming. [^Rreview1]
🎫 🐕 Pet-Friendly Information
Yes, dogs are permitted on Higbee Beach between September 1st and April 30th. They must be leashed when on trails.
Dogs are allowed on the beach during the specified season. Always clean up after your pet and be mindful of wildlife.
While dogs are allowed on the beach during the permitted season, it's generally recommended to keep them leashed, especially near wildlife and other visitors.
Higbee Beach is generally safe for dogs, but always supervise them, especially near the water and wildlife. Be aware of potential hazards like shells or debris.
The best time is during the dog-friendly season (Sept 1st - April 30th). Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the dog-friendly season (Sept 1st - April 30th), families with well-behaved dogs can enjoy the beach together. The natural setting provides a more relaxed atmosphere than crowded tourist beaches, allowing children to play and explore safely. Keep a close eye on children near the water and be mindful of any wildlife encountered.
🐾 Pet Owners
Remember to bring waste bags to clean up after your pet and be respectful of the natural environment. The mix of trails and beach access provides a great variety for your dog to explore. Outside of the dog-friendly season, dogs are not permitted on the beach itself.
🐦 Birdwatchers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1The diverse habitats within the WMA cater to different bird species, from woodland birds to waterfowl and shorebirds. The trails are designed to offer good viewing points, and the natural, undeveloped nature of the area ensures a high-quality wildlife experience. Don't forget to check local birding reports for the latest sightings.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Migration at Higbee Beach
+1During migration seasons, the air can be alive with the calls of countless birds. Early mornings and late afternoons often offer the best viewing opportunities. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to identify the species you encounter. The area's varied terrain means you can spot different types of birds in different zones, from the coastal areas to the interior woodlands. It's a truly immersive experience for any nature enthusiast.
+1Beyond birds, Higbee Beach is also a haven for butterflies and dragonflies, adding another layer of natural spectacle. The fall foliage adds a stunning visual backdrop to the bird migrations, making it a prime time for both birding and enjoying the autumn colors.
+1Exploring Higbee Beach: Trails and Shoreline
As you follow the trails, you'll often hear the soothing sound of waves before you reach the shoreline. The beach itself is a unique feature of Higbee Beach WMA – it's a more natural, less developed stretch of coastline compared to popular tourist beaches. Here, you can enjoy a long walk along the water's edge, collect shells, or simply relax without the crowds and the need for beach tags. [^Rreview1]
For those with dogs, the beach is accessible during specific months (September 1st to April 30th), making it a great spot for a canine adventure. The combination of woodland trails and open beach provides a dynamic environment for exploration and enjoying the coastal landscape.
Wildlife Viewing: Seals and More
The WMA's diverse ecosystems support a rich array of other wildlife as well. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, depending on the season. Butterflies and dragonflies are abundant during warmer months, adding to the area's vibrant natural life. The presence of ponds and swamps further enhances the habitat for amphibians and reptiles.
[^Rreview1]Remember that this is a wildlife management area, meaning the primary focus is on conservation and providing a safe haven for animals. Your responsible behavior as a visitor helps ensure these species can thrive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit