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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 34 reviews
Type
Park
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit