Cape May Bird Observatory


Cape May is one of the country's top birding spots, with more than 400 species during the spring and fall migration seasons, when neotropical birds are heading south for the winter or north to breed for the summer. The mile-long loop trail here is a good introduction, and there are plenty of books, binoculars and birding bric-a-brac in the bookstore.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cape May Lighthouse

0.55 MILES

In the lush wetlands of Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 lighthouse gives a fine view. The 157ft structure underwent a $2-million restoration in the…

2. Cape May Point State Park

0.56 MILES

The 190-acre Cape May Point State Park, just off Lighthouse Ave, has 2 miles of trails, plus the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. You can climb the 199…

3. Doo Wop Experience

8.3 MILES

The Doo Wop Preservation League runs this small museum that tells the story of Wildwood's 1950s heyday. Its 'neon-sign garden' shows off relics from no…

4. Cape Henlopen State Park

13.28 MILES

One mile east of Lewes, more than 4000 acres of dune bluffs, pine forests and wetlands are preserved at this lovely state park that's popular with bird…

5. Zwaanendael Museum

14.93 MILES

According to a staffer, you won't find any exhibits about the town's first settlers – 32 Dutchmen – because they were all massacred by a local tribe in…

6. Delaware Seashore State Park

18.93 MILES

A windswept slice of preserved dunes and salty breezes possessed of a wild, lonely beauty. The 3-mile round-trip Burton Island Trail begins at the…

7. Redden State Forest

27.96 MILES

Three miles northwest of Georgetown is the largest state forest (9500 acres) in Delaware. You can access some 44 miles of trails in the forest, but for…

8. Bethany Beach Nature Center

28.2 MILES

Kids and the science-inclined will enjoy the exhibits and short nature trail here. It's also open 10am to noon on the first two Saturdays of the month.