Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The trail from the small parking lot winds beneath a canopy of gnarled cedar and oak before opening onto a shoreline that feels untouched by the casino glitter of Atlantic City, ninety minutes north. Sand the color of wet cardboard stretches in both directions, littered with driftwood sculptured by storms and the occasional horseshoe crab shell bleached white by summer sun. The surf here rolls in with a steady, unhurried rhythm—this is where the Delaware Bay's protected waters begin to yield to open ocean. Naturists have claimed the beach's northern half since the 1970s, and you'll find them reading paperbacks in low-slung chairs or wading into September water without a second thought. The southern portion, part of the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, draws a different congregation: binocular-toting watchers who arrive in autumn when sharp-shinned hawks and merlins funnel down the peninsula by the thousands. There are no lifeguards, no snack bars, no umbrella rentals. You carry in what you need and pack out what you brought. The beach closes at dusk, enforced by a locked gate, so time your visit to catch the late-afternoon light slanting through the dune grass, turning ordinary sand into ribbons of copper and rose.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Higbee Beach.
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Higbee Beach has no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. The beach faces Delaware Bay rather than the open ocean, which generally means calmer waters than Atlantic-facing beaches. However, currents can still be present. The beach is remote and less monitored than main Cape May beaches. Cell phone reception may be limited in some areas. If you plan to swim, go with others, stay aware of conditions, and avoid venturing too far from shore.
Higbee Beach is accessible year-round and offers something different each season. Late spring through early fall provides warm weather for swimming and sunbathing. Fall is spectacular for birdwatching, as Higbee Beach is along a major migratory route with thousands of raptors and songbirds passing through. Summer weekends can be busier, while weekdays and off-season visits offer more solitude. Early morning visits reward you with stunning sunrises and fewer crowds throughout the year.
Higbee Beach is located off New England Road in West Cape May, about 2 miles from downtown Cape May. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 0, follow signs toward Sunset Boulevard, then turn onto New England Road. There's a free parking lot at the trailhead. From parking, you'll walk approximately 0.3 miles along a marked trail through maritime forest and dunes to reach the beach. The trail is relatively easy but sandy in sections.
Higbee Beach has no facilities, bathrooms, or food vendors on-site. It's a natural, undeveloped beach, so bring everything you need including water, snacks, and sun protection. The nearest restaurants, shops, and public restrooms are in Cape May, about 10-15 minutes away by car. Accommodations range from bed-and-breakfasts to hotels throughout Cape May and West Cape May. Plan accordingly, as this is a true nature experience without commercial amenities.
Higbee Beach has historically had a clothing-optional section, primarily at the far northern end of the beach, farthest from the main access point. This unofficial designation has existed for decades, though technically all New Jersey beaches require swimwear. The vast majority of the beach is used by traditional beachgoers, families, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. If you prefer a conventional beach experience, simply stay near the main trail entrance where most visitors gather.
