Higbee Beach is a hidden gem for anyone seeking a quieter, more natural stretch of shoreline away from the bustle of Cape May’s main beaches. The free parking and lack of crowds make it feel wonderfully secluded, and the surrounding trails add to its charm. The sunsets here are stunning.

That said, it’s not a manicured, tourist‑ready beach. The walk from the lot can be challenging through soft sand, and depending on the season, you may encounter numerous mosquitoes or the occasional washed-up horseshoe crab. There are no lifeguards or amenities, so it’s best for those who come prepared and appreciate a wilder, more rustic beach experience.

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, do some bird‑watching, or enjoy the sound of gentle waves without the chaos of a boardwalk, Higbee Beach is well worth the visit — just bring bug spray and an adventurous spirit.

Great Spot for Bird Watching and a Peaceful Walk

Higbee Beach is perfect if you enjoy bird watching or quiet nature trails. I visited around 8 AM and saw warblers, swallows, sparrows, and even a hawk near the Morning Flight platform. The inland trails are great for spotting birds in open fields and wooded areas.

The beach itself is undeveloped and peaceful. I did see a few dead stingrays along the shore, which was unexpected but part of the natural setting. No restrooms, so plan ahead. Bring binoculars and get here early for the best experience.

If you're visiting and looking for a dog friendly beach. This is it! My boy absolutely had the time of his life catching waves. Their is no policy on whether dogs have to be on a leash or not so he roamed free. I do advise to make sure your dog does have a sense of recall as we ran into some people with dogs who didn't want him saying "hi".

The waves are also really calm. Beach is super clean. Just wished they had a station to rinse off the sand from your pup. Also bring fresh water for your pup!

Amazing dog friendly beach, definitely worth the trip and considering it’s secluded with no life guards or crowds. Lots of shoe horse crabs and jellyfish in the water have to be careful. No public toilets or anything to wash up.

Beautiful beach, lots of beach rocks, crabs and the water was warmer than at sunset and wildwood which was more enjoyable for me personally because I cannot tolerate colder water very well. It also seemed to be less crowded as well but still offered a nice view. The sand was rockier and the water was deeper though so it's harder to walk barefoot in the sand...