Spring 2025 in Cape May: A Bucket List
Cape May, New Jersey will become North America's hottest birding spot in Spring 2025. Thousands of migratory birds follow the coastline north during their seasonal trip. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 130 different species at the Cape May Bird Observatory and the vast 43,000-acre Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
The season packs three major events into one exciting week. Bird lovers can join the 48th Annual Cape May Spring Festival from May 15-18. Music fans will enjoy international performers at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival from May 16-18. The Cape May Spring Birding Migration Tour runs May 13-19 and features expert-led bird walks.
These popular events attract visitors nationwide. The Bedford Inn serves as a perfect home base to experience Cape May's spring attractions. Book your stay early to secure your spot. This piece covers everything in spring activities - from early-season celebrations to May's peak events. You'll discover the best locations to visit and seasonal dining spots that make Cape May special.
Early Spring Events in Cape May (March-April)
The 4th Annual St. Patrick's Weekend Festival kicks off the festivities at Willow Creek Winery in Cape May from March 14-16, 2025. Traditional dancers, pipe and drum corps create an authentic Irish atmosphere with live music playing throughout each day.
St. Patrick's Weekend festival highlights
Visitors can enjoy the festival from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday's activities wrapping up at 6:00 PM. An open-air artisan market welcomes guests daily from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM with local vendors displaying their crafts. Chef O'Brian's traditional Irish fare pairs perfectly with specialty cocktails and Irish sangria, and the proceeds support the NJ Farmers Cooperative.
Early bird watching opportunities
Cape May Point becomes a natural wonder during spring migration. The Cape May Springwatch documents over 100 species and more than 100,000 birds that pass through this vital migration crossroads from March through May. Early spring brings Northern Gannets, Red-throated Loons, and scoters to the Delaware Bay and nearshore waters.
Cape May Point's unique geographic features create perfect conditions for diverse bird migration flyways. The peninsula provides an excellent vantage point for watching seabirds heading to breeding grounds and songbirds crossing the open bay. Bird enthusiasts start their daily monitoring at sunrise, and observation sessions last three to six hours based on bird activity and weather.
Bedford Inn provides comfortable accommodations close to these spring events, making it a perfect choice for festival-goers and bird watchers alike.
May 2025 Festival Season
Mid-May brings amazing festivals and natural events to Cape May. The Bedford Inn sits close to all major venues and makes a perfect place to stay during these popular events. Rooms are booking faster for this peak season.
Cape May spring festival schedule
The 48th Annual Cape May Spring Festival runs May 15-18 and features many exciting activities. The program will:
Include Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson's keynote address on North American shorebirds
Feature Bryony Angell's presentation on birding culture
Offer a three-part bird photography workshop with Phil and Becky Witt
Take you on field trips, boat excursions, and trolley tours
Exit Zero Jazz festival performances
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival runs at the same time from May 16-18 and brings an amazing lineup to Cape May Convention Hall. You'll see headliners like Samara Joy Octet, Terence Blanchard: Flow, and Captain Black Big Band featuring Ms. Lisa Fischer. On top of that, Brandee Younger, Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio, and American Patchwork Quartet will perform at venues across town.
Bird migration peak times
May is the best month to watch birds in Cape May. We watched as migrating songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and waders join together in this area. The Horseshoe Crab event happens at night, when thousands of shorebirds, especially Red Knots, come to eat fresh crab eggs. These birders can see many species double their body weight within days as they get ready to fly north.
Must-Visit Spring Locations
Nature lovers will find amazing sights at two top spots in Cape May, New Jersey during Spring 2025. The Bedford Inn sits right in the middle of these destinations. Nature enthusiasts should book their spring rooms early to avoid disappointment.
Beach Plum Farm awakening
Beach Plum Farm spreads across 62 pristine acres of thriving farmland in West Cape May. The farm's annual Spring Festival runs every Saturday from April 18 through May 2, 11 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can watch piglets, chickens, honeybees, and new ducks while experiencing farm life firsthand. The farm also develops more than 100 types of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers year-round.
Spring activities at the farm feature hayrides, scavenger hunts, and hands-on 'Farm to Kids' workshops. Kids can join educational programs every Saturday at 11 AM that focus on:
April 18: Duck and Duck Egg exploration
April 25: Berkshire Pig observation
May 2: Kale harvesting techniques
Cape May Point State Park trails
Cape May Point State Park includes 244 acres of ecosystems in many forms - freshwater meadows, ponds, forests, dunes, and beach areas. Three main trails wind through the park:
The Red Trail runs 0.5 miles with wheelchair access and shows off views of Lighthouse Ponds. The Yellow Trail winds 1.5 miles through wetland marsh, coastal dune, and sandy beach environments. The Blue Trail extends 2 miles and offers the most detailed habitat variety.
Over 1,000 visitors have given the park's trails a 4.6-star rating. Spring brings many bird species to the shore as Cape May Point serves as one of the most important migratory routes. The park's rich landscape draws wildlife of all types, including monarch butterflies getting ready to cross Delaware Bay.
Spring Food and Wine Experiences
Food lovers can look forward to amazing culinary experiences in Cape May, New Jersey during Spring 2025. The Bedford Inn's perfect location gives guests easy access to the best local restaurants. Food and wine enthusiasts should book their spring stays early.
Willow Creek Winery tastings
Willow Creek Winery welcomes guests throughout the year with exceptional wine experiences. Their signature wine tasting costs $55 per person and includes a private tableside session with expert educators. Guests will learn a unique three-sip tasting method that helps them appreciate wine better. The winery also offers self-guided table flights as an alternative to traditional tastings. Each flight includes three 3-oz pours of carefully chosen wines.
Fresh seafood season begins
Local fish markets showcase the day's catch from nearby commercial boats. The Lobster House Fish Market stands out with its complete selection of seafood that arrives daily from around the world. Customers can buy ready-made specialties like Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, and homemade Crab Cakes.
Restaurant Week preparations
Cape May Restaurant Week 2025 runs from June 1-8. This eight-day food celebration includes:
Three-course prix fixe menus starting at $38 per person
A variety of participating restaurants
Special appetizer, entrée, and dessert combinations
The event attracts large crowds, so booking early is a must. Restaurants will announce their special menus as the event gets closer. This helps diners plan their food trip through Cape May's best restaurants.
Conclusion
Cape May's Spring 2025 season looks exceptional. The Bedford Inn makes a perfect base for nature enthusiasts, festival-goers, and food lovers. Of course, you'll need to book early since rooms fill up fast during major events like the Spring Festival and Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
Cape May ranks as a top spot for bird watching. Visitors can spot over 130 species during spring migration. Beach Plum Farm and Cape May Point State Park's natural wonders create lasting memories for nature lovers.
The season blends culture, nature, and food perfectly. Willow Creek Winery's wine tastings, fresh seafood markets, and Restaurant Week add extra appeal to your Cape May visit. Smart planning will help you make the most of these activities.
Spring 2025 in Cape May is a chance to experience this historic coastal town at its finest. The timing of festivals, natural events, and seasonal activities will give visitors multiple ways to enjoy their stay.
