Monarch Butterflies by the Bay at Cape May

Oct 7, 2026

Upon arrival in Cape May your first visit is to the Cape May Lighthouse, an 1859 landmark and one of the most iconic structures on the Jersey Cape. You can climb the 199-step cast-iron spiral staircase to the top for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the surrounding wetlands of Cape May Point State Park. Interpretive panels throughout the site share stories of lighthouse keepers, maritime history, and the evolution of this still-active navigational beacon.
After exploring the lighthouse, your group can enjoy the natural beauty of Cape May Point State Park. Several trails offer different perspectives on the region's wildlife: Red Trail (.5 miles): A short walk with access to Lighthouse Pond East and West - excellent for spotting wading birds, ducks, swans, and the occasional osprey. Yellow Trail (1.5 miles) and Blue Trail (2 miles): Longer routes with opportunities to see shorebirds and other coastal wildlife.
A walk along the beach reveals the haunting remains of the World War II Bunker, once part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware. At low tide, the gun turrets are still visible, an evocative reminder of the coastline's wartime past.
Continue your day with a visit to the World War II Lookout Tower, the last freestanding tower of its kind in New Jersey. Built in 1942, it served as an observation post to detect enemy vessels and direct artillery fire. Inside, climb to the sixth-floor spotting gallery, explore the Wall of Honor featuring more than 160 local veterans, and view rotating exhibits on Cape May's wartime role. Outside, the eternal flame sculpture offers a moment of reflection.
Following your morning and early afternoon activities, the group will check into the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, located right across from the beach in the heart of Cape May.
Guests will then have the afternoon free to enjoy lunch on their own at one of Cape May's many cafés, seafood shacks, or historic taverns or explore the town's Victorian shops, beachfront promenade, or Washington Street Mall or relax at the hotel or stroll the shoreline at your own pace. This flexible time lets everyone unwind and enjoy Cape May in their own style.
As evening approaches, the group will reconvene and depart together for an included dinner at The Lobster House, one of Cape May's most iconic waterfront restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood, harbor views, and a classic Cape May dining experience.

Oct 8, 2026

After enjoying your hotel breakfast, begin the day with the New Natural Habitats Trolley Tour - a two-hour exploration of Cape May's world-famous fall migration. At the Cape May Hawkwatch Platform, naturalists help you spot migrating raptors and explain the long-running migration count. Then continue to the Garrett Family Preserve, a vibrant pollinator habitat and key stopover for southbound monarch butterflies. Learn about monarch ecology, migration, and tagging techniques.
After the trolley tour, enjoy an included lunch at the Washington Inn, one of Cape May's most beloved and historic dining establishments. Known for its refined atmosphere and elevated American cuisine, it provides a relaxing and elegant midday break before the afternoon activity.
After lunch is the Architectural Walking Tour where you will stroll through the Cape May Historic District, the only entire city in the U.S. designated a National Historic Landmark. Explore charming Victorian streets, learn about the Great Fire of 1878, and hear stories of the town's colorful past.
After the walking tour, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Guests may choose to browse shops and galleries, relax on the beach or hotel veranda, explore additional Victorian neighborhoods, visit local cafés, wineries, or the promenade, or enjoy a quiet evening in Cape May's charming seaside atmosphere. This flexible time allows everyone to unwind and experience Cape May in their own way.

Oct 9, 2026

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, conclude your trip with a behind-the-scenes look at migratory bird research at South Cape May Meadows. The Songbird Stopover Project team demonstrates how birds are safely banded and released, and explains how this research informs conservation policy. If time allows, enjoy a walk along the preserve’s new boardwalk trail to spot migrating species.
After the morning program, the group will travel to the Tuckahoe Inn for an included farewell lunch. Overlooking the scenic Great Egg Harbor Bay, the Tuckahoe Inn offers classic coastal dishes in a warm, rustic setting - an ideal place to relax, recap the trip, and enjoy one final meal together.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner