Cape May National Golf

Whether you want championship-level golf or a lovely walk that includes a 50-acre bird sanctuary, play “The Natural”

WHERE IS IT? Two miles outside of Cape May.

WHY SHOULD I GO? Cape May National at dawn: fog lifting, birds singing, waterfowl landing in the lakes, huge bass leaping, ospreys circling overhead then diving to capture a fish for breakfast. No houses here — just a private sanctuary.

Mark Twain was right about a lot of things, but he can’t have known about Cape May National when he wrote, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” One of the most natural courses ever built, it surrounds a 50-acre bird sanctuary and started a new trend in environmentally sensitive course design.

This par 71 championship course welcomes all levels of play. There are pros at a number of events throughout the year. If your swing isn’t what it used to be, try the chipping greens and driving range.

Either way, it won’t take long to understand why the course receives accolades. The 18th hole was featured on the cover of the “50 Best Golf Holes in New Jersey,” while Pub Links magazine said, “Cape May National is like going back to see an old girlfriend — perhaps the one you should have married. It might be the most beautiful golf course in the state.”

So add a new dimension to your vacation, any time of year… proving Mark Twain wrong, and turning an ordinary walk into a beautiful game.

INSIDER TIP After your game, stop in at the outdoor bar, The Tern, which opened in the summer of 2023.