Tucked along the Delaware Bay shoreline in Downe Township, Cumberland County, Fortescue is one of New Jersey‘s most overlooked coastal gems. This small fishing village turned state park area sits where salt marsh meets open water, offering a landscape that feels worlds apart from the Jersey Shore crowds just a few hours north.

Fortescue is best known as the “Weakfish Capital of the World,” drawing anglers from across the mid-Atlantic to its productive bay waters. Charter boats and private vessels launch from the public boat ramp, targeting weakfish, striped bass, bluefish, and flounder depending on the season. But fishing is only part of the draw. The surrounding marshlands are a haven for birdwatchers, particularly during the spring horseshoe crab spawning season when thousands of migratory shorebirds — including red knots on their epic Arctic journey — descend on the beaches to feed.

The bay beach itself is a quiet, shell-strewn stretch perfect for beachcombing and sunset watching. Unlike the developed Atlantic coast, Fortescue’s shoreline retains a raw, undeveloped character where the tides dictate the rhythm of the day. Kayakers and crabbers work the tidal creeks that wind through the adjacent marshes, and the birding trails connect to the broader network within the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area.

The best time to visit is late May through June, when the horseshoe crab migration peaks and the fishing heats up. Fall brings excellent striper runs and quieter beaches. Come expecting solitude, salt air, and a slice of bayshore life that most of New Jersey has forgotten exists.

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