Cape May Lighthouse
4.7(6.8K)google
4.5(126)yelp
Scenic LookoutFamilyDate SpotSunsetOutdoorPhoto SpotOcean ViewMust-SeeHistoric BuildingCoast
Overview
The Cape May Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the U.S. state of New Jersey at the tip of Cape May, in Lower Township's Cape May Point State Park. It was built in 1859 under the supervision of U.S. Army engineer William F. Raynolds, was automated in 1946, and continues operation to this day. Cape May Lighthouse is the third fully documented lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2 hours
Best TimeAn extraordinary natural geological maritime monument perched on the southern apex of New Jersey at Cape May Point State Park. Scaling the historic 1859 brick cylinder (elevation 157 feet) between 5:00 PM and sunset on a clear day is essential; the fading sun blankets the vast ocean and Delaware Bay confluence completely unhindered, turning the white cone and bright red lantern cap into a glowing beacon.
Getting ThereLocated framing the dunes at 215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point. Driving via car is seamless; follow the Garden State Parkway south until it merges into Route 109 South into town, turn west onto Sunset Blvd, and take Lighthouse Ave straight south into the state park gates. Admission to the park is free, and the site features an enormous, free paved parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Reaching the 157-foot observation deck requires ascending 199 cast-iron steps; interior shafts suffer extreme greenhouse heat in mid-summer, making a 09:00 opening-turn climb essential.
- Located within Cape May Point State Park; due to sensitive, federally protected migratory avian flyways, operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) anywhere in the sector is an absolute legal taboo.
Photo Tips
Best LightOptimal sunset-angled perspective photography is found near the WWII beach bunker; track afternoon tides carefully as receding shorelines expose sharp structural rebar hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- Climbing the 199 steps rewards you with a stunning 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape May Point State Park.
- The historical museum at the base is vivid, and the staircase landings feature informative maritime history tidbits to keep the climb engaging.
- Located inside a state park, the surrounding nature is pristine, allowing for beach walks or birdwatching along the boardwalks nearby.
- Management is well-organized; despite the crowds, staff monitors the deck capacity, ensuring safe spaces for taking photos.
Heads up
- There is no elevator inside, and the spiral staircase becomes very tight and steep near the top, making it impossible for frail or acrophobic guests.
- The top observation deck is extremely narrow and very windy; during peak hours, visitors must keep moving in line, limiting lingering time.
- While park parking is free, adult tickets to climb the lighthouse during summer rise yearly, making it less cost-effective for large families.
- The interior lacks A/C in the summer and gets sticky and hot with the crowd; visiting during cooler morning or evening hours is recommended.