Cape May Lighthouse
215 Light House Ave, Cape May, New Jersey
Climb the 199 steps of the spiral stairway inside the Cape May Lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Located in Cape May Point State Park, the 19th-century lighthouse still works as a navigational aid. Interpretive panels recount stories of the lighthouse keepers, offer info on the region’s history, and explain the role of the lighthouse in the past and present day.
Stop by the Cape May Lighthouse during a sightseeing tour, or view it from the water on a boat excursion. The original Oil House, found near the base of the lighthouse, is home to a museum shop, as well as an orientation center for those who aren’t making the climb. The site of the lighthouse is part of Cape May Point State Park, which includes a hawk-watching platform and well-marked nature trails. Some visitors combine a visit to the lighthouse with a stop at the World War II Lookout Tower, which you can also climb.
The beach at Cape May Point State Park is free, but swimming is not allowed.
There is an admission fee to the lighthouse.
There is no ramp or alternative access to the tower. The Oil House has a ground-level ramp entrance and is accessible to people using wheelchairs.
Because the metal gridwork of the stairs is open, flat-soled shoes are recommended.
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, the Cape May Lighthouse is only accessible via car or bike. There’s plenty of free parking on-site. In the summer, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities runs trolley tours from the Washington Street Mall that include a stop at the lighthouse. Bike rentals and rideshare services are also available. There is a well-traveled bike path from downtown to the lighthouse.
The Cape May Lighthouse is open daily from April through November and on weekends in the shoulder seasons. The last climb takes place 15 minutes before closing. Evening trolley tours and full moon climbs are also offered during the summer season. A popular destination between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Cape May draws the biggest crowds in July and August, with weekends being the most popular.
Just a short bike or car ride from the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower is another top attraction, especially for those interested in maritime history. Climb to the top and listen to World War II stories as you take in views of the surrounding area. The Wall of Honor pays tribute to local residents who served during the war.
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