Where there is a lighthouse, you will find me at the top!
There is nothing like taking in the views of an area from a high vantage point. And the Cape May Lighthouse is no different.
If you’re visiting Cape May, you’ll want to take the time to climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse. You’ll see the Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond from there.
The guide below has everything you need to know if you want to visit the Cape May Lighthouse. So, let’s plan a visit!
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History of the Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859, making it the third lighthouse built on Cape May Point. Previous lighthouses were built in 1823 and 1847, and they are now underwater due to erosion.
In 1986, the Cape May MAC, a non-profit organization, took over the responsibility for maintaining the lighthouse. In 1992, ownership was officially transferred from the US Coast Guard to the State of New Jersey. The Cape May MAC continues to operate and maintain the structure.
Climb to the Top of the Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse Visiting Hours
Visitors can climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse daily from April through November and on weekends from December – March. Hours vary depending on the season.
Evening climbs are offered occasionally. Visit their calendar for more information.
Parking for the Cape May Lighthouse
There are two parking lots near the Cape May Lighthouse. On your left, as you enter the park, the first lot is smaller and has parking for about a dozen cars. This is the closest lot to the lighthouse.
If that lot is full, there is a much larger parking lot around the bend. Visitors will park here to access the beach and the visitor and nature centers, so it might be full on the weekends in the summer.
It is FREE to park at the Cape May Lighthouse.
Cape May Lighthouse Tickets
You can purchase Cape May Lighthouse Tickets online or in person. If you want to purchase online, visit the Cape May MAC website and select the day of your visit.
To purchase in person, enter the lighthouse. Before you head up the stairs, there is a small kiosk where you can buy tickets.
Climbing to the Top
The Cape May Lighthouse is not accessible. There are 199 cast iron spiral steps that lead to the Watch Gallery.
There are a few spots to stop along the way to the top with informative signs and windows to look out. These are good places to take a breather if you need it. They are not large areas and will only accommodate a few people at a time.
What You Will See From the Cape May Lighthouse
If you’re not afraid of heights, take the time to step out onto the walkway to get 360° views of Cape May Point, the Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Fort Miles Battery and the World World II Lookout Tower can also be seen. You might even see the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in the distance.
Fun Facts About the Cape May Lighthouse
Before you visit the Cape May Lighthouse, you can share some of these fun facts with your family.
- The lighthouse was built in 1859
- There are 199 steps to the Watch Gallery and an additional 13 steps to the light (no public access)
- The Cape May Lighthouse is 157.5 feet tall
- The light is visible 22 miles out to sea and flashes every 15 seconds
- Every lighthouse has its own light flash pattern and exterior paint scheme for ship captains to identify them easily
Other Things to Do Near the Cape May Lighthouse
Before leaving the lighthouse, step into the small gift shop once home to the lighthouse keepers. Here, you can pick up some fun Cape May souvenirs.
There are many other things to do near the lighthouse. Right at Cape May Point State Park, visitors can access the beach, enjoy birdwatching, and visit the nature center.
Not far from the lighthouse is Sunset Beach, where you can climb the World War II Lookout Tower (also managed by the Cape May MAC) and see the wreck of the SS Atlantus, a concrete ferry boat that sank 100 years ago. You can also search the sand for the famous Cape May diamonds!
Of course, there is even more to do, like strolling through Cape May, enjoying the boardwalk at Wildwood, or visiting the FREE Cape May County Zoo.
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