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Lighthouse · Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May Lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park
1859 lighthouse with 199 steps to the gallery, located inside a state park of dunes, beaches and trails at the tip of New Jersey.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cape May Lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park
The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, is the third lighthouse erected on the site to guide ships entering Delaware Bay. The brick tower has 199 spiral steps up to the gallery, where you can see the meeting of the Atlantic and the bay, the beaches, and the town. The light still operates as an aid to navigation.
The lighthouse is inside Cape May Point State Park, a state park with dunes, ponds, and boardwalk trails over the marsh. At the beach edge, a bird‑watching observation platform becomes a meeting point for birders in the fall, when thousands of raptors often pass the peninsula.
On the sand in front of the park remain concrete World War II bunkers used in coastal defense. A little farther on, Sunset Beach on the bay side is known for its quartz pebbles, the so‑called Cape May diamonds, and for the remains of a concrete ship from World War I.
The park is open daily; the lighthouse climb is a separate paid activity administered by the Cape May MAC.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three hours, including the climb and the trails.
Best time
Morning, to climb with fewer people; September through November, for bird migration. Save the late afternoon for Sunset Beach nearby.
How to get there
It’s in Cape May Point, about 5 km from downtown Cape May via Sunset Boulevard and Lighthouse Avenue. You can get there by car, bicycle, or tourist tram.
Tip
Bring a jacket: it’s very windy at the top of the lighthouse. In summer, the town offers night climbs on certain dates.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cape May Lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park
How many steps does the Cape May lighthouse have?
There are 199 spiral steps up to the top gallery.
Do you have to pay to enter Cape May Point State Park?
The state park is open daily for visitation; the lighthouse climb is paid separately. Check the current fee schedule.
What are the Cape May diamonds?
Polished quartz pebbles smoothed by the sea, found on Sunset Beach near the lighthouse. They are often collected as keepsakes.