Cape May Lighthouse
- from USD 12
Sign up free — See who's going and message them.
Is this your place? Get the badge for your websiteAbout
More photos 9
1 / 9
Why go
- The original cast-iron spiral staircase has 199 steps to the top.
- Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from the summit.
- “A Beacon to Freedom,” an outdoor panel with original art by local artist Chanelle René.
Opening hours
Today12:00 – 15:00Show all
What you see
- Cape May City and Wildwood lie to the north; Cape May Point lies to the south. Cape Henlopen is visible west on clear days.
Know before you go
- Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–17:00; Saturday–Sunday, 12:00–15:00.
Best time to visit
- Each October, Cape May Lighthouse participates in the statewide New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge.
Photo spots
- Cape May Cove and Battery 223From the summit, frame nearby Cape May Cove and Battery 223, built for harbor defense during World War II.At the top of the lighthouse
Interesting facts4
-
48 metres
The conical brick tower is 48 metres high, with a gallery and lantern.
Phare de Cape May - Wikipedia -
A cone-shaped outer wall surrounds a cylindrical inner wall that supports the staircase.
Cape May Lighthouse - Wikipedia -
The walls were designed to withstand winds several times stronger than hurricane force.
Cape May Lighthouse - Wikipedia -
15 seconds
The light flashes white every 15 seconds and reaches up to 24 nautical miles.
Phare de Cape May - Wikipedia
Shorts
-
Cape May lighthouse.Free Range tv
-
WWII Bunker & LIGHTHOUSE!! Cape May Point NJAdventures Are For The Cowles
-
“Cape May Lighthouse Looking Beautiful Against the Coastal Sky 🗼🌊”RainyWanders
-
Visiting Cape May Lighthouse (6/5/2025)NY Ski & Snowboard Club
-
Cape May Lighthouse Views: A Scenic EscapeThe Roaming Lens
-
What’s it like to climb the Cape May Lighthouse with a 7 yo & 4 yo? W…Family Rest Stops
-
Climbing Cape May Lighthouse: Is the View Worth ItAFFO-15
-
Cape May lighthouseChris Baran
History
Cape May MAC leases the lighthouse and grounds from the state and funds restoration and upkeep.
- 1823The first documented lighthouse at Cape May Point was built; erosion later submerged its site.
- 1859The third documented lighthouse at Cape May Point was built under U.S. Army engineer William F. Raynolds.
- 1933Belle Palmer took over after Harry Palmer became ill and received the title Custodian of the Lighthouse that year.
- 1946The lighthouse was automated.
- 12 November 1973The lighthouse joined the National Register of Historic Places.
Show all
- May 1988Public climbs began.
- 1992New Jersey took ownership from the Coast Guard.
- Fall 2023Three outdoor panels were installed, including one about Belle Palmer and another listing past keepers with their service dates.
How to get there
- On footAddress: 215 Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey. The grounds include nature trails in Cape May Point State Park.
Accessibility
- Oil House orientation center and museum shop The Oil House contains an accessible visitor orientation center and museum shop.
Sources: Cape May Lighthouse - Wikipedia · Cape May - Wikivoyage (see) · Cape May Lighthouse | Visit & Climb the Origina… · Phare de Cape May - Wikipedia · checked 13 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +16098842159
Questions and answers
How many steps are in Cape May Lighthouse?
The climb to the top has 199 steps on the original cast-iron spiral staircase.
What can you see from the top of Cape May Lighthouse?
Views include Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, nearby trails and Cape May Point Borough.
Where is the original lens from Cape May Lighthouse now?
The original first-order Fresnel lens is displayed at the county museum.
Who made Cape May Lighthouse’s original lens?
Henry Lepaute made the original revolving lens in Paris. It had a six-foot (about 1.83-metre) inside diameter.
- See who's going — faces, not ticket counts.
- Write to someone who shares your interests — no swipes, no matches, no paywall.
- Pick the event or the place to meet at — and go together.