Cape May Lighthouse

The Cape May Lighthouse is such a great spot to visit. Even in the cold of January, the views from the top of the light house are amazing, and going during the off season means hardly any crowds. The 4 hour drive was totally worth it. The area was super clean and well maintained, the staff were friendly, and there’s plenty of parking. The beach nearby was perfect for a walk in the sun. A really fun and relaxing place definitely worth checking out and going back to.

Must see attraction. Beautifully preserved site. Managed by super polite people. The climb is worth the scene from above. Also must visit the souvenir shop, the older gentleman is so adorable. The museum alongside is very interesting. Hike on path trails and time your visit with sunset to watch from the beach. It's breathtaking Plenty of parking available

The Cape May Lighthouse stands out as a remarkable historic site. Although we couldn’t climb it because of mobility issues, the area around the lighthouse impressed us. The grounds are well cared for and feature informative plaques, picnic spots, and nearby nature trails. At its base, you’ll find a museum and gift shop with exhibits about Cape May’s maritime past. Combining history, beautiful scenery, and educational experiences, the site has something to offer visitors of every age.

The Cape May Lighthouse is such a stunning spot! Even without going up to the top, the surroundings alone are worth the visit. The area around the lighthouse is beautiful, peaceful, and full of charm — perfect for a relaxing walk and to take in the scenery. It’s a great place to enjoy nature, history, and the coastal views all at once. Definitely a highlight in Cape May!

This was just a stop for a day trip at Cape May. We were lucky it was not crowded at all. Perfect weather for October. Not too many stairs to climb. Max pulse 126

​Cape May Lighthouse is such a beautiful spot with so much history! Climbing to the top gives you an incredible view of the ocean and the coast. It’s a great place to visit if you want to support the preservation of American history and remember everything that happened here back in the day. ​My favorite part was learning about the military history. You can actually see the remains of WWII bunkers (like Battery 223) right on the beach! They used to be hidden under the sand for the army to protect the coast from submarines. It’s wild to see them "unburied" now by the ocean. Truly a powerful and scenic experience for the whole family

We visited on 8/20/2025. Climbed with 5 boys aged 3-7 years old and they had a great time. The stairs inside are pretty wide and there are stopping points by the windows, as you go up/down, to rest or let others pass by. The views at the top are definitely worth it!

This is a great family activity with a cherry on top - great views from the top or this well maintained and still working Lighthouse. This place offered a great exercise climbing 199 steps up and then going down but the most impressive thing is the amazing views of all of Cape May, the ocean, and the Delaware Bay. Highly recommend this experience when in Cape May on a clear day!

It's hard to not love a lighthouse! I have enjoyed visiting this lighthouse and climbing the steps since Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts took over stewardship in 1988. During my first climb there was easily readable 19th Century graffiti in pencil - now mostly worn off from many hands steadying themselves on the walls and over written by 'new' graffiti. The view from the top is breathtaking from all 360° The grounds are nice, with a mini-museum featuring historical & nature displays, the birdwatch areas & the bunker over the dunes on the beach. This is a great place to bring the family as there's quite a bit to see in this relatively small area... Don't forget your camera!

A must visit location when visiting Cape May . We were staying in wildwood and it took us 20-25 mins to drive to the lighthouse . We went after it closed .. so , couldn't go up and view from the top . Huge parking lot in the front . Good restroom facilities and the whole place looked serene . The views from hawk view is good . Good photo ops . Lots of birds flying around . Nice place to walk with family and there is also a big playground opposite to the light house .. good experience overalll.

I visited with a friend on a Thursday afternoon in the end of September. There was plenty of free parking, beach access and trails. This time of the year can be tricky for the weather. Great time of the year for birders as the fall migration brings lots of cool birds by here. We went up to the top of the lighthouse, climbed 199 steps up and then down. Views are fantastic and there is a friendly guide to answer questions. A great stop if you're in the area!

CAPE MAY POINT: Built in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is stunning and has views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Inside Cape May Point State Park, it is a beautiful area to walk around, do some birding, learn history at informational displays, check out the Word War II gun battery on the beach, have a picnic, and take in all that nature has to offer. "Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets. No pets are permitted on the beach from April 1st to September 15th. There are no pets allowed on our trails." Dogs are not allowed in the lighthouse.

So this a cool historic spot for a quick stop on your beach tour. Really good views from the top, knowledgeable staff that are welcoming and happy. At $12 per person, maybe a little expensive for 30 minutes you are there. Doesn't sound like a lot until you start counting people in your group and it adds up quick.

This is a must see attraction in the Cape May region. I have been here with my family here many times over the years. It costs 12 dollars to go up the lighthouse and the stairs up are very tight. But the views from the top are spectacular! You can see nearby Cape May and in the distance you can see the Wildwood amusement park and Delaware beaches. The lighthouse is also by a beach- don't think you can swim in it but you can certainly relax by it. There is also a park with a pond and the pond even has swans swimming in it. If you are in town, checkout the lighthouse!

Located at the tip of Cape May at the very southern tip of New Jersey, the Cape May lighthouse was built in 1859. It is the third lighthouse at the location, the first two have been taken by the erosion of the land. This is a beautiful spot surrounded by a huge park. The lighthouse is open for climbing but not at 6pm when I arrived. Still, great to look at and try to photograph as clearly as possible. Bring a picnic, bring a kite, just bring a camera. [Review 18219 overall - 96 in New Jersey - 1741 of 2022.]

'Full moon walk the stairs' awesome event!! Thank you for having this event!! We got there late and the staff was still great. I forgot how big west Cape May is. Thank you again!!

A first for me, even though I lived here with my ex husband eons ago. My son's friend suggested we come, and Im so glad we did! Peaceful, beautiful, and a cool light house.

Climb is not for everybody, but for the people it is for won't regret the climb (and the price of admission). Great view of the gorgeous Cape May and of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beautiful! Did not realize it was 199 steps and did them in my heeled boots lol. John was very informative & gave us a lot of information about the lighthouse. It was great to hear the history especially during World War 2. Very, very windy at the top during this time of year.

Easily one of my favorite parts of visiting Cape May, was visiting this Lighthouse. Tall and still fully functional, it is great to see it this way and cared for. Built in 1859 and sporting almost 200 stairs to the deck, it is quite a historic work out should you choose the make the climb. Along the way the stairway landings have all kinds of facts and information about the Lighthouse and events related to it as well as other Lighthouses in NJ. Once you reach the top you overlook the land and sea at 360 degrees with an excellent view. Try to pick a clear day to maximize your view. The staff on hand are knowledgeable about the Lighthouse and eager to answer questions and share fast facts with you should you show interest. There is a gift shop near the entrance if you want to grab Cape May souvenirs that instead reference the Lighthouse instead of Cape May itself. The Lighthouse has a nice lawn for picnicking and has the beach and nature trails both nearby as well as benches, pond lookout points and restrooms that help extend the amount of potential time you could spend here, but the lighthouse alone is a great attraction, especially for those into history and Lighthouses which I know there to be fans of out there.

[1107] 7/2020 We visited this beautiful landmark since we were on vacation in the area. I'm so glad we did as this place is soooo nice and peaceful. It near the beach (no swimming) so we were able to walk along the empty beach. Plenty of parking. Everything was very nicely manicured. You can pay extra to go up to the top of the lighthouse. The staff was very friendly. We will definitely be back.

Nice place to visit. And good history if you take the time to read the info plates. The 199 step walk up is worth the view you will get on the cat walk. You will get some great photos from the top. If you have issues with closed spaces. There are small stops every 30 steps where you can take a break and gather yourself or take a sip of water off the path of the stairs.

We did the the Cape May Lighthouse with our 5 year old and 2 year old. My 5 year old was able to handle the stairs but my 2 year old had to be carried the whole time. Make sure you wear sneakers when you are here!

Weekend trip to this lighthouse. Beautiful place. It was raining and cloudy but still was looking beautiful. Must visit to know the history and for the view. Parking is free. Have to walk around 7 -8 floors. Very well maintained.

I love climbing stairs, history, and reading plaques. If you don't like those things, you should take a pass on the lighthouse and stick to antique shopping, buying overpriced olive oil, and drinking bad wine somewhere else in Cape May. If you do decide to pay for entry, get a combo ticket to the fire control tower nearby. While you're here, take a walk on the beach and look at the old military fortifications. After, drive around the old neighborhood to the west of the lighthouse and admire the architecture.

Would definitely recommend. One of the lighthouses we haven't seen yet. It's only 199 steps and I was able to walk them. Beautiful view. Staff are friendly

I get that this is a historical place, but maybe it just wasn't the right activity for my family because we literally stopped, took a picture and left. There isn't much else to do except for the beach area right behind the back parking lot. You must pay to go inside the lighthouse and we were not about to walk up how many feet with a 3-year old and just starting to walk 1-year old. *No bathrooms that we could see

The Cape May Lighthouse is a lovely place to visit! You can purchase tickets inside the lighthouse and then you can begin your climb up a spiral staircase. Once you complete the 199 steps to the top, you are soon rewarded with breathtaking views of Cape May! We saw a near deserted beach and it was quite lovely to see an aerial view at the top! Our 4 year old had no trouble climbing the steps and bathrooms are nearby at the bottom which makes it convenient before or after the lighthouse experience.

The present day lighthouse in Cape May was opened in 1859 but it is not the first lighthouse built on the shores of Cape May. Previous lighthouses were built in 1823 and 1847. Both of these are now under water off shore. In 1859 the light keeper carried oil from the oil house to the top of the lighthouse to provide fuel to ignite the lamp. In 1988 the lighthouse was open to the public. Today, the United States Coast Guard is responsible for maintaining the lighthouse and it's lens. The light can be seen 24 miles out to sea and flashes every 15 seconds. The cost to climb the 199 step iron cast spiral staircase is $10 for adults and $5 for kids (3-12). The remaining 18 steps are not accessible to the public. From ground to the top is 157' and 6". There are six landing areas were you can pause and appreciate the view and read information boards. At the top there are views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Cape May. There is a 360 degree view from the platform. At ground level there is a gift shop, visitor center and small reptile house. Pick-up some historical literature outside the gift shop. From the lighthouse there is a trail which will take you to the beach. The trail takes you past marsh areas, sand dunes and grasses. I saw only birds. Other visitors have reported dolphin sightings. Once you arrive at the beach, you will see a WWII bunker/gunner nest. There is also a sign that says "No Swimming" a real disappointment on a hot day. The area is patrolled by park rangers. Cape May Lighthouse is part of the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge which may take place between October 18th-20th.

This was a fun morning activity-- admission is $10 per adult and you can take your time walking up to the top. After each of the 6 flights, there's a small landing where you can read information about the history of the lighthouse and lighthouses in general. At the top, you can walk out and take in the views, take photos and see how the light works up close. The lighthouse and gift shop are open at 9am.

Great place to visit in capeMay. Tickets are cheap and you get a wonderful view of CapeMay from the top. I recommend taking extra 30 minutes and reading the plaques throughout the lighthouse to get the history of lighthouses, how lighthouse keeper loved, how water has advanced and how delaware canal was used to bring goods in. Historically - great stuff for every age here. But even if not learning - lighthouse itself is quite nice and takes 10-15 mins to climb up for amazing views. This is a great place to bike to from Cape May. There is also a nice nature park (often rangers give excellent walks) and access to a beach (not swimming, but beautiful). I would recommend 3-4 hr visit to this area - combine lighthouse with nature park, beach and maybe visitor center with small animal museum and petting area. Not many restaurants in the area. Sometimes they have food trucks in parking lot (hot dogs and such). there is also a Red Store restaurant few minutes away if you get starved and can't make it back to Cape May main strip.

Yes, you must go in - unless you're not into historical aspects, hate climbing steps and don't like heights. This is THAN when it's not worth being dragged along and you'll be like several of the people I've witnessed that climbed with me that day that did a fair share of complaining. If only complaining burned calories, heh. There's historical literature in front of the cutesy gift shop, and already I overheard a few people scoff about how $8 is like, robbery. Or a drop into a lighthouse to be able to operate a lighthouse? You can tell the sweet attendant at the bottom of the steps, who took my admission heard it all. We shared a pleasant conversation and where she even offered me a discount on a nearby attraction. I started to embark up stopping on each landing, not because I was already lazy and tired (though the steps are steep and I highly recommend sticking to one lane, for those going up and going down), but because that's where more historical literature hung interestingly which I've noticed most of the complainers ignoring as they brushed past me if the rest of them didn't stop (those who fail history are doomed to repeat it, aye)... either the latter were really interested too or they stopped because they saw someone else (Oh, goodness. Me!) stop and monkey see, monkey doo doo. Heh. Either way, I quietly trekked along getting in my steps in ways betting (insert current fancy trendy version of a pedometer here) inaccurately could measure until I greeted a lonesome, but kind and energetic lighthouse attendant taking questions from the top and an outlet with captivating views that stretched of Cape May Point for miles. Rumor has it you can see up to 20 miles to your south so that'd be a birds eye view of Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, DE if your vision is good. But if your vision isn't so great from yelping so much (‍like your local helper yelper!) you're just grateful for the view, probably having a decent heart from not being out of breath from climbing 199 steps one way) and the kindness of a few strangers here some whom I've engaged in pleasant conversation with. Careful going down!

Although I've seen the lighthouse many times, this year was my first time climbing to the top. It was a lot of steps, but there were small pull-offs every other floor for you to stand in if you needed to catch your breath. The stairway was pretty hot and stuffy, but the top made it worth it- beautiful view, and lots of breeze. Worth going up at least once!

Yay! Finally made my way back to the Cape May Lighthouse so I could take in the views from the top and I just gotta say...$8 per adult and 199 steps later...it was so worth it! Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day...nice cool breeze and the views were spectacular! Heck, just check out my photos and see for yourself! If you're ever in Cape May this is a must!

Another beautiful lighthouse to visit. There's public restrooms and seating available to the public. There's a beautiful lake that's filled with swans that I've noticed here and there. Other ducks and birds come to visit too in late October. There's trails as well you can go on a nice cool day for a walk. Definitely recommend the Cape May Lighthouse. More pictures on my art Instagram: _pictrues_by_lauren_

If you like steps, you're in luck, Cape May Light house has 199 of them. The spiral staircase narrows as it ascends into the air, sectioned off into 6 landings for rest for the lighthouse attendant or unathletic college grads like myself. Entrance is $8.00 and you can basically spend as much time climbing and chilling as you want if it's not crowded. A great historical place for adults and kids alike. The view from the top at its peak is 22 miles out (maybe Delaware on a clear day??) and the lighthouse attendant is happy to answer any questions you may have.

I spent a great weekend out here not too long ago and it was beautiful. This lighthouse is one of the biggest I have seen they have tours that take you to the top it's pretty cool up there. The beach is pretty good and it's big and there's an old army bunker there too that's pretty cool . I would say this is definitely stop everybody should make at least once . Also on a sidenote if you head down to the other end of the Cape just a few miles away they have a little restaurant and a couple of shops and a nice beach and there is an old shipwreck there that is pretty cool to check out .

My husband and I broke down in the parking lot by the lighthouse. Here we were pulling a camper and the starter on the truck broke. Dave and Mike both park employees went out of their way to help us find a place to order the part, got under the truck with my husband, got us a lift to raise the truck and made sure we were ok. They stayed with us until it was done. Many thanks to these amazing men who work for the parks. Kudos to you both. We offered them a tip which they declined but they did ask us to make a donation to our favorite charity. Many thanks again Walter and Kate East brunswick, NJ

This was another one that we didn't get to climb during the Challenge weekend simply because it was too damn crowded. I mean we have climbed it several times before so it wasn't like we missed out but at the same time climbing lighthouses are claustrophobia inducing enough without a shit ton of people added in so we passed. Of all of the NJ Lighthouses this one is still may favorite simply because of its location and the view when you get to the top along with the beach plus the bird observation deck. 199 steps + 157 feet + 1 heart attack = 1 awe-inspiring view which is why we keep coming back year after year. ($7 per adult and $3 per child age 3-12)

I've always thought lighthouses were pretty awesome without ever actually visiting one. (I always promise myself to check out the one at Sandy Hook but then opt instead to get my drink on at the beach.) Did I feel like a chump to drop $22 for 4 of us to enter the lighthouse and walk up and down in a matter of minutes? Yup. But I was finally inside a damn lighthouse! And at each level you get some history lessons and how can't you be impressed with how it was made (this one is the third lighthouse after the first two hit the skids). You reach the top (seeing a worker on her cellphone took away some of the fun of pretending I was in ye olden times) and circle around outside and wondering just how sturdy everything is and you see some crazy rock fortress on the beach and immediately head back down to hit the beach to see what looks like a prop from the original Planet of the Apes movie or part of the Dharma Initiative. My kids thought it was all "pretty boring" and all of our calves were feeling the burn after the climb but I still loved it.

This was a great way to spend a morning! Everything is well maintained and very easy to park and visit.

My sister is disabled with a medical alert and mobility service dog and was refused access to climbing the lighthouse. They stated she was not allowed to climb with her service dog due to the concern that there will small spaces and there would be children that would be afraid or allergic to dogs. They stated that she would only be allowed to climb the lighthouse during the last hour of operation and if they call to ask before. They arrived in the morning when it was not busy and there were few people. They climbed the lighthouse last year in 2022 with no issues. This goes directly against ADA regulations regarding reasonable accommodations. Worries about allergies or people being afraid of dogs are specifically noted in the ADA guidelines as not being lawful reasons for exclusion. Allowing the dog to work in the lighthouse does not foundationally change the experience of the attraction and therefore the service dog lawfully cannot be excluded. We will be contacting park administration to prevent future service dog teams from being unlawfully excluded. We loved visiting the lighthouse in the past and hope we can climb again in the future.

Great view after a long walk up!!! Spent about a half hour walking up and enjoying the view. Knowledgeable docent at the top giving cool information. Small gift shop if you need to shop. Very enjoyable!

Excelllent way to spend a beautiful Sunday morning! First a healthy climb up 200 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Lots of interesting information from the volunteer at the top. Great morning to walk down the beach. Can't wait to return!

This is a gem of a lighthouse, impeccably clean and well kept with a tremendous view from the top. We bought a combination ticket to both the lighthouse and the artillery observation tower, located nearby. The area around the lighthouse is quite interesting and includes many historical buildings as well as private homes. There is a retreat center just south of the light which was closed - I would have liked to get a little information. I am an artillery officer and it was interesting to see the huge bunker near the lighthouse which was part of the shore artillery during WW II. Never used, of course, and it is slowly being eaten up by the ocean. This is a must see in Cape May.

It was a beautiful clear sunny day and perfect for walking around observing nature. Lots a different species of birds to look at.

One of my favorite part of Cape May is my trips to the lighthouse. Love all the history. I always feel this is the gathering spot for so many travelers. Situated by the beach. You can take a visit at the lighthouse, stroll by the beach, have a bite to eat at the food truck or travel across the parking lot and engage in some bird watching. This location should definitely be a must visit when you are in the area.

Cool place to visit. Nice views of Cape May at the top. Lots of historical markers to read along the way. Small gift shop at the end.

$8 ticket for one adult will earn you a trip up the Cape May lighthouse. 199 steps to the top but plenty of landings to stop and pretend to enjoy and read the plaques (while catching your breath)! Good views from the top. You can see some landmarks including Atlantic City in the distance. While you're there, take the short stroll to the pier at the lake. It will give you some fantastic views of the local swans. Lovely place!

The hours are inaccurate, called and they were open on Sunday until 4pm. The park is nice, parking lot is large with plenty of spots. The beach view is nice too and the multiple trails. The lighthouse itself is easy to walk up and has nice views. The top level is very windy and hard to stand outside. The gift shop is cute and small and has a few Cape May things.

On a whim we decided to trek down to CM to climb to the top of the lighthouse. It was a fun activity on a gorgeous day. $10.00 an adult, $5.00 per child (I think). @199 steps to get to the top...six landings...to pause and look out...but once at the top, what a view! That certainly didn't disappoint. Many adults with kids went up and came down fairly quickly...I guess kids aren't as impressed? Idk, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Beautiful Cape May Lighthouse, Circa 1859. Two hundred seventeen steps to the top!! (199 of them cast iron spiral staircase).. It's a workout! Once you hoof it up those stairs you'll be treated to spectacular views and a gorgeous sea breeze 165 feet above sea level. She's a beauty of a lighthouse, remarkably preserved and spotlessly maintained.

All these years I've been going down to Cape May and I've never gone inside the Lighthouse. Until now. Finally took the kids to the top of the Lighthouse and I must say the views alone make it well worth the time and money. We went early and there weren't many people there, which was good because we walked right up to the top in just a few short minutes, even with little ones in tow. On the way down it had gotten a little busier, creating a few people jams going up and down the narrow spiral staircase. Luckily, there are a few landings along the way where slower or larger folks can step off and let others pass to keep traffic moving. The climb is easy, and it's not nearly as claustrophobic as you might think. A million times more enjoyable than climbing to the top of the State of Liberty. I definitely recommend it.

This place is fantastic! Cape May is such a special place for us down the shore. We love coming here even though we've been here a million times. Today we wanted to bring our daughter. She was amazed by the height and overall massiveness of this lighthouse. Cape May has so much history and is a great place to walk around. The shops and visitor area around the lighthouse are very nice. I'm sure in the summer we will stop back in.

Went early spring and it was a nice setting! Just walked on the sand and it was a great view

I have lived in NJ my whole life and finally made it to the lighthouse! I was too lazy to make the climb, but a cool little stop. A sight to see on a gorgeous day!

Historic Lighthouse. As lighthouses go, this one is worth the visit if only just to have a look from the top. The place was built way back when and there is a load of artifacts and such that you can look at to get an idea of what running a lighthouse was all about back in the day. The walk to the top is somewhat unnerving as it is an open stairwell inside - do not look down. The view from the top is wonderful - as expected. The grounds are large and there is another part over on the beach where you can look at old photos and see how far out the land used to jut before erosion took it away. A great way to kill a few hours, get some sun and learn a few things.