Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey, United States

4.5 (2.143 reviews) Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #4 in New Jersey Speciality Museums • Lighthouses

Hawk Watch and Great Sunrise Photography Spot

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is fully restored and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse has been restored and is managed by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums Arts Culture). While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The park is “carry in, carry out;” please do not litter.

Address

215 Lighthouse Avenue Cape May Point State Park, Cape May, NJ 08204

Mobile

+1 609-884-5404

Website

http://www.capemaymac.org

Email

[email protected]

Working hours

Monday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Current local date and time now

Thursday, May 02, 2024, 16:25

User Ratings

4.5 based on (2.143 reviews)

Excellent

65%

Good

28%

Satisfactory

Poor

Terrible

Reviews

4Mark G 5:00 PM Mar 21, 2022
Stately
Two earlier lighthouses built in 1822 and 1847, were destroyed by erosion, but the existing one, standing at 157 feet tall was built farther back in 1859. The outer walls are 3 feet thick, it has 199 steps and the beacon flashes every 15 seconds visible to 24 nautical miles. It overlooks the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We unfortunately missed it because it is only open on weekends during Dec-Mar. There is a gift shop and museum on the grounds. Impressive with a fascinating history.
4Leslie M 5:00 PM Jun 14, 2022
Access to nice wetland park/beach
We visited twice, and enjoyed the museum (with some small animals) and visitor center. Trailheads start at the parking lot, and my husband ran on the wetland trails, and we also took some walks. Saw plenty of wildlife- egrets, swans, ducks, rabbits, dragonflies, and various birds. There is beach access (no swimming) and you can see the WWII bunker on the beach. One of the staff members showed my young daughter and me how they lower the purple martin birdhouses and count the eggs. There is a little concession stand with drinks and ice cream, and a few big pavilions in case you bring a lunch. We did not pay to go up into the lighthouse; I don't think it would have been worth the fee. But we enjoyed seeing it.