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Cape May County
Cape May
Things to Do in Cape May
Cape May Lighthouse
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Cape May Lighthouse

See all things to do
See all things to do
Cape May Lighthouse
4.5
2,143 reviews
#4 of 42 things to do in Cape May
Speciality Museums • Lighthouses
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
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About
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,143 reviews
Excellent
1,381
Very good
603
Average
130
Poor
20
Terrible
9
Mark G
Catonsville, MD2,913 contributions
Stately
Mar 2022
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.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eliza L
Thanks for sharing this wonderful history, Mark! As of today, the lighthouse is open every day of the week for the rest of the summer — apart from some holidays!
Written March 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie M
Camp Hill, PA14 contributions
Access to nice wetland park/beach
Jun 2022
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.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harry M
Buckingham, PA35 contributions
Hawk Watch and Great Sunrise Photography Spot
Apr 2021
If we're up before sunrise, the observation deck at the far end of the parking lot is a wonderful place to take sunrise photos. It overlooks a pond that always has some sort of waterfowl on it. There's also a trail that runs through the woods from the parking lot, around the pond, and comes out on a rad that leads back to the parking lot. Of course there's the lighthouse, too, if you want to climb it.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lendita L
1 contribution
Moon climb sounds nice but they only let you watch the sunset if you arrive early. Rename the program.
Jul 2022 • Family
We went for the “moon climb” last night. Hours are 8 PM- 10 PM. It was still very sunny, sun was setting shortly. After about 25 min we were told we had to leave (by a teeny bopper they had running the top of the lighthouse). I explained that it was still light out and the whole purpose of this trip was to see the moon, never-mind the fact that it was actually a super moon that evening. The teenager’s response was “ there are 50 people waiting downstairs, at least you got to see a pretty sunset”. I was blown away by this response. If I wanted to see the sunset I would go to Sunset Beach, not climb 199 steps. They should either do timed visits or not open the lighthouse until 9 PM when it gets dark enough to see the moon.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jheb69
Lancaster, PA49 contributions
Worth the climb
May 2022
Beautiful historic lighthouse. It costs $12 per person to climb the 199 steps to the top. Amazing views from the top. Has a nature center on the same property; and access to the beach. Parking was convenient. The rangers in the nature center were putting on a talk showcasing their live animals. I don't mind paying the fee to climb because the money goes to maintaining this landmark.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eliza L
Thanks very much for your kind review! Glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written June 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon M
Abingdon, MD4,292 contributions
I love a lighthouse
Jun 2021
This one is easy to find. Lots of free parking. The lighthouse has 199 steps to the top. You have to pay to do so. There is a small building near the lighthouse in which you will find a gift shop. When we entered we were given the history of the lighthouse by a gentleman working in the shop. It was all very interesting.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelDiva001
Knoxville, TN1,619 contributions
So picturesque
Apr 2022 • Couples
We visited on a beautiful day and I got a lot of lovely photographs. It’s very windy there, so bring a parka.
Enjoyed the museum, walking down the ramp to see the beach, seeing the graceful swans and all purple martins flying around the many houses they have set up high overhead.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark H
Richland, PA462 contributions
GREAT LIGHT HOUSE & HISTORY, THE VIEWS ARE GREAT TOO
Apr 2022
this was our first time there. the light house is beautiful. they have tours & you can climb to the top of the light house. they also have buildings there to visit with items om display & the history of the light house & more. it has a nice park & great views. it's a must go to place.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MityC
Morristown, NJ134 contributions
A nice 2 hours
Jul 2022
Went here one morning when it was cloudy. You can climb the lighthouse; 199 steps we are told. The view from the top is great, particularly of Cape May Point. There is a small gift shap and tiny museum (mainly for the kids) onsite.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eliza L
Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy D
King of Prussia, PA239 contributions
Lots to do, don't miss any of the activities
Sep 2020
Don't miss all that is at the lighthouse. The lighthouse is wonderful to climb and get the view. Also, they have some exhibits in the buildings and the observation place for birds. Don't miss the wonderful paths that you can walk along to see more birds, the lighthouse from different angles and beautiful wildflowers. There are 3 different walks - red, blue and yellow and all three are worth exploring. I have been to Cape May for many years and just discovered these paths a year or so ago. I have some of the best pictures of the lighthouse reflected in a pond. On one of our walks we saw 50 swans in one of the lakes and turtles. Well worth the time to take the walks. And of course lighthouse beach is free, not beach tags in season.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Cape May Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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We recommend booking Cape May Lighthouse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Cape May Lighthouse tours on Tripadvisor