Cape May Lighthouse: Discovering History and Scenic Views
Cape May Lighthouse stands as a historical beacon at the southern tip of New Jersey. Built in 1859, this active aid to navigation has seen countless ships safely through the waters of Delaware Bay. Today, it welcomes visitors who climb its 199 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the surrounding Cape May Point State Park.
A Rich History
The current lighthouse is actually the third to stand at Cape May Point. The first, built in 1823, was a modest structure that quickly proved inadequate. The second, constructed in 1847, was threatened by shoreline erosion. The present tower, designed by Army engineer William F. Raynolds, rises 157 feet and 6 inches above the ground. Learn more about the lighthouse's rich history in our Cape May Lighthouse guide.
During the Civil War, the lighthouse played a strategic role in monitoring ship traffic entering Delaware Bay. Its light, originally powered by whale oil and later kerosene, was upgraded to an electric lamp in 1938. The current third-order Fresnel lens produces a beam visible for 24 nautical miles.
The Climb
The 199-step spiral staircase is the main attraction for most visitors. The cast-iron steps wind upward through the brick-lined interior, with small windows at intervals providing glimpses of the surrounding landscape. At the top, an outdoor gallery offers 360-degree views that are nothing short of spectacular.
On clear days, you can see the Delaware coastline across the bay, the skyline of Atlantic City to the north, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Sunset visits are particularly popular, as the western-facing gallery provides front-row seats to some of the most dramatic sunsets on the East Coast.
The Oil House Museum
At the base of the lighthouse, the restored Oil House serves as a small museum documenting the history of the lighthouse and the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Learn about the ongoing lighthouse restoration project. Exhibits include original equipment, historical photographs, and information about the keepers who maintained the light through storms and wars.
Visiting Information
The lighthouse is open daily from April through November, with limited winter hours on weekends. Admission includes access to both the tower climb and the Oil House Museum. Children must be at least 42 inches tall to climb the tower.
The surrounding Cape May Point State Park offers additional attractions, including nature trails, a hawk-watching platform. While in the area, don't miss the annual Monarch Festival in October, and access to Sunset Beach. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area.
