Cape May Lighthouse
🏆 New Jersey’s Southern Sentinel — Historic Lighthouse at the Tip of Cape May — Updated for 2026 with climbing schedule, birding info, Victorian architecture, and seasonal tips
At the very bottom of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, a 157-foot lighthouse rises above a landscape of marshes, dunes, and Victorian architecture. This is the Cape May Lighthouse, standing guard over one of the most remarkable convergences of nature and history on the East Coast — a place where migratory birds gather by the hundreds of thousands, where Victorian houses line the streets in candy-colored splendor, and where the view from 199 spiral steps encompasses two bodies of water, three states, and the curved horizon of the Atlantic.
Built in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in America. Located within Cape May Point State Park, the lighthouse is maintained by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and offers public climbing and exhibits. Cape May itself — America’s oldest seaside resort — provides the perfect Victorian backdrop to a visit.
What Makes Cape May Lighthouse Essential
157-Foot Historic Lighthouse
Built 1859. One of America’s oldest operating lights. 199 steps to panoramic views of bay and ocean.
Bird Migration Capital
One of the top birding locations in North America — hundreds of thousands of raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds migrate through each fall.
Victorian Splendor
Cape May is a National Historic Landmark — 600+ Victorian houses make it America’s prettiest seaside town.
Sunset Beach
Watch the sun set below the ocean from West Coast–style Sunset Beach, complete with flag ceremony and Cape May Diamonds.
The Lighthouse
The 199 iron steps spiral to the top of the 157-foot tower, where views extend across the Delaware Bay to Delaware, along the Atlantic coast, and across Cape May Point State Park’s marshes and dunes. The Oil House museum at the base features exhibits on lighthouse history and keepers.
🗼 Climbing Info
• Open for climbing daily April–November, weekends in winter • 199 steps — no elevator • Admission: ~$10 adults, $5 children • Children must be able to climb independently • Views: Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, Cape May Point SP, and on clear days — Delaware
World-Class Birding
Cape May is one of the top birding destinations in North America. The cape’s geography creates a natural funnel for migratory birds — species pile up at the tip before crossing the Delaware Bay. Fall migration (September–November) is peak: hawks, eagles, falcons, warblers, shorebirds, and monarch butterflies pass by the thousands. The Cape May Bird Observatory (NJ Audubon) runs hawk watches and birding programs.
Cape May Point State Park
The lighthouse sits within Cape May Point State Park — 244 acres of beaches, dunes, coastal marshes, and ponds. Nature trails wind through diverse habitats, making the park excellent for birding, hiking, and photography year-round. Bunkers from World War II dot the beach, slowly being claimed by the ocean.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Fall | Sep–Nov | 55-70°F | 🏆 Bird migration! Hawks, raptors, monarchs. Victorian Week (October). Best all-around |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 78-85°F | Beach season, lighthouse climbing, Victorian trolley tours. Peak crowds |
| 🌸 Spring | Apr–May | 55-65°F | Spring bird migration. Horseshoe crab spawning (May). Quieter |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Feb | 30-45°F | Quiet town. Winter birding. Christmas in Cape May events |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Trip | Weekend Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Climb | $10/adult | $10/adult | $5 children. Worth every step |
| State Park | FREE | FREE | Free admission to Cape May Point SP |
| B&B / Hotel | — | $150-350/night | Victorian B&Bs are the classic Cape May experience |
| Dining | $20-50 | $50-100 | Excellent seafood restaurants and cafes |
| Total (2 adults) | $30-$60 | $210-$460 | Stay in a Victorian B&B for the full experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb the lighthouse?
Yes — 199 steps to the top. Open daily April–November, weekends in winter. ~$10 adults. Panoramic views of the bay, ocean, and Cape May.
When are the birds?
Fall (Sep–Nov) is peak migration — hawks, eagles, raptors, songbirds, and monarch butterflies. Spring migration (April–May) is also excellent, with horseshoe crab spawning in May.
What are Cape May Diamonds?
Smooth, clear quartz pebbles found on Sunset Beach. They wash up from the Delaware Bay — free to collect. Not actual diamonds, but they polish beautifully.
What’s the flag ceremony?
Every evening at sunset during summer, Sunset Beach hosts a flag ceremony honoring veterans — a moving tradition followed by a spectacular sunset over the water.
Is Cape May walkable?
Very — the Victorian district is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Walk or take a horse-drawn carriage or trolley tour.
What is Victorian Week?
Mid-October — a 10-day festival celebrating Cape May’s Victorian heritage with house tours, period costumes, mystery dinners, and history events.
Is there camping?
Not at the lighthouse/state park. Several campgrounds operate nearby in Cape May County.
🗼 Where Jersey Ends and the View Begins
Climb 199 steps up a lighthouse built when Lincoln was president. At the top, two bodies of water spread before you — the Atlantic to the east, the Delaware Bay to the west, and at the tip of the cape below, thousands of birds gathering courage for their crossing. Cape May Lighthouse isn’t just Jersey’s southern sentinel — it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations, inside a town that preserved its Victorian soul so perfectly it became a National Historic Landmark. Come for the lighthouse. Stay for the birds, the sunsets, the Cape May Diamonds, and a town that proves beauty and history can coexist on the same beach.
📍 Address: 215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
📞 Phone: (609) 884-5404
