Photo: Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape May Lighthouse
🌤 Weather at Cape May Lighthouse by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–71 °F | 63–86 °F | 41–79 °F | 28–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cape May 2 NW, 2 mi away, elevation 20 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏮 1859 Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park — Climb the 199 cast-iron steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse at 215 Lighthouse Ave. for views over Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean; climbs are run by Cape May MAC.
At the southernmost tip of New Jersey — where the Atlantic Ocean collides with the Delaware Bay in a swirl of currents that has wrecked ships for centuries — a brick lighthouse has stood watch since 1859, guiding mariners past the treacherous shoals of Cape May Point. The Cape May Lighthouse dates from 1859, and climbing its 199 cast-iron steps to the top rewards visitors with a 360-degree panorama over the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape May is also a birding area. The narrow peninsula between ocean and bay sits on the Atlantic Flyway, and its shape concentrates migrating birds every spring and fall. During fall migration (September–November), hawks, falcons, songbirds and monarch butterflies pass through.
The Lighthouse
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1859 (third lighthouse on this site) |
| Climb | 199 cast-iron steps to the top (Cape May MAC) |
| Status | Active — still guides ships today |
| Views | Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay (Cape May MAC) |
| Managed By | Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) |
Birding
| Season | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Hawk migration, songbirds | Thousands of raptors, peak diversity |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Shorebirds, warblers | Horseshoe crab spawning → red knots, sanderlings |
| Summer | Nesting species, terns | Least terns, piping plovers |
| Winter | Waterfowl, seabirds | Snow buntings, razorbills, sea ducks |
Key birding sites nearby: Cape May Bird Observatory, The Meadows, Higbee Beach WMA, Cape May Hawk Watch Platform
Whale and Dolphin Watching
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humpback Whales | Spring and fall | Feeding off the cape |
| Bottlenose Dolphins | May – October | Frequently seen from shore and boats |
| Right Whales | Winter | Rare but possible offshore |
Cape May Point State Park
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trails | Nature trails through coastal dunes and wetlands |
| Beach | Swimming, sunbathing (seasonal lifeguards) |
| Bunker | WWII concrete bunker on the beach (Battery 223) |
| Hawk Watch | Official platform — raptor counting station |
Cape May Victorian District
The town of Cape May — just minutes from the lighthouse — is a National Historic Landmark District featuring its Victorian-era buildings, with gaslit streets, gingerbread architecture, B&Bs and seafood restaurants.
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Address | 215 Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ 08212 |
| Season | Year-round (reduced winter hours) |
| Climb Fee | See capemaymac.org for current prices |
| State Park | Free admission to Cape May Point State Park |
Getting There
- From Philadelphia: 90 miles south (~1 hour 45 minutes)
- From Atlantic City: 50 miles south (~1 hour)
- From New York City: 160 miles south (~3 hours)
- From Lewes, DE: Cape May-Lewes Ferry (~85 minutes crossing)
Wildlife & Nature
Cape May Lighthouse — built in 1859 — stands at the southern tip of New Jersey. Its narrow peninsula on the Atlantic Flyway concentrates migrating birds. Hawks, falcons, warblers, and shorebirds concentrate here in fall. Horseshoe crabs spawn on the beaches in May.
Nearby Attractions
Cape May — adjacent — has Victorian architecture and the entire city is a National Historic Landmark. Cape May Bird Observatory — adjacent. Cape May-Lewes Ferry — nearby. Higbee Beach WMA — 3 miles north.
Insider Tips
Birding: The peninsula concentrates migrating birds each fall. Pro tip: Climb the lighthouse’s 199 steps for panoramic views. Monarch butterflies: Monarchs also migrate through in fall.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Peak bird and monarch migration (September-November). Spring: Horseshoe crabs and shorebird migration. Summer: Beach season. Winter: Raptor watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cape May famous for birding?
Cape May’s peninsula geography funnels migrating birds along the Atlantic Flyway into a narrow point. This concentrates hawks, songbirds and shorebirds. The Cape May Bird Observatory has monitored migration here since 1976.
How many steps to the top of Cape May Lighthouse?
The Cape May Lighthouse has 199 iron steps from ground level to the top. The staircase is a spiral design inside the brick tower. The climb is self-paced, and the panoramic views from the top — spanning the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay — make it well worth the effort. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and is still an active navigational aid.
Why is Cape May good for birding?
Cape May’s geographic position is key: it’s a narrow peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey, directly on the Atlantic Flyway. During fall migration, the cape’s funnel shape concentrates southbound birds — they reach the tip and must either cross the Delaware Bay or rest. Spring brings shorebird gatherings tied to horseshoe crab spawning in the Delaware Bay.
Keep exploring: Cape May Lighthouse is part of Cape May Point State Park. The closest other parks are Belleplain State Forest (within about an hour’s drive) and Corson's Inlet State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cape May Lighthouse
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at Cape May Lighthouse?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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