Climbing the 199 steps of Cape May Lighthouse is a rite of passage on the Jersey Shore. The view from atop the lighthouse covers all points of interest along the shore from north to south and east and west. Bring your camera and a bottle of water for the ascent. The "Oil House" near the base of the lighthouse houses the visitor center with a museum that shares the lighthouse's story. Use our Cape May road trip planning site to arrange your visit to Cape May Lighthouse and other attractions in Cape May.
Tours to Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse reviews
-
Lovely area with a lot of free parking and beach access; great for photos. also there is a hawk watch area there from an elevated platform.
Lovely area with a lot of free parking and beach access; great for photos. also there is a hawk watch area there from an elevated platform. more »
-
I have climbed the Cape May Lighthouse many times over the years and I picked a crisp winter day to climb the lighthouse on this visit. Talk about a wonderful view on a clear sunny blue day. You...
I have climbed the Cape May Lighthouse many times over the years and I picked a crisp winter day to climb the lighthouse on this visit. Talk about a wonderful view on a clear sunny blue day. You... more »
-
We happened upon this while in town for a wedding. It's a long way up, but worth the climb. The view is spectacular!
We happened upon this while in town for a wedding. It's a long way up, but worth the climb. The view is spectacular! more »
-
The view is definitely worth the 199 stair climb. Don't worry there are landings every 30 steps or so. I purchased my lighthouse passport book in the museum and got my first stamp today! The nature trails are easily accessible to wheelchairs, strollers and pedestrians. Today was a great day to see migrating birds and so many bird watchers were there with their cameras and bird watching equipment. As a motorcycle passenger and rider, my husband and I are making our way around the state visiting the light houses of NJ. This was our 3rd one this year and was definitely worth the two hour scenic ride.
-
Visit time and again, and you can always enjoy something new. There is more to see than the lighthouse. Today we walked out to the nature observation decks and hiked a trail that ran along the dunes and returned with a stroll down the beach back toward the lighthouse (all we trekked was pet friendly). There are other nature walks that go deeper into the protected lands where bird watching is amazing (but this hike does not welcome pets). There is a small lighthouse museum, picnic facilities, and of course, the beautiful lighthouse, all nestled in Cape May Point, a lovely place to drive through a see in the southern-most point of NJ. This would be a great bike ride, or drive there and then hike the area. It is also a great visit any time of year - we arrived in January and enjoyed the slower crowds on a sunny day in the low 50s.
-
The tour of the Lighthouse was so much fun. The staff are very knowledgeable and have fascinating stories about the history of the lighthouse. Once you get to the top, there are beautiful views of the beach, the WWII bunker and most of Cape May! I would highly recommend and go again.
-
I love visiting this lighthouse. It is so calm and peaceful at sunset and at night. The views of the stars are gorgeous too in the parking lot and on the beach. Swans also live at the pond near the lighthouse! There’s also nature trails as well you can walk, but I recommend doing it on a cooler day!
-
I was surprised at how pretty the grounds were as well as the natural area surrounding the lighthouse. It's pretty tall, so expect a climb. It's worth taking an hour or so to cruise the grounds and see the water birds in the local ponds. The swans are beautiful. Ample parking and relatively level, so it's a pretty easy stroll
Plan your trip to Cape May
-
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
-
Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules -
Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
-
Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.
Know more
Side trips from Cape May
Hidden gems in Cape May
Trips in Cape May Lighthouse by other users
7 days in New Jersey
BY A USER FROM SWITZERLAND
Trenton
Wildwood
19 days in New Jersey
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Columbia
Belmar
Cape May
32 days in New Jersey
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Point Pleasant Beach
Cape May
Mount Laurel
4 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Quarter at Tropicana
Borgata Casino
Harrah's Atlantic City Casino
9 days in New Jersey
BY A USER FROM COLOMBIA
Cape May
Morristown
3 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Bally's Atlantic City Casino
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Caesars Atlantic City Casino
4 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Quarter at Tropicana
Borgata Casino
Harrah's Atlantic City Casino
6 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Atlantic City
5 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Boat Tours & Water Sports
Cape May Beach
Jersey Shore Alpacas
7 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Bally's Atlantic City Casino
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Caesars Atlantic City Casino
3 days in New Jersey
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Wildwood
Seaside Heights
3 days in Atlantic City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Jersey Shore Alpacas
Cape May Beach
Bally's Atlantic City Casino
Are you the owner of this business?
Click here for promotion tips.