Cape May Lighthouse
Historic 157-foot lighthouse with original 1859 Fresnel lens. Climb 199 steps for spectacular sunset views.
Visitor access: Year-round. Confirm the current schedule before travelling.
157
Feet Tall
199
Steps to Climb
1859
Year Built
Listed
Scheduled Climbs
Visitor Information Reference
Schedules, admission and parking below are recorded planning information. Confirm your date, tour access and current charges with the operator before travelling; grounds and tower access may differ.
Hours
Year-round
Weekdays: 10am - 4pm
Weekends: 10am - 5pm
Extended summer hours until 8pm. Last climb 30 min before closing.
Admission
Parking
State park parking lot ($6-10). Additional street parking on Lighthouse Ave.
Accessibility
Tower climb not accessible. Oil house museum and grounds are accessible.
Managed By
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC)
Before you go
Tower climbs, museum and grounds can keep different schedules outside summer, and grounds access does not mean step-free tower access.
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About Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in America, still guiding ships with its original 1859 Third Order Fresnel lens. This 157-foot tower offers good sunset views from Cape May Point State Park.
History
The current Cape May Lighthouse is the third to stand at this location. The first (1823) was destroyed by erosion, and the second (1847) also succumbed to the advancing sea. The current tower was built in 1859 and has withstood over 165 years of coastal storms.
What makes Cape May special is that it still uses its original Third Order Fresnel lens - one of the few lighthouses in America where you can see an antique lens in operation. The lens was manufactured by Henry-Lepaute of Paris.
The lighthouse was automated in 1946 and continues to serve as an active aid to navigation. The surrounding Cape May Point State Park was established to protect this historic treasure.
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Notable Facts
- •Still uses its original 1859 Fresnel lens - one of few in America
- •Third lighthouse at this location - erosion claimed the first two
- •One of the most visited lighthouses in New Jersey
- •The lens rotates on a bed of mercury (now sealed)
- •Sunset climbs are especially popular for viewing the bay
Visiting Tips
Photography Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb Cape May Lighthouse?
Cape May Lighthouse offers tower climbs when scheduled by the operator. There are 199 steps to reach the top. Recorded schedule: year-round. Confirm your date, final tour and restrictions with the operator.
How tall is Cape May Lighthouse?
Cape May Lighthouse stands 157 feet (48 meters) tall, making it one of the notable lighthouses on the Jersey Shore.
When was Cape May Lighthouse built?
Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859. The current Cape May Lighthouse is the third to stand at this location.
How much does it cost to visit Cape May Lighthouse?
Recorded adult admission is $12; confirm the current rate and ticket type with the operator.
Technical Details
- Style
- Conical brick tower
- Material
- brick
- Lens
- Third Order Fresnel (original)
- Light
- Flashing white every 15 seconds
- Region
- South Shore
- County
- Cape May
Photography Guide
Best tides, viewpoints, and gear for shooting Cape May Lighthouse
View Guide →Fishing Nearby
Cape May Inlet • 2.5 mi away
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