215 LIGHTHOUSE AVE.
Located in Cape May Point State Park
Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and see a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base and on the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. The Cape May Lighthouse is the third beacon at this location. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). Since Cape May MAC opened it to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top. The Cape May Lighthouse is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Admission
$12 adults
$8 children (ages 3-12)
$8 veterans
Active Military FREE
FREE for members – Find-out more!
Participant in Families First Discovery Pass Program – LEARN MORE
The Oil House on the grounds contains a fully accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center and Museum Shop.
CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE BRICK PAVER PROGRAM
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is offering a limited opportunity to celebrate a light in your life! The pathway at the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is being repaved and will include a limited number of engraved bricks. Honor someone special to you with this fixture as a remembrance or simply celebrate your own or your family’s love of the lighthouse! Bricks may be purchased online below or in person at the Cape May Lighthouse or at the Hill House Business Office at the Emlen Physick Estate.
Bricks will be ordered quarterly. Installation may take up to one year. We cannot accommodate special requests regarding placement of your brick.
Special Events & Activities
LIGHTHOUSE FULL MOON CLIMB
April 12, May 11, June 11, July 10, August 9,
September 7 & October 6, 2025: 8-10PM
November 5, 2025: 7-9PM
Follow the light of the full moon on these rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Interpretive panels along the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically, and are located at landings along the way. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon on this site. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). Since it opened to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top, but far fewer have climbed at nighttime.
Adult $20
Child (3-12) $10
Purchase tickets from the Lighthouse Keeper the evening of the event.
STAIRWAY TO THE STARS LIGHTHOUSE CLIMB
April 27, May 27, June 25, July 24, August 23,
September 21 & October 21, 2025: 8-10PM
November 20, 2025: 7-9PM
Without the light of the moon, you see the stars shine! Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the new moon and the start of a new 29.5-day lunar cycle, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon! Binoculars are permitted if securely worn at all times.
Adult $20
Child (3-12) $10
Purchase tickets from the Lighthouse Keeper the evening of the event.
LIGHTHOUSE & FIREWORKS CLIMB
July 3, 2025: 8:30-9:30PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a rare and exclusive opportunity to view fireworks from atop the Cape May Lighthouse! Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse Watch Gallery and experience a one-of-a-kind view of the evening’s fireworks display. Offered during Independence Day fireworks presentations. Limited event. Advance reservations necessary. Comfortable shoes required for climbing. In the event fireworks are cancelled, refund will be given.
LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE OF NJ
October 18 & 19, 2025
The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is a two-day event held every year on the third weekend in October to encourage participants to visit participating lighthouses, life-saving stations and museums throughout the state. Commemorative T-shirts and mementos are offered for purchase to participants each year. Each participating site determines its hours and participation level. Each site may charge an entry fee.
FAMILY FUN DAYS AT THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE
Wednesdays, July 2-August 27: 9am – 2 pm
The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township, is a beacon for fun! Join us this summer and enjoy kid-friendly activities, performers, entertainment and crafts vendors at the base of the lighthouse. Free admission to the grounds. Presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). capemaymac.org.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Click here for applications.
INTERPRETIVE PANELS ON THE LIGHTHOUSE GROUNDS
In the fall of 2023, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) installed three new interpretive panels outside on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse for public viewing. “A Beacon to Freedom” features original art by local artist, Chanelle René, and tells a story from William Still’s book, “The Underground Rail Road.” “A Woman Leads the Lighthouse” tells the story of Florence Arabelle Palmer, who took over as Custodian of the Cape May Lighthouse after her husband, Harry Palmer. Finally, the third panel lists all past keepers of the Cape May Lighthouse along with their dates of service.
Learn More
Cape May Lighthouse Photos
