Hidden · Cape May, United States
Cape May Lighthouse
A 157-foot lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, the third at Cape May Point, still working and climbable by spiral staircase.
The third lighthouse at Cape May Point, and the first two are underwater.
Cape May Lighthouse stands at the tip of the Cape May peninsula in Cape May Point State Park, New Jersey, in Lower Township. It was built in 1859 under the supervision of Army engineer William F. Raynolds, automated in 1946, and it still works today.
It is the third fully documented lighthouse at Cape May Point. The first went up in 1823 and the second in 1847, and erosion has since taken the ground where both stood: their exact locations are now underwater.
Two walls, 199 steps and a view across the bay.
The tower is 157 feet 6 inches tall. It is built with two separate walls: a cone-shaped outer wall, 3 feet 10 inches thick at the base and 1 foot 6 inches at the top, and an inner cylinder that carries the cast iron spiral staircase. Both were designed to withstand winds several times stronger than hurricane force. There are 217 steps from the ground to the top, 199 of them in the spiral staircase.
From the top the view reaches Cape May City and Wildwood to the north, Cape May Point to the south and, on a clear day, Cape Henlopen, Delaware, to the west. Close by you can see Cape May Cove and Battery 223, a harbor defense battery first built during World War II. The original first-order Fresnel lens, made in Paris, was moved to the Cape May County Courthouse.
The state of New Jersey owns the lighthouse, while the Coast Guard keeps it running as an aid to navigation. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities leases it, raises funds for its upkeep and opens it for climbs, with exhibits on the lighthouse, its keepers and the maritime history of the Jersey Cape. Climbs began in May 1988. When the keeper, Harry Palmer, fell seriously ill, his wife Belle took over and was granted the title Custodian of the Lighthouse in 1933.
The tower and the cape.
Practical notes.
Before you go.
Can you climb Cape May Lighthouse?
It has been open to the public for climbs since May 1988. The climbs are run by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, so check its official site for current days, hours and tickets.
How many steps does Cape May Lighthouse have?
There are 217 steps from the ground to the top, 199 of them in the cast iron spiral staircase.
Is Cape May Lighthouse still in use?
Yes. It was automated in 1946 and continues to operate as an aid to maritime navigation, maintained by the Coast Guard.
Where was the first Cape May lighthouse?
The first lighthouse, built in 1823, and the second, from 1847, stood nearby, but erosion has put their exact locations underwater.
Around Cape May
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.