The 1859 lighthouse is the third structure to serve this location; the previous two were lost to coastal erosion.
The park is officially designated as a Watchable Wildlife site due to its position on a major migratory funnel for birds of prey.
Remnants of the Bunker Pond are actually concrete military batteries, originally constructed to protect the entrance to the Delaware Bay during WWII.
The park provides one of the few locations on the East Coast where the sun can be seen both rising and setting over the water due to the peninsula's unique geography.
It serves as a primary tagging site for the Cape May Monarch Monitoring Project during the fall migration.
The lighthouse lens, a Fresnel optic, was automated in 1946 and remains a functional navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cape May Point State Park is a 244-acre coastal sanctuary situated at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. The park is anchored by the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, which features 199 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The landscape includes a diverse mix of freshwater wetlands, dunes, and forest trails that serve as a critical migratory corridor for birds and monarch butterflies. Visitors can traverse over two miles of hiking trails, including elevated boardwalks and paths through wooded areas. The park is a major site for raptor and songbird banding, often documented by researchers during peak migration seasons. It preserves a segment of the World War II-era bunker defenses, remnants of which are visible on the beach. The site is managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry and provides access to secluded beach areas. It functions primarily as a nature preserve focused on habitat conservation and wildlife observation.
The beach area during low tide, capturing the reflection of the lighthouse against the remnants of the WWII bunkers.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as the park is a globally recognized destination for birding and wildlife viewing.
Wear insect repellent, particularly if walking the inland trails, to protect against mosquitoes in the marshy areas.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as high tides can significantly reduce the available beach area around the WWII bunkers.
Do not attempt to climb or enter the deteriorating WWII concrete bunker structures on the beach, as they are unstable.
Lighthouse tower climbing is seasonal and weather-dependent, often closed during high winds or extreme temperatures.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive dune vegetation and nesting habitats.
