The lighthouse has 199 steps from the ground to the top gallery deck.
The beacon's light is visible from up to 24 nautical miles away.
It is the third lighthouse to be constructed on this specific location since 1823.
The structure is built on a massive concrete foundation supported by 386 timber piles.
The original kerosene lamp was electrified in 1933.
The lighthouse is a registered historic place and remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The tower is painted with a distinct white middle section and a red lantern room to serve as a daylight navigation mark.
The Cape May Lighthouse is a 157-foot tall historic aid to navigation located in Cape May Point State Park. Completed in 1859, the brick structure features a cast-iron lantern room and a rotating light that remains active today. Visitors climb 199 steps to reach the gallery deck for views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The base of the lighthouse houses an educational museum detailing maritime history and the structure's construction. It was designed by U.S. Lighthouse Board engineer Samuel M. Mansfield and follows the Fresnel lens design common to 19th-century coastal beacons. The lighthouse underwent a major restoration in the 1990s to stabilize the masonry and preserve its original aesthetic. It serves as a focal point for birdwatching, as the surrounding Cape May Point is a major migratory stopover. The grounds are part of the larger Cape May Point State Park, which includes coastal dunes and walking trails.
The base of the tower looking upward from the boardwalk trails in the state park.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to safely navigate the 199 spiral steps.
Bring binoculars to scan the horizon for dolphins, whales, and migratory birds.
Check the local weather forecast before visiting, as high winds may force the closure of the exterior gallery deck.
Do not attempt the climb if you are sensitive to heights or confined spaces, as the spiral staircase is narrow.
Operating days vary by season; check the official website for midweek closures during off-peak winter months.
No food or drink inside the tower; visitors must be able to climb the stairs unassisted.
