Located in Lower Township’s Cape May Point State Park in Cape May, New Jersey, the Cape May Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to climb the 199 steps up to the historic, cast-iron spiral stairway and witness a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1859, the lighthouse also offers visitors a chance to take in the surrounding nature trails leading to the beach and Cape May Borough. 

Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base of the lighthouse, and at the top of the climb tell the stories of the lighthouse keepers and how the lighthouse functioned traditionally and today. Still an active aid to navigation, the structure was restored and is maintained by Cape May Museum + Arts + Culture (MAC). Since the Cape May MAC opened the lighthouse to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top. 

For those who are looking for a nighttime experience at the famed lighthouse, new this summer is the Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb. Without the light of the moon, visitors will really see the stars and constellations shine! Taking place on May 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. and June 28, July 28, and August 27 from 8 to 10 p.m., the event coincides with the start of the New Moon and a new 29.5-day lunar cycle. On these nights, the moon is so dark it blends into the night sky and stars are significantly more visible to the naked eye. Binoculars are permitted if worn securely around the neck at all times. Guests can purchase tickets from the lighthouse keeper on the evening of the event. 

For those who want to visit the lighthouse on a warm, sunny day — fear not! The lighthouse is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults (free for members) and $8 for children (ages 3-12). 

Learn more at https://capemaymac.org/experience/cape-may-lighthouse/.