cape may lighthouse tours

Cape May Lighthouse

Price & Hours

Facilities 4.0
Atmosphere 4.0

Built in 1859 and opened to the public in 1988, the Cape May Lighthouse has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors to date. Travelers who scale the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse will be rewarded with panoramic oceanfront views. Those who would rather stay on solid ground can enjoy the Oil House, which contains a visitor center and a museum shop with souvenirs.

The majority of recent vacationers recommended a trip to this Cape May landmark. Even visitors who didn't climb to the top of the lighthouse were fond of the beachfront location and peaceful surroundings. Those who did make the journey up enjoyed the 360-degree views. Still, some families with young children said climbing the stairs was a challenge and recommended admiring the structure from the outside for free.

The Cape May Lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for veterans and children ages 3 to 12. Active-duty military can enter for free. You'll find the lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park. To learn more, visit the Cape May Lighthouse's website .

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#1 Cape May City Beaches

For many travelers, the allure of Cape May has much to do with its plethora of spacious, white sand beaches. The entire Jersey Cape (which stretches through 10 communities) boasts 30 miles of shoreline, and Cape May itself offers up 2 1/2 miles' worth. Across the various beaches, vacationers can swim, skimboard, surf, fish, kayak and play volleyball in designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and all of Cape May's beaches are family-friendly. Alcohol is prohibited at all times and dogs are only welcome on the sand between November and March. Metered parking can be found along the main strip and you may also find free parking on side streets. Restrooms are located at every half-mile, as are open-air showers to rinse off sand.

Recent beachgoers said Cape May's shores were clean and easy to access. Many noted the stretches of sand were especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset, and some even spotted dolphins during these times. To enjoy fewer crowds, a few travelers recommended Poverty Beach, though families preferred to stay on the main promenade for easier access to bathrooms, umbrella rentals and restaurants. Keep in mind that some visitors reported the surf could be a bit rough at times, which may be dangerous for young children.