Cape May Point State Park at the southernmost tip of New Jersey protects 235 acres of coastal habitat at the convergence of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, including beaches, dunes, freshwater ponds, and maritime forest. The Cape May Lighthouse — a 157-foot brick tower completed in 1859 — stands within the park and is operated as a heritage attraction by Cape May MAC, with the observation platform at the top of 199 steps offering panoramic views across Cape May Point, the bay, and the Atlantic on clear days. The park is one of the most celebrated wildlife-watching sites on the East Coast, recognized internationally for two distinct migration spectacles: millions of shorebirds and horseshoe crabs on Delaware Bay beaches in May, and an exceptional hawk migration past the hawk watch platform from late August through November, peaking in September and October. On peak migration days in September, hawk watchers have counted more than 10,000 raptors passing over the point in a single day, including sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park's three freshwater ponds attract wading birds, ducks, and shorebirds in all seasons. A network of flat, easy trails loops through the dune habitat and along the pond edges. Park grounds are free to enter; the lighthouse climb requires a ticket from capemaymac.org. Seasonal trolleys from the Cape May Welcome Center provide transport to the park.
Good to know
- Hours
- Park open daily dawn to dusk; lighthouse open May–Nov 9am–5pm, check capemaymac.org
- Best time
- September–October for hawk migration (10,000+ hawks/day during peak); May for migratory shorebirds
Location
Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
38.9296, -74.9602 View on map
Highlights
- Cape May Lighthouse (1859): 157-foot brick tower with 199-step climb and panoramic bay and ocean views
- World-class hawk migration watch point: 10,000+ raptors counted on peak September–October days
- May shorebird and horseshoe crab congregation on Delaware Bay beach — one of the largest spectacles in the Eastern US
- Three freshwater ponds with year-round waterfowl and wading bird activity
- Flat, accessible trail network through dune habitat and pond edges
Tips for visiting
- Visit in mid-September for peak hawk migration count days; the hawk watch platform is staffed by Cape May Bird Observatory volunteers who identify passing raptors
- The lighthouse climb is $10/adult; the 199 steps take about 15 minutes and require moderate fitness
- Arrive at the lighthouse before noon on summer and fall weekends to avoid queuing for the climb
- The freshwater ponds are best for wading birds in early morning when light is soft and birds are most active
- Bring binoculars for both the hawk migration and shorebird viewing — even casual observers find the spectacle rewarding
When to visit
September and October for peak hawk migration; May for horseshoe crab and shorebird spectacle on Delaware Bay beaches. The park is pleasant year-round; summer visits focus on the lighthouse and dune trails.
Accessibility
The park's main trails are flat, unpaved paths through dune and pond habitat; most sections are passable for wheelchairs on dry days. The lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible due to the 199-step spiral staircase. The hawk watch platform is at ground level and accessible. The main parking area is paved and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Cape May Point State Park take?
The lighthouse and a park trail walk take 1.5–2 hours. Adding serious hawk watching or birding time extends the visit to a half-day. The Delaware Bay beach for horseshoe crab season in May is a short drive from the main park.
Is the Cape May Lighthouse worth climbing?
Yes for most visitors. The 199 steps take 10–15 minutes and the panoramic views from the observation platform extend across three states on clear days. Children above roughly age 5 manage the climb comfortably.
When is the best time to see the hawk migration at Cape May Point?
Mid-September to mid-October, particularly after a cold front passes from the north. Northwest winds concentrate migrants funneling down the peninsula. The hawk watch platform typically records its highest single-day counts on the first clear day after a frontal system.