Cape May Lighthouse

The Cape May Lighthouse is one of the region’s most famous landmarks, having been depicted on statuettes, wall hangings, coffee cups and calendars to the point of iconic status, the Cape May Lighthouse is the image that comes to mind for many people when they think about American lighthouses.

Located in Cape May Point State Park, the lighthouse is still functioning today and available for public tours. The climb is 199 steps and provides an incredible view of the State Park, the Cape May Point and the ocean beyond it. Some people have reported that on a clear day, one can see all the way to Delaware, about 16 miles away. An orientation center and museum shop are close by.

In addition to its present fame and notability, the lighthouse also has played an important role in the past. It was the third-ever lighthouse built in Cape May, and due to poor construction and erosion problems in the others, is the only one remaining. Equipped with a Fresnel lens from 1859 to 1946, which has since been given to the Cape May County Historical Museum, the lighthouse has had a run of interesting keepers: Downes Foster, who kept his position for twenty-five years from the lighthouse’s first opening, Harry Palmer, who won an efficiency flag for the lighthouse’s condition in 1925 and 26, and Samuel Stilwell, who first began giving tours in 1882.

Find other Cape May Attractions near the Bedford Inn. Reserve your room at our Cape May bed and breakfast for your Jersey Shore getaway. Book Today.

Cape May | Things To Do

  • It’s what you hope it to be: quiet, peaceful, great amenities, food, wonderfully comfortable beds and their caring attitude to help with whatever a guest may need. This home is immaculately clean and well decorated. It is a one short block walk to the ocean and restaurants. Yes, the Bedford Inn is the perfect getaway for any occasion.

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  • The accommodations were fabulous, including beach chairs and towels, wonderful porches with rocking chairs, comfortable outside seating, proximity to the beach and town, and the delicious breakfasts. We are first time visitors of Cape May and during our five night stay it felt like you were staying at a home. The next time we go back to Cape May, we would only consider staying at The Bedford Inn and highly recommend to other visitors.

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  • From the moment we arrived, Paula treated us as long lost friends. Our room was simply beautiful and comfortable. ||From the afternoon wine and cheese to the breakfasts that were clearly prepared with love, we felt at home. ||It is rare to find this kind of hospitality on the road.

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  • My wife and I had a wonderful 3 night stay at the Bedford Inn this past weekend and highly recommend it. The Inn was beautiful, the staff was great and the location is perfect and within walking distance to everything in town. I would certainly recommend the Bedford Inn to anyone looking for a quiet shore getaway

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