(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) offers rare opportunities for nighttime climbs up the 199 spiral steps to the Watch Gallery of the Cape May Lighthouse during select full moon dates each year.
A full moon climb is a special chance on clear nights to see the spectacular full moon in all its glory. Climbers can enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Interpretive panels tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically, and are located at landings along the way. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon on this site. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC. Since it opened to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top, but far fewer have climbed at nighttime.
Mark your calendar now for these special evening climbs in 2022: Saturday, April 16 (7:00pm–9:00pm), Monday, May 16 (7:00pm–9:00pm), Tuesday, June 14 (8:00pm–10:00pm), Wednesday, July 13 (8:00pm–10:00pm), Thursday, August 11 (8:00pm–10:00pm) and Tuesday, November 8 (7:00pm–9:00pm) Admission for these special evening climbs is $20 adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Tickets are available for purchase on site the evening of the event. Visit capemaymac.org for updates.
Since it opened to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million people have climbed to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse during the day. Fewer have seen the grand vista of the evening sky and the full moon from atop this majestic beacon.
The lighthouse is in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township (next to Cape May Point Borough Hall in Cape May Point), at 215 Lighthouse Ave., and normally closes at dusk. The Cape May Lighthouse is open regularly for visiting and climbing during daytime hours. Tickets for climbing during daytime hours are available for purchase online or on site. Visit capemaymac.org for ticket prices and current schedule.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. Visit capemaymac.org/support/membership to learn more. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at capemaylodging.com. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.
