THE BEST CAPE MAY PHOTOGAPHY LOCATIONS

Great Photography and a Great Place to Stay

The star trail lighthouse image is above by Arlene Cruz.

Cape May, located at the southern tip of New Jersey, is a Victorian resort town. It was the country’s first seaside resort and much of its original flavor still exists in the properties and other sites within the city. Settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times, the town suffered a devastating fire in 1878 and was rebuilt during the Victorian period. As a result, Cape May is known for its concentration on Victorian-era architecture. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

CAPE MAY PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS

On the coast of New Jersey, Cape May offers many opportunities to take pictures. From the graceful flight of colorful birds to the vibrant hues of a sunrise or sunset over the ocean, there is beauty at every turn. The town also offers countless possibilities, with its charming architecture and picturesque streets that seem to be frozen in time. And for those passionate about astrophotography, the clear night skies offer a display of the Milky Way.

CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE

We photographed the lighthouse’s exterior and then ventured up the winding staircase to the very top. Inside, the warm light filtered through large windows, casting shadows and creating a peaceful atmosphere.

EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE

At the day’s peak, we entered the Emlen Psychic Estate and were immediately greeted by shelves of ghost-hunting books. The walls were adorned with antique mirrors and portraits of long-deceased residents, each seemingly peering back at us curiously. Despite its reputation as a ghost-hunting mecca, we didn’t feel any eerie presence or supernatural activity during our visit. Perhaps the blinding sunbeams flooded through the windows, intensifying the sweltering heat. But even amid this bright and bustling town, an undeniable energy lingered in every corner, hinting at the possibility of otherworldly encounters.

You can take some good photos of the grounds outside and go on a ghost hunt. However, it’s recommended to do it after sunset. You can stop here to take pictures while you roam around the town and click on some beautiful Victorian-style houses.

YOU CANNOT TAKE PICTURES INSIDE THE ESTATE.

CENTER OF TOWN

In the height of summer, vibrant flower baskets hung from lampposts, and families strolled along the promenade, soaking up the sun and sea breeze. The aroma of freshly baked saltwater taffy wafted through the streets as children eagerly awaited sitting on Santa’s lap during the Christmas season. In wintertime, the town center was transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights adorning every storefront, and Santa himself appeared in the town center.

WHALE WATCHING

As the boat docked at the port, Carol could be seen disembarking with her 150-500 mm lens in tow. Her face was flushed with excitement. She had spent several hours out at sea. Despite the rough ride, she couldn’t contain her joy as she recounted her whale-watching adventure in Cape May. The town was renowned for its whale-watching tours, and Carol had experienced it all firsthand, braving the rolling waves and unpredictable weather to capture nature’s beauty through her lens.

SUNSET POINT

Sunset Point is a popular spot located at the base of Cape May. It’s just past the World War II lookout tower, where you can take a photo. Parking can be a little rough in this location, so claim the spot in the front row before you go.

SUNSET BEACH GIFT SHOPS, MINI GOLF AND GRILLE—Sunset Boulevard—Cape May Point, New Jersey. You can grab something to eat and then explore the gift shop.

MILKY WAY

This location in New Jersey is known for its beautiful Milky Way photography, but we have not been successful due to bad weather. If you’re a Milky Way photographer and down this way, you must photograph the East Point Lighthouse, which is about 40 minutes or so from the Cape May area. You can’t come all this way without Photographing The East Point lighthouse, that’s for sure.

CAPE MAY BEACH MILKY WAY

The beach at the tip of Cape May is known to be the darkest spot, making it the perfect place for Milky Way sightings. We have seen breathtaking images of the Ghost Railroad and Milky Way taken from this location but have yet to find the railroad ourselves. This year, we will prioritize exploring and discovering the elusive Ghost Railroad during the peak of Cape May’s Milky Way season.

CAPE MAY BUNKER MILKY WAY

The Cape May Bunker is a prime location for getting shots of the Milky Way.. Despite our attempts, the weather kept us from photographing this spot. However, we are determined to make it happen this year. It’s a dark area, and it’s pretty spooky.

GHOST HUNTING

Speaking of spooky. Cape May is famous for its ghost-hunting. As the sun sets over the horizon, the town takes on an eerie atmosphere, with whispers and shadows lurking around every corner. The historic buildings that line the streets are said to be haunted by the spirits of past residents; their presence is felt in every creaking floorboard and flickering light. Even the gentle ocean breeze carries a sense of unease as it passes through abandoned alleyways and forgotten graveyards. Locals and tourists flock to this haunted town, cameras ready to capture any paranormal activity. We will dedicate a whole article in our ghost-hunting section to this town.

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR LIST

A sturdy tripod will be vital for getting Milky Way and Waterfall shots.
A wide-angle lens will help you fit the majestic mountains into your frame.
Bring a telephoto lens and a monopod for wildlife shoots.
Pack plenty of extra batteries and memory cards, as you’ll likely take many photos.
Bring your macro lens to take pictures the vast landscapes and intricate details of the surrounding nature.
Pack an array of filters, from UV to polarized, to reduce glare on the water and neutral density filters for long exposures to achieve milky water effects.
Milky Way gear list is below.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING – A PACKING LIST

Organic bug repellent. (Non-organic is very toxic)
Organic Sun protection. (Non-organic sunscreen is a cancer cause.)
Durable hiking boots for any trail or terrain you may encounter.
Have a waterproof backpack or rain cover to protect your equipment.
Packaging a rain jacket and long pants.
A hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the elements.
A thermos for Milky Way photography nights.
Navigation tools such as a map and compass. A smartphone with a GPS app works.
First-aid kit
Knife or multi-tool

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO SHOOT THE MILKY WAY?

This is a DARK SKY area that is good for the Milky Way.

Months: The Milky Way Core can be seen from March to October, disappearing below the horizon for the rest of the year. It appears in the early morning hours in March and becomes visible earlier each month. The best time to catch a glimpse of the core is during summer when it can be seen immediately after sunset, providing an ideal viewing opportunity for stargazers and photographers.

New Moon: Timing is crucial to see the Milky Way. This celestial event can only be seen on clear nights without a visible moon, limiting the window for viewing.

Light Pollution: The best way to experience the full wonder of the Milky Way is to escape from areas with heavy light pollution. However, it may be possible to see some faint traces of the galaxy from places with mild artificial lighting; the most spectacular views can be found in remote locations far from cities and civilizations. Check out our How to Section for more details, including using a light pollution map to guide you to dark sky locations.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS AREA?

This area can be explored and photographed in a few days. You should pair this with other great locations. We highly suggest the East Point Lighthouse, about a 40-minute drive away.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?

Water and Snacks, a thermos for your coffee.
Bug repellent is especially useful if you go to the East Point Lighthouse.

There is not much else. This is an easily accessible location with many flowers and great views from the top of the lighthouse.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Cape May County, New Jersey, United States, is at the bottom of New Jersey. You get there via the Garden State Parkway.

WHAT OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY IS NEARBY?

We highly recommend pairing this trip with a visit to the East Point Lighthouse. You can also see our New Jersey Milky Way Photography Locations here.

And other New Jersey Photography Locations here.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

It gets packed in the summer, especially on the weekends and sometimes midweek. Make sure you book your room in advance. We couldn’t find a room one night, so we drove home.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Have fun, and watch out for aliens like we do!

THE SEA CREST INN

This hotel is the perfect romantic getaway in Cape May for couples and offers a great location for photographers. The Sea Crest is owned and operated by a local couple and is located in a quiet part of Cape May, overlooking one of the largest beaches on the island. It is close to the shopping area, fine restaurants, and historic homes.

With features like oceanfront suites, fully equipped kitchens, the only outdoor whirlpool in Cape May, and extra-large balconies, why stay elsewhere? Close to restaurants, nightspots, fishing, tennis, golfing, swimming, horseback riding, biking, shopping, and steps away from the beach, you haven’t experienced the Jersey Shore until you’ve experienced Cape May at the Sea Crest Inn.