New Jersey Lighthouses
Historic beacons with panoramic views and maritime heritage
New Jersey's coastline is home to some of America's most historic lighthouses. From the nation's oldest working lighthouse at Sandy Hook (1764) to the iconic "Old Barney" at Barnegat Light, these beacons offer stunning views and fascinating maritime history. Most lighthouses are open for climbing from spring through fall.
All Lighthouses (6)
Barnegat Lighthouse
barnegat light • 1-2 hours
Iconic 'Old Barney' - climb 217 steps for panoramic views of LBI and the Atlantic.
- ✓172 feet tall
- ✓217 steps to climb
- ✓Panoramic ocean views
- ✓State park with nature trails
Pricing
Cape May Lighthouse
cape may • 1-2 hours
Historic 1859 lighthouse at Cape May Point. Climb 199 steps for bay and ocean views.
- ✓157 feet tall
- ✓199 steps to climb
- ✓Delaware Bay & Atlantic views
- ✓Historic keeper's house museum
Pricing
Absecon Lighthouse
atlantic city • 1 hour
NJ's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for Atlantic City skyline views.
- ✓NJ's tallest lighthouse (171 feet)
- ✓228 steps to climb
- ✓Atlantic City skyline views
- ✓Steps from boardwalk
Pricing
Twin Lights Historic Site
highlands • 1-2 hours
Unique twin-towered lighthouse with NYC views. Site of first US Fresnel lens.
- ✓Unique twin-tower design
- ✓First US Fresnel lens
- ✓Marconi wireless demonstration site
- ✓NYC skyline views
Pricing
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
sandy hook • 1 hour (tour) + beach time
America's oldest working lighthouse (1764). Colonial-era tower in Sandy Hook park.
- ✓Oldest working US lighthouse
- ✓Revolutionary War survivor
- ✓Gateway National Recreation Area
- ✓85-foot octagonal tower
Pricing
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
north wildwood • 1 hour
Victorian wooden lighthouse with award-winning English cottage gardens.
- ✓Victorian stick-style architecture
- ✓Award-winning gardens
- ✓Rare wooden lighthouse
- ✓200+ flower varieties
Pricing
NJ Lighthouse Challenge
Every October, the New Jersey Lighthouse Society hosts the Lighthouse Challenge weekend. Visit all 11 participating lighthouses in two days, collect stamps at each location, and receive a commemorative prize. It's a great way to explore the coast and learn maritime history.
Learn more at NJ Lighthouse Society →Visiting Tips
Before You Go
- • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing
- • Check weather - clear days offer best views
- • Verify hours, especially off-season
- • Most lighthouses have age/height requirements for climbing
Best Experiences
- • Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular lighting
- • Combine with nearby beaches or state parks
- • Fall foliage adds to the scenery
- • Twilight climbs available at some locations in summer
By the Numbers
1764
Oldest (Sandy Hook)
171 ft
Tallest (Absecon)
228
Most Steps (Absecon)
11
Total NJ Lighthouses
More Attractions
Explore amusement parks, arcades, museums, and more along the shore.