New Jersey Lighthouses
All 20 historic beacons from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Climb the tallest, explore the oldest in America, and discover maritime history.
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. Explore all 20 lighthouses - climb the accessible ones, discover the offshore lights, and learn the stories that shaped our coast.
Lighthouse Map
Explore all 20 New Jersey lighthouses. Use the filter panel to narrow by accessibility, region, or status. Click a marker to see details.
Climbable Lighthouses
Climb to the top for panoramic views
Barnegat Lighthouse
"Old Barney"
Iconic 172-foot lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI. Climb 217 steps for panoramic ocean views.
Cape May Lighthouse
Historic 157-foot lighthouse with original 1859 Fresnel lens. Climb 199 steps for spectacular sunset views.
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for views of Atlantic City's skyline.
Twin Lights of Navesink
"Twin Lights"
Unique twin-tower brownstone lighthouse. Site of first U.S. wireless telegraph demonstration. Free museum with NYC views.
Visitable Lighthouses (7)
These lighthouses are open to the public with museums, tours, or grounds access.
Barnegat Lighthouse
"Old Barney"
Iconic 172-foot lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI. Climb 217 steps for panoramic ocean views.
Cape May Lighthouse
Historic 157-foot lighthouse with original 1859 Fresnel lens. Climb 199 steps for spectacular sunset views.
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for views of Atlantic City's skyline.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Oldest working lighthouse in America, lit since 1764. Historic tours at this pre-Revolutionary War landmark.
Twin Lights of Navesink
"Twin Lights"
Unique twin-tower brownstone lighthouse. Site of first U.S. wireless telegraph demonstration. Free museum with NYC views.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Victorian stick-style lighthouse with award-winning gardens. A peaceful oasis near the Wildwood boardwalk.
Sea Girt Lighthouse
Last live-in lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast. Victorian residential design with community museum.
Lighthouses by Region
North Shore
Sandy Hook to Sea Girt - includes the oldest working lighthouse in AmericaCentral Shore
Long Beach Island and Barnegat Bay - home to iconic Old BarneySouth Shore
Atlantic City to Cape May - including the tallest lighthouse in NJDelaware Bay
Historic lighthouses marking the entrance to Delaware RiverThe Jersey Shore Lighthouse Trail
Plan a multi-day lighthouse adventure from Sandy Hook to Cape May. This suggested itinerary covers the seven visitable lighthouses.
Day 1: North Shore
- 1.Twin Lights - Free museum, NYC views
- 2.Sandy Hook - Oldest in US (weekend tours)
- 3.Sea Girt - Sunday afternoon tours
Day 2: Central & South
- 4.Barnegat - Iconic "Old Barney", 217 steps
- 5.Absecon - Tallest in NJ, 228 steps
- 6.Hereford Inlet - Victorian gardens
- 7.Cape May - Sunset climb, 199 steps
Limited Access Lighthouses
These lighthouses have occasional public access or can be viewed from shore.
East Point Lighthouse
Second-oldest lighthouse in NJ on Delaware Bay. Cape Cod style in a prime birdwatching location.
Finn's Point Rear Range Lighthouse
115-foot wrought iron tower in Fort Mott State Park. Civil War fort history combined with lighthouse heritage.
Chapel Hill Rear Range Lighthouse
Historic brownstone tower, now private residence. Viewable from road only.
Offshore & Historic Lighthouses
These lighthouses are offshore, private, or no longer standing. Many can be viewed from ferries, beaches, or during special events.
Tucker's Beach Lighthouse
1868 • 40 ft
Robbins Reef Lighthouse
1883 • 56 ft
Romer Shoal Lighthouse
1898 • 54 ft
Great Beds Lighthouse
1880 • 60 ft
Conover Beacon
1856 • 35 ft
Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse
1914 • 60 ft
Miah Maull Shoal Lighthouse
1913 • 59 ft
Ship John Shoal Lighthouse
1877 • 50 ft
Elbow of Cross Ledge Lighthouse
1910 • 55 ft
Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse
1880 • 112 ft
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.
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
Photography Guide
Example: Mainland View
Barnegat Lighthouse from the Mainland
Shooting from across the bay captures lighthouses with dramatic sky and water reflections.
Best Light
Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) brings out the warm tones of brick lighthouses. The Atlantic-facing lights catch beautiful morning sun.
Composition Tips
Include foreground elements like dunes, jetties, or keeper's quarters. From the top, capture both ocean and bay/skyline views.
Interior Shots
Spiral staircases make dramatic shots. Original Fresnel lenses (Cape May, Absecon) are stunning interior subjects.
Book Lighthouse Tours
Skip the line with advance tickets
🎯 ActivityCape May Beach Yoga
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I've taught Beach Yoga for 14 years in our quaint tourist town of Cape May, NJ. I love the opportunity to provide visitors and locals with an...
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🚌 Tour90 Minute Sunset Tour
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Join Sandbar Joe for an unforgettable Sunset Tour through the back bays of Wildwood, NJ, where the day melts into a golden glow. Departing from our...
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🎯 ActivityAlpaca and Llama Encounter with Guided Walk
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Our Alpacas & Llamas offer a delightful contrast. Alpacas, with their soft, fine wool, evoke elegance, while Llamas, taller & sturdier, exude rugged...
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🚌 Tour90 Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise
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Private, scenic pontoon cruises with wildlife, history and optional onboard brunch—book your adventure today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb the lighthouses in New Jersey?▼
Yes! Five NJ lighthouses offer climbing tours for a small fee ($5-12). Popular climbable lighthouses include Cape May Lighthouse (199 steps), Barnegat Lighthouse (217 steps), Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City (228 steps), and Twin Lights in Highlands (64 steps). Some close in winter months.
What is the oldest lighthouse in New Jersey?▼
Sandy Hook Lighthouse, built in 1764, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. It has been in continuous operation for over 260 years and is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Gateway National Recreation Area.
What is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey?▼
Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet. It is also the third tallest lighthouse in the United States. Visitors can climb 228 steps to reach the top for panoramic views of Atlantic City.
What is the NJ Lighthouse Challenge?▼
Every October, the New Jersey Lighthouse Society hosts the Lighthouse Challenge weekend where visitors can tour all 11 participating lighthouses in two days, collect stamps at each location, and receive a commemorative prize.
Which New Jersey lighthouse has the best views?▼
Twin Lights in Highlands offers spectacular views of the NYC skyline on clear days. Absecon Lighthouse provides panoramic views of Atlantic City. Barnegat Lighthouse offers beautiful views of Barnegat Bay and the ocean.
How many lighthouses are there in New Jersey?▼
New Jersey has 20 historic lighthouses. Seven are fully open to the public (Tier 1), three have occasional access (Tier 2), and the remaining are offshore, private, or historical only.
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