Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

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Victorian stick-style lighthouse with gardens. A peaceful oasis near the Wildwood boardwalk.

Visitor access: May - October. Confirm the current schedule before travelling.

Feet Tall

1874

Year Built

Check

Visitor Access

Visitor Information Reference

Schedules, admission and parking below are recorded planning information. Confirm your date, tour access and current charges with the operator before travelling; grounds and tower access may differ.

Hours

May - October

Weekdays: 9am - 5pm

Weekends: 9am - 5pm

Gardens open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Admission

Adult$5

Child (under 12)$2

Contact

609-522-4520

Check current visitor information →

Parking

Street parking on Central Ave. Free 2-hour parking.

Accessibility

First floor and gardens are accessible.

Managed By

City of North Wildwood

Before you go

Tower climbs, museum and grounds can keep different schedules outside summer, and grounds access does not mean step-free tower access.

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About Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a beautifully preserved Victorian stick-style lighthouse surrounded by gardens. This wooden lighthouse offers a peaceful contrast to the nearby Wildwood boardwalk bustle.

History

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 in the distinctive Victorian stick-style architecture popular in that era. Unlike the towering brick lighthouses of the Shore, this wooden structure served a different purpose - marking the entrance to Hereford Inlet for fishing boats and small craft.

The lighthouse operated continuously until 1964 when the Coast Guard automated it. It fell into disrepair until 1982 when the City of North Wildwood took ownership and began a loving restoration.

Today, the lighthouse is famous as much for its gardens as its history. Lighthouse keepers traditionally maintained gardens, and the current English-style gardens honor that tradition beautifully.

Notable Facts

•One of the few wooden lighthouses remaining in New Jersey
•Victorian stick-style architecture is rare for lighthouses
•Award-winning English gardens with over 200 plant varieties
•Original Fourth Order Fresnel lens still in use
•One of only a few lighthouses where you can see keeper's quarters

Visiting Tips

The gardens are the highlight - visit in spring or summer

Free admission to gardens year-round

Interior tours available May-October only

Less crowded than Wildwood attractions - a peaceful escape

Combine with Wildwood boardwalk visit (5 minutes away)

Photography Tips

The gardens provide beautiful foreground for lighthouse shots

Best garden photos in morning light

The Victorian architecture photographs beautifully

May and June offer peak flower blooms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb Hereford Inlet Lighthouse?

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse does not list public tower climbs. Check the operator for current grounds or museum access.

How tall is Hereford Inlet Lighthouse?

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse stands 49 feet (15 meters) tall, making it one of the notable lighthouses on the Jersey Shore.

When was Hereford Inlet Lighthouse built?

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 in the distinctive Victorian stick-style architecture popular in that era.

How much does it cost to visit Hereford Inlet Lighthouse?

Recorded adult admission is $5; confirm the current rate and ticket type with the operator.