Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Oldest working lighthouse in America, lit since 1764. Historic tours at this pre-Revolutionary War landmark.
85
Feet Tall
95
Steps to Climb
1764
Year Built
Yes
Open to Public
Plan Your Visit
⏰Hours
Weekends only, April - November
Weekends: 1pm - 4:30pm
Tours every 30 minutes. No tours in winter months.
🎟️Admission
Park entrance fee of $20/vehicle in summer
🅿️Parking
Sandy Hook park entrance fee required ($20/vehicle in summer). Free in winter.
♿Accessibility
Tower not accessible. Fort Hancock grounds are partially accessible.
🏛️Managed By
National Park Service (Gateway National Recreation Area)
About Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States, first lit in 1764. This pre-Revolutionary War treasure still guides ships into New York Harbor after more than 260 years of continuous service.
History
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is America's oldest working lighthouse. Built by Isaac Conro in 1764, it was funded by a lottery organized by New York merchants seeking safer passage into the harbor.
During the Revolutionary War, British forces occupied Sandy Hook and the lighthouse. Patriots attempted several times to destroy it to hamper British navigation, but failed.
The lighthouse originally stood 500 feet from the water. Due to sediment buildup, it now stands over 1.5 miles inland - a dramatic demonstration of coastal change over 260 years.
Notable Facts
- •Oldest working lighthouse in the United States (1764)
- •Survived attempted destruction during Revolutionary War
- •Originally 500 feet from water, now 1.5 miles inland
- •Has operated continuously for over 260 years
- •Built 12 years before the Declaration of Independence
Visiting Tips
Photography Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb Sandy Hook Lighthouse?▼
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is not climbable, but it is open to the public for tours and visits.
How tall is Sandy Hook Lighthouse?▼
Sandy Hook Lighthouse stands 85 feet (26 meters) tall, making it one of the notable lighthouses on the Jersey Shore.
When was Sandy Hook Lighthouse built?▼
Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built in 1764. Sandy Hook Lighthouse is America's oldest working lighthouse.
How much does it cost to visit Sandy Hook Lighthouse?▼
Admission to Sandy Hook Lighthouse is free. Park entrance fee of $20/vehicle in summer
Technical Details
- Style
- Octagonal rubblestone tower
- Material
- rubblestone
- Lens
- Third Order Fresnel
- Light
- Fixed white
- Region
- North Shore
- County
- monmouth