Sandy Hook Lighthouse

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Oldest working lighthouse in America, lit since 1764. Historic tours at this pre-Revolutionary War landmark.

Visitor access: Seasonal ranger-led tours; confirm your date with NPS. Confirm the current schedule before travelling.

Feet Tall

Steps to Climb

1764

Year Built

Listed

Scheduled Climbs

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

Seasonal ranger-led tours; confirm your date with NPS

NPS lists Friday–Monday, 1pm–3:30pm on its Sandy Hook page (reviewed October 3, 2026). Sign up in person on the day; call for seasonal closures.

Admission

FreeFree

Confirm current tour access. Fort Hancock parking is free; separate seasonal beach-lot fees may apply.

Contact

732-872-5970

Check current visitor information →

Parking

NPS lists Fort Hancock parking as free. Beach parking is a separate seasonal charge; check the NPS parking page for your date.

Accessibility

Tower not accessible. Fort Hancock grounds are partially accessible.

Managed By

National Park Service (Gateway National Recreation Area)

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 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

Check current tours with NPS; sign up in person at the visitor center on the day

NPS requires children to be at least 48 inches tall for lighthouse tours

Combine with Fort Hancock history tour

The climb includes 95 stairs and a nine-rung ladder; ask NPS about suitability for your group

Battery Gunnison offers amazing NYC views

Photography Tips

The lighthouse photographs well against the keeper's quarters

Fort Hancock ruins make interesting foreground

NYC skyline visible from Battery Gunnison area

Best light is morning when the sun hits the east side

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb Sandy Hook Lighthouse?

Sandy Hook Lighthouse offers tower climbs when scheduled by the operator. There are 95 steps to reach the top. Recorded schedule: seasonal ranger-led tours; confirm your date with nps. Confirm your date, final tour and restrictions with the operator.

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?

Recorded admission to Sandy Hook Lighthouse is free; confirm current access and separate parking charges. Confirm current tour access. Fort Hancock parking is free; separate seasonal beach-lot fees may apply.