Best Lighthouse Tours in New Jersey 2026
Explore historic Jersey Shore lighthouses with guided tours, climb to the top for panoramic views, and photograph these coastal landmarks.
Why Visit New Jersey Lighthouses?
New Jersey's lighthouses are living pieces of maritime history spanning over 260 years. From the nation's oldest working lighthouse at Sandy Hook to the iconic Barnegat “Old Barney,” each beacon tells a unique story of coastal life, shipwrecks, and heroic keepers.
- Historic significance — Sandy Hook Lighthouse (1764) is the oldest working lighthouse in America
- Stunning views — Climb to the top for panoramic ocean and bay views you can't get anywhere else
- Photography opportunities — Lighthouses are iconic subjects for sunset and sunrise photography
- Family-friendly — Educational tours and museums make lighthouses great for kids
- Combine with beaches — Most lighthouses are located in state parks with beach access
Climbable Lighthouses
Climb to the top of these historic beacons for panoramic views of the Jersey Shore.
New Jersey's most beloved lighthouse with 217 steps and panoramic views of LBI and Barnegat Inlet.
- 217 steps to the top
- Panoramic views
- State park setting
- Fishing pier nearby
Second-tallest lighthouse in NJ with museum, gift shop, and views of Cape May Point State Park.
- 199 steps
- Year-round tours
- Museum & gift shop
- Sunset climbs
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet with replica keeper's house and museum.
- Tallest in NJ (171 ft)
- 228 steps
- Keeper's house tour
- Casino skyline views
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Highlands · Sandy Hook
The oldest working lighthouse in America (1764), located within Gateway National Recreation Area.
- Oldest in America (1764)
- Free with park entry
- National park setting
- Historic significance
Twin Lights
Highlands
Unique twin tower lighthouse with museum and clear views of Sandy Hook Bay and the NYC skyline.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Victorian stick-style lighthouse with beautiful gardens and ocean views.
Additional Lighthouses
Historic lighthouses with tours, museums, and great photography opportunities.
The last live-in lighthouse in America with beautiful grounds and ocean views.
- Last live-in lighthouse
- Free tours
- Beach access
- Photography spot
East Point Lighthouse
Heislerville · Delaware Bay
Delaware Bay lighthouse with nature preserve and horseshoe crab spawning.
- Delaware Bay views
- Wildlife preserve
- Horseshoe crabs (May)
- Remote location
Finns Point Rear Range Light
Pennsville · Delaware River
Wrought iron skeleton lighthouse with Civil War history nearby.
- Unique iron structure
- Civil War cemetery
- River views
- Guided tours
Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse
Paulsboro · Delaware River
Small wooden lighthouse on the Delaware River with limited access.
- Historic wooden structure
- River location
- Special event access
- Photography spot
Lighthouse Visiting Tips
Arrive Early
Popular lighthouses like Barnegat can have lines in summer. Arrive when they open for the shortest wait.
Wear Good Shoes
Spiral stairs are steep and narrow. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety.
Check Hours
Hours vary by season. Most lighthouses have limited hours in spring and fall, closed in winter.
Bring a Camera
Views from the top are spectacular. Early morning and sunset offer the best photography light.
Know Your Limits
Lighthouse stairs are challenging. 200+ steps in a narrow spiral can be tough. Take breaks.
Visit the Museums
Most lighthouses have museums with fascinating maritime history. Don't skip them.
Book lighthouse tours in New Jersey
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Photography Gear for Lighthouses
Capture shore memories
Ships free with Prime
Capture stunning lighthouse photos with the right equipment. Golden hour and blue hour offer the best light.
Travel Tripod
Lightweight, sturdy, essential for sunrise/sunset shots.
Benro
Benro Slim Carbon-Fiber Tripod Kit w/ N00 Ball Head – Lightweight, 8.8 lb Load, 57.6″ Max, 20.1″ Folded – Ideal Travel Tripod for Mirrorless & DSLR Cameras (TSL08CN00)
K&F CONCEPT
K&F Concept 60 inch Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod,Super Lightweight Compact Travel Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head,Quick Release Plate,Detachable Monopod 17 lb Load Capacity for SLR DSLR C225C0 (BA225)
Camera Backpack
Weather-resistant with padded compartments.
TARION
TARION Professional Camera Backpack Large - DSLR Bag with 15.6" Laptop Compartment Tripod Holder Waterproof Raincover Outdoor Hiking Travel for Men Women Photographers - PBL
MOSISO
MOSISO Camera Backpack, DSLR/SLR/Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag 15-16 inch Waterproof Hardshell Case with Tripod Holder&Laptop Compartment Compatible with Canon/Nikon/Sony, Black
Polarizing Filter
Reduces glare, darkens skies. Essential for beach photography.
Tiffen
Tiffen 77CP Slim 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter for Camera Lens, Glare Control, Contrast Increase, Color Enhancing
K&F CONCEPT
K&F CONCEPT 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter Ultra-Slim 18 Multi-Coated Optical Glass Circular Polarizing Filter for Camera Lenses with Cleaning Cloth (K Series)
Lens Cleaning Kit
Sand and salt spray are brutal on lenses. Clean often.
K&F CONCEPT
K&F CONCEPT 4-in-1 Camera Lens Cleaning Kit with Lens Cleaning Pen, Camera Air Blower, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Lens Cleaner Kit for Canon Nikon Pentax Sony DSLR Camera Lens Filter Cell Phones
Altura Photo
Altura Photo Camera Cleaning Kit - Lens Cleaner Spray, Brush, Pen, Blower, Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Tissue Wipes for Canon Nikon Sony Fuji Olympus Pentax Sigma Tamron DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras
Wide-Angle Lens
Capture lighthouses with dramatic foreground. 16-35mm ideal.
ND Filter Kit
For long exposures in daylight. Create silky water effects.
K&F CONCEPT
K&F CONCEPT 77mm Variable ND2-ND400 ND Lens Filter (1-9 Stops) for Camera Lens, Adjustable Neutral Density Filter with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (B-Series)
K&F CONCEPT
K&F CONCEPT 77mm Magnetic Variable ND Lens Filter ND2-ND32 (1-5 Stops) + 77mm Basic Ring Kit, No X Cross Magnetic Adjustable Neutral Density Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings (Nano-X Series)
Remote Shutter Release
Avoid camera shake during long exposures. Essential for sharp shots.
AODELAN
for Sony Camera Rechargeable Remote Shutter Release with Interval Timer - Aodelan Wireless Intervalometer Remote Control for sony ZV-E10 II, A7 IV, A7R V, A9 III, A7S III, A6600, A6500,ZV-1, RX100 VII
JJC
JJC Intervalometer Timer Remote Control Shutter Release for Sony A6000 A6100 A6600 A6500 A6400 A6300 A1 II A7 A7II A7III A7IV A7R V IV A7RIII II A7S II III A9 II III ZV-1 RX100 VII VI V RX10 IV & More
Camera Rain Cover
Protect gear from salt spray and morning dew at the beach.
K&F CONCEPT
K&F CONCEPT Professional Camera Rain Cover, Waterproof Raincoat for DSLR Cameras and Lenses, Photography Camera Protector Accessories
Altura Photo
Altura Photo Camera Rain Cover - Professional Waterproof Lens Jacket Covers with Dual Hand Sleeves and Full-Length Zipper - Weather Protector for Canon Nikon Sony Fujifilm DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras
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FAQ
How many lighthouses are in New Jersey?
New Jersey has 11 historic lighthouses along its coast, from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May at the southern tip. Six of these lighthouses are open for climbing.
Which NJ lighthouse has the best views?
Barnegat Lighthouse offers panoramic views of LBI and Barnegat Inlet. Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City looks out over the skyline and ocean. Cape May Lighthouse overlooks the point where the bay meets the ocean.
How much do lighthouse tours cost?
Most lighthouses charge $5-10 for climbing. Some state park lighthouses are free with park admission. Guided tours and special events may cost more.
Can kids climb New Jersey lighthouses?
Most lighthouses welcome children who can climb stairs independently. Some lighthouses have age or height minimums for safety. The narrow, steep stairs can be challenging for young children.
When are lighthouse tours available?
Most lighthouses are open daily in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and weekends in spring and fall. Some offer limited winter hours. Special sunset climbs may be available seasonally.
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 continuously operational for over 260 years.
Are lighthouse tours wheelchair accessible?
The lighthouse towers themselves are not accessible due to narrow spiral stairs. However, most sites have accessible visitor centers, museums, and grounds.
What is the best time to photograph lighthouses?
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides the best light for lighthouse photography. Many photographers prefer early morning for calmer conditions and fewer crowds.