Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a lovely 32-acre park on Long Beach Island's northern edge, preserving the historic lighthouse of the same name, which was once known as one of the most important navigational aids for ships entering New York Harbor. The picturesque lighthouse was originally lit in 1859 and operated until 1927. In 2009, it was relit by the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse nonprofit organization.
Visitors can scale the lighthouse's 217 steps daily throughout the summer months for stunning views of Long Beach Island, Island Beach, and Barnegat Bay. For visitors looking to avoid the trek, the park's adjacent Interpretive Center showcases live image transmissions of panoramas at the top. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park offers ocean-side and inland trails where you will gaze out at a beautiful ocean view.
The 31.8-acre park is also popular for nature observation, including a wide variety of birds during spring and fall migrations. Nesting birds are protected, and birds such as piping plovers, least terns, black skimmers, and others can be observed and photographed. Visitors can also enjoy their picnicking facilities. Near the the Barnegat Bay there there is a paved area with numerous picnic tables and barbeque grilles. Two picnic shelters are also available for public use.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Address: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
- Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Admission: $3 for 12 and older, $1 for 6 - 11, free for 5 and under to climb lighthouse
- Website: https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnegatlighthousestatepark.html
