Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
4.8(4.9K)google
4.6(83)yelp
Historic BuildingCoastScenic LookoutBird WatchingFishingOcean ViewMust-SeeFree
Overview
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. The area where the lighthouse stands was regarded as one of the most important navigational points for ships bound to and from New York Harbor. The ships were dependent upon the Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 3:00PM
Tue9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeEarly October transforms this coastal forest point into an autumn masterpiece, highly prized by migratory birdwatchers. Scale the historic 1859 maritime masonry monolith (elevation 172 feet) on a crisp morning between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM; sunrise rays strike the soaring bright red and white dual-colored iron-clad cylinder flawlessly, lifting the morning ocean mist.
Getting ThereLocated at the absolute northern dead end of Long Beach Island (LBI) at 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light. Driven travel via a dedicated road trip is the exclusive transport option; speed east on NJ-72 E across the bridge into LBI, and follow Long Beach Blvd north for 13 miles until the blacktop terminates. The state park offers a massive free paved self-parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Tower climbing is subject to localized structural maintenance and seasonal capacity freezes; the Federal Interagency Pass is invalid, and small standard cash fees apply at the entry gate.
- The protective ocean jetty consists of jagged boulders coated in slick marine algae; sudden rogue waves sweep the structure, making crossing safety cables a strict legal violation.
Photo Tips
Gear
- Severe coastal wind gusts dominate this peninsula; telephoto camera equipment requires weighted tripods, and access routes across the LBI causeway enforce heavy winter speed restrictions.
Reviews
Positive
- The iconic 'Old Barney' lighthouse is extremely photogenic, and the jetty walkway offers perfect ocean views and gorgeous sunsets.
- The park features a very flat, fully-planked maritime forest nature trail, excellent for the elderly, kids, or strollers.
- Entering the park is completely free, with only a tiny fee to climb the lighthouse during specific seasons, offering unmatched value.
- It is a prime birdwatching haven where rare waterfowl nest near the rocks in winter, filled with pristine and calm natural vibes.
Heads up
- Climbing the lighthouse involves 217 steps with no A/C in a tight space, making summer climbs incredibly hot and exhausting.
- Due to its popularity, finding a parking spot in the lot is tough on summer weekends, forcing long searches in residential streets.
- The winds near the lighthouse and jetty can be fierce, making it freezing in cold seasons, and there are few indoor shelters.
- There are no major dining facilities inside the park except for a few vending machines; you must drive miles for a proper restaurant.