Barnegat Lighthouse

After seeing a fellow writer go on a trip to Cape May Lighthouse back in September I knew this was an experience I did not want to miss out on. I started researching New Jersey lighthouses and have been planning a relaxed trip in time for my vacation. Well this past weekend I finally got to go to Barnegat Lighthouse. And now I have to say that the kids and I are really obsessed with lighthouses. They are simply beautiful and there is so much history behind them.

Barnegat Lighthouse is the second largest Lighthouse in New Jersey. It is 163 feet tall and having 217 steps. Absecon is the largest lighthouse in New Jersey with 228 steps and 171 feet tall. Cape May Lighthouse is the 3rd largest lighthouse in New Jersey with 199 steps and 157-feet tall.

Barnegat Lighthouse was constructed in 1835. The lighthouse was activated January 1, 1859 and taken care of by two keepers. The last time Barnegat’s Light was turned on was in 2009.

Barnegat Lighthouse Hours:

10 am to 4:30 pm Daily

Park gates are open 8 am until 6 pm

Barnegat Lighthouse Admission Fees:

Fees are in effect from Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend and are as follows:

• $3 per person ages 12 and older
• $1 per person ages 6 to 11
• Children under 5 free

Visiting NJ State Parks with kids? You need the New Jersey State Parks and Forests travel journal to help you document your family’s best memories!

What does Barnegat Lighthouse offer?

• Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center is open weekends April & May 10 am to 4 pm after Memorial Day Daily
• Picnic Tables to eat lunch. However Barnegat Lighthouse has a carry-in, carry-out program there are no trash cans in the Park. Whatever trash you bring in you must take with you.
• Maritime Forest Trail is a 1/5-mile long.
• Saltwater anglers have access to the bulkhead along the picnic area where they can catch striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder, and black sea bass. A 1,033-foot concrete walkway with handrails on top of the south jetty provides fishing access for people with disabilities. The picnic areas are also accessible for people with disabilities.
• Observe nature, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is an excellent area to observe many species of birds during the spring and fall migrations. A New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife program provides seasonal fencing of critical nesting areas on the beach adjacent to the park. This provides protection for certain endangered beach nesting birds and opportunities for observation.
• Remember after you make it up and down Barnegat Lighthouse get your Certificate at the Visitor’s Center for $1.

Barnegat Lighthouse Address:

208 Broadway  Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

GPS Coordinates: DMS 39° 45’ 46.91” N 74° 06′ 28.74″ W