There’s a quiet kind of majesty in a lighthouse. Rooted in history and bathed in salt air, these steadfast towers offer more than just spectacular views – they invite us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with stories shaped by the sea.
From the sandy shores of the north to the windswept tip of the south, New Jersey’s coastline is lined with these coastal sentinels, each with its own personality, history, and outlook on the Atlantic.
This is your time to slow down, allow the rhythm of the waves sets the pace, and rediscover the timeless charm of America’s maritime heritage.
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A Journey Through Time and Tide
At the northern edge of the Jersey Shore, Sandy Hook Lighthouse has stood since 1764 – making it the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Tours led by National Park Service rangers open a window into the colonial maritime world and the role this beacon still plays in guiding ships safely today.
A little further south, Absecon Lighthouse towers over Atlantic City. At 171 feet, it's New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, and rewards those who climb its 228 steps with sweeping views of the shoreline and skyline. Its original 1857 lens remains on display – a beautiful reminder of 19th-century craftsmanship.
At New Jersey’s southernmost point, the elegant Cape May Lighthouse rises from a charming seaside town steeped in Victorian architecture. After climbing the 199 steps to the top, visitors are treated to panoramic views across Cape May Point State Park and even as far as Delaware on a clear day.
Less-Travelled, Equally Enchanting
While Cape May and Absecon often top the list, New Jersey’s lesser-known lighthouses are just as rewarding.
Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately known as “Old Barney,” stands at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. Recently restored and reopened, it offers stunning views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful coastal walks.
Overlooking Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink Twin Lights were pioneers of lighthouse technology – the first in the U.S. to use a Fresnel lens and electric lighting. Today, one of the twin towers opens to the public as a museum, sharing stories of maritime innovation.
Other hidden gems include Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, with its striking gingerbread architecture and coastal gardens, and the charming Sea Girt Lighthouse, nestled in a serene shore town and beloved by locals for its historic warmth and community-led preservation.
Mark Your Calendar: The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
For those who love a sense of adventure (and a stamp-collecting challenge), the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is a must. Held this year on October 18–19, 2025, the event invites visitors to explore more than a dozen lighthouses and related sites across the state over one celebratory weekend.
It’s part scenic road trip, part heritage treasure hunt – and a wonderful way to experience the diversity of New Jersey’s coast, from well-known icons to tucked-away towers. Participants can climb, collect commemorative stamps, and learn from local keepers and volunteers at each stop.
Whether clients visit three lighthouses or thirteen, the journey offers a fresh, interactive way to discover the maritime legacy that defines the Garden State’s shoreline.
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Why They Matter — Beyond the Lighthouse Trail
New Jersey’s lighthouses are more than historic landmarks. They’re living storytellers – of storms weathered, ships guided, and communities shaped by the sea. They also represent a rare chance to slow down, step away from the boardwalk buzz, and take in the coast from a new perspective.
For those seeking a meaningful travel experience, rich with heritage, scenery, and local flavour, New Jersey’s lighthouse trail is a ready-made journey of inspiration.
Posted by: New Jersey Division of Tourism
Posted on: 08/08/2025