A Fun Family Day Trip

Lighthouses protect our coasts and help guide sailors & sea mariners. While only a few are operational today, many of the historic ones have plenty of stories to tell. The lighthouses listed below make for a nice day trip or getaway idea. Some offer free entry (or charge a nominal fee) as well as free special events during the summer. A visit to a lighthouse is a great experience for the whole family. The cool part is in the climb, so get ready! Special activities and celebrations are usually held during National Lighthouse Day August 7th. Please check venues for updates.

Absecon Lighthouse

Start your climb up 228 steps. At the the top, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the Atlantic City skyline. Absecon Lighthouse is over 150 years old and is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, standing at 171 feet high. You can also see a Replica Lightkeepers dwelling, educational museum, and gift shop. Check out their summer schedule for kids Wacky Wednesdays themes. Kids 12 & under can climb FREE August 7th on Absecon's National Lighthouse Day Festival; there will also be a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and more! The lighthouse is open year round (summer and winter months) and is located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave in Atlantic City, NJ.

Barnegat Lighthouse 

Get energized! Climb 217 steps to the light keepers catwalk at the Barnegat Lighthouse. The lantern light is visible for 22 nautical miles. Once you've reached the top, you'll encounter spectacular views of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, Long Beach Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the lighthouse and maritime history next door at the Interpretive Center. The surrounding park area offers fishing, nature trails, bird watching, and picnicking. Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, entrance fee to climb. Long Beach Island in Ocean County, NJ.

Cape May Lighthouse

Climb 199 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Scenic views of the Jersey Cape, Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. There is a Visitors Orientation Center and Museum Shop. On Wednesdays this summer, the Cape May Lighthouse hosts Family Fun Days with kid activities on the lighthouse grounds. On National Lighthouse Day August 7th, enjoy lawn games and family activities. Admission fee for ages 3+. 215 Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point State Park, NJ.

Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse

Located at the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy views of the Delaware River and refuge center. Check website for open days throughout the season. 197 Lighthouse Rd, Pennsville, NJ.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

FREE admission. Open daily until late October. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination. It serves as a working lighthouse and museum. Learn about the history of Hereford and life of lighthouse keeper. Explore surrounding Victorian Style Park, Hereford Gardens, and North Wildwood Seawall AngleseaWalk. Special Lighthouse Celebration on August 7th. 111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is designated a National Historical Landmark. Tours offered first come first serve. Must be 48 inches tall to climb. Explore Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and Visitors Center located next door to the lighthouse open daily. 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ. Contact the Visitor Center at 732.872.5970.

Sea Girt Lighthouse

FREE tours conducted on Sundays, April through November. Donations appreciated. At the Sea Girt Lighthouse, take a guided tour of all rooms of keeper quarters and up to the lantern at top of the tower. 9 Ocean Ave, Sea Girt, NJ.

Tucker’s Island Lighthouse Replica

Reproduction of a lighthouse that was once located on Tucker’s Island and fell into the ocean in 1927. This replica lighthouse is located at the Tuckerton Seaport. Climb 42 steps to the top of the tower for views of the Seaport and Lake Pohatcong. You can also view exhibits on New Jersey's maritime history. $5 Admission fee to Tuckerton Seaport. 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ.

Twin Lights Lighthouse

The Museum and grounds self tour Admission is FREE. However, there is a fee for general tours and a fee during the summer to climb both lighthouse towers. Located 200 feet above sea level and high on the hill, the Twin Lights Lighthouse has 2 towers that overlook the coastal waters of NJ. The South Tower (65 steps) is unlit and The North Tower (64 steps) is lit by a 500 watt bulb. Twin Lights has been rumored to have ghosts and spirits. Lighthouse Road in Highlands, NJ.

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