Nestled at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, also known as Old Barney, is a New Jersey landmark and one of my go-tos for a family day trip. It’s a unique way to experience New Jersey maritime history—we spend our time climbing to the top for breathtaking views, operating a miniature lighthouse, and exploring the surrounding state park. My kids are always fascinated to learn more and take in the lighthouse and shoreline’s unique sights. Read on for all the ways to enjoy Barnegat Lighthouse State Park the next time you head to the shore. (featured photo credit: NJMOM)
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park: A Day of Adventure, History, and Nature
Climb to new heights
On any visit, a must-do is to climb to the top of Barnegat Lighthouse, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. At a whopping 172 feet, there are 217 steps to conquer, so the climb is an adventure, but the awe-inspiring views make it all worthwhile. We love peering out of the tower’s windows and playing I-Spy of how many boats and birds we can see while looking out at the stunning scenery of Long Beach Island and beyond.
Dive into rich history
Before or after the climb, you can learn about the rich maritime history of Barnegat Lighthouse at its visitor center. The interactive exhibits and educational displays offer fascinating insights into the lighthouse’s past—from the construction in the 19th century to its first lighting on January 1, 1859, to its role in guiding sailors safely through the treacherous waters of the Barnegat Inlet. Kids can operate a miniature lighthouse or learn about the daily lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. Our family walked along the water in front of the lighthouse to find a giant statue of a lighthouse keeper and a placard listing all the lighthouse keepers’ names. It was fascinating to see how many have been making sure that Old Barney guided ocean vessels through the change-of-course point on their way to and from New York City.
Picnic in paradise at the Jersey Shore
After exploring the lighthouse, my family headed to the adjacent Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for a relaxing picnic by the sea. We set up at one of the shaded picnic tables (or you can spread out on the lawn) and enjoyed a delicious lunch I had packed from a local Long Beach Island market, with the sound of crashing waves in the background. Don’t forget to pack some beach toys for the kids to enjoy while you soak up the sun and take in the stunning coastal views. We also enjoyed walking down the long jetty between the lighthouse and the shoreline and capturing fantastic family photos at sunset.
Wildlife watching
After lunch, we made our way to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which sits within one of New Jersey’s last remaining maritime forests and offers opportunities to observe birds, marine life, and other coastal creatures. We walked the Maritime Forest Trail, a 0.2-mile-long self-guided loop trail, where we saw ospreys soaring overhead, birds diving for fish, and even the occasional seal basking on the rocks. I highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars and letting the kids embark on a birdwatching adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves offshore, too.
FAQ’s About The Barnegat Lighthouse
When is it open?
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. The Barnegat Lighthouse is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 AM to 3 PM (weather permitting). If you don’t want to climb the 217 stairs to the top, live images of the view are on display at the Interpretive Center, which is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
How much does it cost to visit?
The park is free to enter. There is a $ 3-per-person fee to enter the lighthouse; children ages 6-11 are $1, and children ages 5 and under are free.
What else is there to know?
The Park is also a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, with places to hike and picnic around the lighthouse. While in the area, stop at the Barnegat Light Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum to see the original Fresnel lens from the lighthouse.
For more information about the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
208 Broadway and Long Beach Blvd.
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
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