There is a maritime museum where you can climb a lighthouse, create make-and-take crafts, tour museum exhibits and even say hi to a goat and sheep— all at Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum, one of the top things to do in Tuckerton, NJ. This community museum and center occupies 40 acres along Tuckerton Creek at the center of the Jersey shore. The entire area is an interactive peek into New Jersey’s rich maritime history, artistry, heritage, and environment, highlighting the unique contributions of its baymen. You can even head to the historic Captain’s House and Tea Room for a freshly baked scone and cup of tea, or see one of the largest surf museums on the East Coast. It’s no wonder the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum is on our NJMOM list of the top museums in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: istock/Stephen Bonk)
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
Step Back in Maritime History
Start in the Hunting Shanty, the original building that launched the Barnegat Bay Decoy & Baymen’s Museum, later known as Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. Today, it showcases decoys in a variety of styles, including the iconic Barnegat Bay style. Next, stop by Dayton’s Sawmill to learn how the local sawmill supported the area’s shipbuilding and export industries. You’ll also discover the stories behind the cranberry industry, sphagnum moss harvesting, and Elizabeth White, who is credited with cultivating the first commercially successful highbush blueberry.
Next, visit the original Perrine’s Boatworks, which operated from 1900 to 1956, and learn about Barnegat Bay’s rich history of handcrafted wooden boats. Stop by Hester Sledge for a glimpse into one of the oldest active gun clubs on the bay, then head to Parker’s Decoys, a building dedicated to one of the area’s most talented decoy carvers. While you’re there, you can watch Seaport artisans carving decoys by hand or stop into the Blacksmith Shop for a live blacksmith demonstration. Don’t miss Hotel Decrab, where exhibits highlight charter head boats, recreational fishing, and the devastating storms that have shaped the Jersey Shore. You can also explore the NJ Surf Museum, one of the largest museums dedicated to surfing on the East Coast.
Research, Folklore, and History
As you explore the grounds, don’t miss Kelly’s Oyster House and its more than 100-year collection documenting the bay and the shellfish industry through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Another must-see is the Jersey Shore Folklife Center, one of only five Folklife Centers in New Jersey. It documents, supports, and celebrates the traditions and diverse communities of the Jersey Shore and the Pinelands, while also offering folk art classes and special crafting events throughout the year.
Be sure to stop by the replica of the original 1930 Parsons building, which honors the five generations of the Parsons family who made their living on the bay. Inside, you’ll find historic tools, equipment, and artifacts, and kids can even try clamming in the interactive sand table. Before you leave, take a closer look at the Coast Guard Boat. This authentic 1966 self-righting 44-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) was donated to the Seaport in 2015 after serving its entire U.S. Coast Guard career on Long Beach Island until 1996.
Take a Tour or Explore a Trail
With so much to see, taking a tour is one of the best ways to experience Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. Choose from self-guided tours, field trips, or virtual tours, or hop aboard a narrated tour of Tuckerton Creek on the Seaport’s 30-foot pontoon boat, also known as the Floating Classroom. Along the way, your captain and guide will share stories about the coastal culture, folk art, history, and environment of Tuckerton Creek, lower Barnegat Bay, and the Pinelands.
For an even deeper dive into local history, sign up for the guest-guided Creek Tour of the Crab Island Fish Factory. This three-hour excursion explores one of the area’s most fascinating waterfront landmarks. Other seasonal experiences include Birding Boat Tours and Breakfast on the Bay, where you’ll enjoy breakfast before heading out on a narrated cruise. During the season, you can even arrive by water with round-trip ferry service between Beach Haven and Tuckerton.
Prefer to stay on land? Stroll the ¼-mile Nature Trail, where you may spot native birds and wildlife along the way. Keep an eye out for the towering loblolly pine trees, the largest in Ocean County and the second largest in New Jersey.
Stay for Tea, Lunch, or Mini Golf
Originally built in 1825 for Edmund Bartlett, the Captain’s House and Tea Room beautifully blends late Federal and early Victorian architecture. Today, it’s home to Lady Magpie’s Tea & Curiosities, a charming tea room inspired by Steampunk design and dedicated to preserving local history. It’s the perfect place to recharge with freshly baked scones, homemade breads, and delicious desserts.
You can also stop by Union Market & Gallery, operated by local women entrepreneurs. Grab a coffee, enjoy made-to-order breakfast or lunch, sip on fresh juices and smoothies, and browse a thoughtfully curated collection of handmade, eco-friendly, and sustainable goods.
Before you head home, be sure to say hello to the resident goat and sheep, then challenge the family to a round of mini golf. Every hole features a fun New Jersey fact, making the course just as educational as it is entertaining.
What to Know Before You Go to Tuckerton Seaport
The Seaport Activity Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. It includes suggested itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and even instructions for creating your own time capsule. You can also plan your visit around one of the Seaport’s special events, including basket-weaving workshops, carving demonstrations, and sunset sails.
General admission to Tuckerton Seaport is just $5 year-round, with tickets available at the lighthouse upon arrival. Specialty tours and activities are priced separately, and memberships are available for individuals, families, and lifetime supporters.
While you’re there, don’t miss climbing the replica of Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1848 before falling into the sea in 1927. Although the replica is no longer an active lighthouse, it still lights up each evening and offers beautiful views from the top. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop located inside the lighthouse.
To learn more about the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
120 West Main Street
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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