Barnegat Lighthouse State Park — Attraction in Barnegat Light

Barnegat Lighthouse — affectionately known as "Old Barney" — is one of New Jersey's true coastal treasures. Standing proudly at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, this red-and-white beacon has been guiding mariners since 1859, and visiting it feels like stepping into a living piece of maritime history.

Stepping into Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, the invigorating ocean breeze and the rhythmic waves immediately set the scene. The lighthouse, a towering 163 feet, beckons you with its red-and-white stripes. If you're up for the challenge, the 217 spiral steps to the top await. The climb, though narrow and winding, is an adventure in itself, each turn building anticipation. And when you finally emerge onto the observation deck, the view is nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, the vast Atlantic Ocean stretches before you, while the Barnegat Bay glistens behind, and the rooftops of Long Beach Island form a picturesque horizon. It's a view that demands a pause, a deep breath, and a moment to take it all in.

The history here is fascinating. The original lighthouse, built in 1835, was quickly deemed inadequate for the dangerous Barnegat Inlet waters. The current structure was designed by Lt. George G. Meade (yes, the same Meade who later commanded Union forces at Gettysburg) and completed in 1859. It once housed a massive first-order Fresnel lens that could be seen for 19 nautical miles — that original lens is now on display at the Barnegat Light Historical Society's museum nearby. The light was extinguished during World War II. Still, it was relit in 2009 with a modern Coast Guard-approved lens, keeping the tradition alive.

The park that envelops the lighthouse is a serene haven. It offers winding trails that are a paradise for birdwatchers, picnic areas that are perfect for a leisurely lunch, and numerous spots where you can simply sit and watch the boats navigate the inlet. The Interpretive Center is a treasure trove of exhibits. For those who can't make the climb, it even offers a live camera feed from the top of the lighthouse.

Tips for visiting: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb. Go on a clear day for the best views (sunrise and sunset are magical). Bring your camera — the photo ops are endless. If you're visiting in summer, come early to avoid crowds and heat inside the tower.

Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or simply someone seeking a peaceful coastal escape, Barnegat Lighthouse delivers. It's not just a stop — it's an experience that blends history, nature, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable visit. And if you're looking to extend your trip, the charming towns of Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars are just a short drive away, offering additional opportunities for exploration...

History: Barnegat Lighthouse, locally known as “Old Barney,” is situated on the precarious northern tip of Long Beach Island, NJ, and was originally lit in 1859. Coastal vessels heading to and from New York relied heavily on the lighthouse to protect them from the point’s dangerous shoals, swift currents, and shifting sandbars.

Visitors can climb 217 steps to the top of this maritime specimen for a breathtaking panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island.

Lighthouse is not the only thing here, there are also a couple of activities that you can do while you are here

Maritime Forest Trail - The self-guided loop trail is 0.2 miles long, with forest, and migratory birds. Interpretive signs explain the birds and plants you may see during your stroll. Fishing – If fishing is your game, be sure to bring your gear and head to the bulkhead near the picnic area Bird watching, picnics, and more...

A few blocks away, you can visit the Barnegat Light Museum, which we didn’t have the opportunity to see but it’s still worth checking out

If you were picturing an area of a lighthouse with beautiful glistening blue-green water, then visiting the Barnegat Lighthouse should be a stop you should make down here in...

This park is really about Ol' Barney, Barnegat Light, the super photogenic lighthouse (you really cannot take a bad picture of this lighthouse... Trust me... Been here many many times over the years and taken dozens of pictures in all conditions... Aleays come out beautiful). The lighthouse itself is outstanding. In the off-season it is free to climb the steps (all 217 or so of them). The view from the top (if you're brave enough to step outside) is breathtaking. There is a small fee in season to climb the steps as well as to park (no charge for parking off-season either). Visitors center closed during the week in off-season (just weekend hours). They have restrooms available, picnic areas, a stone jetty to walk on or fish from, a sandy dune area, a nature trail, and lots of signs and plaques explaining the history of the lighthouse. Would have given 5 stars but many of the plaques on nature trail have faded beyond being legible and need to be replaced. But we stop here every time we are on LBI. Worth the trip, particularly if you LOVE lighthouses like my...