A Perfect Day Trip in Northern NJ: Lighthouses + History + Seafood!
If you're planning a family-friendly lighthouse adventure along New Jersey's eastern coast, Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Navesink Twin Lighthouses are absolute must-visits! I made two special trips during the winter-spring transition, and they did not disappoint. There’s something magical about climbing to the top on a crisp day and taking in the stunning, crystal-clear ocean views—this season’s pristine blue skies and waters are unbeatable! 🌊💙 And the best part? Between these two lighthouses, we discovered Bahrs Landing, a fantastic seafood spot right by the water. A day trip combining lighthouses, history, seafood, and breathtaking views? Pure perfection! ✨ Driving up from South Jersey along the eastern coast, I imagined panoramic Atlantic views—but instead, we saw rows of gorgeous oceanfront mansions! 🏡😍 The variety and density of these homes were jaw-dropping—maybe we should add a luxury real estate tour to the itinerary next time?! The Lighthouses: Two Gems, 10 Minutes Apart! 1️⃣ Sandy Hook Lighthouse – A towering white beacon surrounded by abandoned military bunkers and historic barracks. Originally built just 500 feet from the shore, coastal erosion has moved it 1.5 miles inland over time. Located in Gateway National Recreation Area (free entry before Memorial Day!), where you can hike through forests and beaches—we even spotted wild deer peeking through the trees! 🦌🌲 2️⃣ Navesink Twin Lighthouses – A striking pair of brown towers perched atop a seriously steep hill (the town’s name, Highlands, makes sense now!). The views from the top are unreal—panoramic ocean vistas that’ll leave you speechless! The on-site museum showcases the original Fresnel lens, highlighting its history as America’s first twin lighthouses and once the brightest beacon in the country! Pro Tip: Check their website—last October, they hosted a NJ Lighthouse Challenge! Hoping it returns this year so I can bring little Z to climb the towers! The Seafood Stop: Bahrs Landing 🦞⛵ Right at the foot of the Twin Lighthouses, this century-old seafood joint looks unassuming but feels like a maritime museum inside! Little Z was mesmerized by the ship models, and our table overlooked docked boats bobbing in the harbor. Eating fresh seafood while watching the boats? Total sensory overload (in the best way)! Have you visited these lighthouses? Which was your favorite? Or do you have other NJ hidden gems to recommend? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #NJDayTrips #LighthouseAdventures #HistoricSites #SeafoodLovers #HiddenNJ #NYCDayTrips #FamilyTravel #USLighthouses
