Barnegat Light is located at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. The town offers several reasons to visit: maritime history centered around the lighthouse, birdwatching during the spring and fall migrations, and beach and recreational activities. When choosing your travel dates, you can focus either on a seasonal nature experience or on a particular recreational activity.
Lighthouse and maritime heritage
Barnegat Lighthouse was first lit on January 1, 1859. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is included as a maritime site in the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. The Interpretive Center presents the lighthouse’s history, from shipwrecks to its role as a first-class coastal lighthouse. The lighthouse has 217 steps to the top; the observation gallery offers panoramic views. If you plan to climb, check in advance whether access is currently available.
Local history at the museum
The Barnegat Light Museum is located in the former one-room schoolhouse of the town of Barnegat Light. Its exhibits cover the history of the town, the fishing industry, and Long Beach Island. The museum also houses the lens from Barnegat Lighthouse. Alongside the maritime heritage, visitors can explore the history of the town and island. While the lighthouse’s history is the focus at the state park, the museum’s exhibits range from the town and fishing to the island.
Bird migration and Bay Beach
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a good place to observe many bird species during the spring and fall migrations. Both spring and fall are therefore possible times to visit for birdwatching. The lifeguarded Bay Beach is located at the corner of 25th Street and Bayview and is intended for families with small children. Lifeguard coverage and seasonal access may change, so check the current conditions before your visit.
Recreation with different rules
The ball field on West 10th Street also serves as a dog park, where dogs can run and play off leash. The skate park on W. 10th Street is open from 9 a.m. until dusk and is exclusively for skateboards and inline skates. Bicycles and scooters are not allowed there. The tennis courts are public and open to everyone. The rules therefore vary by activity: the skate park has set hours and permitted equipment, while the tennis courts are open to everyone and the ball field also serves as a dog park.
Getting around on the LBI Shuttle
The LBI Shuttle serves the entire 18 miles of Long Beach Island. In Barnegat Light, it travels along Bay View Avenue, passing Viking Village and continuing to the lighthouse. If you plan to use the shuttle for getting around, check the current service details before your trip, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Lavallette, Point Pleasant Beach, Beach Haven, Brick, Seaside Park, Berkeley Township, Toms River, Manchester Township.
Return to the main travel overview: Ocean.
