Come See the Barnegat Lighthouse on the Jersey Shore

Perhaps I am a bit biased, since I am only twenty minutes from the Barnegat Lighthouse, but I do think it is a magnificent landmark of the Jersey shore. Barnegat Lighthouse is 165 feet high and it's firehouse red and white colors makes it a sight to behold. Barnegat Lighthouse is located at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light, New Jersey.

The Barnegat Lighthouse enjoys a colorful history. The original lighthouse was damaged by beach erosion and fell over into the Atlantic Ocean in 1856. In 1858, the current lighthouse was completed. The lighthouse played an important role in World War I , serving as an East Coast lookout tower. Old Barney lost it's job in 1965 with the advent of electronic navigation.

Climbing to the top of the Barnegat Lighthouse is an experience you will not soon forget. To reach the top, you must climb 217 steps. Along the way there are Barnegat Lighthouse artifacts and displays of facts regarding Old Barney's history. Once you reach the top of the lighthouse, there is an observation deck that runs completely around the lighthouse, giving you a fabulous panoramic view of the park and ocean below. The observation deck is caged for safety so the little ones can enjoy the view without fear. It is wonderful to take photographs from the observation deck.

After touring the lighthouse, there are still many things to do at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Along the side of the lighthouse is a jetty of large rocks perfect for sitting on and observing the ocean life below and the boaters and fisherman who frequent the area. There are also picnic tables next to the lighthouse so you can enjoy a packed lunch. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park has nature trails where you can hike and read the markers along the way which describe the plant and animal life that is indigenous to the Jersey shore. There are many varieties of birds that can be spotted and identified while hiking. The entire park is more than thirty one beautiful acres.